Capsaicin Pills for Weight Loss & Pain – Benefits + Side Effects

People use capsaicin pills, creams and liquid extract products to promote healthy circulation, alleviate pain, support weight loss and aid digestion.

Capsaicin is a vanilloid chemical found in all cultivars of hot chili peppers (Capsicum annuum). Capsaicin gives chilis their heat and causes the burning sensation that people experience when eating spicy foods.

Capsaicin is also associated with several health benefits and has been studied for its effects on obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic pain.

Oral cayenne pepper supplements contain between 40,000 to 100,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) of capsaicin extract per serving. These pills come in the form of capsules and enteric coated tablets, designed to protect the sensitive lining of the gastrointestinal tract.

While capsaicin pills are generally well tolerated by most people, they may not be safe for everyone. Higher dosage capsaicin supplements are associated with side effects in some people, including stomach upset, perspiration and skin flushing.

Capsaicin

Pepper Extract

Joints

Appetite Control

Vitality

How It Works:

• Supports healthy digestion & blood flow
• Promotes joint function & pain relief
• Promotes appetite control & weight loss

Dosage:

Between 1000 - 2000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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What are Capsaicin Pills Used For?

Capsaicin from hot chili pepper extract has been associated with positive effects on health for thousands of years.

In traditional herbal medicine practices, these spicy peppers were viewed as invigorating agents that could boost blood flow, promote longevity, increase energy metabolism and confer a protective effect against digestive conditions.

Modern research demonstrates a number of biological effects linked to capsaicin consumption, via activation of the TRPV1 protein cation channel on cells throughout the body.

According to a 2016 research article from the journal Molecules , capsaicin demonstrates “analgesic, anti-obesity, anti-pruritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and neuroprotective functions.” [1]

Another 2016 research review published in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition reported that capsaicin may be helpful for relieving chronic pain and facilitating weight loss.[2]

Studies analyzed in this review found that capsaicin activation of TRPV1:

• Upregulates mucus secretion and mucosal blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract which may improve gastric ulcers;
• Reduces chronic pain in arthritis, diabetic neuropathy and psoriasis;
• Increases cellular permeability to micronutrients in the intestines which may support nutrient uptake;
• Exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects;
• Protects the structural integrity of red blood cells from damage by free radical particles;
• Inhibits the formation of cholesterol gallstones;
• Shows anticancer potential in cell line studies;

There have been thousands of research studies examining the physiological effects of capsaicin and other capsaicinoid compounds. While some health benefits are well-documented in human research studies, others require more research to determine efficacy.

Capsaicin Pills for Weight Loss

Cayenne peppers and other members of the Capsicum genus have been associated with weight loss effects through appetite suppression and increased resting metabolic rate.

Preliminary research suggests that capsaicin “may be helpful to facilitate obesity management.” [4] According to user reviews posed online at Amazon, this supplement may help people lose weight as part of an overall diet plan.

It has been shown to boost resting energy expenditure by up to 6% after eating a single dose. Another study found that it could decrease waist and hip circumference by 2.4% over six weeks.

In a 2016 study by Université Laval in Canada, capsaicin was reported to:

• Inhibit or suppress decreases in energy expenditure and fat oxidation normally associated with caloric restriction;
• Possibly postpone resistance to fat loss during weight loss program participation;
• Slow down or even prevent increased hunger and decreased fullness;
• Help to facilitate postobese healthy weight management; [4]

Researchers also believe that capsaicin may assist with weight loss by reducing chronic pain. They theorized that with less pain comes more restful sleep and improved energy balance, which may accommodate healthy weight maintenance.

There is preliminary evidence suggesting capsaicin may have benefits as a diet pill, but more research is needed to rate its efficacy as a long-term weight management supplement.

You should talk with your doctor before beginning to use capsaicin capsules to lose weight. Long-term fat loss results require changes in diet, exercise and lifestyle.

Capsaicin Tablets for Nerve Pain

Oral capsaicin products are commonly used to help reduce joint pain and muscle aches. This chili pepper extract is also frequently used in the form of a topical skin cream.

According to WebMD, capsaicin works to alleviate pain by initially stimulating pain responses, and then decreasing their intensity. This is mediated via the actions of a neurotransmitter called Substance P.

Substance P modulates pain signals from the body to the brain. By inhibiting the signalling of Substance P, capsaicin has been shown to temporarily relieve pain associated with:

• Disorders of the nervous system like shingles and diabetic neuropathy (nerve dysfunction/diseases);
• Bone and joint disorders like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis;
• Dermatological conditions like eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis;
• Pain disorders, including postoperative neuralgia (nerve pain);
• Mouth blisters commonly caused by chemotherapy;
• Migraine and cluster headache;

Capsaicin-based creams are FDA-approved for the treatment of pain. They range in concentration between 0.25% and 0.75% capsaicin.

Some research shows that capsaicin can also activate TRPV1 when administered orally or intravenously. It is also sometimes used in the form of a nasal spray for migraine headaches.

Does Capsaicin Work for Cancer?

Many online sources tout the benefits of cayenne peppers as a natural anti-cancer food. However, research is in very early stages and there is not enough evidence to determine whether capsaicin can influence cancer risk in humans.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM), there is a preponderance of data that “strongly indicates significant anticancer benefits of capsaicin.” More research is needed to understand precise mechanisms of action involved. [3]

Research suggests that capsaicin alters the expression of various genes that control cell survival, blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), metastasis and growth arrest in cancer cells.

Capsaicin is believed to target, “multiple signaling pathways, oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes in various types of cancer models.” [3]

Some animal and in vitro studies have found anti-cancer effects, but not all results have been positive. There is data that suggests high dosages of capsaicin could increase risk of tumor growth.

In one mice study, subjects received capsaicin dosages equivalent to 50 mg/kg of body weight. This is many times greater than what would typically be used as a food increase or a dietary supplement.

In this study, 100% of the mice were found to develop lung carcinomas, but this carcinogenic effect was blocked when co-administered with 6-gingerol in olive oil.

More studies are required to understand how capsaicin and chili pepper supplements influence cancer risk or progression in humans. The FDA has not approved this supplement as a drug for the prevention or treatment of cancer.

Capsaicin Supplement Side Effects

Capsaicin-containing peppers have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and cooking. While some people find hot foods hard to tolerate, these spices are not believed to be dangerous if used appropriately.

Chili peppers from the Capsicum annuum species are GRAS foods. GRAS is a FDA classification for foods that are “generally regarded as safe”.

Some people do experience mild and temporary side effects with capsaicin intake or exposure. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, gas, bloating and epigastric pain.

Other possible adverse effects include headache, flushing, perspiring, runny nose (rhinorrhea) and excessive tearing (lacrimation).

NMCD states that excessive or prolonged use of capsaicin may put strain on the liver (hepatic) or kidney (renal). There is a risk associated with overuse and liver or kidney dysfunction.

The most common side effects of topical capsaicin creams are reddening of the skin (erythema), burning and/or stinging where administered. Some people experience an allergic reaction and should avoid these products.

Capsaicin is a potent irritant to mucous membrane tissues in the eyes, nose, mouth, lips, tongue and throat. Be careful when handling whole chili peppers. Wearing gloves is recommended.

Capsaicin capsules can interact with certain health conditions, medications and herbal supplements. You should seek medical advice to determine whether it is appropriate for you to begin taking an oral capsaicin pill to support weight loss, pain relief or for other uses.

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