Deep Reviewed

Caffeine is the most widely available legal psychoactive stimulant drug. Also known as theine, methyltheobromine and trimethylxanthine, this xanthine alkaloid is not only found in coffee beans, but also in guaranine that is derived from guarana, mateine derived from mate, theine which is found in various teas and the kola nut, which is the base flavor of various Cola soft drinks. It stimulates the central nervous system, where it restores alertness and wards off drowsiness. Caffeine is also know to display certain diuretic properties, is an ergogenic, an atagonist of the adenosine receptors, and a cAMP levels increasing factor. It seems that caffeine helps prevent the onset of Parkinson’s disease and in the long run lowers the possibility of developing a heart disease.

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.

Garcinia Cambogia- Gambooge, a subtropical version of the Garcinia genus and native to Indonesia, is the local name for garcinia cambogia. It bears a pumpkin like yellow coloured fruit, which extract, together with the rind, is in India a curry condiment. Extracts are also being used in several herbal appetite suppressants, but also in some energy providing products and supplements. In the body building community, besides the weight loss properties of garcinia cambogia, the main component, hydroxycitric acid, or HCA, seems to increase the levels of lipolysis in athletes. HCA may even prove to be more effective in combined use with carnitine and pyruvate. In India, garcinia cambogia was traditionally used to treat edema, constipation, irregular menstruation and against intestinal parasites. Further uses include combating rheumatism and bowel related troubles.

Ginger Root has been used as herbal medicine in India, Asia, and Arab countries for a long time. People in China have been using this knotted, thick, underground stem or rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale to improve digestion for over two thousand years. Ginger was also found effective in the treatment of health conditions such as heart problems, arthritis, colic, and diarrhea. Ginger is also a popular cooking spice in different cuisines. The magic herb can also help a great deal in pregnancy, motion sickness, and cancer chemotherapy since it aids in preventing or treating nausea and vomiting associated with it. Many women consume ginger to reduce the pain during menstrual periods. Ginger is also used to reduce inflammation and combat inflammation-related problems such as arthritis and ulcerative colitis. You may buy fresh ginger root or go for other variations like ginger extracts, capsules, and oils.

Hoodia Gordonii, which although popular, has no published randomized controlled trials in humans to show hoodia is safe or effective in pill form. One study published in the September 2004 issue of Brain Research found that injections of p57 (The Active ingredient in Raw, Fresh Cut Hoodia, not dried) into the appetite center of rat brains resulted in altered levels of ATP, an energy molecule that may affect hunger. The animals receiving the P57 injections also ate less than rats that received placebo injections. However, this was an animal study and INJECTIONS IN THE BRAIN are very different from oral consumption, so it cannot be used to show that oral hoodia can suppress appetite in humans. Hoodia Gordonii is a succulent (a cactus of the aloe family) found in the Kalahari desert of South Africa. Most Hoodia Gordonii products contain very little, if any of the active ingredient needed to suppress hunger. Real Hoodia is very rare and is even an endangered plant. Most importantly, Hoodia has only demonstrated any effect in fresh, raw pieces of the plant. The effectiveness of powdered Hoodia has yet to be shown and may actually increase hunger. It's main use is as a cheap alternative to the more expensive weight loss herbs, which are the only alternative left after the banning of ephedra. Most supplement manufacturers can not use the more expensive weight loss herbs because it will result in a product that would be too expensive to compete with other more popular inexpensive diet supplements.

Vitamin B5, is water soluble and is needed by every cell in the body to maintain good health. It helps in breaking down carbohydrates, fats and proteins to provide the body with energy. It assists in the production of red blood cells and hormones and ensures a healthy pregnancy. It is also known to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the body. It helps in reducing stress and treating people with rheumatoid arthritis. Pantothenic acid is found in small quantities in almost all foods but abundantly in meats, fish, poultry, avocados, peas, broccoli and whole grains. A deficiency which is rare, leads to leg cramps, gastrointestinal problems, anemia, insomnia, depression, a burning sensation in the limbs and a weakened immune system.

White Willow Bark is used as an anti-inflammatory and treats pains such as joint pain, flu, fever, back pain and osteoarthritis.