Effects of Main Extracts of Capsicum on Exercise Performance and Its Potential Mechanisms

Understanding the effect of main extracts of capsicum, a general name of a series of capsaicinoids and capsinoids substances, on exercise performance can provide a basis for the application of this substance in sports. This article provides a comprehensive and critical review of the research on main extracts of capsicum and exercise performance based on selected articles published in peer-reviewed journal over the past 20 years. The results show that: The main extracts of capsicum are effective for improving aerobic endurance, anaerobic, muscle strength and high intensity intermittent exercise performance. The mechanism by which the main extracts of capsaicum enhancing muscle explosive strength, maximum strength, anaerobic performance is related to the increase of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ concentration and neuromuscular junction acetylcholine release and improving aerobic endurance, muscle endurance, high-intensity intermittent exercise performance is related to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, vasodilator, and increasing energy contribution from fat. Future research needs to focus on more exercise types and subject groups, special environment, chronic intervention, dose-effect relationship, mechanism confirmation, and application of capsiate. In summary, the main extracts of capsicum can improve the exercise performance, and it may have a wide application prospect in sports.