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26 August 2026

15 Pages

Major Capsaicinoids of Capsicum chinense: Botanical Aspects, Chemistry, Biosynthesis, and Insecticidal Potential

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Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas (FCQB), Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero (UAGro), Av. Lázaro Cárdenas S/N, Col. La Haciendita, Chilpancingo 39090, Guerrero, Mexico
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Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Conservación (CIByC), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (UAEM), Cuernavaca 62209, Morelos, Mexico
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Escuela de Estudios Superiores del Jicarero (EESJ), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (UAEM), Jojutla 62909, Morelos, Mexico
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Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Ambientales (FCAA), Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero (UAGro), Iguala de la Independencia 40040, Guerrero, Mexico
This article belongs to the Special Issue Compounds–Derived from Nature

Abstract

Capsicum chinense Jacq. is an economically important chili pepper species characterized by a high capsaicinoid content, which contributes to its growing relevance in the food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors. Although the chemistry and biological properties of capsaicinoids have been extensively investigated, available information remains fragmented, and no review has comprehensively integrated their botanical aspects, chemistry, biosynthesis, and insecticidal potential. This review provides an integrated overview of the major capsaicinoids of C. chinense, particularly capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nordihydrocapsaicin, focusing on their chemical composition, biosynthetic pathways, structure–activity relationships, and insecticidal properties and mechanisms. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationship between chemical structure and biological activity, as well as on the role of capsaicinoids as natural defense compounds and their insecticidal potential. Current evidence indicates that capsaicinoids exhibit insecticidal, repellent, and antifeedant activities through multiple mechanisms, including membrane disruption, oxidative stress induction, and interference with ion transport and neuronal signaling. Despite these promising findings, further field validation, methodological standardization, and optimized formulations are required. Overall, this review integrates the currently dispersed evidence on C. chinense capsaicinoids and highlights their potential as bioactive compounds for the development of more sustainable botanical insecticides.

1. Introduction

The genus Capsicum, which comprises about 30 species, is the most economically important group within the family Solanaceae and is widely recognized as an important horticultural crop. Its fruits, commonly known as peppers or chilies, have been part of the human diet for millennia, traditionally used as a spice or herb. Archaeological evidence indicates that indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica used these plants as early as 7000 B.C. [1]. This botanical group is notable for its high content of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as capsaicinoids, flavonoids, and carotenoids—compounds that confer a wide range of biological properties [2].
At present, five species have been domesticated: C. annuum, C. pubescens, C. frutescens, C. baccatum, and C. chinense. These species differ in the wide variety of shapes, colors, and flavors of their fruits, with China, Mexico, and India being the main global producers [3]. Among their chemical constituents, capsaicinoids (the compounds responsible for pungency) stand out as the principal components. Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is the most abundant alkaloid, followed by dihydrocapsaicin and nordihydrocapsaicin [4]. These substances have relevance across multiple industries, including pharmaceutical, food, veterinary, and medical applications [5]. The scientific literature attributes a broad range of biological activities to capsaicinoids, including antimicrobial [6], antioxidant [7], anti-inflammatory [8], anticancer [9] and insecticidal effects [10], among others.
Mexico is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of peppers and harbors a wide diversity of cultivated chili varieties. Among these, Capsicum chinense Jacq. (Solanaceae) is particularly important, especially in the Yucatán Peninsula, where it was introduced from Cuba and subsequently became an economically relevant crop [11]. The Yucatán Peninsula is currently one of the most important production regions for habanero pepper in Mexico, and a designation of origin has protected its product since 2010 [12]. Morphologically, C. chinense can reach up to 1.5 m in height and may remain productive for as long as 16 months. Within the genus Capsicum, it is also recognized for producing fruits with exceptionally high pungency levels [13].
Habanero pepper contains a wide variety of secondary metabolites, among which capsaicinoids, chemically classified as phenolic amides, are particularly prominent [14]. The capsaicinoids present in C. chinense contribute significantly to its biological properties and are closely associated with its insecticidal activity, highlighting its potential as a natural agent in the biological control of agricultural pests [10].
Despite the extensive research on capsaicinoids, available information remains fragmented, particularly regarding the integration of their botanical background, phytochemistry, biosynthesis, and insecticidal potential. Therefore, this review provides an integrated overview of the major capsaicinoids of C. chinense, emphasizing their botanical characteristics, chemical composition, biosynthetic pathways, structure–activity relationships, insecticidal mechanisms, and future perspectives for their application as sustainable botanical insecticides.

2. Review Methodology

A narrative literature review was conducted to integrate available information on the botanical aspects, phytochemistry, biosynthesis, and insecticidal potential of the major capsaicinoids of Capsicum chinense. Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and SciFinder were searched for publications from 1975 to 2026. The main search terms included “Capsicum chinense”, “capsaicinoids”, “capsaicin”, “dihydrocapsaicin”, “phytochemistry”, “biosynthesis”, “insecticidal activity”, “toxicity”, “repellent activity”, and “antifeedant activity”.
Peer-reviewed articles and reviews published in English or Spanish and relevant to the scope of this review were included. Duplicate records, conference abstracts, dissertations, non-peer-reviewed documents, and studies unrelated to the review objectives were excluded. Titles and abstracts were screened for relevance, followed by full-text assessment. Additional relevant studies were identified from the reference lists of selected publications, and bibliographic information was verified against the original sources.

3. Botanical Aspects

3.1. Taxonomical Background

Capsicum chinense was formally identified by the Austrian botanist Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin in 1776 [15]. This discovery was recorded as part of his monumental work Hortus Botanicus Vindobonensis, a compendium that includes numerous plant species documented during his studies in botanical gardens and scientific explorations. Taxonomically, C. chinense belongs to the family Solanaceae and the genus Capsicum, one of the most economically important genera within this family [16].

3.2. Characteristics

Capsicum chinense is commonly classified as a shrub or small tree, reaching a height between 1 and 2 m. Its leaves range from oval to lanceolate in shape, measure approximately 5–12 cm in length, and exhibit a rough texture. The flowers of this species are small, white or pale green, and typically grow in clusters in the leaf axils. The fruits may be conical or rounded, with a diameter ranging from 2 to 5 cm. As they mature, their color shifts from green to shades of red, orange, or yellow. Flowering and fruiting periods in C. chinense vary according to geographical location, climatic conditions, and cultivation practices [17].

3.3. Origin and Distribution

The genus Capsicum originated in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Its main distribution areas extend from the southern United States and Mexico to western South America, as well as northeastern Brazil and the Venezuelan coast, the eastern coastal region of Brazil, and central Bolivia and Paraguay, reaching into northern and central Argentina [18].
Capsicum chinense originated in the Amazon region and was later introduced into Central America, Yucatán, and the Caribbean islands, where it began to be cultivated several centuries ago. This chili was incorrectly named C. chinense (“from China”) by the Dutch physician Nikolaus von Jacquin, who collected specimens in the Caribbean in 1777 [19].
Upon arriving in the New World, Cristobal Colón was among the first Europeans to encounter chili peppers, which he called “peppers” due to their pungent flavor, a sensation unfamiliar in Europe. Culinary use of chili soon spread throughout Europe and Asia [20]. Habanero pepper was not only an essential dietary ingredient but also held medicinal relevance in Mesoamerican cultures. The Maya of Mexico, for instance, used habanero pepper to treat respiratory ailments such as cough and asthma [21]. The Maya also employed peppers in various medicinal preparations to treat illnesses such as respiratory problems, intestinal disorders, earaches, and ulcers; the fruits were used alone or combined with other plant parts, and in many cases were boiled or heated prior to application [22].

4. Chemistry and Biosynthesis of Capsaicinoids

4.1. Chemical Characteristics

Capsaicinoids are a characteristic group of secondary metabolites produced by plants of the genus Capsicum and are primarily responsible for the pungency of their fruits [1]. Chemically, they are phenolamide compounds formed by the condensation of a vanillyl-derived aromatic moiety with a branched-chain fatty acid, generally containing a C9–C11 acyl chain [23,24].
Structurally, capsaicinoids share a common molecular framework consisting of a vanillyl aromatic moiety, an amide linkage, and a hydrophobic aliphatic side chain. As shown in Figure 1, the major capsaicinoids differ mainly in the length and degree of unsaturation of their acyl side chains. These structural variations influence their lipophilicity, physicochemical properties, interactions with biological membranes, and biological activity [25]. These structural variations distinguish the major naturally occurring capsaicinoids and contribute to differences in their biological activity.
Figure 1. General structure of capsaicinoids and structural variations in the acyl side chain of the major analogues.

4.2. Biosynthesis

Capsaicinoids biosynthesis is a specialized metabolic process that occurs predominantly in the placental tissues of Capsicum fruits. The biosynthetic pathway involves the convergence of two major metabolic routes: the phenylpropanoid pathway, which generates the aromatic precursor vanillylamine, and the branched-chain fatty acid pathway, which produces the corresponding hydrophobic acyl-CoA precursors. The three principal structural regions of capsaicinoids: the aromatic ring (A), amide linkage (B), and hydrophobic side chain (C), are illustrated in Figure 2. Together, these pathways provide the two molecular components required for capsaicinoid formation [26].
Figure 2. General structure of capsaicinoids showing the three main structural regions: (A) aromatic ring (vanillyl moiety), (B) amide linkage, and (C) hydrophobic side chain.
In the phenylpropanoid pathway, L-phenylalanine is initially deaminated by phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). Subsequent reactions involving cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H), 4-coumarate:CoA ligase (4CL), caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT), and putative aminotransferase (pAMT) ultimately lead to the formation of vanillylamine, the aromatic precursor of capsaicinoids [27].
In parallel, the branched-chain fatty acid pathway uses L-valine as a precursor for the formation of the hydrophobic side chain. Reactions involving branched-chain aminotransferase (BCAT), branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH), and fatty acid elongation enzymes, including β-ketoacyl-ACP synthase III (KAS III), generate branched-chain intermediates that are subsequently converted into acyl-CoA derivatives such as 8-methyl-6-nonenoyl-CoA [28].
As illustrated in Figure 3, the phenylpropanoid and branched-chain fatty acid pathways converge in the final step of capsaicinoid biosynthesis. Capsaicin synthase, encoded by the Pun1 locus, catalyzes the condensation of vanillylamine with the corresponding fatty acyl-CoA precursor, resulting in the formation of capsaicin and related capsaicinoids. Variations in the fatty acyl precursor contribute to the structural diversity of the major capsaicinoids, including capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nordihydrocapsaicin, and influence their physicochemical and biological properties [29].
Figure 3. Proposed biosynthetic pathway of the major capsaicinoids in C. chinense. Vanillylamine and branched-chain fatty acyl-CoA, derived from L-phenylalanine and L-valine, respectively, are condensed by capsaicin synthase, encoded by the Pun1 locus, to produce capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nordihydrocapsaicin.

5. Major Capsaicinoids of Capsicum chinense

The fruits of C. chinense contain a complex mixture of capsaicinoids, among which capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nordihydrocapsaicin are the predominant compounds. Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin generally constitute the major proportion of the total capsaicinoid content, whereas nordihydrocapsaicin is usually present at lower concentrations. Their relative abundance may vary depending on genotype, fruit developmental stage, environmental conditions, nutrient availability, and biotic or abiotic stress. These compounds accumulate mainly in the placental tissue of the fruit and are primarily responsible for its characteristic pungency [30].
Although the three major capsaicinoids share a common vanillyl-amide structural framework, they differ mainly in the length and degree of unsaturation of their hydrophobic side chains. These structural differences influence their molecular properties, particularly lipophilicity and pungency, and contribute to differences in their biological behavior. Therefore, the following subsections focus on the principal chemical and structural characteristics of capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nordihydrocapsaicin.

5.1. Capsaicin

Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide, C18H27NO3) is the predominant capsaicinoid in C. chinense and one of the principal compounds responsible for the pungency of its fruits. Structurally, it consists of a vanillyl aromatic moiety containing hydroxyl and methoxy substituents, linked through an amide bond to an unsaturated hydrophobic aliphatic chain [31]. The presence of a double bond in the side chain distinguishes capsaicin from its saturated analogue, dihydrocapsaicin, and contributes to differences in molecular rigidity, lipophilicity, and pungency [32,33].
These structural characteristics are closely associated with its ability to interact with membrane components and specific molecular targets. Recent experimental evidence indicates that capsaicin can inhibit voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) in insects, particularly slow-inactivation sodium currents, resulting in neurophysiological alterations, reduced locomotor activity, and paralysis [34]. Furthermore, its lipophilic nature may facilitate interaction with biological membranes and penetration through the insect cuticle, potentially contributing to its insecticidal activity.
Collectively, these properties identify capsaicin as the most abundant and biologically relevant capsaicinoid in C. chinense, highlighting the importance of side-chain structure as a determinant of its biological activity and potential application as a botanical insecticide.

5.2. Dihydrocapsaicin

Dihydrocapsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillylnonanamide, C18H29NO3) differs from capsaicin primarily by the complete saturation of its ten-carbon aliphatic chain. This compound is formed through the condensation of vanillylamine with 8-methylnonanoic acid and retains the characteristic structural features of capsaicinoids, including the vanillyl-type aromatic ring and the amide bond [35].
The absence of a double bond in the hydrophobic chain reduces molecular rigidity relative to capsaicin, thereby influencing its physicochemical properties. Although dihydrocapsaicin remains highly lipophilic, saturation of the side chain may alter its interaction with biological membranes and its orientation within lipid bilayers [36]. These structural differences can influence pungency perception and biological activity when compared with capsaicin [3].
Despite these differences, dihydrocapsaicin exhibits considerable biological activity and contributes substantially to the overall effects of capsaicinoids due to its high abundance in C. chinense. Its interactions with ion channels and receptor proteins, including TRP-related systems, have been described mainly in non-insect biological models [28,37]. From an insecticidal perspective, mechanisms such as membrane disruption, interference with ion transport, and oxidative stress have been proposed by analogy with capsaicin and evidence from other biological systems; however, direct experimental confirmation of these mechanisms in insects remains limited. Therefore, these effects should be considered putative mechanisms requiring further validation.
From an insecticidal perspective, dihydrocapsaicin is believed to act through mechanisms similar to those described for capsaicin, including disruption of cellular membranes, interference with ion transport, and induction of oxidative stress [10,34]. Collectively, these observations highlight the importance of the degree of saturation of the aliphatic chain in modulating the biological activity of capsaicinoids and further support the structure–activity relationship within this group of compounds.

5.3. Nordihydrocapsaicin

Nordihydrocapsaicin (N-[(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-7-methyloctanamide, C17H27NO3) is a structural analog of capsaicin characterized by a fully saturated aliphatic chain that is shorter by one methylene group (CH2). Considered the third-most abundant capsaicinoid in C. chinense, it retains the characteristic structural framework of this class of compounds, including a vanillyl-type aromatic ring and an amide bond [3].
The reduction in side-chain length, together with complete saturation, decreases its lipophilicity relative to capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, thereby affecting its partitioning into biological membranes and its mobility within lipid bilayers. These structural differences are generally associated with lower pungency, although nordihydrocapsaicin retains important biological activity [38,39].
At the molecular level, nordihydrocapsaicin has been suggested to influence ion-channel activity and oxidative stress-related pathways, although most of this evidence derives from non-insect biological systems [40,41]. Its contribution to insecticidal activity may involve membrane interactions, interference with ion transport, and oxidative stress; however, these mechanisms have not been directly demonstrated in insects and should therefore be regarded as hypothetical or indirectly supported. Further experimental studies are required to establish its specific molecular targets and mechanisms of action in insects.
From an insecticidal perspective, nordihydrocapsaicin contributes to the overall bioactivity of capsaicinoids through mechanisms such as membrane disruption, interference with ion transport, and the generation of reactive oxygen species. However, its lower lipophilicity may reduce penetration through the insect cuticle, which could contribute to differences in biological activity relative to capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin [42,43]. Collectively, these observations highlight the importance of side-chain length and degree of saturation as key determinants of biological activity, further supporting the structure–activity relationship within the capsaicinoids group.

5.4. Structure–Activity Relationships of the Major Capsaicinoids

Capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nordihydrocapsaicin share a common structural core consisting of a vanillyl-type aromatic region, an amide linkage, and a hydrophobic side chain. The main differences among these capsaicinoids involve the length and degree of unsaturation of the side chain, which may influence their physicochemical properties and biological activity. Structure–activity studies of capsaicin analogues have demonstrated that modifications of the hydrophobic region can substantially affect biological activity [33,36].
Capsaicin contains an unsaturated hydrophobic side chain, whereas dihydrocapsaicin possesses a saturated chain of comparable length. In contrast, nordihydrocapsaicin has a shorter saturated side chain. These structural differences may modify properties such as molecular flexibility, lipophilicity, and interactions with biological systems, thereby contributing to differences in the biological behavior of the major capsaicinoids [31].
However, the relationship between these structural differences and insecticidal activity remains insufficiently established. The literature considered in this review does not provide a direct experimental comparison of capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nordihydrocapsaicin against the same insect species under standardized experimental conditions. Therefore, it is currently not possible to conclusively establish how side-chain length or degree of saturation determines the relative insecticidal potency of these three capsaicinoids.

6. Insecticidal Potential of Capsicum chinense

Capsaicinoids, the characteristic secondary metabolites of the genus Capsicum, comprise a group of nitrogen-containing phenolic compounds that play a central role in plant defense against herbivores and pathogens. Beyond their contribution to fruit pungency, these metabolites exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including insecticidal, repellent, and antifeedant effects, making them promising candidates for the development of botanical insecticides [44,45]. Their biological activity has been attributed to their ability to interact with cellular membranes, alter physiological processes, and affect the behavior of target insects.
As summarized in Figure 4, current evidence suggests that the insecticidal effects of capsaicinoids may involve multiple mechanisms; however, the level of experimental support differs among them. Direct evidence in insects supports the modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) by capsaicin, resulting in neurophysiological impairment and paralysis. In contrast, membrane disruption, oxidative stress associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS), and interactions with TRP/TRPV1-like signaling pathways are mainly supported by evidence from other biological systems or indirect observations. These mechanisms should therefore be considered proposed or hypothetical in insects until further experimental validation is available. Susceptibility to capsaicinoids has been reported in several insect orders of agricultural importance, including Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, and Lepidoptera.
Figure 4. Evidence-based classification of the proposed insecticidal mechanisms of capsaicinoids. Mechanisms are categorized as directly demonstrated in insects, indirectly supported or inferred from other biological systems, and hypothetical mechanisms requiring further experimental validation. Observed biological effects associated with capsaicinoid exposure are also shown.
Among the capsaicinoids present in C. chinense, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nordihydrocapsaicin are the most abundant compounds and are considered the principal contributors to its insecticidal activity. The insecticidal activity of Capsicum extracts may result from the combined contribution of multiple constituents; however, the specific contribution of individual capsaicinoids and possible interactions among metabolites remain to be experimentally established [46,47]. Consequently, both the composition and relative abundance of individual capsaicinoids should be considered when evaluating the insecticidal potential of C. chinense.
From a functional perspective, capsaicinoids exhibit a multimodal mechanism of action, combining direct toxicity with behavioral and physiological effects on insects. These compounds can disrupt feeding activity, impair growth and development, reduce reproductive performance, and ultimately contribute to insect mortality, characteristics commonly associated with botanical biopesticides [48]. Furthermore, their insecticidal efficacy is strongly influenced by physicochemical properties, particularly lipophilicity, which facilitates penetration through the insect cuticle and promotes interactions with cellular membranes and molecular targets, thereby enhancing biological activity [49].
Table 1 summarizes the reported insecticidal activity of C. chinense and its major capsaicinoids against different insect species, including toxicity parameters, repellency responses, and associated biological effects. Together with the mechanisms illustrated in Figure 4, these studies provide comparative evidence of the effectiveness of capsaicinoids across different insect orders, bioassay approaches, and formulation strategies, highlighting their potential as environmentally friendly alternatives for insect pest management.
Table 1. Insecticidal activity of Capsicum chinense and capsaicinoids against agricultural pests.

7. Toxicity and Safety of Capsaicinoids

Although capsaicinoids are naturally occurring compounds associated with the consumption of Capsicum fruits, their potential use as botanical insecticides requires careful consideration of their toxicological and safety profiles. Capsaicin is a potent irritant whose biological effects are primarily associated with activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel. Depending on the concentration and route of exposure, capsaicin may induce burning sensations and irritation of the skin, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal mucosa [59].
The toxicological behavior of capsaicinoids is also influenced by their metabolism. Capsaicin undergoes biotransformation mainly through cytochrome P450-dependent pathways, generating several metabolites. Experimental evidence indicates that P450-mediated metabolism can modify capsaicin cytotoxicity, suggesting that its biological and toxicological effects depend not only on dose and exposure route but also on metabolic transformation [60].
From an agricultural perspective, the safety of capsaicinoid-based formulations should be evaluated not only in relation to human exposure but also regarding their potential effects on non-target organisms. Capsaicin has been registered and evaluated as an active ingredient in animal and insect repellent products; nevertheless, its irritant properties and biological activity indicate that its natural origin should not be interpreted as evidence of complete safety [61]. Consequently, assessments of acute and chronic toxicity, environmental persistence, residues, and effects on beneficial and other non-target organisms are necessary before large-scale agricultural application.
Furthermore, formulation technologies such as nanoencapsulation, microencapsulation, and nanoemulsions may alter the stability, bioavailability, persistence, and exposure profile of capsaicinoids. Therefore, the development of capsaicinoid-based botanical insecticides should integrate efficacy studies with toxicological and ecotoxicological assessments to identify application rates that provide effective pest control while minimizing risks to humans and non-target organisms.

8. Future Perspectives and Challenges

Despite the promising insecticidal activity exhibited by capsaicinoids from C. chinense, several limitations still restrict their large-scale application as botanical biopesticides. One of the principal challenges is their relatively low stability under environmental conditions, since these compounds may undergo degradation when exposed to light, oxygen, high temperatures, and environmental fluctuations, thereby reducing their persistence and effectiveness under field conditions [62]. In addition, variability in capsaicinoid composition among genotypes, cultivation conditions, fruit maturity stages, and extraction methods may significantly influence biological activity and the reproducibility of results.
Another important limitation is the scarcity of field-scale studies. Most investigations have been conducted under laboratory conditions using controlled bioassays, while information regarding long-term efficacy and compatibility with agricultural systems remains limited [63]. Moreover, the natural origin of capsaicinoids should not be interpreted as evidence of environmental safety. Current information on their effects on pollinators and other beneficial organisms, aquatic species, soil microorganisms, and non-target plants remains limited. Further studies are also required to assess operator exposure, environmental persistence and degradation products, as well as their comparative environmental risk relative to conventional insecticides. Therefore, comprehensive ecotoxicological and environmental risk assessments are necessary before capsaicinoid-based products can be considered environmentally safer alternatives for pest management.
Future research should focus on the development of innovative formulation strategies capable of improving the stability, bioavailability, and controlled release of capsaicinoids. In this regard, nanoencapsulation, microencapsulation, nanoemulsions, and biodegradable carrier systems represent promising approaches to enhance insecticidal performance and prolong residual activity [64]. The main current challenges, research strategies, and expected outcomes for the development of capsaicinoid-based botanical insecticides are summarized in Figure 5. Likewise, potential interactions between capsaicinoids and other plant-derived metabolites warrant further investigation to determine whether combined formulations can improve insecticidal efficacy.
Figure 5. Current challenges, research strategies, and expected outcomes for the development of C. chinense capsaicinoids as botanical insecticides.
Advances in molecular biology, metabolomics, and omics-based approaches may also provide valuable insights into the biosynthesis, regulation, and molecular targets of capsaicinoids in insects. Understanding these mechanisms in greater detail could facilitate the design of more effective and selective botanical insecticides. Overall, capsaicinoids from C. chinense represent promising candidates for the development of botanical insecticides; however, their efficacy, environmental safety, persistence, and effects on non-target organisms require further validation under field conditions.

9. Conclusions

Capsicum chinense is an important source of capsaicinoids, particularly capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nordihydrocapsaicin, whose structural differences influence their physicochemical and biological properties. Available evidence supports their insecticidal, repellent, and antifeedant activities, highlighting their potential for the development of botanical insecticides. However, direct comparisons among individual capsaicinoids under standardized bioassay conditions remain limited, and several proposed insecticidal mechanisms require further experimental validation. Moreover, additional studies on formulation, field efficacy, environmental fate, ecotoxicological effects, and impacts on non-target organisms are required before their environmental safety and practical application in pest management can be fully established.

Author Contributions

E.T.-H.: Conceptualization, literature search, data analysis, writing—original draft, writing—review and editing. L.J.T.-E. and L.A.C.-A.: Literature search, data curation, writing—original draft. D.O.S.-S.: Conceptualization, literature search, data analysis, writing—original draft, writing—review and editing. F.P.-A. and R.F.-B.: Data interpretation, writing—review and editing. S.Á.O.-A., G.H.-S. and E.J.D.-N.: Methodology, writing—review and editing. C.S.-L.: Supervision, conceptualization, data analysis, writing—original draft, writing—review and editing, final approval of the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no funding.

Data Availability Statement

No new data were created or analyzed in this study. Data sharing is not applicable to this article.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, for the facilities provided and access to the bibliographic resources necessary for the preparation of this review.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Abbreviations

ACPAcyl Carrier Protein
BCATBranched-Chain Aminotransferase
BCKDHBranched-Chain α-Keto Acid Dehydrogenase
C4HCinnamate 4-Hydroxylase
C.I.Confidence Interval
CoACoenzyme A
COMTCaffeic Acid O-Methyltransferase
HPLCHigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography
KAS IIIβ-Ketoacyl-ACP Synthase III
LC50Median Lethal Concentration
LT50Median Lethal Time
PALPhenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase
pAMTPutative Aminotransferase
Pun1Pun1 Pungency locus 1
ROSReactive Oxygen Species
RP-HPLCReverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
TRPTransient Receptor Potential
TRPV1Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1
VGSCVoltage-Gated Sodium Channels
4CL4-Coumarate:CoA Ligase
mg kg−1Milligrams per Kilogram
mg L−1Milligrams per Liter
µMMicromolar
°CDegrees Celsius

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