Cayenne pepper

What is cayenne pepper?

Cayenne is a hot chili pepper, a variety of Capsicum annuum, that is dried and ground into the familiar red spice. Its heat comes from capsaicinoids, mainly capsaicin, which activate the TRPV1 receptor, the same receptor that senses heat and pain. That activation is what makes the mouth burn and the face flush, and it is also why capsaicin creams are used on the skin for pain. A related group of compounds called capsinoids, found in some sweet peppers, activates similar pathways without the burn.

In supplements, cayenne is usually added to weight-loss, metabolism and “circulation” formulas, based on the idea that it creates a small thermogenic (heat-producing) effect.

What the research says

A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis in Phytotherapy Research pooled 13 placebo-controlled trials in healthy adults. Compared with placebo, capsaicinoids or capsinoids increased resting metabolic rate by about 34 calories a day on average, increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation, and slightly shifted fuel use away from carbohydrates. Capsule forms taken for longer periods seemed to have a larger effect on metabolic rate. The authors called the effect moderate and asked for further high-quality studies.

About 34 calories a day is roughly the energy in a few bites of an apple. It is a measurable effect, but on its own it is unlikely to produce noticeable weight change. We found no research on cayenne for balance, dizziness or brain health, which are the main claims for Claritox Pro.

We rate the evidence as limited for metabolism and absent for balance.

How it’s used in supplements

Cayenne appears as ground pepper in capsules, standardized capsaicin extracts and capsinoid supplements.

Cayenne is safe as a food spice for most people, but concentrated doses can cause stomach burning, heartburn, abdominal pain and diarrhea, and they may irritate people with ulcers, reflux or inflammatory bowel conditions. Capsaicin may also slightly affect blood clotting and blood pressure, so people taking blood thinners or blood pressure medicines should check with their doctor. Handle capsules carefully, because capsaicin powder irritates the eyes and skin.

In Claritox Pro, cayenne is listed without an amount, so we cannot judge its likely effect. If you have a sensitive stomach, its presence is worth noting.

For people who enjoy spicy food, adding cayenne to meals is an easy way to get capsaicin with a known track record of safety as a food. It will not replace exercise or a balanced diet, but it adds flavor without extra calories.