Entries from July 2009 ↓

Many of the ingredients in LipoFuze can also be found in another controversial diet pill, Apidexin. The medicinal herbs and other natural ingredients that are typically found in weight loss products need to be present in a potent enough dosage to have any effect. As the proportion of each ingredient in LipoFuze is not disclosed, it is difficult to assess if they present in the required dosages to promote significant weight loss.

The effects of potential interaction between the 14 ingredients in LipoFuze have not been clinically evaluated. Internet reviews indicate that some users have reported headaches, nausea, insomnia, profuse sweating and increased heart rate after taking LipoFuze.

Related article: LipoFuze

LipoFuze ingredients

Lipofuze is fat burner which contains 6 patented and 4 clinically tested ingredients. The ingredients include:

ThermoDiamine: This ingredient is the patented form of evodiamine, a Chinese fruit that is claimed to burn fat by increasing the body’s production of heat and reducing the body’s ability to store fat. But no studies have been conducted in man so far. To date only an animal-based study has been carried out and there is no clinical data on whether or not evodiamine works in human subjects.

Razberi-K: Also known as raspberry ketone or 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl) butan-2-one, this ingredient is thought to enhance weight loss via the stimulation of norepinephrine. Razberi-K is said to aid fat oxidation, but studies on human beings have not convincingly proved its effectiveness. One study performed on rodents demonstrated that raspberry ketones prevented fat synthesis as well as the rise of blood triglycerides and overall, helped prevent excess weight gain. The chemical structure of raspberry ketone is similar to that of capsaicin and synephrine. Both of these compounds are well documented for their ability to boost thermogenesis through the release of norepinephrine. However, there are health risks with these two ingredients; synephrine has been shown to have dangerous cardiovascular side effects, while capsaicin has been demonstrated to cause gastrointestinal problems in many users. There are no documented side effects related to raspberry ketone consumption.

FucoPure: This is the patented version of fucoxanthin, a seaweed extract. There are a number of studies that demonstrate fucoxanthin’s ability to boost metabolism, but to date, they have all been carried out in pre-clinical studies on animals. It is also proven that, this ingredient cannot be absorbed by human body easily. Additionally, it has been shown clinically that compounds like fucoxanthin have low bioavailability in man (see Br J Nutr. 2008 Aug;100(2):273-7). One gram of seaweed has several times the amount of iodine that most adults require on a daily basis. Therefore, a potential fucoxanthin side effect could include changes in thyroid function due to iodine excess.

ForsLean: ForsLean is derived from the root of Coleaus forskohlii, which is native to warm temperate habitats including India, and is the only known plant source of the natural compound Forskolin. Amongst other effects, this compound is understood to increase lean body mass and help optimize body composition though cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) activation. A number (but not all) of clinical studies have indicated that Coleaus forskohlii may cause an increase in heart rate and a decrease in blood pressure.

GuggulEZ100: This is a patented extract of Commiphora mukul. Other common names are Gugalipids and Guggul. In India Guggul is used widely for the reduction of blood cholesterol. Guggul lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels and helps maintain a healthy balance of HDL, the good cholesterol, relative to LDL, the bad cholesterol (the HDL/LDL ratio), thereby protecting against cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. A number of studies have investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of Guggul. Researchers concluded that Guggal was safe and highly effective in lowering the various lipid fractions that are known to contribute to coronary heart disease. There is some clinical evidence to suggest that Guggul may promote fat burning (see J Postgrad Med. 1995 Jan-Mar;41(1):5-7) by stimulating the secretion of thyroid T3 hormone.

Green tea: Green tea has been shown to promote some weight loss. However, it needs to be used in relatively high concentration, and contain high levels of catechins. In Lipofuze, the amount of green tea present in the formulation is not indicated. Users sensitive to caffeine could experience any of the following side effects: restlessness, irritability, sleeping problems, tremors, heart palpitations, loss of appetite, upset stomach, nausea, frequent urination and skin rash.

Bioperine: This ingredient is a standardized extract from the fruit of Piper nigrum L (black pepper) or Piper longum L (long pepper). It contains 95 percent Piperine. Bioperine has been shown in clinical research to increase the absorption of ingredients in nutritional supplement formulations. Additional absorption, even if true, may or may not necessarily be beneficial. It is possible that the use of Bioperine may increase the side effects of certain supplements due to increased absorption.

Capsaicin: This compound is found in chile peppers. It is believed that capsaicin generates heat in the body thereby boosting the burning of calories. However, it appears that very high doses are required for it to be effective. Severe gastrointestinal side effects have been reported in patients ingesting capsaicin. While rare, serious allergic reactions to capsaicin can occur. Contact a physician immediately should difficulty breathing, skin rash, hives, swelling of the throat, lips, or face, severe dizziness, or itching be experienced.

Synephrine HCL: Synephrine is derived from the Citrus aurantium plant used for a variety of purposes in traditional Chinese medicine. Research indicates that it can act as an effective stimulant. After Ephedra was banned by the F.D.A., diet pill makers sought to discover an equivalent. They thought they had found it with Synephrine and, while Synephrine is effective, there is no research that points to Ephedra and Synephrine being comparable. Synephrine can help burn fat, suppress appetite and increase energy. However, clinical studies have revealed that Citrus aurantium induces a relatively modest increase in thermogenesis. Reported side effects include: increased heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, tremor, dry mouth, blurred vision, and headache. Synephrine may also reduce the ability to urinate. Consult a physician if you have any history of cardiac disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, or urinary problems. Also, combining decongestants with other medicines with similar side effects may lead to dangerous complications.

7-OXO DHEA: This compound is a metabolite of DHEA, a steroid hormone. This ingredient has been shown to have a positive effect on thyroid hormone levels in obese people, without apparent side effects (see J Nutr Biochem. 2007; 18(9):629-34. Current Therapeutics, (7):435-442 2000). 7-OXO DHEA has been found to be safe in animals at high doses and in humans at up to 200 mg daily. 7-OXO-DHEA should not be taken if you are being treated with glucocorticoids, as it may interfere with their effectiveness.

Other ingredients in the LipoFuze formulation include cinnamon, phenylethylamine, ginger, and 20-hydroxyecdysone (a plant steroid considered to have anabolic activity in mammals).

Is Lipofuze effective?

User feedback on Lipofuze has varied. Some have reported fast weight loss in the first few days (water loss?) when combined with diet and exercise, but the rate of weight loss is lower than claimed by the manufacturers.

MeltRx 24 Ultra is a fat burning pill. There are ingredients, such as green tea extract and cinnamon extract, in MeltRx 24 Ultra that can cause side effects if taken in high concentrations.  In terms of weight loss, there are some beneficial ingredients in Melt 24 RX Ultra. It also contains ingredients useful for mental focus and mood – for example, Ginko, velvet bean extract, 5-HTP and Rhodiola rosea root. However, because most of the ingredients are contained in proprietary blends it is impossible to determine whether there is enough of any one ingredient to elicit significant weight loss. Moreover, no clinical study has been conducted specifically on MeltRx 24 Ultra’s effectiveness as a fat burner.

Melt RX Ultra Side Effects

From the available marketing information, MeltRx 24 Ultra promises to subdue appetite and promote weight loss, without the potentially dangerous side effects associated with some other weight loss supplements that contain strong stimulants. Due to non-disclosure of the strength of the key ingredient in MeltRx 24 Ultra, predicting potential side effects is difficult. However, there are ingredients such as green tea extract and cinnamon extract in MeltRx 24 Ultra that can cause adverse reactions (see below). User feedback online (positive or negative) on MeltRx 24 Ultra is very sparse, except for customer testimonials detailed on the Weightlossguide.com website.

MeltRX 24 Ultra pills have not been approved by the FDA, although the manufacturer states that the pills have been ‘made according to strict FDA guidelines.’

MeltRx 24 Ultra ingredients

Melt 24 RX Ultra contains a range of vitamin and three propriety blends: The Galangal blend, the Meltpro™ blend and the Maespro™ blend. The pill consists of 27 herbal ingredients and 14 minerals and vitamins. The five primary active ingredients in MeltRx 24 Ultra are: Galangal rhizome extract, Gymnema silvestre leaf extract, banaba leaf extract, cinnamon twig extract and Coleus forskolii tuber extract.

MeltRx 24 Ultra ingredients in detail

Green tea leaf extract: The extract is relatively high in caffeine and has been shown to facilitate weight loss. If sensitive to caffeine, possible side effects could include: restlessness, irritability, sleeping problems, tremor, heart palpitations, upset stomach, nausea, frequent urination and skin rash.

Coleus forskohlii: This herb is common to many fat burners. While the positive effects of Coleus forskohlii on weight loss have been established in one study (Journal of Obesity Research 2005 – Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with Forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men), the results were not particularly strong. It has been demonstrated to enhance lipolysis and may also inhibit fat storage. A clinical study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2005: 2(2): 54-62) indicated that there were no significant side effects – despite previous research indicating that Coleaus forskohlii may cause an increase in heart rate and decrease in blood pressure.

Galangal rhizome (Chinese ginger): There is evidence to indicate that galangal rhizome may inhibit fatty-acid synthase, but at present there is no strong evidence to confirm that it promotes weight loss. No side effects have been reported.

Gymnema silvestre leaf extract: Gymnema silvestre has been used in Ayurveda since the 6th century B. C. It has been shown to have a regenerative effect on pancreatic beta cells while curbing craving for sweet foods. No side effects have been reported, but researchers have not established whether this herb is absolutely safe for pregnant women or during lactation.

Banaba leaf extract: Banaba (Lagerstroemia Speciosa) is a botanical extract of the leaves of the banaba tree. In Southeast Asia and the Philippines, the leaves are traditionally used as an herbal medicine to treat diabetes and hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar). Banaba has also been traditionally used to aid in cleansing the liver in the Philippines. To date no major adverse effects have been reported in medical journals.

Cinnamon twig extract: Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum verum, C. zeylanicum, C. cassica) is harvested from a variety of evergreen tree that is native to Sri Lanka and India. The use of cinnamon dates back thousands of years to at least 2700 B.C. Chinese herbals from that time mentioned it as a treatment for fever, diarrhea, and menstrual problems. Indian Ayurvedic healers used it in a similar manner. Modern herbalists prescribe cinnamon bark as a remedy for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and indigestion. Chinese herbalists recommend it for asthma brought on by cold, some digestive problems, backache, and menstrual problems. Cinnamon bark is also known to control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Cinnamon bark may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Mild side effects include stomach upset, sweating, and diarrhea. Large doses can cause changes in breathing, dilation of blood vessels, sleepiness, depression, or convulsions. Excessive use of cinnamon bark may cause red, tender gums; mouth ulcers; inflamed taste buds; and a severe burning sensation in the mouth.

Full list of MeltRx 24 Ultra ingredients (from a third party website)

Galangal Proprietary Blend Green tea leaf extract, cinnamon twig extract and galangal rhizome extract standardized for biogenic amines 200mg * MeltproTM Proprietary blend 375.5mg MaesproTM Proprietary blend Simmondsin Extract, Spirulina velvet Bean standardized for Macuna Pruiens, Citrus aurantium extract, Nut Grass extract standardized for Octopamine, L-Glutamine, 5-HTP, Lecithin standardized for phosphatides, Rhodiola rosea root extract standardized for rosavins, Phosphatidylserine, and Coleus forskohlii tuber extract). 2075mg Thiamin B6 (as thiamin HCl) 1.5mg 100 Niacin (as niacinamide) 25mg 125 Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal-5-phosphate) 10mg Folate (as folic acid) glycinate)** 300mcg Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin) 200mcg Biotin 1mg Pantothenic acid (as D-calcium pantothenate) 10mg Calcium (as tricalcium phosphate and calcium citrate) 100mg Iodine (as potassium iodide) 50mcg Magnesium (as magnesium oxide and magnesium aspartate) 90mg Zinc (as zinc citrate and zinc arginate) 2.5mg Copper (as copper gluconate) 1mg Manganese (as manganese arginate) 2mg Chromium (as chromium chelate) 200mcg.

Pros

• The formula contains all natural ingredients
• Comes with a 30 day money back guarantee

Cons

• No official website dedicated to the product
• No clinical studies on the product itself
• The product is not sold in stores

Cylaris is a vitamin based weight loss supplement. There has been one clinical unpublished study specifically on Cylaris, but it only briefly dealt with possible side effects. However, due to the high caffeine content in Cylaris, it is likely that side effects could include insomnia, restlessness, and indigestion. A doctor should be consulted immediately if more serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing, a rapid heart rate or seizures are experienced.

Related article: Cylaris Review

Cylaris Side Effects

In the only clinical study carried out to date, the following Cylaris side effects were reported:

• Headaches
• Gas
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia

Based on the caffeine content of Cylaris, the following side effects are also possible:

• Insomnia
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Tremors or jitteriness
• Increased urination.

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Cylaris if you have:

• High blood pressure
• Glaucoma
• Any heart problems
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Anxiety
• Any allergies

Also, contact your healthcare provider if you are:

• Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
• Breastfeeding

Cylaris ingredients

Each caplet of Cylaris contains the following ingredients:

• Vitamin B6 (25 mg)
• Folic acid (200 mcg)
• Vitamin B12 (25 mcg)
• Selenium (30 mcg)
• Chromium (75 mcg)
• Caffeine (100 mg)
• Cissus quadrangularis extract (amount not given)
• Green tea extract (amount not given)
• Soy albumin extract (amount not given)

Cissus quadrangularis, also known as “veld grape”, is the key novel ingredient in Cylaris. It is an herbal supplement used in Ayurvedic and alternative medicine. Medicinal uses of Cissus quadrangularis include the treatment of obesity and bone fractures. Cissus also possess analgesic properties on a mg per mg basis comparable to aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. The phytochemical analyses of Cissus quadrangularis reveal a high content of ascorbic acid, carotene, phytosterol substances and calcium; moreover, there have also been reports of the presence of sitosterol, amyrin and amyrone. The plant is also rich in the vitamins/antioxidants vitamin C and beta-carotene. The typical recommended daily dosage of Cissus extract is between 100 and 500 mg, depending on the concentration of the extract and the severity of symptoms. For the powder of the dried plant, the Ayurvedic texts recommend a dosage of 3 to 6 grams to accelerate fracture healing. Safety studies in rats showed no toxic effects at dosages as high as 2000 mg/kg of body weight. Commercial products containing Cissus quadrangularis seem to be safe when used appropriately in adults, short-term for up to 6-8 weeks.

Some people who took Cissus quadrangularis experienced side effects such as headache, flatulence, dry mouth, diarrhea, and insomnia. But there is not enough information to know how often these side effects might occur.

Drug Interactions

Cylaris can interact with a number of different medications. Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Cylaris dosage

The recommended Cylaris dosage is two capsules with a glass of water twice a day. According to the manufacturer, more than four capsules in 24 hours should not be taken. Cylaris should also not be taken within five hours of bedtime. The manufacturer recommends that Cylaris be combined with a sensible diet and regular exercise for a total of eight weeks.

Common Misspellings: Claris, Cilaris, Cylarus