Paper chromatographic determination of total capsaicinoids in capsicums and their oleo resins with precision reproducibility and validation through correlation with pungency in scoville units

Total capsaicinoids is an important quality index of capsicums. It has been recommended that this index can be reliably estimated by a simple and rapid paper chromatographic method. Details of the method have been critically studied to establish the precision and reproducibility. Repeatability and reproducibility of the method were plus/minus3.12% and plus/minus6.63% (relative to mean), resp. In addition, the values by this method for samples of capsicums and their oleoresins, varying over a wide range of capsaicinoids content, were validated by a high correlation (r approx. = 1) to pungency values by the standardized threshold dilution method. In the light of the results presented, it is suggested that the total capsaicinoids be accepted as an index of pungency.