Capsiate supplementation reduces oxidative cost of contraction in exercising mouse skeletal muscle in vivo

Ten weeks of Capsicum annuum L. extract supplementation did not change adipose tissue-derived hormones, appetite, body composition, and muscle strength when combined with resistance training in healthy untrained men: A clinical trial study

Capsiate (CAP) is a nonpungent capsaicin analog (Capsicum annuum L. extract) that has been studied as a potential antiobesity agent. However, the interaction between chronic CAP supplementation and resistance training is not clear. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in adipose tissue-derived hormones, body composition, appetite, and muscle strength after 10 weeks of resistance training, combined with chronic CAP supplementation in healthy untrained men. We hypothesized that CAP could induce higher benefits when combined with resistance training after 10 weeks of intervention compared to resistance training alone. Twenty-four young men (age, 22.0 ± 2.9) were randomized to either capsiate supplementation (CAP = 12 mg/day) or placebo (PL), and both groups were assigned to resistance training. Body composition, leptin and adiponectin concentrations, subjective ratings of appetite, energy intake, and exercise performance were assessed at before and after 10 weeks of progressive resistance training. There was a significant increase in body mass (P < .001), fat-free mass (CAP: 58.0 ± 7.1 vs. post, 59.7 ± 7.1 kg; PL: pre, 58.4 ± 7.3 vs. post, 59.8 ± 7.1 kg; P < .001), resting metabolic rate (CAP: pre, 1782.9 ± 160.6 vs. post, 1796.3 ± 162.0 kcal; PL: pre, 1733.0 ± 148.9 vs. post, 1750.5 ± 149.8 kcal; P < .001), maximal strength at 45 leg press (P < .001) and bench press (P < .001) in both groups, but no significant (P > .05) supplementation by training period interaction nor fat mass was observed. For subjective ratings of appetite, energy intake, leptin, and adiponectin, no significant effect of supplementation by training period interaction was observed (P > .05). In conclusion, 10 weeks of resistance training increased total body weight, muscle mass, and maximum strength in healthy untrained men; however, CAP supplementation (12 mg, 7 days per week) failed to change adipose tissue-derived hormones, appetite, body composition and muscle strength in this population. Registered under Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-8cz9kfq).

Capsiate-Rich Fraction of Capsicum annuum Induces Muscular Glucose Uptake, Ameliorates Rosiglitazone-Induced Adipogenesis, and Exhibits Activation of NRs Regulating Multiple Signaling Pathways

Capsiate is a key ingredient in the fruits of a nonpungent cultivar of Capsicum annuum. We investigated the effects of a C. annuum extract (CE) and a capsiate-rich fraction of CE (CR) on nuclear receptors involved in multiple signaling pathways, glucose uptake, and adipogenesis in comparison to pure capsiate (Ca). Similar to the effect of Ca (100 μM), CE (500 μg/mL) and CR (100 μg/mL) caused the activation of PPARα and PPARγ (>3-fold), while CR also activated LXR and NRF2 (>2 fold). CR (200 μg/mL) and Ca (100 μM) decreased lipid accumulation (22.6 ± 14.1 and 49.7 ± 7.3%, respectively) in adipocytes and increased glucose uptake (44.7 ± 6.2 and 30.1 ± 12.2%, respectively) in muscle cells and inhibited the adipogenic effect induced by rosiglitazone by 41.2 ± 5.6 and 13.9 ± 4.3%, respectively. This is the first report to reveal the agonistic action of CR and Ca on multiple nuclear receptors along with their enhanced glucose uptake and antiadipogenic effects. The results indicate the potential utility of the capsiate-rich fraction of C. annuum in alleviating the symptoms of metabolic syndrome and in preventing the undesired adipogenic effects of full PPARγ agonists such as rosiglitazone.

Capsaicin alleviates cisplatin-induced muscle loss and atrophy in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin (CP) is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug with subsequent adverse effects on different organs and tissues including skeletal muscle loss and atrophy as the most common clinical symptoms. The molecular mechanism of cisplatin-induced muscle atrophy is not clearly understood. However, recent significant advances indicate that it is related to an imbalance in both the protein status and apoptosis. Capsaicin (CAP) is one of the major ingredients in chilli peppers. It is a valuable pharmacological agent with several therapeutic applications in controlling pain and inflammation with particular therapeutic potential in muscle atrophy. However, the mechanisms underlying its protective effects against cisplatin-induced muscle loss and atrophy remain largely unknown. This study aims to investigate capsaicin's beneficial effects on cisplatin-induced muscle loss and atrophy in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

The anti-muscle-atrophic effect of capsaicin on cisplatin-induced muscle loss was investigated using in vivo and in vitro studies. By using the pretreatment model, pretreated capsaicin for 24 h and treated with cisplatin for 48 h, we utilized a C₂ C₁₂ myotube formation model where cell viability analysis, immunofluorescence, and protein expression were measured to investigate the effect of capsaicin in hampering cisplatin-induced muscle atrophy. C57BL/6 mice were administered capsaicin (10, 40 mg/kg BW) as a pretreatment for 5 weeks and cisplatin (3 mg/kg BW) for seven consecutively days to assess muscle atrophy in an animal model for protein and oxidative stress examination, and the grip strength was tested to evaluate the muscle strength.

RESULTS

Our study results indicated that cisplatin caused lower cell viability and showed a subset of hallmark signs typically recognized during atrophy, including severe reduction in the myotube diameter, repression of Akt, and mTOR protein expression. However, pretreatment with capsaicin could ameliorate cisplatin-induced muscle atrophy by up-regulating the protein synthesis in skeletal muscle as well as down-regulating the markers of protein degradation. Additionally, capsaicin was able to downregulate the protein expression of apoptosis-related markers, activated TRPV1 and autophagy progress modulation and the recovery of lysosome function. In vivo, capsaicin could relieve oxidative stress and cytokine secretion while modulating autophagy-related lysosome fusion, improving grip strength, and alleviating cisplatin-induced body weight loss and gastrocnemius atrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that capsaicin can restore cisplatin-induced imbalance between protein synthesis and protein degradation pathways and it may have protective effects against cisplatin-induced muscle atrophy.

The gut microbiota metabolite capsiate promotes Gpx4 expression by activating TRPV1 to inhibit intestinal ischemia reperfusion-induced ferroptosis

Ferroptosis, a new type of cell death has been found to aggravate intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, little is known about the changes of gut microbiota and metabolites in intestinal I/R and the role of gut microbiota metabolites on ferroptosis-induced intestinal I/R injury. This study aimed to establish a mouse intestinal I/R model and ileum organoid hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model to explore the changes of the gut microbiota and metabolites during intestinal I/R and protective ability of capsiate (CAT) against ferroptosis-dependent intestinal I/R injury. Intestinal I/R induced disturbance of gut microbiota and significant changes in metabolites. We found that CAT is a metabolite of the gut microbiota and that CAT levels in the preoperative stool of patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass were negatively correlated with intestinal I/R injury. Furthermore, CAT reduced ferroptosis-dependent intestinal I/R injury in vivo and in vitro. However, the protective effects of CAT against ferroptosis-dependent intestinal I/R injury were abolished by RSL3, an inhibitor of glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4), which is a negative regulator of ferroptosis. We also found that the ability of CAT to promote Gpx4 expression and inhibit ferroptosis-dependent intestinal I/R injury was abrogated by JNJ-17203212, an antagonist of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1). This study suggests that the gut microbiota metabolite CAT enhances Gpx4 expression and inhibits ferroptosis by activating TRPV1 in intestinal I/R injury, providing a potential avenue for the management of intestinal I/R injury.

Sweet pepper and its principle constituent capsiate: functional properties and health benefits

Capsiate is a non-pungent analogue of capsaicin. It belongs to the family of capsinoids which are esters of vanillyl alcohol with fatty acids while capsaicin belongs to the family of capsaicinoids that are amides of vanillylamine with a variety of branched-chain fatty acids. While capsaicin is extensively reported for plethora of pharmacological actions, capsiate remains much less explored. Extracted from various species of Capsicum plant, the molecule has also been chemically synthesized via a number of synthetic and enzymatic routes. Based on its action on transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1 receptors, recent research has focused on its potential roles in treatment of obesity, metabolic disorders, cancer, cardiovascular disorders and gastro-intestinal disorders. Its toxicity profile has been reported to be much safe. The molecule, however, faces the challenge of low aqueous solubility and stability. It has been commercialized for its use as a weight loss supplement. However, the therapeutic potential of the compound which is much beyond boosting metabolism remains unexplored hitherto. This comprehensive review summarizes the studies demonstrating the therapeutic potential of capsiate in various pathological conditions. Discussed also are potential future directions for formulation strategies to develop efficient, safe and cost-effective dosage forms of capsiate to explore its role in various disease conditions. The databases investigated include Cochrane library, Medline, Embase, Pubmed and in-house databases. The search terms were "capsiate," "capsinoids," "thermogenesis," and their combinations. The articles were screened for relevance by going through their abstract. All the articles pertaining to physicochemical, physiological, pharmacological and therapeutic effects of capsiate have been included in the manuscript.

Capsaicinoid and Capsinoids as an Ergogenic Aid: A Systematic Review and the Potential Mechanisms Involved

CONTEXT

Capsaicinoids and capsinoids (CAP) are natural substances found primarily in chili peppers and other spicy foods that agonize the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 in the mouth, stomach, and small intestine. Several studies have shown CAP to be a potential antiobesity agent and to exhibit an analgesic effect in both rodents and humans. However, there is no scientific consensus about the effects of CAP on physical exercise performance and its physiological mechanisms of action.

PURPOSE

This systematic review aimed to better elucidate the effects of CAP compounds as ergogenic aids and to discuss underlying mechanisms of action by which this supplement may potentially enhance endurance performance and muscular strength.

CONCLUSIONS

Among 22 studies included in the review, 14 examined the effects of capsaicinoid or capsinoid compounds on endurance and resistance exercise performance in animals, with 9 studies showing benefits on performance. In humans, 8 studies were included: 3 demonstrated significant acute endurance benefits and 2 showed acute resistance exercise performance benefits compared with a placebo condition. Therefore, while more mechanistic studies are necessary to confirm these outcomes in humans, the available scientific literature appears to suggest that these compounds could be considered an effective nutritional strategy to improve exercise performance.

pH Mapping of Skeletal Muscle by Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is extensively used in clinical and basic biomedical research. However, MRI detection of pH changes still poses a technical challenge. Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging is a possible solution to this problem. Using saturation transfer, alterations in the exchange rates between the solute and water protons because of small pH changes can be detected with greater sensitivity. In this study, we examined a fatigued skeletal muscle model in electrically stimulated mice. The measured CEST signal ratio was between 1.96 ppm and 2.6 ppm in the z-spectrum, and this was associated with pH values based on the ratio between the creatine (Cr) and the phosphocreatine (PCr). The CEST results demonstrated a significant contrast change at the electrical stimulation site. Moreover, the pH value was observed to decrease from 7.23 to 7.15 within 20 h after electrical stimulation. This pH decrease was verified by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy and behavioral tests, which showed a consistent variation over time.

Biological Properties, Bioactive Constituents, and Pharmacokinetics of Some Capsicum spp. and Capsaicinoids

Pepper originated from the Capsicum genus, which is recognized as one of the most predominant and globally distributed genera of the Solanaceae family. It is a diverse genus, consisting of more than 31 different species including five domesticated species, Capsicum baccatum, C. annuum, C. pubescen, C. frutescens, and C. chinense. Pepper is the most widely used spice in the world and is highly valued due to its pungency and unique flavor. Pepper is a good source of provitamin A; vitamins E and C; carotenoids; and phenolic compounds such as capsaicinoids, luteolin, and quercetin. All of these compounds are associated with their antioxidant as well as other biological activities. Interestingly, Capsicum fruits have been used as food additives in the treatment of toothache, parasitic infections, coughs, wound healing, sore throat, and rheumatism. Moreover, it possesses antimicrobial, antiseptic, anticancer, counterirritant, appetite stimulator, antioxidant, and immunomodulator activities. Capsaicin and Capsicum creams are accessible in numerous ways and have been utilized in HIV-linked neuropathy and intractable pain.

Acute Capsaicin Analog Supplementation Improves 400 M and 3000 M Running Time-Trial Performance

OBJECTIVES

Performance in running-based sport depends on the ability to perform repetitive high intensity muscle contractions. Previous studies have shown that capsaicin analog (CAP) (i.e. Capsiate) supplementation may improve this performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of CAP supplementation on short (400 m) and middle distance (3000 m) running time-trial performance, maximum heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE).

METHODS

Twelve physically active men completed four randomized, double-blind trials: CAP condition (12 mg) or a placebo condition. Forty-five minutes after supplementation, the participants performed a 400- or 3000-meter running time trial. Time (in seconds) was recorded. HR was analyzed at rest and immediately post-exercise, and RPE was collected immediately after exercise.

RESULTS

For both the 400 m time-trial (CAP = 66.4 + 4.2 sec vs Placebo = 67.1 + 4.8 sec, p = 0.046) and the 3000 m time-trial (CAP = 893.9 ± 46.8 sec vs Placebo = 915.2 ± 67.6 sec, p = 0.015), the time in seconds was significantly less in the CAP compared to placebo conditions. There were no statistically significant differences for HR and RPE in any condition.

CONCLUSION

In summary, acute CAP supplementation improved 400 m and 3000 m running time-trial performance in a distance-dependent way but without modifying the HR and RPE.

Effects of Capsinoids on Daily Physical Activity, Body Composition and Cold Hypersensitivity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Randomized Study

Sedentary/inactive lifestyle leads middle-aged and older adults to metabolic syndrome and frailty. Capsinoids from nonpungent chili pepper cultivar have been reported to reduce body fat mass, promote metabolism, and improve unidentified complaints of chills. Additionally, they have an anti-inflammation effect; therefore, we hypothesized that continuous oral ingestion of capsinoids alleviates age-related inflammation in the brain and improves the physical activity (PA) in middle-aged and older adults. In our double-blind human study, 69 participants (17 male, 52 female; mean age: 74.1 ± 7.7 years; range: 52–87 years) were administered either 9 mg of capsinoids which were extracted from pepper fruit variety CH-19 Sweet (Capsicum anuum L.) (CP group), or a placebo (PL group) daily over a 3 month period. In an animal study, PA and inflammation-related mRNA expression in the brain were examined in 5-week (young) and 53-week (old) aged mice fed a diet with or without 0.3% dihydrocapsiate, a type of capsinoids, for 12 weeks. In a human study, capsinoids intake did not increase the amount of light-to-moderate PA less than 6.0 metabolic equivalents (METs) (CP: 103.0 ± 28.2 at baseline to 108.2 ± 28.3 at 12 weeks; PL: 104.6 ± 19.8 at baseline to 115.2 ± 23.6 at 12 weeks, METs × hour/week); however, in participants exhibiting an inactive lifestyle, it showed significant increase (CP: 84.5 ± 17.2 at baseline to 99.2 ± 24.9 at 12 weeks; PL: 99.7 ± 23.3 at baseline to 103.8 ± 21.9 at 12 weeks). The energy expenditure in physical activity also improved in the inactive CP group (CP: 481.2 ± 96.3 at baseline to 562.5 ± 145.5 at 12 weeks; PL: 536.8 ± 112.2 at baseline to 598.6 ± 127.6 at 12 weeks; kcal/day). In all participants, CP showed reduced waist circumference, percent body fat, and visceral fat volume; in addition, chills were eased in subjects aged 80 years and older. The older mice fed capsinoids showed increased locomotion activity, decreased inflammation, and oxidative stress in the brain. The results suggest that the continuous oral ingestion of capsinoids gains PA through anti-inflammation effect in the brain as well as reduces fat accumulation and chills in inactive and older humans.

Acute Capsaicin Supplementation Improved Resistance Exercise Performance Performed After a High-Intensity Intermittent Running in Resistance-Trained Men

de Freitas, MC, Cholewa, JM, Panissa, VLG, Toloi, GG, Netto, HC, Zanini de Freitas, C, Freire, RV, Lira, FS, and Rossi, FE. Acute capsaicin supplementation improved resistance exercise performance performed after a high-intensity intermittent running in resistance-trained men. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-We sought to investigate the acute effects of capsaicin supplementation on the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate during high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) and resistance exercise performance executed after HIIE in resistance-trained men. Eleven resistance-trained men completed 2 randomized, double-blind trials: capsaicin condition or a placebo condition. The concurrent exercise session was composed of a 5-km intermittent run (1:1 effort and passive recovery ratio) and subsequent resistance exercise (4 × 70% of 1RM until muscle failure in the half-squat exercise). Heart rate was recorded during HIIE and after the protocol RPE (0-10 scale) was accessed. The resistance exercise performance was analyzed by the maximum number of repetitions performed for each set and the total volume (repetitions × weight lifted). During HIIE, the RPE (capsaicin = 7 ± 1 vs. placebo = 8 ± 1 points, t = -3.674, p = 0.005) and mean heart rate (capsaicin = 153 ± 13 vs. placebo = 158 ± 12 bpm, t = -2.292, p = 0.048) were significantly lower in the capsaicin compared with placebo condition. For subsequent resistance exercise, there was a significant decrease in volume across time (F = 19.889, p < 0.001, η = 0.69) with maximal number of repetitions performed in capsaicin than placebo condition (2,077.6 ± 465.2 kg vs. 1,838.9 ± 624.1 kg, p = 0.028, d = 0.43), but the condition vs. set was not significant (F = 0.582, p = 0.632, η = 0.06). Acute capsaicin supplementation induced a lower mean heart rate and RPE during HIIE and improved subsequent resistance exercise performance in resistance-trained men.

Capsaicin in Metabolic Syndrome

Capsaicin, the major active constituent of chilli, is an agonist on transient receptor potential vanilloid channel 1 (TRPV1). TRPV1 is present on many metabolically active tissues, making it a potentially relevant target for metabolic interventions. Insulin resistance and obesity, being the major components of metabolic syndrome, increase the risk for the development of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In vitro and pre-clinical studies have established the effectiveness of low-dose dietary capsaicin in attenuating metabolic disorders. These responses of capsaicin are mediated through activation of TRPV1, which can then modulate processes such as browning of adipocytes, and activation of metabolic modulators including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Modulation of these pathways by capsaicin can increase fat oxidation, improve insulin sensitivity, decrease body fat, and improve heart and liver function. Identifying suitable ways of administering capsaicin at an effective dose would warrant its clinical use through the activation of TRPV1. This review highlights the mechanistic options to improve metabolic syndrome with capsaicin.

Capsaicin Supplementation Reduces Physical Fatigue and Improves Exercise Performance in Mice

Chili pepper is used as a food, seasoning and has been revered for its medicinal and health claims. It is very popular and is the most common spice worldwide. Capsaicin (CAP) is a major pungent and bioactive phytochemical in chili peppers. CAP has been shown to improve mitochondrial biogenesis and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. However, there is limited evidence around the effects of CAP on physical fatigue and exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of CAP on anti-fatigue and ergogenic functions following physiological challenge. Female Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice from four groups (n = 8 per group) were orally administered CAP for 4 weeks at 0, 205, 410, and 1025 mg/kg/day, which were respectively designated the vehicle, CAP-1X, CAP-2X, and CAP-5X groups. The anti-fatigue activity and exercise performance was evaluated using forelimb grip strength, exhaustive swimming time, and levels of serum lactate, ammonia, glucose, BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatine kinase (CK) after a 15-min swimming exercise. The grip strength and exhaustive swimming time of the CAP-5X group were significantly higher than other groups. CAP supplementation dose-dependently reduced serum lactate, ammonia, BUN and CK levels, and increased glucose concentration after the 15-min swimming test. In addition, CAP also increased hepatic glycogen content, an important energy source for exercise. The possible mechanism was relevant to energy homeostasis and the physiological modulations by CAP supplementation. Therefore, our results suggest that CAP supplementation may have a wide spectrum of bioactivities for promoting health, performance improvement and fatigue amelioration.