Study suggests drugs made from chili peppers could help in weight loss

Scientists have now found a new anti-obesity drug, called Metabocin. Chili peppers are known to have health benefits. However, scientists have explained how to use the compound without it irritating the stomach or making it difficult to swallow, due to how fiery it is.


Dr. Baskaran Thyagarajan said, “We observed marked improvements in blood sugar and cholesterol levels, insulin response, and symptoms of the fatty liver disease. The TRPV1 receptors cause white fat cells to start burning energy instead of storing it, which, in theory, should cause weight loss.”


Baskaran Thyagarajan further added, “It proved safe and was well tolerated by the mice. The mice in this experiment remained on the drug for 8 months, maintaining the weight loss with no evidence of safety problems. Additional ongoing experiments will see how long that can be maintained. Developing Metabocin as a potent anti-obesity treatment shows promise as part of a robust strategy for helping people struggling with obesity."