Harness the natural power of pure chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) standardized to provide an extra-strength 100,000 Scoville Heat Units per capsule. Designed to stimulate systemic circulation, kickstart healthy digestive enzyme flow, and fire up natural thermogenic calorie burning—without artificial fillers or harsh synthetic stimulants.
✓ 450 mg Pure Capsicum annuum
✓ 100,000 Scoville Heat Units (HU)
✓ Cardiovascular & Nitric Oxide Support
✓ Natural Thermogenesis & Metabolism
✓ 100% Vegan & Non-GMO
✓ Lab-Verified Identity, Purity & Potency
What Does 100,000 Heat Units Mean?
If you have ever eaten a spicy chili, you know that unmistakable surge of warmth that spreads through your body. That sensation comes from natural plant compounds called capsaicinoids (primarily capsaicin).
The heat of a pepper is formally measured using the Scoville Scale, which counts how many dilutions of sugar water are required before the spiciness can no longer be tasted. A typical supermarket jalapeño pepper sits between 2,500 and 8,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Everyday cooking cayenne peppers usually range from 30,000 to 40,000 SHU.
Comparing Heat Levels on the Scoville Scale:
Pepper / Product
Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
Relative Intensity
Jalapeño Pepper
2,500 – 8,000 HU
Mild to Moderate
Standard Grocery Cayenne Powder
30,000 – 40,000 HU
Medium Heat
Solaray Cayenne (Item #1134)
100,000 HU
Extra High Potency (2.5x Standard)
Habanero / Scotch Bonnet
100,000 – 350,000 HU
Very High Heat
At 100,000 Heat Units, this Solaray formula delivers a concentrated therapeutic amount of active capsaicin in every single capsule, giving you the cardiovascular and metabolic advantages of a large bowl of hot peppers without needing to burn your tongue or throat.
Primary Health Benefits Supported by Science
1. Promotes Healthy Blood Circulation & Vascular Function
One of the most famous benefits of cayenne pepper is its ability to help keep blood flowing smoothly through veins and arteries. When capsaicin enters your system, it interacts with specialized sensory nerve receptors called TRPV1 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1). This cellular signal prompts blood vessel linings (endothelial cells) to release nitric oxide—a natural compound that tells tight blood vessel walls to relax and open up wider, just like widening a garden hose.
Scientific Evidence: In a landmark study published in Cell Metabolism, researchers discovered that long-term dietary capsaicin activated TRPV1 receptors, stimulated the enzyme endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), enhanced blood vessel relaxation, and helped support normal blood pressure levels (Yang et al., 2010).
2. Fires Up Metabolic Rate & Natural Thermogenesis
Do you feel warmer after eating spicy food? That is thermogenesis—the biological process where your body burns calories as heat energy rather than storing them as fat. Capsaicin stimulates the sympathetic nervous system to release catecholamines (such as epinephrine and norepinephrine), triggering your body to burn extra energy and oxidize fatty acids for fuel.
Scientific Evidence: A comprehensive systematic review published in Appetite concluded that regular intake of capsaicinoids significantly increases daily energy expenditure and promotes fat oxidation (Whiting et al., 2012). Clinical trials have documented that capsaicin can elevate resting energy expenditure even in resting adults (Rigamonti et al., 2018).
There is a widespread myth that spicy peppers harm the stomach lining or cause ulcers. Modern gastroenterological research shows the exact opposite: while high doses of pure raw peppers might cause temporary discomfort, dietary capsaicin actually stimulates the stomach to produce protective alkaline mucus and increases protective gastric mucosal blood flow.
Scientific Evidence: In a human trial published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences, researchers found that oral chili pepper significantly protected against gastric mucosal injury caused by aspirin, lowering mucosal injury scores from 4.0 down to 1.5 (Yeoh et al., 1995; Satyanarayana, 2006). Capsaicin stimulates local sensory nerves that signal the stomach to shield itself.
4. The Classic “Herbal Catalyst” for Enhanced Nutrient Transport
For centuries, traditional herbalists called cayenne the master “herbal catalyst” or driver herb. Because cayenne naturally stimulates capillary blood flow to the farthest extremities (hands, feet, head, and vital organs), herbal practitioners frequently combine cayenne with other herbs and nutrients like garlic, hawthorn, or ginkgo to help deliver active phytonutrients deeper into peripheral body tissues.
The Solaray Quality Difference: Lab Verified & Clean Formulated
When you take a high-potency botanical supplement supplying 100,000 Heat Units, consistency, clean processing, and certified testing are crucial. Solaray has manufactured premium botanical supplements since 1973 in their own cGMP-compliant (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) Utah facility.
100% Lab Verified
Every raw batch undergoes state-of-the-art testing for heavy metals, pesticides, microbial pathogens, identity, and heat-unit potency to ensure zero contamination.
Pure Vegetarian Capsules
Encapsulated in plant-derived cellulose (VegCaps) free of gelatin, artificial colors, chemical binders, gluten, dairy, yeast, corn, and soy.
Eco-Conscious Packaging
Packaged in 100% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic bottles, diverting plastic waste from oceans and landfills.
Other Ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose Capsule and Organic Rice Extract Blend.
Suggested Use: Use only as directed. Adults take one (1) VegCap twice daily with a meal or a large glass of water. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Caution & Advisory: Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing. Inform your licensed healthcare practitioner when using this product, especially if you have a history of gastritis, stomach ulcers, acid reflux, or if you take blood-thinning or antihypertensive medications.
How to Take 100,000 HU Cayenne Without Stomach Upset
Because this formula provides a high concentration of active capsaicin (100,000 Heat Units), some first-time users wonder if it will cause a burning feeling in their stomach. Following these simple practical steps ensures maximum absorption and complete comfort:
1. Take It Mid-Meal
Never take strong cayenne on an empty stomach. Swallow your capsule halfway through a meal containing fiber, healthy fats, or complex carbs so the pepper blends naturally with food.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Drink at least 8 to 12 ounces of room-temperature water with each capsule to escort it smoothly down into the digestive tract.
3. Start with 1 Capsule Daily
If you are sensitive to spicy food, start with 1 capsule daily for your first week. Once your body adjusts to the warm sensation, expand to the recommended 1 capsule twice daily.
Scientific References & Clinical Studies
Vascular & Endothelial Health: Yang D, Luo Z, Ma S, et al. Activation of TRPV1 by dietary capsaicin improves endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and prevents hypertension. Cell Metabolism. 2010;12(2):130-141. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2010.05.015.
Gastric Mucosal Protection: Yeoh KG, Kang JY, Yap I, et al. Chili protects against aspirin-induced gastroduodenal mucosal injury in humans. Digestive Diseases and Sciences. 1995;40(3):580-583. doi:10.1007/BF02064375. PMID: 7895549.
Metabolism & Energy Expenditure: Whiting S, Derbyshire E, Tiwari BK. Capsaicinoids and capsinoids. A potential role for weight management? A systematic review of the evidence. Appetite. 2012;59(2):341-348. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2012.05.015.
Resting Metabolic Rate: Rigamonti AE, Casnici C, Fiore F, et al. Acute administration of capsaicin increases resting energy expenditure in young subjects without affecting energy intake. Nutrition Research. 2018;52:71-79. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2018.02.002.
Gastrointestinal Mechanisms: Satyanarayana MN. Capsaicin and gastric ulcers: a review of mechanisms of gastroprotection. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2006;46(4):275-328. doi:10.1080/1040-830491379236.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solaray Cayenne Pepper
Will these cayenne pepper capsules burn my stomach?
When taken properly with food and a full glass of water, most people do not experience stomach burning. You might notice a pleasant, gentle warmth in your midsection 15 to 20 minutes after taking it—this is normal and indicates that the capsaicin is activating your body's circulation. Taking the capsule in the middle of a balanced meal prevents the pepper from resting against an empty stomach lining.
What is the difference between regular cayenne and 100,000 Heat Unit cayenne?
Standard cayenne powder sold in grocery stores or common herbal capsules usually yields 35,000 to 40,000 Scoville Heat Units. Solaray's 100,000 Heat Unit formula contains approximately 2.5 times the concentration of natural active capsaicinoids, offering higher potency per capsule for circulation and metabolic benefits.
Can cayenne pepper support healthy weight management?
Yes. Peer-reviewed research indicates that capsaicinoids stimulate thermogenesis (calorie burning as body heat) and enhance fat oxidation. When combined with a balanced diet and regular physical exercise, cayenne pepper supplements can support a healthy metabolic rate and assist in natural weight management programs.
Does cayenne pepper interact with prescription blood thinners or blood pressure medications?
Cayenne pepper supports natural circulation and possesses mild natural blood-thinning properties. If you are taking prescription blood thinners (like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin), ACE inhibitors, or other blood pressure medications, you should always consult your physician or pharmacist before beginning cayenne supplementation.
Are these capsules vegan and free of common allergens?
Yes. Solaray Cayenne 450 mg 100,000 HU uses 100% vegetarian cellulose capsules. The product is non-GMO and does not contain any of the 9 major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, or sesame).
Helpful Customer Reviews
Review of Cayenne - Solaray Product 1134 Reviewed by kwatts
Monday, May 9, 2011 Rating: 5/5
ok..this is a great product. I first purchased cayenne from solaray to help with my digestion because i have alway heard that it works wonders for that and i am trying to wean myself off of prilosec. anyway, i have been taking this regularly for around a month now and i'm also realizing many other benefits. I noticed my sinuses feel better. I usually feel like my head is heavy and my sinuses are full. That feeling has pretty much lifted and i don't even think about my sinus problems anymore. Not only that but i have cholesterol problems and i have learned that cayenne works great in raising your hdl levels. So, i cant wait to get my next checkup to see if my cholesterol has gotten better. Overall, this product is a must have.
