A study conducted at the University of Memphis and published in Lipids in Health and Disease found the proprietary hot red pepper extract Capsimax, from OmniActive Health Technologies, promotes a lipolytic effect as measured by an increase in free fatty acids and glycerol in blood.

In addition, Capsimax had no adverse impact on heart rate, systolic or diastolic blood pressure. There were also no observed side effects related to gastric upset or discomfort despite the fact that individuals fasted for 12 hours prior to the supplementation.

Twenty subjects (10 men and 10 women) participated in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, comparing the result of 100 mg of Capsimax or a placebo. Upon overnight fasting for more than 12 hours, subjects were given either Capsimax or a placebo. Blood samples were then taken during each visit at various time-points. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured at all blood collection times in addition to catecholamine data and free fatty acids and glycerol values.

Capsimax in combination with exercise was seen to help increase plasma free fatty acid concentration and glycerol compared to a placebo under the same conditions. For further information: www.omniactives.com