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SUPPLEMENT_SCHOLAR
evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Compound

Capsaicin

aka Cayenne extract

Chili pepper compound that mildly increases thermogenesis and reduces appetite.

Fat LossChronic Inflammation

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

      None listed.

      Avoid combining with

      No specific avoidances listed.

      Dosing & bioavailability

      Typical dose
      30–120 mg/d oral; 0.025–0.075% topical

      Where to buy

      Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

      Compound
      Capsaicin
      Amazon
      Wide selection · fast shipping
      Compound
      Capsaicin
      iHerb
      Global delivery · curated brands
      Compound
      Capsaicin
      Thorne
      Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

      Scientific evidence (9)

      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.