Phytochemical and microbial study of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) obtained from three different markets in Benin city, Nigeria in Benin City, Nigeria.

Year 2025, Volume: 12 Issue: 4, 924 - 934, 05.12.2025

Chime Anthonia , Olalekan Ogunoye

https://doi.org/10.21448/ijsm.1613868

https://izlik.org/JA52LR62AB

Abstract

Pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a widely cultivated vegetable plant. A comparative study of the phytochemical and microbial composition of peppers obtained from different markets is necessary to ensure their safety and quality, as pepper is a spice that is consumed worldwide, and its quality and safety are of utmost importance. This study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical component and microbial load of fresh and spoilt pepper collected from three different major markets in Benin-city, Edo state, Nigeria. Using standard methods, the prepared samples were analyzed for fungi composition. The same samples were also analyzed for phytochemical constituents and data collected were subjected to descriptive analysis. The results obtained show the composition of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponin, and polyphenols. There were significant differences in the microbial constituents between spoilt and fresh pepper obtained from the three markets. The phytochemicals analyzed show an increase in the fresh pepper samples when compared to the spoilt ones. For the fresh pepper, alkaloids have a range of 11.10–15.20%, the tannins show a range of 2.09–4.22% and the flavonoids range from 7.06-23.10g from the three markets. The microbial occurrence in fresh peppers for Uselu and Oba markets is 100%. The results of this study confirm that the environmental and physical conditions surrounding the packaging of C. annuum can affect its phytochemical composition and microbial load. C. annuum is a rich source of active phytochemical constituents, which play a key role in disease treatment and prevention and also effective against various ailments.

Keywords

Capsicum annuum , Phytochemical composition , Flavonoids , Tannin , Microbial load

Project Number

SR/2607/RPR/23/03

References

• Batiha, G.E., Alqahtani, A. Ojo, O.A., Shaheen, H.M., Wasef, L., Elzeiny, M., Ismail, M., Shalaby, M., Murata, T., Zaragoza-Bastida, A., Rivero-Perez, N., Beshbishy, A.M., Kasozi, K.I., Jeandet, P., & Hetta, H.F. (2020). Biological properties, bioactive constituents, and pharmacokinetics of some Capsicum spp. and capsaicinoids. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(15), 5179. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21155179
• Costa, J., Rodríguez, R., Garcia-Cela, E., Medina, A., Magan, N., Lima, N., Battilani, P., & Santos, C. (2019). Overview of fungi and mycotoxin contamination in capsicum pepper and in its derivatives. Toxins, 11(27), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins11010027
• Costa, J., Lima, N., & Santos, C. (2020). Chilean pepper: Spoilage fungi and mycotoxins contamination risk in Capsicum products. Conservação e uso de Fungos, 1, 29-40.
• Frimpong, G.K., Adekunle, A.A., Ogundipe, O.T., Solanki, M.K., Sadhasivam, S., & Sionov, E. (2019). Identification and toxigenic potential of fungi isolated from capsicum peppers. Microorganisms, 7(9), 303. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms7090303
• García-González, C.A., & Silvar, C. (2020). Phytochemical assessment of native ecuadorian peppers (Capsicum spp.) and correlation analysis to fruit phenomics. Plants, 9(8), 986–998. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9080986
• Garuba, T., Lawal, B.Y., Lateef, A.A., & Olahan, G.S. (2022). Microbial load and molecular characterization of fungi associated with sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) during storage. Romanian Journal of Biology - Plant Biology, 67(1–2), 7–18.
• Jang, H., Choi, M., & Jang, K-S (2024). Comprehensive phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity of Korean local cultivars of red chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Frontiers Plant Science, 15, 1333035. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2024.1333035
• Ojo, S.K.S., Nwachukwu, P.U., & Eselemo, A.E. (2016). Microbiological assessment of Capsicum spp. Sold within a rural market in delta state, Nigeria. FUOYE Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 1(1), 15-18.
• Okhuoya, J.A., Okungbowa, F.I., & Shittu, H.O. (2012). Biological Techniques and Applications. Uniben Press, Benin City, Nigeria, Pp 106-141.
• Okonko, I.O., Ajala, A.S., & Nkama, I.C. (2017). Effects of different washing and storage methods on postharvest quality of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Journal of Applied Horticulture, 19(2),106-112.
• Olatunji, T.L. & Afolayan, A.J. (2018). The suitability of chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) for alleviating human micronutrient dietary deficiencies: A review. Food Science and Nutrition, 6, 2239-2251.
• Olawale, A., Samuel, B.O., Solomon, A.S.O., & Kumar, P.L. (2015). Surveys of virus diseases on pepper (Capsicum spp.) in South-west Nigeria. African Journal of Biotechnology, 14(48), 3198-3205.
• Otusanya, M.O. (2022). Seed-Borne Fungi Associated with Pepper (Capsicum Species) in Some States in Nigeria. European Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(1), 199-209.
• Nnenna, J.O., & Alabo, B. (2021). Microbial assessment and proximate composition of pepper (Capsicum annum) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) displayed for sales. Asian Research Journal of Agriculture, 14(4), 100 112. https://doi.org/10.9734/arja/2021/v14i430143.
• Peregrine, S., Michael, O., & Samuel, O. (2021). Phytochemical composition of Capsicum frutescens and its effect on body weight and carcass yield of Cobb500 broilers. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 17(6), 869-874. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJAR2021.15468
• Pushpa, S.L. (2018). Comparative Evaluation on Phytochemical Contents of Capsicum annuum L and Capsicum Frutescens L. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, 5(5), 32-36.
• Quin, C, Yu, C., Shen, Y., Fang, X., & Chen, L. (2014). Whole genome sequencing of cultivated and wild peppers provides insights into Capsicum domestication and specialization. Proc Natl AcadSci US Am, 111, 5135-5140.
• Sadiq, S.B., Mukhtar, F.B., Abubakar, A.W., & Umar, A.M. (2020). Evaluation of nutritional value of Capsicum annum(Pepper) in response to Moringa oleifera leaf extract, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) water and N-(2-Chloro-4-Pyridyl)-N-Phenylurea (Cppu) application. Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 6(4), 228-237.
• Saidu, A.N., & Garba, R. (2011). Antioxidant activity and phytochemical screening of five species of capsicum fruits. International Research Journal of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, 1(9), 237-241.
• Saranya, T., Renuga-devi, S., Priyadharshini, R., & Ramachandran, A. M. (2021). Antibacterial and phytochemical analysis of Capsicum annum (Chili pepper Bss-859 F1 Hybrid) against foodborne pathogens. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts, 9(8), 816-822.
• Sharma, K., Kumar, V., Kaur, J., Tanwar, B., Goyal, A., Sharma, R., Gat, Y., & Kumar, A. (2019): Health effects, sources, utilization and safety of tannins: a critical review. Toxin Reviews, 40(3), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/15569543.2019.1662813
• Sharma, K., Kaur, R., Kumar, S., Saini, R.K., Sharma, S., Pawde, S.V., & Kumar, V. (2023). Saponins: A concise review on food related aspects, applications and health implications. Food Chemistry Advances, 2, 100191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.focha.2023.100191
• Sricharoen, P., Lamaiphan, N., Patthawaro, P., Limchoowong, N., Techawongstien, S., & Chanthai, S. (2017). Phytochemicals in Capsicum oleoresin from different varieties of hot chilli peppers with their antidiabetic and antioxidant activities due to some phenolic compounds. Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 38, 629-639.
• Swamy, A.G., Arland, S.E., Batakurki, S., & Kumar, J. (2018). Phytochemical analysis of Capsicum annuum longum stalk as low cost adsorbent for waste water treatment. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts, 6(2), 2320-2882.
• Swamy, K.R.M. (2023). Origin, distribution, taxonomy, botanical description, genetic diversity and breeding of Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.). International Journal of Development Research, 13(3), 61956 – 61977.
• Tambuwal, A.D., Okoh, E.V.C., Ogbiko, C., & Maishanu, M.S. (2018). Comparative evaluation of the phytochemical, proximate and mineral quality of Nigerian Capsicum annum exposed to open and solar drying. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 5(2), 139-144.
• Tsado, E.K., Ekpa, D., Salaudeen, M.T., Adesina, O.A., Yusuf, S.T., & Izuegbu, L.N. (2018). Microbial status of dried pepper (Capsicum spp.), tomato (Lycopersicum esculentus), and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) marketed in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. Direct Research Journal of Agriculture and Food Science, 6(1), 13 18. https://doi.org/10.26765/DRJAFS.2017.3571
• Uche, O.C., & Amaechi, N.C. (2021). Nutritional and phytochemical profiles of common pepper (Capsicum spp.) foliage consumed as leafy vegetables in Southeast Nigeria. Food Research, 5(5), 136-144.
• Zohoungbogbo, H.P., Ganta, J.S., Oliva, R., Chan, Y.-L., Adandonon, A., Bokonon-Ganta, A. H., Ba, M.N., Achigan-Dako, E.G., & Barchenger, D.W. (2024). Farmers’ perception of viral diseases and their management in pepper (Capsicum spp.) production in Benin. HortScience, 59, 110-120. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI17422-23
• Zohoungbogbo, H.P.F., Vihou, F., Achigan-Dako, E.G., & Barchenger, D.W. (2024b). Current knowledge and breeding strategies for management of aphid-transmitted viruses of pepper (Capsicum spp.) in Africa. Frontiers Plant Science, 15, 1449889. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2024.1449889