hCG Activator is a diet pill manufactured by BioGenics. This supplement is claimed to boost human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) thus promoting weight loss. Unfortunately, most clinical studies have found that hCG does not work as a weight loss agent.

How does hCG Activator work?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy. Many supplement companies claim hCG promotes weight loss. One clinical study carried out in 1973, the Asher-Harper study, found that a combination of a 500 calorie per day diet and hCG injections resulted in significant weight loss and decreased appetite. However, a follow-on study (J Clin Nutrit. 1976;29:940-948), using the same protocol found that hCG did not appear to enhance the effectiveness of the rigidly imposed 500 calorie per day diet regimen for weight reduction. A more recent study (Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1995;40(3):237-243) supported this conclusion. It is important to note that when hCG was evaluated, it was compared to a placebo group were subjects were on the very low calorie diet. While subjects lost weight there was no perceptible difference between the hCG and placebo groups. In other words, it was the low calorie diet that was responsible for the weight loss.

hCG Activator pros

• hCG Activator contains green tea, a proven if modestly effective thermogenic and Saffron, an appetite suppressant
• hCG Activator is manufactured to high standards in the US
• A diet protocol is included with the product
• hCG Activator comes with a guarantee

hCG Activator cons

• None of the ingredients have been convincingly proven to significantly boost hCG levels
• Most clinical studies indicate that hCG does not promote weight loss

hCG Activator ingredients

The hCG Activator formulation contains human chorionic gonadotropin glycopeptide stimulating complex (758 mg) which consists of L-arginine, N-acetyl L-carnitine, L-ornithine, green tea leaf extract, saffron extract, black cohosh and huperzine. Other ingredients are gelatine, cellulose, silica and magnesium stearate.

Looking at the ingredients in greater detail:

L-arginine: An antioxidant which is soluble in water and fat. L-arginine has been linked to enhanced immunity, the release of the human growth hormone, greater muscle mass, rapid healing from injury, increased sexual potency and helping to reverse atherosclerosis. However, there is no evidence that L-arginine can boost HCG levels.

N-acetyl L-carnitine: This ingredient is an amino acid that is associated with energy production from fat stores in the body. It may help reduce symptoms of angina, diabetic neuropathy and memory impairment. However, there are no studies to indicate that N-acetyl L-carnitine has a direct effect on weight loss. Potential side effects of N-acetyl L-carnitine include stomach discomfort and insomnia.

L-Ornithine: An amino acid that has been used by fitness enthusiasts for years. L – ornithine is a non-essential amino acid that it is abundant in protein foods such as meat, fish, dairy and eggs. It can induce the release of growth hormone in the body, which in turn help promote fat metabolism. There are unsupported claims that L-ornithine promotes muscle building. There appears to be no link between L – ornithine and weight loss or HCG production.

Green tea: There is some evidence that green tea offers benefits to dieters. Most studies have demonstrated that it is one essential catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), working in combination with caffeine that provides the weight loss benefits. Green tea has been reported to promote modest weight loss by increasing the metabolic rate and boosting calorie burn (e.g. Amer J Clinl Nutrit. 2005; 81(1): 122-129).

Saffron: This is a spice commonly used in cooking. In a recent clinical study (Nutrition Research. 2010; 30(5):305-313)) a natural medicine called Satiereal was evaluated as a satiety enhancer. The active ingredient in Satiereal is Crocus sativus or saffron. Sixty overweight women were enrolled in an 8 week placebo-controlled trial. Twice-daily, the women were provided with 1 capsule of Satiereal (176.5 mg/day) or an inactive placebo. All of the test subjects consumed an unrestricted, normal diet. After 2 months, the participants using the saffron extract reported a decline in snacking and lost significantly more weight than the control group.

Black cohosh: This herb has been traditionally used to treat menopausal symptoms, as a diuretic and for the treatment of infertility, painful menstruation, gynecological conditions and painful labor. Reported side effects of black cohosh include weight gain in addition to headaches and stomach discomfort. Weight gain, in fact, is listed as a common side effect in clinical trials that followed patients who took black cohosh for up to six months. Weight loss is not a reported side effect of black cohosh therapy.

Huperzine A 1% (Huperzia serrata): This is an”alkaloid isolated from a Chinese moss (Huperzia serrata) that has neuroprotective and cognitive effects. It has been demonstrated to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This inhibitory action increases acetylcholine levels in the body. Acetylcholine is the primary contractile neurotransmitter in muscle tissue.

Where to buy hCG Activator

hCG Activator is an affiliate product and is available for sale at GNC stores and also online from many weight loss websites. hCG Activator is very expensive relative to many other diet pills.

hCG Activator dosage

The serving size is 2 capsules. There are 120 capsules per container.

hCG Activator conclusion

It is likely that any weight loss achieved as a result of taking hCG Activator is associated with the green tea in diet pill and saffron, and adhering to the diet plan included with the product. Green tea contains caffeine, which can boost metabolism. Saffron is an appetite suppressant. Most clinical studies have found that hCG does not work as a weight loss agent. For the money, there are more potent weight loss products available.