Skip to main content

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

Capsaicinoids: a spicy solution to the management of obesity?

Abstract

Capsaicin is the molecule that is responsible for the pungency of hot peppers. It stimulates the sympathoadrenal system that mediates the thermogenic and anorexigenic effects of capsaicinoids. Capsaicinoids have been found to accentuate the impact of caloric restriction on body weight loss. Some studies have also shown that capsinoids, the non-pungent analogs of capsaicinoids, increase energy expenditure. Capsaicin supplementation attenuates or even prevents the increase in hunger and decrease in fullness as well as the decrease in energy expenditure and fat oxidation, which normally result from energy restriction. These effects may postpone the occurrence of resistance to lose fat during a weight loss program and facilitate the maintenance of body weight in a postobese state. Evidence also highlights the plausibility of an indirect effect of capsaicin on energy balance via its analgesic effects, which may improve sleep and ultimately facilitate the regulation of energy balance. Although capsaicin intake appears to be a safe practice, further studies will be needed to ascertain the safety of regular long-term consumption. Taken together, these observations reinforce the idea that consumption of capsaicinoids and capsinoids may be helpful to facilitate obesity management.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Rent or buy this article

Prices vary by article type

from$1.95

to$39.95

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

References

  1. Govindarajan VS, Sathyanarayana MN . Capsicum—production, technology, chemistry, and quality. Part V. Impact on physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and metabolism; structure, pungency, pain, and desensitization sequences. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 1991; 29: 435–474.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Reilly CA, Crouch DJ, Yost GS . Quantitative analysis of capsaicinoids in fresh peppers, oleoresin capsicum and pepper spray products. J Forensic Sci 2001; 46: 502–509.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Collins MD, Wasmund LM, Bosland PW . Improved method for quantifying capsaicinoids in Capsicum using high-performance liquid chromatography. Hort Sci 1995; 30: 137–139.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Suzuki T, Kawada T, Iwai K . Biosynthesis of acyl moieties of capsaicin and its analogues from valine and leucine in capsium fruits. Plant Cell Physiol 1981; 22: 23–32.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Contri RV, Frank LA, Kaiser M, Pohlmann AR, Guterres SS . The use of nanoencapsulation to decrease human skin irritation caused by capsaicinoids. Int J Nanomed 2014; 9: 951–962.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Watanabe T, Kawada T, Iwai K . Effect of capsaicin pretreatment on capsaicin-induced catecholamine secretion from the adrenal medulla in rats. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1988; 187: 370–374.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Watanabe T, Kawada T, Yamamoto M, Iwai K . Capsaicin, a pungent principle of hot red pepper, evokes catecholamine secretion from the adrenal medulla of anesthetized rats. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1987; 142: 259–264.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Iwai K, Yazaua A, Watanabe T . Roles as metabolic regulators of the non-nutrients, capsaicin and capsiate, supplemented to diets. Proc Jpn Acad 2003; 79: 207–212.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Shintaku K, Uchida K, Suzuki Y, Zhou Y, Fushiki T, Watanabe T et al. Activation of transient receptor potential A1 by a non-pungent capsaicin-like compound, capsiate. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165: 1476–1486.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Yoshida T, Yoshioka K, Wakabayashi Y, Nishioka H, Kondo M . Effects of capsaicin and isothiocyanate on thermogenesis of interscapular brown adipose tissue in rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1988; 34: 587–594.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Kawada T, Hagihara K, Iwai K . Effects of capsaicin on lipid metabolism in rats fed a high fat diet. J Nutr 1986; 116: 1272–1278.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Kawada T, Suzuki T, Takahashi M, Iwai K . Gastrointestinal absorption and metabolism of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin in rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1984; 72: 449–456.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Kawada T, Watanabe T, Takaishi T, Tanaka T, Iwai K . Capsaicin-induced beta-adrenergic action on energy metabolism in rats: influence of capsaicin on oxygen consumption, the respiratory quotient, and substrate utilization. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1986; 183: 250–256.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Matsumoto T, Miyawaki C, Ue H, Yuasa T, Miyatsuji A, Moritani T . Effects of capsaicin-containing yellow curry sauce on sympathetic nervous system activity and diet-induced thermogenesis in lean and obese young women. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 2000; 46: 309–315.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Clegg ME, Golsorkhi M, Henry CJ . Combined medium-chain triglyceride and chilli feeding increases diet-induced thermogenesis in normal-weight humans. Eur J Nutr 2013; 52: 1579–1585.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Ryan ED, Beck TW, Herda TJ, Smith AE, Walter AA, Stout JR et al. Acute effects of a thermogenic nutritional supplement on energy expenditure and cardiovascular function at rest, during low-intensity exercise, and recovery from exercise. J Strength Cond Res 2009; 23: 807–817.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Yoshioka M, Lim K, Kikuzato S, Kiyonaga A, Tanaka H, Shindo M et al. Effects of red-pepper diet on the energy metabolism in men. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1995; 41: 647–656.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Inoue N, Matsunaga Y, Satoh H, Takahashi M . Enhanced energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans with high BMI scores by the ingestion of novel and non-pungent capsaicin analogues (capsinoids). Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2007; 71: 380–389.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Galgani JE, Ravussin E . Effect of dihydrocapsiate on resting metabolic rate in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 2010; 92: 1089–1093.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Snitker S, Fujishima Y, Shen H, Ott S, Pi-Sunyer X, Furuhata Y et al. Effects of novel capsinoid treatment on fatness and energy metabolism in humans: possible pharmacogenetic implications. Am J Clin Nutr 2009; 89: 45–50.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Yoshioka M, St-Pierre S, Suzuki M, Tremblay A . Effects of red pepper added to high-fat and high-carbohydrate meals on energy metabolism and substrate utilization in Japanese women. Br J Nutr 1998; 80: 503–510.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Yoshioka M, St-Pierre S, Drapeau V, Dionne I, Doucet E, Suzuki M et al. Effects of red pepper on appetite and energy intake. Br J Nutr 1999; 82: 115–123.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Yoshioka M, Doucet E, Drapeau V, Dionne I, Tremblay A . Combined effects of red pepper and caffeine consumption on 24 h energy balance in subjects given free access to foods. Br J Nutr 2001; 85: 203–211.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Westerterp-Plantenga MS, Smeets A, Lejeune MP . Sensory and gastrointestinal satiety effects of capsaicin on food intake. Int J Obes (Lond) 2005; 29: 682–688.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Whiting S, Derbyshire E, Tiwari BK . Capsaicinoids and capsinoids. A potential role for weight management? A systematic review of the evidence. Appetite 2012; 59: 341–348.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Whiting S, Derbyshire EJ, Tiwari B . Could capsaicinoids help to support weight management? A systematic review and meta-analysis of energy intake data. Appetite 2014; 73: 183–188.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Ahuja KD, Robertson IK, Geraghty DP, Ball MJ . The effect of 4-week chilli supplementation on metabolic and arterial function in humans. Eur J Clin Nutr 2007; 61: 326–333.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Ludy MJ, Mattes RD . The effects of hedonically acceptable red pepper doses on thermogenesis and appetite. Physiol Behav 2011; 102: 251–258.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Ludy MJ, Moore GE, Mattes RD . The effects of capsaicin and capsiate on energy balance: critical review and meta-analyses of studies in humans. Chem Senses 2012; 37: 103–121.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Belza A, Frandsen E, Kondrup J . Body fat loss achieved by stimulation of thermogenesis by a combination of bioactive food ingredients: a placebo-controlled, double-blind 8-week intervention in obese subjects. Int J Obes (Lond) 2007; 31: 121–130.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Belza A, Jessen AB . Bioactive food stimulants of sympathetic activity: effect on 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation. Eur J Clin Nutr 2005; 59: 733–741.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Lopez HL, Ziegenfuss TN, Hofheins JE, Habowski SM, Arent SM, Weir JP et al. Eight weeks of supplementation with a multi-ingredient weight loss product enhances body composition, reduces hip and waist girth, and increases energy levels in overweight men and women. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2013; 10: 22.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Wahlqvist ML, Wattanapenpaiboon N . Hot foods—unexpected help with energy balance? Lancet 2001; 358: 348–349.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Sun D, Lv J, Chen W, Li S, Guo Y, Bian Z et al. Spicy food consumption is associated with adiposity measures among half a million Chinese people: the China Kadoorie Biobank study. BMC Public Health 2014; 14: 1293.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Al-Kassie GAM, Al-Nasrawi MAM, Ajeena SJ . The effects of using hot red pepper as a diet supplement on some performance traits in broiler. Pak J Nutr 2011; 10: 842–845.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Galgani JE, Ryan DH, Ravussin E . Effect of capsinoids on energy metabolism in human subjects. Br J Nutr 2010; 103: 38–42.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Szallasi A, Blumberg PM . Vanilloid (capsaicin) receptors and mechanisms. Pharmacol Rev 1999; 51: 159–212.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Notani PN, Jayant K . Role of diet in upper aerodigestive tract cancers. Nutr Cancer 1987; 10: 103–113.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Lopez-Carrillo L, Hernandez Avila M, Dubrow R . Chili pepper consumption and gastric cancer in Mexico: a case–control study. Am J Epidemiol 1994; 139: 263–271.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Buiatti E, Palli D, Decarli A, Amadori D, Avellini C, Bianchi S et al. A case–control study of gastric cancer and diet in Italy. Int J Cancer 1989; 44: 611–616.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Lin CH, Lu WC, Wang CW, Chan YC, Chen MK . Capsaicin induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human KB cancer cells. BMC Complement Altern Med 2013; 13: 46.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Min JK, Han KY, Kim EC, Kim YM, Lee SW, Kim OH et al. Capsaicin inhibits in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis. Cancer Res 2004; 64: 644–651.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Ahuja KD, Robertson IK, Geraghty DP, Ball MJ . Effects of chili consumption on postprandial glucose, insulin, and energy metabolism. Am J Clin Nutr 2006; 84: 63–69.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Ahuja KD, Ball MJ . Effects of daily ingestion of chilli on serum lipoprotein oxidation in adult men and women. Br J Nutr 2006; 96: 239–242.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Chaiyasit K, Khovidhunkit W, Wittayalertpanya S . Pharmacokinetic and the effect of capsaicin in Capsicum frutescens on decreasing plasma glucose level. J Med Assoc Thai 2009; 92: 108–113.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Chularojmontri L, Suwatronnakorn M, Wattanapitayakul SK . Influence of capsicum extract and capsaicin on endothelial health. J Med Assoc Thai 2010; 93 (Suppl 2): S92–101.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Derry S, Sven-Rice A, Cole P, Tan T, Moore RA . Topical capsaicin (high concentration) for chronic neuropathic pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013; 2: CD007393.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Morin CM, Gibson D, Wade J . Self-reported sleep and mood disturbance in chronic pain patients. Clin J Pain 1998; 14: 311–314.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Raymond I, Nielsen TA, Lavigne G, Manzini C, Choiniere M . Quality of sleep and its daily relationship to pain intensity in hospitalized adult burn patients. Pain 2001; 92: 381–388.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Sayar K, Arikan M, Yontem T . Sleep quality in chronic pain patients. Can J Psychiatry 2002; 47: 844–848.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Sabatowski R, Galvez R, Cherry DA, Jacquot F, Vincent E, Maisonobe P et al. Pregabalin reduces pain and improves sleep and mood disturbances in patients with post-herpetic neuralgia: results of a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Pain 2004; 109: 26–35.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Chaput JP, Brunet M, Tremblay A . Relationship between short sleeping hours and childhood overweight/obesity: results from the 'Quebec en Forme' Project. Int J Obes (Lond) 2006; 30: 1080–1085.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Boule NG, Chaput JP, Doucet E, Richard D, Despres JP, Bouchard C et al. Glucose homeostasis predicts weight gain: prospective and clinical evidence. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2008; 24: 123–129.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Spiegel K, Tasali E, Penev P, Van Cauter E . Brief communication: sleep curtailment in healthy young men is associated with decreased leptin levels, elevated ghrelin levels, and increased hunger and appetite. Ann Intern Med 2004; 141: 846–850.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Brondel L, Romer MA, Nougues PM, Touyarou P, Davenne D . Acute partial sleep deprivation increases food intake in healthy men. Am J Clin Nutr 2010; 91: 1550–1559.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Schmid SM, Hallschmid M, Jauch-Chara K, Wilms B, Benedict C, Lehnert H et al. Short-term sleep loss decreases physical activity under free-living conditions but does not increase food intake under time-deprived laboratory conditions in healthy men. Am J Clin Nutr 2009; 90: 1476–1482.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Chaput JP, Tremblay A . Sleeping habits predict the magnitude of fat loss in adults exposed to moderate caloric restriction. Obes Facts 2012; 5: 561–566.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Nedeltcheva AV, Kilkus JM, Imperial J, Schoeller DA, Penev PD . Insufficient sleep undermines dietary efforts to reduce adiposity. Ann Intern Med 2010; 153: 435–441.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Rosenbaum M, Kissileff HR, Mayer LE, Hirsch J, Leibel RL . Energy intake in weight-reduced humans. Brain Res 2010; 1350: 95–102.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Doucet E, St-Pierre S, Almeras N, Despres JP, Bouchard C, Tremblay A . Evidence for the existence of adaptive thermogenesis during weight loss. Br J Nutr 2001; 85: 715–723.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Leibel RL, Rosenbaum M, Hirsch J . Changes in energy expenditure resulting from altered body weight. N Engl J Med 1995; 332: 621–628.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Doucet E, Imbeault P, St-Pierre S, Almeras N, Mauriege P, Despres JP et al. Greater than predicted decrease in energy expenditure during exercise after body weight loss in obese men. Clin Sci (Lond) 2003; 105: 89–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. Doucet E, Imbeault P, St-Pierre S, Almeras N, Mauriege P, Richard D et al. Appetite after weight loss by energy restriction and a low-fat diet-exercise follow-up. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2000; 24: 906–914.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Doucet E, St-Pierre S, Almeras N, Tremblay A . Relation between appetite ratings before and after a standard meal and estimates of daily energy intake in obese and reduced obese individuals. Appetite 2003; 40: 137–143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  65. Janssens PL, Hursel R, Martens EA, Westerterp-Plantenga MS . Acute effects of capsaicin on energy expenditure and fat oxidation in negative energy balance. PLoS One 2013; 8: e67786.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Janssens PL, Hursel R, Westerterp-Plantenga MS . Capsaicin increases sensation of fullness in energy balance, and decreases desire to eat after dinner in negative energy balance. Appetite 2014; 77: 44–49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  67. Smeets AJ, Janssens PL, Westerterp-Plantenga MS . Addition of capsaicin and exchange of carbohydrate with protein counteract energy intake restriction effects on fullness and energy expenditure. J Nutr 2013; 143: 442–447.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Lejeune MP, Kovacs EM, Westerterp-Plantenga MS . Effect of capsaicin on substrate oxidation and weight maintenance after modest body-weight loss in human subjects. Br J Nutr 2003; 90: 651–659.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Diepvens K, Westerterp KR, Westerterp-Plantenga MS . Obesity and thermogenesis related to the consumption of caffeine, ephedrine, capsaicin, and green tea. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2007; 292: R77–R85.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

SP is the recipient of a postdoctoral fellowship from the Canadian Diabetes Association. AT is partly funded by the Canada Research Chair in Environment and Energy Balance.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to A Tremblay.

Ethics declarations

Competing interests

AT is sponsored by OmniActive Health Technologies. The remaining authors declare no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Tremblay, A., Arguin, H. & Panahi, S. Capsaicinoids: a spicy solution to the management of obesity?. Int J Obes 40, 1198–1204 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2015.253

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2015.253

This article is cited by

Search

Quick links