Determination of capsaicinoid profile of some peppers sold in Nigerian markets

N. C. Nwokem, C. O. Nwokem, Y.

Abstract

The capsaicinoid profile of six different peppers sold in Nigerian markets was determined by Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry. The capsaicinoids were extracted from the peppers using methanol as extractant and analyzed without need for derivatization. A total of eight (8) capsaicinoids were identified and quantitated: Capsaicin, Dihydrocapsaicin Dihydrocapsaicin 1, Dihydrocapsaicin 2, Norcapsaicin, Nordihydrocapsaicin 1, Nordihydrocapsaicin 2 and Nornordihydrocapsaicin though, not fully present in all the varieties. Dihydrocapsaicin 1, Dihydrocapsaicin 2, Nordihydrocapsaicin 1, Nordihydrocapsaicin 2 and Nornordihydrocapsaicin are isomers. Seven were identified in the Cameroun pepper variety, six in “Zaria atarugu” and Miango, and five in each of the remaining varieties. In all the peppers analyzed, capsaicin had the highest relative concentration, which ranged from 27.3% in the Cameroun variety to 49.38% in the “Zaria atarugu” variety. The sum of the relative concentrations of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin ranged from 47.03% in the “Miango” variety to 87.3% in the “Zaria atarugu” variety.