Bell and Chili Peppers Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,060 found this helpful

All plant parts are toxic except sweet bell pepper fruit, with highest capsaicin levels in fruit seeds and stems

Capsaicinoids are heat-stable, so cooking does not eliminate their irritant effects

Severe exposure may cause kidney damage, while small lab animals may experience fatal hyperthermia

FAQ

Is Bell and Chili Peppers toxic to Humans?

Burning, redness and blistering on skin/mucous membranes, conjunctivitis with eye contact. Ingestion causes GI irritation, gastritis, diarrhea, gallbladder spasms, painful urination and potential kidney damage (Moderate)

Is Bell and Chili Peppers toxic to Cats?

No specific confirmed toxicity data available; monitor for oral/gastrointestinal irritation symptoms if ingested (Unknown)

Is Bell and Chili Peppers toxic to Dogs?

No specific confirmed toxicity data available; monitor for oral/gastrointestinal irritation symptoms if ingested (Unknown)

Is Bell and Chili Peppers toxic to Horses?

No specific confirmed toxicity data available; monitor for oral/gastrointestinal irritation symptoms if ingested (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Cats

Unknown

No specific confirmed toxicity data available; monitor for oral/gastrointestinal irritation symptoms if ingested

Dogs

Unknown

No specific confirmed toxicity data available; monitor for oral/gastrointestinal irritation symptoms if ingested

Horses

Unknown

No specific confirmed toxicity data available; monitor for oral/gastrointestinal irritation symptoms if ingested

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, except the fruit of sweet vegetable bell peppers. Highest toxin concentrations are found in fruit seeds and stems

Exposure RouteSkin contact, eye contact, ingestion

Toxic CompoundsGlycoalkaloids (solasonin, solamargin, β2-solamargin); Capsaicinoids (capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin); Steroid saponins (capsicosides A-D); Acyclic diterpene glycosides (capsianoside); Carotenoids; Essential oil; Vitamin C

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Flush skin/eye exposure sites with cool water, then wash exposed skin with milk to neutralize capsaicin
• Administer small amounts of milk to reduce irritation if the plant was ingested
• Remove all remaining plant material from mouth or skin to stop further exposure

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet ingests large quantities of hot pepper plant material
• If persistent vomiting, diarrhea or painful urination occurs after exposure
• If eye exposure leads to persistent redness, swelling or vision changes

Prevention

• Keep hot pepper plants, seeds and spicy processed pepper products away from children and pets
• Wear gloves when handling hot pepper plants/fruits to avoid skin irritation
• Avoid touching eyes, mouth or sensitive skin after handling hot peppers

Treatment & Prognosis

• Decontamination of exposed sites and symptomatic supportive care
• Administration of milk or mucosal protectants to reduce gastrointestinal irritation
• Monitor kidney function and urinary tract health in cases of large-volume ingestion

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameCapsicum annuum L., Capsicum cordiforme Mill., Capsicum annuum L. var. minimum (Mill.) Heiser, Capsicum annuum L. var. longum (Sendtn.)

AliasesPaprika、Spanish Pepper

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

SkinMucous membranesEyesGastrointestinal tractGallbladderUrinary tractKidneys

Mechanism of Action

• Capsaicinoids bind to pain receptors, triggering burning and irritation of skin and mucous membranes

• High doses of glycoalkaloids disrupt cell membranes, leading to tissue damage in the GI tract and kidneys

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Rat: Exposure may cause hyperthermia and death

Mouse: Exposure may cause hyperthermia and death

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Capsicum species Capsicum spp.

Visually similar across species; key difference is that sweet bell pepper varieties lack irritant capsaicinoids, while hot varieties have high concentrations

Jerusalem cherry Solanum pseudocapsicum

Has similar small bright fruit to small hot pepper varieties; Jerusalem cherry is highly toxic to humans and pets, unlike edible pepper varieties

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.