Biosynthesis, Genetic Regulation and Therapeutic Potential of Capsaicinoids

Capsaicinoids are a group of molecules, which impart pungency (hotness) to Capsicum fruits. The capsaicinoids are synthesized in the placenta of the Capsicum fruits. During the past few decades, there is an increasing interest in elucidation of the biosynthetic pathway of capsaicinoids. The whole genome sequencing of the highly pungent species, Capsicum chinense has revealed several important genes that are responsible for the biosynthesis of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, the two major active constituents of the pungency complex, also known as capsaicinoid complex. The capsaicinoids have recently attracted a wide attention, because of its huge pharmacotherapeutic potential in treating several diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastric diseases and urological disorders. Further, capsaicin has been increasingly used as a molecule of choice for pain relief and many other diseases. In this chapter, we have presented briefly the sources and types of capsaicinoids, its biosynthesis, quantification of pungency and the genes responsible for its biosynthesis. Further, we have highlighted the candidate genes that are important for the biosynthesis of capsaicin and can be used for further manipulation experiments. At the end, this chapter focuses on the therapeutic potential of capsaicin in treating several diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastric diseases and urological disorders and its increasing role in pain relief. Finally, we have briefly discussed the mode of action of capsaicin against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity management, pain relief and urological disorders.