Capsaicin

What is capsaicin?

Capsaicin is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in the Capsicum genus (chili peppers). It is considered an irritant compound and is the substance responsible for the burning sensation on the tongue when eating chili flavored foods. Although some people dislike a spicy meal, capsaicin can be helpful in losing weight and body fat.

Where does capsaicin come from?

Capsaicin occurs naturally in most types of chili peppers in varying amounts depending on species and growing conditions. These species include chili peppers, cayenne peppers, jalapenos, etc. The only member of the Casicum family that does not contain capsaicin is the bell bell pepper, which is also recognizable by its lack of "heat".

Mechanism of action

There is a capsaicin receptor in the body that is found in the primary sensory neurons of the pain pathway and is called the TRPV1 receptor (it is also known as the capsaicin receptor or vanilloid receptor) (1). Mice bred to lack the TRPV1 receptor are unable to feel certain types of pain, including pain from heat and pain from inflammation (2). Capsaicin may desensitize nerves to a stimulus. It itself causes intense excitation of sensory nerves, followed by a prolonged period during which these nerves are insensitive to stimuli (3). Capsaicin may also reduce the amount of substance P in the spine - but not in the brain. Substance P may be involved in pain transmission through the synapses (4).

Potential health benefits of capsaicin

Benefits of capsaicin for pain relief

Capsaicin can also be applied directly to the skin to act as a pain relief agent for muscle aches and strains. Capsaicin applied to the skin has been shown in scientific studies to relieve pain associated with arthritis and nerve damage (5, 6, 7). However, over-the-counter ointments are often low-dose and have a moderate effect at best. For best results, prescription high-dose patches and injectable preparations can be used.

Benefits of capsaicin for weight and fat loss

Capsaicin has thermogenic properties, making it an attractive aid for weight and fat loss. Studies have found that capsaicin supplementation is able to increase and maintain fat oxidation (8). More interestingly, however, capsaicin, when taken with a meal, is able to increase total energy expenditure and carbohydrate oxidation (8), while reducing fat oxidation for up to 2 hours. In rats, capsaicin also reduced appetite via an increase in GLP-1 release and activation of areas of the brain that control appetite (9). When capsaicin was taken orally in combination with green tea, this combination also reduced appetite and food intake in humans. Early research suggests that capsaicin is safe to take as a weight loss supplement, although its effectiveness needs to be further investigated (8). Capsaicin increases metabolic rate via activation of TRPV1 receptors. These receptors are responsible for increasing both body temperature and the sensation of pain. Once activated, these receptors transport calcium into the cells, which increases the production of antioxidant enzymes while reducing the levels of proteins known to cause inflammation. Through this mechanism, capsaicin increases the metabolic rate in the digestive tract (10).

This TRVP1 activation provides antioxidants that may have protective effects in the case of fatty liver disease and high blood sugar (8).

Capsaicin could help with psoriasis

Application of capsaicin to the skin inhibited the dilation of blood vessels in the skin (11). It is also believed that capsaicin can reduce scaling and redness of the skin (11). However, some patients may experience burning, stinging, itching and redness as a side effect of capsaicin use, with these symptoms diminishing or disappearing with continued use (11).

Capsaicin could alleviate COPD and emphysema

Recent studies have investigated the susceptibility of subjects to inhaled capsaicin in relation to the severity of their cough. Several studies have been conducted with patients suffering from diseases such as asthma, COPD and emphysema (12, 13). In diseases such as COPD, chronic cough occurs due to an accumulation of mucus. Although the response to inhaled capsaicin varied greatly, the capsaicin itself helped to dissolve the mucus and reduce bronchial congestion (12, 13). In turn, the use of capsaicin made the cough associated with chronic lung disease less frequent and less painful (12, 13).

Some people also report that when they eat cayenne pepper, they can cough up phlegm better.

Capsaicin could help with tongue burning

Capsaicin applied to the skin helped relieve tongue burning in 23 patients, although the naturally irritating properties of capsaicin can lead to unwanted side effects in some users (14).

Capsaicin could promote cardiovascular health

In mice, capsaicin delayed the onset of strokes by increasing nitric oxide levels in blood vessels (eNOS). This increase in nitric oxide levels was in turn associated with a longer lifespan in mice (8). Capsaicin also lowered blood pressure in rats that were prone to hypertension. In addition, it reduced the nocturnal increase in blood pressure caused by a high-sodium (high-salt) diet. Capsaicin may do this by reducing sodium retention by the kidneys (8). Capsaicin is also known to externally dilate the coronary arteries of pigs. Direct application of capsaicin to the muscles lining the blood vessels, on the other hand, promotes vasoconstriction. This shows that the net effect varies and that the interactions are therefore very complex (8).

Capsaicin could prevent stomach ulcers

Capsaicin prevents stomach ulcers in animals and could also help to heal existing stomach ulcers. Capsaicin inhibits the secretion of stomach acid, reduces the acidity of the stomach, promotes mucus secretion and stimulates blood flow in the stomach (15). Capsaicin also slows down damage to stomach tissue and stomach bleeding in animals (8).

Cancer research

Capsaicin is currently being studied in the context of the following types of cancer:

Stomach cancer (16)
Pancreatic cancer (16, 17, 18, 19)
Colon cancer (16, 20)
Prostate cancer (19)

However, cell studies and animal studies that show promising effects in cancer are often not transferable to humans, so further studies are needed to find out whether capsaicin can be helpful in cancer treatment (19).

Side effects of capsaicin

Although capsaicin is safe and harmless, it is still a naturally irritating substance and extremely high doses can be toxic. You should avoid contact of capsaicin with your eyes and wash your hands well after use. The most commonly reported side effects of capsaicin are skin irritation and a burning sensation. In many cases, these side effects disappear after a few days of use. If these side effects persist, a doctor should be contacted before further use.

Capsaicin may cause CNS suppression in some people. For this reason, users should not drive or operate machinery until they are aware of how their bodies react to capsaicin. There are also some known drug interactions. For example, the combination of medication for high blood pressure with capsaicin causes coughing fits. For this reason, you should consult your doctor before using capsaicin if you are taking medication. You should also inform your doctor of any existing capsaicin supplementation. You should avoid capsaicin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as capsaicin is able to pass into breast milk and can make it undrinkable for babies.

Recommended intake

Studies have shown that a dose of 135 mg capsaicin is effective in increasing thermogenesis. This dosage can significantly accelerate weight loss. Capsaicin can be taken several times a day with meals. If in doubt, it is advisable to follow the recommended dosage on the label.

Capsaicin supplements

The problem with finding a supplement that contains capsaicin is that capsaicin is often not listed as an ingredient. Instead, the type of chili from which the capsaicin was extracted is listed. So if you are looking for capsaicin, you should look for anything that contains chili pepper (e.g. cayenne pepper). Capsaicin should not be confused with black pepper extracts, which contain piperine as an active ingredient. Although piperine can be helpful in its own way, capsaicin and piperine are not related substances. The easiest way to find capsaicin is through fat burners. Due to the other ingredients, it is important to follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions

Combinations with other supplements

Capsaicin can be combined with other fat loss supplements such as protein powders for fat loss and products to promote the metabolization of fat. Another natural thermogenic agent that combines well with capsaicin is green tea or green tea extract. These two compounds are often found together in fat burners. As capsaicin has a thermogenic effect, it is not recommended to take products containing capsaicin in addition to other non-capsaicin-containing thermogenic products.

References

Further sources

Lejeune et al (2003), Effect of capsaicin on substrate oxidation and weight maintenance after modest body-weight loss in human subjects. British Journal of Nutrition, 90: 651-659
Knotknova et al (2008), Capsaicin (TRPV1 Agonist) Therapy for Pain Relief: Farewell or Revival? Clinical Journal of Pain, 24: 142-154
Yoshioka et al (1995), Effects of red-pepper diet on the energy metabolism in men. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. 41: 647-756