Chili

The Chili is from the Nightshade (Solanaceae) family and is a small, "hot" pepper commonly used as a spice. Paprika is a milder variety of Chili.

Botanical Names

 Capsicum annum

 Capsicum frutescens

 Capsicum minimum

Part Used

 Fruit and (sometimes) the Seeds

Cardiovascular System

 Chili may improve Blood Circulation.  ^[1]

 Chili may help to prevent abnormal Blood Clotting (due to the Capsaicin component of Chilis stimulating the breakdown of Fibrin (i.e. by stimulating Fibrinolysis)).  ^[2]

 Chili may lower systemic Blood Pressure in High Blood Pressure patients.  ^[3]

 Chili (ointment applied topically to the site of the Chilblain) may alleviate the symptoms of Chilblains. 

 Chili may alleviate Ventricular Fibrillation (due to the Capsaicin content of Chilis). 

Digestive System

 Chili may protect the Gastric Mucosa from the toxic effects of Aspirin and Alcohol (due to Capsaicin).  ^[4]

 Chili may help to alleviate Heartburn.  ^[5]

 Chili may treat and help to prevent Ulcers - Peptic:

 Chilis may treat and help to prevent Ulcers - Duodenal.  ^[6]

 Chilis may accelerate the healing of Ulcers - Gastric.  ^[7]

Excretory System

 Chili may induce Perspiration (i.e. they function as a diaphoretic). 

Hair

 Chili (applied topically by rubbing into the Scalp) may stimulate some regrowth of Hair in persons afflicted with Male Pattern Baldness(by stimulating the release of Histamine in the Scalp which can stimulate Cell division).  ^[8]

Immune System

 Chili may inhibit Aspergillus (a group of Detrimental Moulds) including:  ^[9]

 Aspergillus flavus  ^[10]

 Aspergillus fumigatus  ^[11]

 Aspergillus niger  ^[12]

 Aspergillus parasiticus  ^[13]

 Chili may stimulate the apoptosis (cell death) of Cancer - Breast cells.  ^[14]

 Chili may exert fungicidal effects against Candida albicans.  ^[15]

 Chili may inhibit some types of Bacteria - Detrimental (due to the Capsaicin and Dihydrocapsaicin content of Chili):

 Chili may inhibit Bacillus cereus.  ^[16]

 Chili may inhibit Bacillus subtilis.  ^[17]

 Chili may inhibit Clostridium tetani.  ^[18]

 Chili may inhibit Escherichia coli.  ^[19]