Application of encapsulated capsaicin and analogues thereof for controlling calorie intake

#Weight loss and dieting are constant struggles for many people. Appetite suppression is one method of controlling food intake, thereby reducing calorie consumption. Appetite suppression is therefore an effective method of weight loss.

#Encapsulated capsaicin has the ability to stimulate the vagal nerve endings in the gastro-intestinal tract, thereby causing appetite suppression. Currently-used appetite suppressants include systemic drugs which have many side effects such as dependency, resistance, insomnia, drowsiness, irritability, and/or depression. Accordingly, there is a demand for an appetite suppressant composition which is safe, effective, and without harmful side effects.

#A method for suppressing hunger comprising stimulating vagal nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract. An additional embodiment is a method for suppressing hunger comprising stimulating vagal nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract wherein the vagal nerve endings express the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily receptor V member 1 (TRPV1) receptor. A further embodiment is a method for suppressing hunger comprising stimulating vagal nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract wherein the vagal nerve endings express the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily receptor V member 1 (TRPV1) receptor and the cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor.

#FIG. 1 is a graph of prospective food consumption measured by a visual analogue test over time.

#FIG. 2 is a graph of desire to eat as measured by a visual analogue test over time.

#FIG. 3 is a graph of hunger as measured by a visual analogue test over time.

#The feeling of non-absorptive satiation is mediated by the vagal nerve endings. Vagal nerve endings are specifically stimulated by cholecystokinine (CCK) as a result of the presence of food in the stomach and in the small intestine. CCK is a peptide hormone responsible for stimulating the digestion of fat and protein, and also acts as a hunger suppressant. Another effect of CCK is that it enhances the satiation response coming from the mechanical distension of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, typically after food intake. Vagal nerve fibers that express CCK-receptors also express the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) receptor, also known as the capsaicin receptor. Capsaicin is the active component of chili peppers and produces a burning sensation in many tissues with which it comes into contact. Encapsulated capsaicin has the ability to stimulate the vagal nerve endings in the gastro-intestinal tract.

#An appetite suppressant composition having the ability to provide a feeling of pre-absorptive satiation, i.e., before energy-providing food is absorbed is described herein. An embodiment is an appetite suppressant composition having the ability to reduce body mass index, and cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin levels. Another embodiment is an appetite suppressant composition which increases the bioavailability of the appetite suppressant composition components.

#An embodiment is an appetite suppressant composition which impacts the vagal nerve endings typically activated by cholecystokinine (CCK) to generate pre-absorptive satiation. Another embodiment is an appetite suppressant composition which would increase the satiation effect of encapsulated capsaicin through a combination with material that is based on food fibers or the like which in itself results in a feeling of fullness and satiation. A flavor system that provides a delightful taste and smell, but consecutively reduces the desire for such food consumption (i.e., sensory specific satiety) is envisioned. The term “flavor system,” as used herein, includes all of the flavors or flavor-enhancing components in the composition.