Cylaris is a vitamin based supplement manufactured by Lovate Health Sciences Research Inc, a health company based in Canada. Cylaris is advertised as the “world’s most powerful” weight loss supplement. The reviews that have been posted about Cylaris are mixed. Some users complain about side effects from taking Cylaris. Others claim to have lost weight.
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 an herbal supplement that is not regulated by the FDA. It is a succulent vine that grows Africa and Asia. All parts of the plant are used in Ayurvedic and alternative medicine. Medicinal uses of Cissus quadrangularis include the treatment of obesity and weight loss, diabetes, high cholesterol, bone fractures, osteoporosis, cancer, upset stomach, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcer, menstrual discomfort, asthma and malaria.
How does Cylaris work?
It is not known how Cylaris works for weight loss. It contains caffeine, which may have some effect on suppressing the appetite or perhaps increasing metabolism. According to the product marketing information, the effectiveness of Cylaris is based on Cissus quadrangularis. The mechanism(s) of action of this plant have not been established.
One clinical study has evaluated the effectiveness of Cylaris. This small study suggests that the supplement may help people lose weight, although larger, higher-quality studies are necessary to confirm these results.
Side effects of Cylaris
Several reviewers claim that they experienced bloating, headaches, nausea, gas, stomach cramps, light-headedness, frequent bowl movements and vomiting after taking Cylaris. The symptoms vary from person to person.
Common side effects of Cylaris include:
• Headaches
• Gas
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
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
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Drug Interactions
Cylaris can interact with a number of different medications. You should contact your healthcare provider prior to taking Cylaris if you are taking prescription drugs.
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.
Does Cylaris work?
The Cylaris website claims that the manufacturers have conducted an eight week scientific study, but apparently it has not been published yet.
Two studies carried out at the University of Yaoundé, Cameroon do apparently validate Cissus quadrangularis as being effective for weight loss. It also appears to be beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels, decreasing serum lipids and improving cardiovascular risk factors. (See Lipids Health Dis. 2007 Feb 4;6:4, Lipids Health Dis. 2006 Sep 2;5:24.).
Unfortunately, Cylaris contains a proprietary blend of ingredients. So it is not possible to establish if a daily dose contains the 300 mg of the Cissus quadrangularis extract found to be helpful in clinical studies.
The manufacturer claims that it is possible to lose 1.5 to 2 pounds per day using Cylaris. Most of the reviews say they have experience a loss of anywhere from 1 to 2 pounds a day using Cylaris. The amount of weight lost depends on diet, exercise and other factors.
The positive reviews claim that Cylaris does work and the negative reviews complain of side effects. The reviewers with side effects may have lost some weight but stopped taking the pills. That effectively means that Cylaris did not work for them.
Pros
- Cylaris is easy to take
- Ingredients, such as green tea extract, have been shown to be effective appetite suppressants
- Cissus quadrangularis has been used for many years in alternative medicine
Cons
- High levels of vitamins and caffeine could make some users feel ill upon consumption
- Body will probably adapt to the appetite suppressants in Cylaris and hunger pangs could resume over time
- Sleep may be adversely affected, for those who are caffeine and/or stimulant sensitive
- Menu programs recommended by the Cylaris website are more restrictive than most people would be prepared follow
- The company recommends the supplement to be used for 8 weeks, however testimonials for weight loss are as long as 30 weeks, or 7 months
Cylaris contact details
Cylaris is manufactured by Iovate Health (5100 Spectrum Way, Mississauga, ON, CANADA L4W 5S2, Customer Service: 1-877-468-2835).
Cylaris conclusion
Unfortunately, like many diet pills Cylaris has a high caffeine content. The Cylaris formulation does appear to show some promise. However, more detailed research is required to confirm whether or not Cylaris is clinically effective. Of course, even if Cylaris proves beneficial, optimal results will always be achieved when Cylaris is combined with a healthy diet and an exercise plan.
Common Misspellings: Claris, Cilaris, Cylarus
