Grains of Paradise
Also known as: Aframomum melegueta, alligator pepper, melegueta pepper, 6-paradol extract, Paradoxine (branded extract)
Grains of paradise are the seeds of Aframomum melegueta, a West African plant in the ginger family. The seeds contain pungent 6-paradol, 6-gingerol, and 6-shogaol. Small human studies from Japan and a randomized trial of a 6-paradol-standardized extract have examined its effects on brown fat activity, energy expenditure, and body fat. It is used at low doses (30 to 40 mg) in thermogenic and body-composition formulas, often alongside capsaicinoids or caffeine.
Research summary
6-Paradol studied for activating brown adipose tissue thermogenesis via TRPV1 signaling.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 mg | 30–40 mg | — | — |
30 to 40 mg of a 12.5% 6-paradol extract once daily. Human studies were small and ran up to a few weeks; effects on daily energy expenditure were modest.
Standardization: 12.5% 6-paradol
Source material: seed extract
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Pungent; low dose is easy to formulate but should be well dispersed in powders.
Formulation notes
Frequently combined with capsaicinoids and caffeine; consider gastric tolerance of the combined pungent load.
Sources
- Daily ingestion of grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta) extract increases whole-body energy expenditure and decreases visceral fat in humans. (Sugita J 2014)PubMed
- Aframomum melegueta Seed Extract with Standardized Content of 6-Paradol Reduces Visceral Fat and Enhances Energy Expenditure in Overweight Adults - A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study. (Sudeep HV 2022)PubMed
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