Capsaicin is the chemical in peppers that gives them their fiery bite. The concentration varies from one type of pepper to another, and the heat level is measured in Scoville units. The higher the unit ranking, the hotter the pepper (and the more capsaicin it contains). However, understand what you’ll find in peppers is not pure capsaicin. For that, you need to extract the chemical and then purify it to remove other phytochemicals. The result is something called capsaicin crystal extract.
What Is Capsaicin Crystal Extract?
When capsaicin is extracted in its pure form and concentrated, it usually takes on a crystalline form (although it is sometimes waxy instead). This is sold as a powder, and used for many different things. For instance, capsaicin crystal extract is used in the culinary world to create hot sauces – the greater the concentration of the powder, the hotter the sauce. Some of these sauces are so hot that those wishing to enjoy them must sign a waiver absolving the restaurant of any responsibility for injury.
Other uses for capsaicin crystal extract include manufacturing medical treatments. For instance, the powder is used in formulating the many capsaicin creams and patches now on the market. Like hot sauces, the higher the concentration of capsaicin in the cream or patch, the hotter it will feel on the skin. Some of the patches made with the highest concentration of capsaicin (8%) are actually only available with a prescription, and must be applied by your doctor.
There are also emerging uses for this chemical in the realm of cancer treatment. Currently, many studies are ongoing concerning the use of capsaicin in treating prostate cancer, as well as lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and other forms. It has been shown to be successful in trials conducted on mice, although large-scale human trials have not been conducted, nor is this a government or medically-approved form of treatment available to most patients.
How Is Capsaicin Extracted?
Understand that capsaicin is a natural phytochemical found in the flesh and pith of hot peppers. In order to obtain quantities sufficient to create creams or patches, it must be extracted from the pepper first. To do this, most facilities use a solvent extraction process that leeches the chemical from the pepper.
Once extracted, capsaicin crystal is a white to yellow color, and generally smells like a pepper. The highest quality powder will be noted as being at least 95% pure, although lower purities are available on the market.
Who Can Buy the Extract?
While high-concentration capsaicin patches are available with a prescription only, anyone can buy the extract themselves. It is available from a very wide range of suppliers, including those located in North America and Asia. Caution should be exercised when purchasing extract crystals to ensure the highest purity and the best quality. If you’re in the market, buy from a company known for supplying pure, organic botanical products only.