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 also known as Gurmar which means “sugar destroyer”. As the name suggests, it reduces the taste of sweetness. It is known for it hypoglycaemic property. It has the ability to reduce the absorption of sugar into the body. It helps control the blood sugar level which is beneficial to diabetic patients. It works by raising the insulin level and blocks the fats from being absorbed. It also helps curb or suppress craving for sweets which could help in maintaining the weight and losing weight. Gymnemia Sylvestre also helps control blood cholesterol level that protects the heart form cardiovascular problems.

L-Carnitine - Carnitine is a quat, quaternary ammonium cation, which is derived through biosynthesis of amino acids lysine and methionine. During the breakdown of stored fat in the lipids for purposes of generating additional metabolic energy, carnitine is needed to transport the fatty acids from the intracellular fluid to the mitochondria. The biologically active form of this stereoisomer is named l-carnitine. It is believed that l-carnitine has strong antioxidant effects and that it can strengthen the bone mass during the aging process. It is furthermore believed that l-carnitine promotes the glucose uptake and that it improves the male fertility in clinical trials. Concentrations of carnitine are found in highest levels in red meat and dairy products, but also in some seeds and pulses, as well as cereals and some fruits.

Magnesium is another mineral which is deemed essential for all biological life. As an essential part of basic nucleic acid, magnesium ions, together with phosphate ions, are also required for over 300 catalytic reactions of enzymes. Any enzymes synthesizing or utilizing adenosine triphosphate require a magnesium ion. Incredulously enough, magnesium deficiency is the most widespread deficiency, affecting a third of the population in the United States only, with third world countries surpassing the count easily. Being also essential, together with calcium and phosphorus, in the skeletal structure, magnesium deficiency is viewed as a main factor in ailments such as osteoporosis. Naturally available through cereals, green leafy vegetables, nuts, spices, tea, cocoa and coffee, magnesium is available as a supplement in magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate form, whereby the latter is viewed as more bioavailable.

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, which is often used as a natural alternative to aspirin, and is best not to be used by individuals allergic to aspirin. White willow bark extract offers little benefit to weight loss by itself but when used with other dietary supplements, it is thought to work as a thermogenic and help to elevate energy expenditure and promote the metabolsim of fat.