Summary
Xenadrine EFX is marketed as an alternative fat burner that does not rely on Ephedra for its thermogenic effect. Although Cytodyne Technologies, the manufacturer of Xenadrine EFX, appears to have disappeared from the internet, the product remains widely available for sale. Cytodyne Technologies claims their product will block fat and help slimmers lose weight with no exercise or dieting. While the ingredients in Xenadrine EFX do offer some positive effects such as a boost in energy levels and some fat burning potential, they are not potent enough to support the weight loss claims made for Xenadrine EFX. The Federal Trade Commission could not find the evidence needed to validate this product.
Ingredients
Proprietary Thermodyne™ Complex 1415 mg (total amount): Tyroplex™ (proprietary blend of l-tyrosine and acetyl-l-tyrosine), Green Tea Extract (standardized for EGCG and caffeine), Seropro™ (proprietary Cocoa extract standardized for Phenylethylamine, Tyramine and Theobromine), Yerba Mate (standardized for Caffeine), di-Methionine, Ginger Root (standardized for Gingerols), Isotherm™ (proprietary blend of Quercetin and Fisetin), Bitter Orange (standardized for Synephrine), DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol), Grape Seed Extract.
Additional ingredients: Vitamin C 100 mg, Vitamin B6 10 mg, Pantothenic Acid 12 mg, Magnesium 10 mg.
Ingredients in detail
Citrus aurantium: Citrus aurantium is a fruit known as Zhi Shi in traditional Chinese medicine and as bitter orange in other countries. It contains synephrine, a compound that is structurally related to Ephedrine, as well as Octopamine and Tyramine. Synephrine can increase metabolic rate and lipolysis (fat breakdown). It also acts as a mild appetite suppressant and an energy booster. The effects of Synephrine are enhanced when it is combined with caffeine.
Caffeine: The caffeine sources in Xenadrine EFX are Green Tea extract, Cocoa extract and Yerba Mate.
Green Tea: This tea contains antioxidant compounds called polyphenols. There are 4 primary polyphenols in Green Tea. Of the 4, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) occurs in the greatest amount.
Cocoa extract: Cocoa extract is derived from the plant Theobroma cacao. It contains relatively low levels of caffeine together with Theobromine, the primary metabolite of caffeine. Other plant chemicals in Cocoa include PEA (Phenylethylamine) and Tyramine. PEA has been demonstrated to enhance mental alertness. Tyramine has a similar structure to Epinephrine and Norepinephrine.
Yerba mate: Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a tree that grows in South America. The leaves of this plant contain caffeine as well as Theophylline and Theobromine, two compounds that also stimulate the central nervous system.
L-tyrosine: L-tyrosine is an amino acid that plays an important role in metabolism. It is the precursor to stimulatory neurotransmitters such as Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Dopamine and some of the thyroid hormones. All of these neurotransmitters and hormones play important roles in maintaining metabolic rate.
Ginger root: Ginger (Zingiber officinale) contains Oleoresins that are rich in Gingerols. These compounds have a variety of sedative effects. Ginger is traditionally used to calm the stomach and as a treatment for motion sickness. Since some individuals experience gastrointestinal upset with caffeine and other stimulatory chemicals, ginger should help to eliminate this occasional side effect.
Di-methionine: Methionine is an essential amino acid that assists in the breakdown of fats.
DMAE: DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a precursor to choline, which boosts the level of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. Unlike many nutrients, DMAE is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. This gives it the potential to enhance attention span and alertness.
Grape seed extract: This extract contains a number of flavonoids and other compounds with significant antioxidant properties. It has been found to be a strong neutralizer of free radicals.
The main ingredients of note from a slimming perspective are Caffeine and Bitter Orange. Caffeine has been shown to increase free fatty-acid levels, providing the body with a fuel source that it can use instead of the glycogen stored in the liver and muscles. Caffeine has also been shown to increase adrenaline levels, increasing alertness and boosting energy.
Bitter Orange is a fat burner that replaced Epherdra when it was banned. Its effects are believed to be comparable with Epherdra, but it does not have pronounced side effects. This ingredient should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, those with heart or blood pressure problems, or those taking an MAOI. Dieters with medical conditions, or taking medication, should consult a physician before using this product.
While the ingredients in Xenadrine EFX do offer some positive effects such as a boost in energy levels and some fat burning potential, they are not potent enough to support the weight loss claims made for Xenadrine EFX.
Directions for use
Take two capsules before breakfast or a morning exercise session, and two capsules in the mid-afternoon with 8 ounces of water.
Side effects
Xenadrine Efx is an Ephedra free product and does not have the side effects normally associated with Ephedra-based fat burners. Caffeine, however, can result in side effects in sensitive individuals. Reported side effects for Xenadrine EFX include:
• nervousness
• rapid heart rate
• headaches
• jitters
• insomnia
• increased blood pressure.
These side effects are common to all fat burners that contain caffeine.
Federal district court complaint
The Federal Trade Commission has filed a federal district court complaint charging the promoters of the popular dietary supplement Xenadrine EFX with making misleading weight loss claims. The complaint names RTC Research and Development ( LLC), alleging that the New Jersey-based company made false and unsubstantiated claims for Xenadrine EFX. These included that it was clinically proven to cause rapid and substantial weight loss, and clinically proven to be more effective than leading ephedrine-based diet products.
According to the complaint, LLC commissioned several studies of Xenadrine EFX, which showed no significant weight loss. The complaint alleges that in one of these studies, subjects taking Xenadrine EFX lost an average of 1.5 pounds over the 10 week study period, while a control group taking a placebo lost an average of 2.5 pounds over the same period.
The consent order requires the respondents to pay $100,000 to the FTC. It also prohibits them from claiming that Xenadrine EFX, or any other substantially similar product, causes rapid and substantial weight or fat loss. In addition it prohibits the claim that any slimming product causes rapid and substantial weight loss without diet or exercise.
Pros
- The formula includes Bitter Orange, an effective fat burner, and green tea extract.
Cons
- Neither the manufacturer nor Xenadrine EFX appear to have an official website.
- Xenadrine EFX is no longer available directly from the manufacturer.
- Xenadrine EFX’s inflated claims led to a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit, essentially outlawing the product.
- There are many negative testimonials.
Xenadrine EFX manufacturer’s address
Cytodyne Technologies
2231 Landmark Place
Manasquan
NJ 08736
