Spectroscopic investigation of the seeds of chilli (Capsicum annum L.)

In addition to their use as food and spice, chillies have been popular in both Ayurvedic and homoeopathic treatments since ancient times. Elemental analyses on their seeds with the help of X-ray fluorescence spectra reveal the presence of hitherto undetected magnesium, along with sulphur and chlorine. Fourier transform infrared and Fourier transform Raman spectra of the seeds reveal the presence of specific functional groups, attributed to the different bands present in the spectra. Ascorbic acid, reported to be the vitamin present in maximum amount in chilli peppers, is conspicuous by its absence in the seeds.