Cayenne Extract
Also known as: Capsicum annuum, Capsaicin, Capsaicinoids
Capsaicin activates TRPV1 receptors, triggering catecholamine release and a mild thermogenic response. Meta-analyses of human trials show small increases in energy expenditure (~50 kcal/day) and modest appetite effects — real but not transformative.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-06 · 0 indexed studies
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Overview
Cayenne extract is standardised for capsaicinoids, the compounds responsible for chilli heat. Capsaicin produces a measurable but small increase in energy expenditure and fat oxidation, and is a staple of thermogenic weight-management products.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
TRPV1 activation on sensory neurons raises sympathetic activity and catecholamine release, increasing energy expenditure and fat oxidation modestly; may also reduce ad-libitum intake.
Physiological Role
No physiological role; a pungent phytochemical.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
No direct performance benefit; used in fat-loss formulas.
Evidence Review
No human clinical studies indexed for this ingredient yet.
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- ~2 mg capsaicinoids/day
- Optimal Range
- 2–10 mg capsaicinoids/day
- Upper / Caution Level
- GI burning limits tolerable dose; enteric-coated forms improve tolerance
- Timing
- With meals
- Best Format
- Extract standardised to capsaicinoid content (e.g. 2%); beadlet/enteric forms reduce GI burn
- Bioavailability
- Capsaicin is absorbed and rapidly metabolised in the liver.
- Absorption Considerations
- Tolerance to GI effects builds with repeated exposure.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •GI burning or discomfort
- •Sweating/flushing
Contraindications
- GERD or active ulcers (may aggravate)
Drug Interactions
- •None well established; theoretical interaction with ACE inhibitors (cough)
Who Should Avoid
- •People with reflux or ulcer disease (caution)
Monitoring
Start low to assess GI tolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Cayenne Extract typically used or indicated?
Cayenne Extract is most commonly used for: Thermogenic fat-burner formulas, Metabolism-support supplements. No physiological role; a pungent phytochemical.
How does Cayenne Extract work?
TRPV1 activation on sensory neurons raises sympathetic activity and catecholamine release, increasing energy expenditure and fat oxidation modestly; may also reduce ad-libitum intake.
What is the recommended dose of Cayenne Extract?
The optimal range is 2–10 mg capsaicinoids/day. with a minimum effective dose of ~2 mg capsaicinoids/day. Best taken: With meals. Upper / caution level: GI burning limits tolerable dose; enteric-coated forms improve tolerance.
What are the side effects of Cayenne Extract?
Reported side effects include: GI burning or discomfort; and Sweating/flushing. Monitoring: Start low to assess GI tolerance.
Does Cayenne Extract interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: None well established; theoretical interaction with ACE inhibitors (cough). Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Cayenne Extract?
Cayenne Extract is generally not recommended for: People with reflux or ulcer disease (caution); and GERD or active ulcers (may aggravate).
How strong is the evidence for Cayenne Extract?
Evidence level: Limited (overall score 35/100), based on 0 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (0)
No studies match this filter
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Research Overview
Limited EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/cayenne-extract
SuppIndex. (2026). Cayenne Extract: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/cayenne-extract
Based on 0 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Standard component of thermogenic stacks with caffeine and green tea.