Evidence supporting the use of: Capsaicin
For the health condition: Fat Metabolism (poor)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers, has been investigated for its effects on fat metabolism. Scientific studies, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, suggest that capsaicin can modestly increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation, which may support weight management. The proposed mechanisms include activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor, which enhances thermogenesis and stimulates catecholamine secretion, resulting in increased metabolic rate and fat utilization.
A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis published in "Appetite" concluded that capsaicinoid consumption is associated with a mild increase in energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans. Another review in "Progress in Drug Research" (2014) highlighted similar findings, noting reduced appetite and a slight boost in fat metabolism with capsaicin supplementation. However, the overall effect sizes are small, and there is significant variability among individuals.
While these findings provide scientific validation for capsaicin’s role in supporting fat metabolism, the evidence is rated as moderate (3/5). The benefits are generally modest and should not be considered a standalone solution for poor fat metabolism but rather a potential adjunct to diet and exercise. Long-term safety and effectiveness require further study.
Other ingredients used for Fat Metabolism (poor)
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
anchovies
artichoke
barberry
biotin
canola oil
capsaicinoids
choline
cinnamon
coleus forskohlii
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
turmeric
dandelion
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fenugreek
flavonols
forskohlii root
garcinia
ginger
glucomannan
guggul
hesperetin
hydroxycitric acid
kelp
l-carnitine
lecithin
linoleic acid (LA)
lipase
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
milk thistle
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-7 fatty acids
palmitate
pantethine
phospholipids
black ginger
vitamin B
zinc
bile salt
polyphenols
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
3-desoxy-7-KETO-DHEA
Apple Cider Vinegar
Avocado
alpha Methyl Tetradecylthioacetic Acid
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Berberis (unspecified)
Chia seed
Capric Acid
Cardarine
Carqueja
Capsinoids
coconut oil
Coriander
Capsaicin
Capsiate
Cha de bugre
Diacylglycerol
Dihydrocapsiate
Ephedrine
walnut
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Capsaicin
Abdominal PainAppetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Backache
Body Building
Bronchitis
Burning Feet or Hands
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Circulation (poor)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Fat Metabolism (poor)