Capsimax (Capsicum Extract)
Also known as: Capsimax, capsicum extract, capsaicinoids beadlets, Capsicum annuum extract
Capsimax is a branded red pepper extract from OmniActive standardized to 2% capsaicinoids and coated in a beadlet designed to release in the intestine rather than the stomach, limiting the burning sensation of plain cayenne. It is used in thermogenic, pre-workout, and weight-management products, usually at 100 mg per serving, which delivers 2 mg of capsaicinoids. Randomized crossover work has examined its effects on markers of fat mobilization, and a review has summarized the safety data on the proprietary blend.
Research summary
Capsaicinoids activate TRPV1 receptors and are studied for increasing catecholamine release and energy expenditure.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 mg | 100 mg | — | — |
100 mg of extract (2 mg capsaicinoids) once daily, with food. Higher servings increase the chance of gastric warmth even with the beadlet coating.
Standardization: 2% capsaicinoids (2 mg per 100 mg)
Source material: Capsicum fruit extract in a controlled-release beadlet
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Beadlet must stay intact; do not mill into powders or use in gummies or liquids.
Formulation notes
Pungent if beadlet is damaged. Often paired with caffeine and green tea in thermogenic stacks.
Sources
- Effect of oral intake of capsaicinoid beadlets on catecholamine secretion and blood markers of lipolysis in healthy adults: a randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind, cross-over study. (Bloomer RJ 2010)PubMed
- Accumulating evidence to support the safe and efficacious use of a proprietary blend of capsaicinoids in mediating risk factors for obesity. (Mariwala JK 2021)PubMed
Related ingredients
Caffeine Anhydrous
Sports performancePurified, dehydrated caffeine — the standard stimulant in pre-workouts, energy, and focus products.
Typical: 100–200 mg
Green Tea Extract (50% EGCG)
BotanicalA leaf extract of Camellia sinensis concentrated for catechins, especially EGCG, with a small amount of naturally occurring caffeine.
Typical: 300–500 mg
MCT Oil
Fatty acidMCT oil is a clear, flavorless oil made by fractionating coconut or palm kernel oil to isolate the medium-chain fatty acids caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid as triglycerides.
Typical: 5–15 g
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate
Amino acidA stable, highly soluble salt of L-carnitine with tartaric acid, the form most used in exercise-recovery research.
Typical: 1,000–2,000 mg
Guarana Extract
BotanicalGuarana is the seed of Paullinia cupana, an Amazonian vine whose seeds contain more caffeine by weight than coffee beans, along with theobromine and tannins.
Typical: 100–400 mg