Capsaicin Supplement Review, Effects & Best Dosages to Buy

Capsaicin supplements are often promoted for pain relief, improved circulation, weight loss and for digestive health.

This spicy extract from the cayenne pepper is considered to be a warming herb with an invigorating effect on several body systems.

Capsaicin dietary supplements have also been researched for their effects on arthritis, diabetic neuropathy (nerve dysfunction), skeletal disorders, hyperlipidemia, psoriasis and alcoholism.

While capsaicin supplements do demonstrate a number of health benefits in research studies, there are some side effects you should be aware of. There can also be significant differences between formulations of capsaicin products sold online or in local stores.

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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Capsaicin Supplements

Capsaicin is the most studied of a group of bioactive chemicals in chili peppers (capsicum annuum) called capsaicinoids.

Capsaicin is the heat-causing chemical found in cayenne pepper. The more capsaicin a chili pepper has, the hotter it will taste.

Supplements with capsaicin as the active ingredient will typically be labeled as containing Cayenne Pepper or Capsicum extract.

These supplements contain whole extracts of the chili peppers and not just capsaicin as an ingredient on its own.

However, dosages are typically determined by looking at the concentration of capsaicin found in the product.

For example, Nature’s Best advertises a 500 mg Cayenne Pepper dietary supplement standardized to contain .45% capsaicin per dose. This means that a single dose provides 2.25 mg of pure capsaicin.

The concentration of capsaicin extract determines the spiciness of the chili, which is measured in Scoville Heat Units.

Dietary supplements will often advertise their potency in Heat Units (i.e. 40,000 H. U. for the supplement sold by Nature’s Way, which is standardized to 0.25% capsaicin content).

Some supplements may provide as much as 100,000 H. U. per capsule, such as the Cayenne Extra Hot product sold by Nature’s Way or the Super Cayenne product sold by Swanson Premium.

In research studies, dosages are typically denoted in milligrams and not in Heat Units. It is important to purchase and use supplements that provide dosing information in milligrams of capsaicin to ensure you are taking the right amount.

Uses of Capsaicin Supplements

Capsaicin extract and cayenne peppers have been used in traditional medicine practices as a heat-producing remedy.

This spicy pepper was traditionally used for its invigorating properties and believed to treat indigestion, ulcer, diarrhea, delirium, sore throat, dyspepsia, flatulence, loss of appetite and pain.

In 1979, the first research studies into the health benefits of capsaicin were conducted. Since that time, research has validated the use of capsaicin extracts as an analgesic for the alleviation of joint, muscle and nerve pain.

Research shows that this supplement can stimulate production and release of adrenaline from the adrenal glands. This subsequently causes appetite-reducing (anorexigenic) and heat-causing (thermogenic) effects.

Animal studies have demonstrated that capsaicin supplements increase production of nitric oxide in the epithelial cells of blood vessels, resulting in vasodilation and reduced blood pressure.

It is well-established that capsaicin works because it is a selective TRPV1 receptors agonist, meaning that it activates this type of nerve receptor in the body.

This class of receptors is involved in the detection of temperature and exhibits a wide range of effects in the body.

Capsaicin is being investigated for its effects on cardiovascular health, immunity, weight loss, energy balance and cancer.

A 2016 review article reports the following benefits associated with capsaicin supplementation[1]:

• Increases thermogenesis (energy expenditure);
• Demonstrates cholesterol-lowering effects;
• Increases lipolysis (lipid breakdown);
• Reduces inflammatory risk factors;
• Reduces endothelial cytokines;
• Improves endothelial function;
• Improves sensitivity to insulin;
• Cuts impulsive food intake;
• Reduces oxidative stress;
• Improves vascular health;
• Reduces blood glucose;
• Reduces inflammation;
• Lowers blood pressure;

This suggests that capsaicin may have benefits for reducing risk factors for cardiometabolic syndrome. This is a blanket term for various inflammatory, cardiovascular, renal and/or metabolic abnormalities.

Taking an oral capsaicin supplement has been proposed as one way to reduce the likelihood of developing obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, cardiovascular disease and/or hypertension.[3]

While research suggests that this plant extract may have some medicinal benefits, dietary supplements cannot be promoted for the prevention or treatment of medical conditions under FDA regulations.

More research is needed to determine whether capsaicin extract is effective as a therapeutic agent in the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disease. At present, we can only say that evidence suggests it may have benefits for heart health and vascular function.

Capsaicin Supplement for Weight Loss

Taking a capsaicin supplement has been proposed as one way to boost weight loss efforts.

Research shows that capsaicin affects factors related to weight loss and fat metabolism, including adipogenesis, fat oxidation and thermogenesis.

Some human studies suggest that this ingredient can increase energy expenditure and reduce the appetite.

However, there have not been any human research studies demonstrating that capsaicin can increase fat loss when used as a dietary supplement.

If you are using capsaicin supplements to lose weight, you should not expect this product to be effective without additional interventions like dietary changes and exercise.

According to the International Journal of Obesity, capsaicin “may postpone the occurrence of resistance to lose fat during a weight loss program and facilitate the maintenance of body weight in a postobese state.” [2]

In other words, this supplement may help to prevent the re-gaining of weight and could delay the so-called “plateau” that many dieters experience when trying to lose weight.

Research from the University of Wisconsin published in 2016 suggests that capsaicin activates the “browning” of white adipose tissue in wild mice.

These researchers hypothesize that harnessing the thermogenic properties of brown adipose activation via TRPV1 will provide a novel therapeutic target for combating obesity in humans. [4]

Capsaicin Supplement for Bodybuilding

Some bodybuilders have started using cayenne extract supplements to increase vascularity promote muscle definition. Capsaicin stimulates adrenaline production and secretion, which in turn reduces appetite and increases thermogenesis.

This supplement could have benefits for bodybuilders during the “cutting phase” of their regimens when they are trying to eliminate excess body fat to improve the appearance of muscle mass.

One study from the University of Oklahoma reported that subjects who took a capsaicin supplement along with caffeine experienced an increase in calories burned before and after workout sessions.

Some bodybuilders recommend using capsaicin supplements that are rated between 40,000 and 80,000 units on the Scoville heat scale. These supplements are generally taken about 30 minutes prior to meals, three times daily.

Capsaicin Supplements for Cancer

There are a number of researchers and health experts who tout the anti-cancer effects of capsaicin extract.

Dr. Mercola states, “Capsaicin may have the ability to fight against cancer by attacking pathways in the growth of cancer cells”

The Dr. Josh Axe website states that, “In general, research abounds with the truth that treatment with capsaicin, alongside other useful dietary tools, is an astounding potential treatment for cancers of many kinds.”

There has been a lot of research into the effects of this cayenne pepper extract on cancerous cells in vitro with some promising results. However, there is not enough evidence to say that capsaicin may prevent or treat cancer in humans.

According to research conducted by the University of Maryland, capsaicin “targets multiple signaling pathways, oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes in various types of cancer models.”[5]

Capsaicin has been shown to alter gene expression involved with cancer cell formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), growth arrest, metastasis and cell survival.

In a study from 2015, capsaicin was shown to work in combination with diindolylmethane against colorectal cancer. Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a bioactive chemical found in cruciferous vegetables like spinach, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.

Results from this study suggested that “capsaicin and DIM work synergistically to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in colorectal cancer through modulating transcriptional activity of NF-?B, p53, and target genes associated with apoptosis’”

Even though preliminary evidence from cell culture studies indicates anticancer effects associated with capsaicin, significantly more research is required to validate this effect in humans.

The FDA has not approved capsaicin supplements as a drug for the treatment, prevention or amelioration of cancer in humans.

Capsaicin Supplement Side Effects

Chili peppers are considered a GRAS (generally regarded as safe) food item by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States.

The use of oral capsaicin or cayenne pepper supplements is rated as Likely Safe when used in dosages that correlate to typical dietary amounts.

In most cases, taking these dietary supplements will not result in harmful side effects. However, unpleasant negative effects can occur in people sensitive to spicy foods, similar to those experienced when eating a hot chili pepper.

Nausea, diarrhea, gas and bloating may occur when taking oral capsaicin supplements. These supplements can also cause sweating, a flushing reaction or a runny nose.

When applied to the skin, topical capsaicin products may cause burning, itching and stinging.

In high doses, there is a risk of liver or kidney damage occurring. Always follow dosing instructions closely for capsaicin supplements and do not take more than the recommended amount.

If you are considering using a capsaicin supplement, ask your doctor first to find out if this product is safe for you. There are interactions possible with certain prescription drugs and health conditions.

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