Clinical Study on the Combined Effect of Capsaicin, Green Tea Extract and Essence of Chicken on Body Fat Content in Human Subjects

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the body fat content of free-living healthy human subjects taking a health supplement containing 0.4mg capsaicin, 625mg green tea extract (125mg catechins and 50mg caffeine) and 800mg essence of chicken (CGTE). Subjects were advised to maintain their regular dietary habits and routine physical activity throughout study duration. Their body fat content was measured before and throughout the trial duration using a hand-grip body fat monitor. After 2 wk of supplementation with CGTE, the mean body fat percentage of males and female subjects was significantly less than the initial value (p<0.05; t-test). 70.6% of volunteers showed a trend for decreasing body fat content with 4 subjects showing a significant decrease in body fat content over time. The findings suggested that the effects were more prominent in subjects with higher initial body fat content. It was also demonstrated that the resting energy expenditure (REE) of the subjects taking the test samples were significantly increased in groups supplemented with CGTE, compared to placebo group. Thus, the combined thermogenic effect of capsaicin, green tea extract and essence of chicken could translate to a positive clinical effect by reducing approximately 460g of body fat, following 2 wk of supplementation and the application of this natural health supplement for excess fat regulation, should be considered.