Caffeine may be the most popular legal addictive stimulant that is available to mankind. Besides coffee, tea, guarana and kola nut have excess amount of this xanthine alkaloid, which is actually acting as a psychoactive drug. In several plants, caffeine is an effective insect repellant, but this trimethylxanthine is deemed by the Food and Drug Administration as generally safe food substance. It is an antagonist of adenosine receptors. The effect of caffeine is individual and may more or less increase the ability to perform physical and mental labor. It reduces the effects of fatigue and may in long term help predominantly men reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. It has also been observed that caffeine has nootropic effects, furthermore, regular consumption of caffeine may significantly reduce the risk of heart diseases.

Citrus Aurantium is the Latin name for a citrus tree which grows bitter oranges. Traditionally being used by Chinese medicine and herbologists, the extract of the orange and the peel was used as a dietary supplement in concoctions with other herbs to suppress appetite. While other active ingredients of the citrus aurantium may contribute and even promote the effect, the main ingredient used in all weight loss products is synephrine, an alkaloid similar to ephedrine. It is a phenethylamine; it influences the alpha1 adrenergic receptor, constricting blood vessels, additionally increasing the heart rate and the blood pressure. In most cases the use of synephrine is paired with a diet and body building plan, where weight loss and muscle building is essential.

Ephedra Viridis (Stems).

Guggulsterone is a plant sterol found in the resin of the guggul plant, Commiphora mukul. It acts as an antagonist of the farnesoid X receptor, which was earlier believed to result in decreased cholesterol synthesis in the liver.

Gymnema Sylvestre is at home in India, predominantly southern and central tropical forests, and has been widely used in traditional Indian medicine as a herb for naturopathic treatment of diabetes, but also in connection with digestive problems, obesity, hyperglycemia, anemia and high cholesterol. It is known to block sweetness receptors in the tongue and is widely considered a sugar blocker. It is also able to reduce cravings for carbohydrates, such as sweet tooth, by simply chewing the leaves of the plant. Main active components are so called gymnemic acids, which are a group of oleanane type saponins. Dammarene saponins, also an ingredient, are gymnemasides. It has been observed that gymnemic acids display some antidiabetic, anti inflammatory and anti sweetener effects, making it an interesting weight control agent.

Hoodia Gordonii grows in Namibia and South Africa naturally. It is a leafless spiny plant useful for medicinal purposes. These flowers are pollinated by flies mainly as they smell identical to rotten meat. Hoodia is known long by indigenous population and is infrequently used for treating small infections and indigestion. This is used to suppress appetite during long hunting trips such as Kalahari Desert that interests more tourists. Hoodia Gordonii was prominent for it appetite suppressing effect and hence was collaborated with Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company to deal with obesity. However, it was stopped as it is stated to have indications of effects on liver. Hoodia Gordonii is wild harvested by individuals as well as by few companies that are granted license. However, there is no evidence of Hoodia working in humans as appetite suppressant. Due to the lack of clarity and fear of breaking down of liver, it is not recommended for obesity.

L-Carnitine is chemically similar to an amino acid, L-Carnitine is responsible for the metabolism of fat in the body. It transports fatty acids into the cell’s metabolic furnace known as mitochondria. Synthesized in the liver and kidney, L-Carnitine helps the body use fat for energy. It acts as an aid in releasing tryglycerides and stored body fat into the bloodstream. With an adequate intake of L-Carnitine, you can improve the contraction of muscles, function of the heart and balance of protein in the body. As compared to the synthetic fat burning supplements that cause insomnia and addiction, L-Carnitine is a natural component which brings fat to metabolizing stations so that it can burn and produce energy. In case you have carnitine deficiency, you can have 1000mg of tartrate per day which is considered to be an effective form of carnitine.

Magnesium is the chemical element found in the periodic table with the atomic number 12. This alkaline earth metal is one of ten most common elements in the known universe and also very prominently present in the human body. It manipulates polyphosphate compounds, most prominently the DNA, RNA and the ATP. Numerous enzymes rely on magnesium ions to function properly. Most common application of magnesium in medicine may be the addition to antacids and laxatives. This metal is not found as a free element naturally on Earth, generally the metal is obtained through electrolysis of magnesium salts. The most common deficiency in the United States with staggering two thirds of the population is the magnesium deficiency. Magnesium can be obtained through vegetables, tea, cocoa, cereals, coffee, nuts and spices.

Silica is silicon dioxide, a trace mineral found in bones, teeth, skin, eyes, glands and organs. It also helps keep skin elastic. Silica works with calcium to maintain bone strength.

White Willow Bark, or Salix alba, is a willow commonly found in Europe and adjacent parts of western and central Asia. The bark of the White Willow has been used for centuries against fevers and to ease pains and aches. Already Hippocrates wrote about the White Willow bark powder two thousand five hundred years ago. The active ingredient of the White Willow bark is called salicin, a relative to aspirin and chemical derivative of the salicylic acid. When ingested, salicin is converted to salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid. As a nutritional supplement, White Willow products are being propagated as weight loss additives, whereby the scientific community has yet to provide any corroboration to this allegation. Besides the well known anti inflammatory characteristics, any other uses have not been approved by the FDA.