Slimmers should be cautious of any diet pill, such as LipoClen, that contains yohimbe or synephrine. These ingredients have been linked to side effects such as increased heart rate, changes in blood pressure, nausea and vomiting. Serious side effects associated with products containing yohimbe have been reported to the FDA, and include renal failure, seizures and death. LipoClen claims that it is possible to lose 10 pounds in 10 days, or your money back guaranteed. To lose 1 pound of fat a day the body needs to burn an extra 3300 calories. This  represents a doubling in calorie burn. It is claimed that LipoClen can achieve this by accelerating metabolism, suppressing appetite and detoxification – But is it possible to achieve this using a single pill? The herbs and other ingredients that are typically found in weight loss products need to be present in potent enough dosages to have any significant effect. This is not the case with numerous ingredients in LipoClen.

How does LipoClen work?

The manufacturer claims that LipoClen contains: 10 potent fat burners designed to deplete fat stores; 4 all-natural appetite suppressants; 3 ingredients that cleanse and detoxify; and 2 fat blockers that prevent the absorption of dietary fat. The medicinal herbs and plant extracts typically incorporated into weight loss products need to be present in potent enough concentrations to have significant effects. Formulations that contain an extensive number of ingredients are less likely to contain high enough doses of the individual ingredients. This is due primarily to capsule size. The largest capsule that can be comfortably swallowed can hold a maximum of around 1000 mg of ingredients. When ingredients need to be present at doses of 200 mg or more to have any effect, the capsule soon runs out of space. Therefore, many ingredients in complex supplements such as LipoClen cannot be present in doses that are high enough to actually promote weight loss.

Lipoclen side effects

If sensitive to stimulants, an increased heartbeat, high blood pressure, diarrhea, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, dizziness, vomiting and headache may be experienced.

LipoClen pros

• LipoClen is available with a money back guarantee

LipoClen cons

• LipoClen contains the stimulant synephrine which can have side effects
• LipoClen contains dandelion and Uva ursi, both of which are diuretics
• LipoClen contains yohimbe which has been associated with serious side effects
• LipoClen makes claims which are not supported by clinical research
• The official LipoClen website has few testimonials and there are no before and after photos
• No details of the manufacturer, the country where LipoClen is made or a contact address are given on the website

LipoClen ingredients

A serving of LipoClen (2 capsules) contain 1548 mg of the following ingredients:

Chromium (310mcg): Chromium plays an important role in insulin production, which is key to the regulation of blood sugar levels. Chromium is also involved in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. As such, the inclusion of chromium in any weight loss product could potentially be beneficial. However, the clinical studies that have been performed on chromium have given variable results; some have demonstrated that it has a subtle effect on weight reduction, and others have shown that it has no effect at all. Chromium has been suggested to be able to help increase energy levels and promote fat loss by balancing blood sugar levels.

Green tea (200 mg): The tea needs to be of high quality and standardized for essential catechins (like EGCG). Unfortunately the quality of the green tea in LipoClen is not indicated by the manufacturer. Despite positive clinical data, green tea’s effects on weight loss are subtle.

Coleus forskholii (ForsLean) (125 mg): This is an herb that has been demonstrated to enhance lipolysis. It may also inhibit fat storage. Another way that Coleus forskholii may promote fat loss is by stimulating thyroid hormone (thyroxin) production. Thyroxin controls metabolism and can enhance metabolic rate, promoting fat loss. In an 8 week clinical study subjects taking Coleus forskholii lost on average 9.9 lbs of body weight compared to the placebo group where only 1.1 lbs of fat was lost. Another study (J Internat Soc Sports Nutr. 2005;2(2):54-62, 2005) concluded that Coleus forskohlii did not appear to promote weight loss but that it may help mitigate weight gain in overweight females with no clinically significant side effects. The dose of Coleus forskohlii used in this study was 500 mg daily (twice the amount found in LipoClen).

Oolong tea (200 mg): Like green tea, there is some evidence that indicates that oolong tea offers weight loss benefits, and can elevate the metabolism to a greater extent than green tea.

Cayenne (50 mg): Also known as capsicum, cayenne pepper has been used in traditional medicine as a gargle for throat irritation or infection, for stomach problems, and to protect against hardening of the arteries and heart disease. Cayenne contains capsaicinoids, which are the family of compounds that cause the intense heat experienced when consuming chili peppers. Capsanicinoids help to promote thermogenesis, carbohydrate oxidation and stimulate fat oxidation. Capsanicinoids also have strong antioxidant properties. Numerous clinical trials support the effectiveness of cayenne in promoting weight loss (e.g. Br J Nutr 1999;82:115–123, Amer J Clin Nutrition 2006;84:63-69). However, it appears that very high doses are required for it to be effective.

Green coffee (100 mg): Coffee made from green, unroasted coffee beans has been found to promote weight loss (BMC Comp Alt Med 2006; 6:9). The discovery parallels earlier research on green tea. Green coffee appears to have a more potent effect. There are two key types of compounds in unroasted coffee beans. The first is caffeine and the second is chlorogenic acid and its related compounds. Heating destroys the acids. Studies carried out in mice, fed a diet that contained one percent green coffee bean extract, showed that the coffee extract reduced body weight by 35 percent when compared with a control group of mice that consumed no extract over the 13 day study period. However, doses of green coffee used were up to 70 times higher than the amount present in LipoClen. Scientists believe that caffeine releases fatty acids from fat stored in the body. The chlorogenic acid and its related compounds then help the liver to process these fatty acids more efficiently. Currently, there are no clinical studies on green coffee extract’s weight loss effects on humans.

Dandelion (350 mg), Uva ursi (125 mg) and Buchu Leaves (100 mg): These ingredients are frequently used as diuretics. They are also included in detox products.

Ginger (50 mg): Ginger contains gingerols, which are chemically related to capsaicin. Ginger has been shown to have some mild thermogenic and metabolism-boosting effects, although high doses are necessary to achieve this.

Phenylethylamine (20 mg): An alkaloid that functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain, and is believed to boost levels of dopamine. The increase in dopamine promotes a feeling of wellbeing. It is claimed to have appetite suppressing effects as well. However, phenylethylamine is quickly metabolized by the enzyme monamime oxidase (MAO) and minimal amounts actually enter the bloodstream.

Evodiamine (20 mg): A Chinese fruit claimed to promote fat burning by increasing the body’s production of heat, as well as reducing its ability to store fat. While there is some evidence from pre-clinical animal studies which supports this claim, no data is yet available from clinical studies.

Guggulsterones (20 mg): This ingredient is derived from a medicinal plant called Commiphora mukul. Other common names are Gugalipids and Guggul. In India Guggul is taken to help reduce blood cholesterol. Guggul can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It can help 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. There is some clinical evidence to suggest that Guggul may promote fat burning (J Postgrad Med. 1995; 41(1): 5-7) by stimulating the secretion of thyroid T3 hormone. However, positive results were attained with 1.5-3.0 grams of Guggul daily, doses which are far higher than the 20 mg contained in LipoClen.

Synephrine (20 mg): Synephrine is derived from the Citrus aurantium. This plant used for a variety of disease indications in traditional Chinese medicine. Research indicates that Citrus aurantium can act as an effective stimulant. After ephedra was banned by the F.D.A., diet pill makers sought to find an equivalent compound. They thought they had found it with synephrine. However, 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 promotes a relatively modest increase in thermogenesis.

Bioperine (10 mg): This ingredient is a standardized extract from the fruit of Piper nigrum L (black pepper) or Piper longum L (long pepper). Bioperine contains 95 percent piperine. Bioperine has been shown in clinical research to increase the absorption of ingredients in nutritional supplement formulations. It is possible that the use of Bioperine may increase the side effects of certain supplements due to increased absorption.

Vinpocentine (5 mg): Extracted from periwinkle, this alkaloid offers no weight loss benefits, but is often found added to pre-workout supplements to improve focus, concentration and drive.

Razberi K (100 mg): This is a ketone found in red raspberries. It is believed to help reduce body fat by decreasing dietary fat absorption in the small intestine, and stimulate increased production of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine which promotes the breakdown of fat stored in cells. Razberi K may also boost thermogenesis, or calorie burning through heat. While raspberry ketones have shown promise in animal studies, their effectiveness has yet to be demonstrated in clinical studies.

Yohimbe (3 mg): This is a tree bark containing a variety of pharmacologically active chemicals and is often used as an aphrodisiac. A number of studies support yohimbe’s positive effect on weight loss (e.g. Isr J Med SCI 1991. 27(10):550-6). However, its effects are not dramatic. Serious side effects associated with products containing yohimbe have been reported to the FDA, including renal failure, seizures and death. The major alkaloid in yohimbe is yohimbine, a chemical that induces vasodilation, thereby lowering blood pressure. Yohimbine is also used as a prescription drug in the United States. Additional side effects may include central nervous system stimulation that causes anxiety attacks.

Lipolide K™ (20 mg): Lipolide is standardized for sclareolide. Theoretically, sclareolide is a cAMP stimulator. This compound is required to initiate many intercellular processes. An increased concentration of cAMP can raise thyroid hormone levels and increase fat burning. However, there are no published clinical studies validating Lipolide’s weight loss effects.

Additional ingredients in LipoClen are Vitamin C (32 mg), Vitamin E, Vitamin B6 (26 mg) and Vitamin B12 (3.2 mcg).

LipoClen dosage

A bottle of LipoClen contains 120 capsules and lasts for 1 month when taken according to the manufacturers’ directions. The LipoClen dosage is 2 capsules taken 30 minutes before breakfast and lunch with 8-12 ounces of water. The manufacturer states that the recommended dose should never be exceeded.

LipoClen guarantee?

Every order is backed by a 90 Day Money Back Guarantee. To qualify for a return, it is necessary return ONE EMPTY BOTTLE after using the entire contents as directed for 30 days. Any opened bottle returned prior to 30 Days of the purchase date will not qualify for the refund. Any additional bottles ordered must also be returned in UNOPENED and RESALABLE condition to be issued a refund. Returned orders with more than a single bottle opened will not qualify for a refund.

Conclusion

The manufacturers of LipoClen reveal its composition, so that it is possible to research the ingredients. With numerous ingredients, they are not present at high enough concentrations to be effective in promoting weight loss. Synephrine combined with diuretics and yohimbe in LipoClen makes for a potentially dangerous mix. If the dieter has high blood pressure or is sensitive to stimulants the risks are amplified.

Manufacturers’ contact details

There is no manufacturer’s contact address for LipoClen.

LipoClen website: http://www.lipoclen.com/
LipoClen telephone number: 1-877-668-4938