Capsaicin and its analogues (e.g., capsiate, a non-spicy capsaicinoid) show promise as preworkout ergogenic supplements, producing small improvements in performance on strength-based exercises (e.g., squats) when taken about 45 minutes before a workout.[1][2]
Capsaicinoids like capsaicin might lead to weight loss, but the effect seems very small, if it exists at all.[3] Intriguingly, two clinical trials found that capsaicinoids led to a decrease in abdominal/visceral fat (with no change in total body fat levels).[4][5]
Consuming foods high in capsaicin (e.g, chili peppers) is associated with a lower risk of early death, possibly mediated by a reduction in heart disease mortality.[6]
Topical application of capsaicin can be helpful for nerve pain, with analgesic effects reported in the context of diabetes and HIV-associated neuropathy as well as shingles-related neuralgia.[7][8] Topical capsaicin may also reduce pain due to osteoarthritis.[9][10]