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Supplements/Compound

Capsaicin

aka Cayenne extract

Chili pepper compound that mildly increases thermogenesis and reduces appetite.

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Overview

Chili pepper compound that mildly increases thermogenesis and reduces appetite.

Natural sources
  • Chili peppers
Common forms
  • Topical cream
  • Capsules

Mechanism of action

TRPV1 agonist; topical depletes substance P from sensory neurons.

Pathways
  • · TRPV1 activation

Effects on the body

Increases
Energy expenditure (mild)
Decreases
Neuropathic pain (topical)

Organ system effects

Evidence-based benefits

Topical reduces neuropathic pain

Strong evidence

Mild metabolic boost

Limited evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Burning sensation
  • · Heartburn
Rare
    Serious

      Drug interactions

      ACE inhibitors
      Worsens cough.
      minor

      Supplement interactions

      Pairs well with
      • A high-quality multivitamin
        Covers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
      • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
        Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.
      Avoid combining with

      No specific avoidances listed.

      Dosing & bioavailability

      Typical dose
      30–120 mg/d oral; 0.025–0.075% topical
      Best form
      Most evidence is based on the topical cream form.
      Timing
      Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
      With food?
      With a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.

      Where to buy

      Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

      Scientific evidence9Show studies
      Meta-analysisAppetite · 2012

      Capsaicinoids and metabolic rate

      Whiting S, et al.

      Meta-analysis of capsaicin on energy expenditure.

      Key findings

      Small but consistent increases in metabolic rate and satiety.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Capsaicin — Topical reduces neuropathic pain

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Capsaicin Topical reduces neuropathic pain" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Capsaicin and "Topical reduces neuropathic pain". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Capsaicin — Mild metabolic boost

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Capsaicin Mild metabolic boost" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Capsaicin and "Mild metabolic boost". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Capsaicin — randomized controlled trial

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Capsaicin randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Capsaicin and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Capsaicin — meta-analysis

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Capsaicin meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Capsaicin and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Capsaicin — pharmacokinetics

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Capsaicin pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Capsaicin and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Capsaicin — safety adverse events

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Capsaicin safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Capsaicin and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Capsaicin — dose response

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Capsaicin dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Capsaicin and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

      Google Scholar: Capsaicin — clinical evidence

      Live Scholar search

      Cross-database citation index for Capsaicin as it relates to "clinical evidence".

      Key findings

      Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

      Open study
      Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

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