In a randomized clinical study recently published in the Academic Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, scientists from India found the supplement elevated GLP-1 levels by 13% following seven days of supplementation.
“The new research further strengthens Capsimax’s appeal across the growing weight-management and sports-nutrition segments,” said Harkirat Singh, category manager, sports nutrition and weight management, at OmniActive. “It demonstrates support for GLP-1 activity and metabolism for weight wellness, alongside supporting exercise intensity and muscle endurance. Its non-stimulant, low-dose profile makes it a versatile solution for performance and wellness applications.”
According to the company, Capsimax has been evaluated in six prior human clinical studies, demonstrating benefits in metabolism support, appetite management and lipolysis (fat breakdown). The latest research adds a new layer by validating Capsimax’s role in supporting natural GLP-1 activity, an area of growing scientific and commercial interest.
Mitigating oxidative stress
When people engage in physical activity, physiological stress results in energy turnover but also reactive oxygen species take place. The latter are by-products of mitochondrial respiration and muscle contraction that create oxidative stress. Additionally, long-term or high-intensity training may cause micro trauma in muscle fibers, which can lead to inflammation and temporary immune suppression.
Plant-derived compounds like polyphenols, terpenoids and alkaloids have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects that can coincide with traditional macronutrient-based recovery.
“By mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation, plant-based supplements may enhance muscle recovery, reduce fatigue and improve energy utilization during sub-sequent exercise bouts,” the researchers wrote. “Athletes and physically active individuals have widely adopted such supplements as natural alternatives to synthetic or pharmaceutical products, seeking to improve endurance, strength, and overall performance while minimizing potential side effects.”
However, not all supplementation is beneficial. Sometimes nutritional requirements are left unmet because of insufficient dietary intake or due to extensive physical activity.
“Evidence-based supplementation using standardized plant-derived formulations represents a promising approach to safely support metabolic balance, enhance recovery and sustain performance,” the researchers noted. “These considerations form the foundation for investigating the role of specific botanical compounds, such as capsaicinoids, in promoting endurance and muscular performance in trained individuals.”
Capsaicinoids are the main bioactive compounds found in chili peppers and have thermogenic, lipolytic and appetite-suppressing effects. Capsimax, a Capsicum annuum extract which contains 2% capsaicinoids, may suppress appetite, increase serum markers of lipolysis and improve body composition. Researchers have shown that it can improve physical performance while reducing fatigue in mice.
Study details
The randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over study evaluated 100 mg of Capsimax in resistance-trained 40 men over a seven-day supplementation period, assessing exercise performance, resting energy expenditure (REE) and a GLP-1 outcome. Exercises included a barbell back squat exercise, squat test, standard pushups, and agility and reaction time activities. The researchers also tested for fatigue and pain.
The study showed participants had significant improvements in peak force, rate of force development, peak and average power, and peak velocity during resistance training, along with improved muscular endurance in the push-up and squat performance exercises. Resting energy expenditure (REE) also increased. Additionally, circulating GLP-1 levels were also elevated among participants, indicating that Capsimax may improve athletic performance and have metabolic benefits when administered under acute conditions.
“Our findings highlight what truly differentiates Capsimax from traditional capsaicin-based ingredients,” added Kratika Gupta, senior vice president, global marketing at OmniActive.
“Capsimax delivers thermogenic and metabolic benefits in a way that is effective, well-tolerated, and suitable for everyday use—without the harsh sensory effects that have historically limited capsaicin’s broader adoption. This allows brands to unlock capsaicin’s benefits in a more consumer-friendly, scalable format.”
Source: Academic Journal of Sports Science & Medicine. “Efficacy of Capsimax on Exercise Performance, Resting Energy Expenditure and Plasma Glucagon-Like Peptide 1: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Study”. Authors: Arun Kumar Rawal et al.
