Capsiplex, manufactured by Advanced Health Limited, is claimed to be a diet pill used by celebrities. Capsiplex contains capsicum extract (chili pepper) with a small amount of caffeine, black pepper extract (piperine) and niacin. Side effects of capsicum, the principal active ingredient in Capsiplex, have been reported infrequently. These include upset stomach, heartburn, hot flushes and diarrhea. However, it is potentially unsafe to take capsicum in large doses or for long periods of time. In rare cases, this can lead to more serious side effects such as liver or kidney damage.

See also: Capsiplex Review

Capsiplex Pros

• Capsicum, the key ingredient in Capsiplex, has been shown to boost metabolism in clinical studies
• The Capsiplex website provides full contact details including the name and contact address of the manufacturer – Quite rare in the diet pill industry
• Capsiplex is featured in numerous newspapers and online news portals as an effective slimming product

Capsiplex Cons

• The manufacturer claims that Capsiplex can promote the burning of up to 278 extra calories. However, these are the total average calories burned before, during and after exercise. So without any exercise, it is open to question how effective Capsiplex really is
• Some users of Capsiplex may experience side effects

Capsiplex side effects

Side effects for capsicum, the principal active ingredient in Capsiplex, have been reported infrequently. These include upset stomach, heartburn, hot flushes and diarrhea. However, it is potentially unsafe to take capsicum by mouth in large doses or for long periods of time. In rare cases, this can lead to more serious side effects such as liver or kidney damage.

Allergies and Capsiplex
Do not take capsicum without first consulting a doctor if allergic to peppers (green, red, orange, yellow, chili, peppercorns, etc.) or capsicum. Also consult a doctor, pharmacist or health care professional before taking capsicum if you have other allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Stop taking capsicum and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

Pregnancy and Capsiplex
Do not take capsicum without first talking to a doctor if pregnant or breast-feeding. It is not known whether capsicum will be harmful to a nursing infant. There is no information available regarding the use of capsicum by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child’s doctor.

Surgery and Capsiplex
Capsicum might increase bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using capsicum at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery. Capsicum might slow blood clotting. Taking capsicum along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Some of these medications include aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Theophylline interaction with Capsiplex
Theophylline is a drug used in therapy for respiratory diseases such as COPD or asthma. Capsicum can increase the absorption of theophylline by the body. Taking capsicum together with theophylline might increase the effects and side effects of theophylline.

Capsiplex interaction with blood pressure drugs
Some drugs for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors) interact with capsicum, amplifying side effects such as coughing.

Capsiplex and drug absorption
Capsicum can affect the absorption rate of other herbs and prescription medications.

Capsicum and cancer
Some animal studies have shown that capsicum can induce liver tumors and adenocarcinomas in the intestine, although these effects have not been shown in humans.

Capsiplex ingredients

Red hot chilies or capsicum extract is the principal ingredient in Capsiplex while caffeine, black pepper extract (piperine) and niacin are also present. To minimize the side effects of concentrated red hot capsicum extract, the tablet has a specially designed coating.

Looking at the ingredients in greater detail:

Capsicum Fruit Extract: This compound is extracted from Chile peppers. Capsicum has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness or purity. Capsicum contains Capsaicinoids, which are the family of compounds that cause the intense heat experienced when consuming chili peppers. Capsanicinoids help to promote thermogenesis, carbohydrate oxidation and stimulate fat oxidation. It is thought that capsaicin generates heat in the body thereby boosting the burning of calories. However, it appears that very high doses are required for capsaicin to be effective. Capsicum is known to stimulate the appetite. Severe gastrointestinal side effects have been reported in patients taking capsaicin. While rare, serious allergic reactions to capsaicin can occur. Contact a doctor immediately should difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, lips, or face, severe dizziness, skin rash, hives or itching be experienced.

Caffeine Anhydrous: This compound is found in many weight loss supplements because it is a recognized fatburner with clinically proven benefits for weight loss (e.g. Am J Clin Nutr. 1989;49(1):44-50; Am J Clin Nutr. 1980;33(5):989-97). Caffeine can cause headaches, diarrhea, anxiety, jitters, insomnia and increased heart rate.

Black Pepper Extract (Piperine): Piperine has been shown in clinical research to increase the absorption of ingredients in nutritional supplement formulations. Additional absorption, even if true, may or may not necessarily be beneficial. It is possible that the use of Piperine may increase the side effects of certain supplements due to increased absorption. It is possible that the use of Piperine may increase the side effects of certain supplements or drugs due to increased absorption. Minor gastrointestinal discomfort or GI symptoms may occur with high doses of Piperine.

Niacin: This B vitamin plays a major role in releasing energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats. This is the why niacin is included in some weight loss supplement formulas. The most notable niacin side effect is flushing after intake of relatively large doses of niacin (75 mg or more). Flushing may occasionally be coupled with niacin itching and niacin rashes. Some of the niacin side effects reported after high doses (higher than the threshold amount) of the vitamin include gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, flatulence, bloating and diarrhea as well as a decrease in blood pressure. Very rare side effects range from simple dryness and scaliness of the skin, excessive pigmentation, to liver disorder, blurred vision, activation of peptic ulcers and jaundice.

Capsiplex dosage

Capsiplex is taken once daily in the morning or for the best results 30-60 minutes before exercise. There are 30 capsules, or one months supply.