Capsaicinoid and Capsinoids as an Ergogenic Aid: A Systematic Review and the Potential Mechanisms Involved.
What this study found
Acute CAP supplementation can modestly enhance endurance and some resistance-exercise performance in physically active adults, depending on dose and protocol. In humans, 3 of 8 studies showed significant acute endurance benefits and 2 showed acute resistance benefits, while several reported no benefit. Overall, CAP appears to be a promising ergogenic strategy, but effects are protocol-dependent and evidence is not yet robust. Chronic dosing data are limited, and high-dose regimens may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. More high-quality, varied trials across sexes and exercise modalities are…
- Study & population
- Humans: physically active men and recreationally trained runners; study designs included randomized, double-blind trials (some) and cross-over/parallel designs; sample sizes ranged roughly 10–41; interventions spanned acute single-dose to short-term (up to 7 days) supplementation.
- Intervention
- Oral supplementation with capsaicinoids (capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin) and capsinoids (capsiate).
- Key limitation
- Small sample sizes in human trials; heterogeneity of CAP formulations (capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, capsiate), doses, and delivery methods; mostly acute exposure with limited long-term data; variable populations with limited female representation; some regimens associated with GI discomfort at higher doses; risk of…
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Open PDFOriginal abstract
CONTEXT Capsaicinoids and capsinoids (CAP) are natural substances found primarily in chili peppers and other spicy foods that agonize the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 in the mouth, stomach, and small intestine. Several studies have shown CAP to be a potential antiobesity agent and to exhibit an analgesic effect in both rodents and humans. However, there is no scientific consensus about the effects of CAP on physical exercise performance and its physiological mechanisms of action. PURPOSE This systematic review aimed to better elucidate the effects of CAP compounds as ergogenic aids and to discuss underlying mechanisms of action by which this supplement may potentially enhance endurance performance and muscular strength. CONCLUSIONS Among 22 studies included in the review, 14 examined the effects of capsaicinoid or capsinoid compounds on endurance and resistance exercise performance in animals, with 9 studies showing benefits on performance. In humans, 8 studies were included: 3 demonstrated significant acute endurance benefits and 2 showed acute resistance exercise performance benefits compared with a placebo condition. Therefore, while more mechanistic studies are necessary to confirm these outcomes in humans, the available scientific literature appears to suggest that these compounds could be considered an effective nutritional strategy to improve exercise performance.