Data published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition indicated that a 2.5 mg dose of phenylcapsaicin (PC) maintained weightlifting performance over time and led to a 24-to-48-hour reduction in DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).
“While some performance and recovery variables showed sex-specific responses to PC supplementation, the overall improvements in exercise performance and recovery were observed consistently across both sexes,” wrote the researchers, led by scientists from the University of La Laguna, the University of Granada, and the University of Valencia.
“Collectively, these results provide evidence supporting acute PC supplementation as a new ergogenic supplement to optimize exercise performance and expedite recovery.”
Phenylcapsaicin
Branded as aXivite, the ingredient is the first nutraceutical category offering of the Norwegian firm aXichem AB, which is based in Bergen. The ingredient is phenylcapsaicin, a chemically synthesized analogue of capsaicin. It has Novel Foods status in the EU and GRAS status in the United States.
The new study adds to previous data supporting the ingredient’s ergogenic benefits, with a 2023 paper in Frontiers in Physiology reporting that both low (0.625 mg) and high (2.5 mg) doses of phenylcapsaicin led improved aerobic capacity during exercise.
In addition, the 2.5 milligram dose was associated with a reduced maximum heart rate and optimized perceptual responses during exercise.
Commenting on the new publication in JISSN, Lucas Altepost, vice president of aales and marketing for aXichem, said it “confirms aXivite as an innovation the high-intensity performance category. In our current phase of commercial expansion, this peer-reviewed validation is the key that gives the necessary scientific support to continue to grow in this market.”
Study details
The new randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study included 50 CrossFit-trained athletes (50:50 men:women) who were randomly assigned to consumer 2.5 mg of aXivite phenylcapsaicin or placebo 45 minutes before a standardized CrossFit session. This was followed by a seven day washout period before the participants crossed over to the other intervention and repeated the CrossFit session.
Results showed that phenylcapsaicin supplementation led to improved squat performance for both load and repetitions, compared to placebo. Consumption of aXivite also attenuated the decline in countermovement jump, and maintained weightlifting performance over time.
Muscle soreness scores were also significantly lower for the DOMS was significantly lower following phenylcapsaicin consumption.
No differences between phenylcapsaicin and placebo were found for lactate, heart rate, perceived exertion or perceived recovery status.
“This improvement can translate into greater work capacity, as it enables a higher total training volume and facilitates recovery between sessions—an aspect of particular relevance in high-demand disciplines such as [CrossFit, which are characterised by substantial training loads,” the researchers wrote.
“Moreover, this potential benefit may hold competitive significance, since performance differences between first and second place are often determined by only one or two additional repetitions.”
Source: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. doi: 10.1080/15502783.2026.2615274. “Acute phenylcapsaicin supplementation improves CrossFit performance: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial”. Authors: A.R. Triviño, et al.
