Caffeine is the most widely available legal psychoactive stimulant drug. Also known as theine, methyltheobromine and trimethylxanthine, this xanthine alkaloid is not only found in coffee beans, but also in guaranine that is derived from guarana, mateine derived from mate, theine which is found in various teas and the kola nut, which is the base flavor of various Cola soft drinks. It stimulates the central nervous system, where it restores alertness and wards off drowsiness. Caffeine is also know to display certain diuretic properties, is an ergogenic, an atagonist of the adenosine receptors, and a cAMP levels increasing factor. It seems that caffeine helps prevent the onset of Parkinson’s disease and in the long run lowers the possibility of developing a heart disease.

Ephedra Extract is extracted from the plant Ephedra sinica, It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of asthma and hay fever. Ephedra is used both as a stimulant and a thermogenic, which stimulates the brain, increases heart rate, increases blood pressure and expands bronchial tubes (making breathing easier). These effects are due to its ephedrine and pseudoephedrine content. Research also shows that it can be used as a precursor in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine. Ephedra extracts are also used by athletes to enhance athletic performance. It is also used in supplements for weight loss.

Hoodia Gordonii grows in Namibia and South Africa naturally. It is a leafless spiny plant useful for medicinal purposes. These flowers are pollinated by flies mainly as they smell identical to rotten meat. Hoodia is known long by indigenous population and is infrequently used for treating small infections and indigestion. This is used to suppress appetite during long hunting trips such as Kalahari Desert that interests more tourists. Hoodia Gordonii was prominent for it appetite suppressing effect and hence was collaborated with Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company to deal with obesity. However, it was stopped as it is stated to have indications of effects on liver. Hoodia Gordonii is wild harvested by individuals as well as by few companies that are granted license. However, there is no evidence of Hoodia working in humans as appetite suppressant. Due to the lack of clarity and fear of breaking down of liver, it is not recommended for obesity.

L-Tyrosine is a non essential amino acid occurring in the body. L-Tyrosine may be created from the synthesis of phenylalanine which is also an amino acid. It is one of the building blocks of proteins in the body. It is also a precursor for several neurotransmitters such as L-dopa, dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. It helps treat and prevent illness such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression and other such mood disorders. It also helps protect the body from free radical damages. It also helps protect the skin from UV rays damages on the skin by aiding in the production of melanin. It also helps in increasing the metabolic rate that speeds up muscle building and fat loss. It also increases the endurance.

Phenylethlamine HCL is a salt of phenylethylamine. It is a crystalline solid and is formed by treating phenylethylamine with HCl. Its IUPAC name is 2 phenylethylamine HCl. The scientific name elucidates its chemical structure. It is an aromatic compound meaning that it has a basic benzene ring. It further has a two carbon chain attached at position 2 of the ring and the chain terminates in an amino group. It occurs naturally in some foods like chocolates but the food item might get metabolized too quickly sometimes for it to have a significant effect on the body. This substance has quite profound effects on the level of dopamine in the central nervous system, provided it passes the blood brain barrier. It increases dopamine level and at the same time inhibits dopamine transmitters resulting in a buildup of dopamine in the brain. While excessive levels of dopamine in the CNS are not healthy, the neurotransmitter does regulate cognition, mood, voluntary movement and other brain functions.

Raspberry Ketones- Red raspberries contain a phenolic compound, which is the main aroma in red raspberries. This raspberry ketone is being used in cosmetics and perfume industries, but also as a food additive. While the use as a weight loss agent has not yet been clinically tested on human subjects, preliminary research in lab mice has shown that raspberry ketones in high doses show a norepinephrine induced lipolysis. This leads to the effect that even a diet high on fats did not result in higher body weight. This fact has immediately led to the embrace of raspberry ketones by the weight loss and body building communities, despite the fact that raspberry fruits would be much healthier, containing ellagic acid, catechins, salicylic acid, and various other polyphenols, besides large quantities of Vitamin C.

Synephrine or oxedrine is a drug derived from bitter orange or Citrus aurantium. It is an aromatic compound with the systematic name 4-[1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]phenol which indicates that it has an attached hydroxyl group at para position and a methyl amino group at another position. It is not one of those compounds on which an extensive scientific study has been done. However, it has some positional isomers such as the neosynephrine as well as other compounds. Studies indicate that it could act as a Beta-3 adrenergic receptor which means that if taken as a supplement it enhances the breakdown of fat to release energy and also increases heat production in the muscles.

Vitamin B6 is one of the most important vitamins that play an essential role in the development and keeping the immune system healthy. Vitamin B6 is water soluble that contains pyridoxal, pyridoxine, and pyridoxamine. It is needed by the body in various functions such as red blood cell metabolism and conversion of the amino acid tryptophan to the vitamin niacin. It is also important in ensuring the efficient function of the nervous and immune systems. It helps manufacture proteins and neurotransmitters, haemoglobin, and prostaglandins. It also helps balance the hormones. Vitamin B6 is known to help give relief to women suffering from menopausal symptoms, and premenstrual syndromes. It also helps reduce the incidence of breast cancer.

White Willow Bark, less commonly known as salix alba, is extracted from a plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. The great physician Hippocrates first mentioned the use of White willow extract in his writings in 5th century BC and it has been touted as a powerful supplement for several different uses ever since. It is commonly used as a pain reliever (particularly for back pain and arthritis), fever reducer, and inflammation reducer. Although aspirin was eventually invented using the same base as White willow extract, many purists and natural health enthusiasts prefer to use White willow extract, which is considered to be nature’s aspirin.