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The Extraction of Capsaicin

The Extraction of Capsaicin thumbnail
Capsaicin extracted from chili peppers is used in food and medicine.

The alkaloid capsaicin is an extract from chili peppers. Capsaicin does not occur in any other plants. This extract, which belongs to the capsaicinoid family of chemicals, retains its potent ability over time.

  1. Extraction

    • Extraction of capsaicin is based on its solubility. The first step is to treat the moistened chili plant with an alkali in order to set free the base that is in salt form. The next step is to separate the free base with an organic solvent.

    Complex Process

    • The isolation of alkaloids from plants is not an easy. Plants bearing alkaloids usually contain a complex mixture of alkaloids that complicates the process.

    Uses of Capsaicin

    • The food industry uses capsaicin as a flavoring agent to impart a hot and spicy flavor to foods. Capsaicin finds use in medicine in pain therapy. Another use for the alkaloid is to repel pests such as squirrels.

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References

  • Photo Credit little hot chili pepper image by Andrei Dulevich from Fotolia.com

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