SciFit Thermogen
II with ephedrine. For a limited time you can get the fat burning power of
ephedrine along with yohimbine, guarana, willow bark, caffeine, cayenne and
ginger root.
Ephedra contains seven alkaloids with the principle ones being
Ephedrine. Ephedra performs its action by stimulating the beta-receptors, which
can control heart rate and basal metabolic rate. (1)
When you perform
cardiovascular exercise your body produces catecholeamines such as
norepinephrine or epinephrine. These catecholamines bind to the beta-receptors
and turn on lipolysis or fat burning. So in a sense by supplementing with
Ephedra you are mimicking the body response to cardiovascular exercise by
stimulating the same receptors that turn on fat burning.
Now don't get all
excited and think you can stop following your diet exercise plan. Ephedra
doesn't produce any effects in the presence of a hyper-caloric diet (high
calorie) and only minimal effects without exercise. When the suitable individual
following an exercise and diet program utilizes Ephedra in the appropriate dose
it can produce extremely positive results.
Ephedra's main benefits are fat loss,
muscle sparing, and appetite regulation. It has
been found that when Ephedra is combined with Caffeine that the above results
are enhanced. This is why many supplement companies have combined these two
ingredients. This leads me to the next ingredient caffeine.
How does Caffeine/Guarana contribute to thermogenesis?
The Caffeine/Guarana
works synergistically with the ephedrine /
norephedrine to boost the catecholamine response and also blunt
the enzyme phosphodiesterase. Caffeine has the ability to free up fatty acids to
be used as fuel and can act as an inhibitor of an enzyme that turns off fat
burning. (4)
When Caffeine is combined with Ephedra the thermogenic results are
enhanced and prolonged. The body has what's called a negative feedback mechanism
or natural safety defense. This mechanism tells the body to stop burning fat by
producing specific enzymes (phosphodiesterase) which disrupt the fat burning
process. The body tends to prefer to be in homeostasis or balance. The weight
loss is perceived as an imbalance that the body attempts to correct. Caffeine is
usually in the range of 90 to 150 mg.
Yohimbe - The herbal spot reducer?
Yohimbe is an herb that is derived from Yohimba tree bark and
contains a number of alkaloids with the principle one being Yohimbine. Yohimbe
has been touted as a supplement for men only. This is probably one of the
biggest misconceptions in the supplement industry.
Yohimbe is an
alpha-2-antagonist, which means it blocks the alpha-2-receptor. (10)
This refers to the
alpha-receptors, which are primarily found in the lower body and can regulate
the amount fat released from these areas.
Women due to
their hormonal make up usually have somewhat high estrogen levels which tend to
make the skin look smooth by increasing activity of the enzyme responsible or
lipogenesis or fat storage and increase alpha receptor activity and number.
These alpha-receptors are found in greater number in the lower body hence the
name gynoid or women like (lower body) fat distribution.
The use of Yohimbe with
thermogenic supplements may have the ability to block the alpha-receptor and
thus cause a release of fat from these lower body areas which would be initiated
by the thermogenic agents. (11)
White willow bark provides the body with an aspirin analog which can inhibit
prostaglandin formation. Prostaglandins can shut down the fat burning process.
Cayenne powder may have the ability to increase
metabolic rate, which adds to the overall breakdown of fatty acids for fuel.
Ginger may
increase absorption and is gentle on your stomach
|
Supplement
Facts
Serving Size: 2
tablets
|
| Ingredient |
Per
Serving
|
Yohimbe
Bark
(10 mg yohimbine hcl) |
500
mg |
MaHuang
Extract
(10 mg ephedrine alkaloids) |
125
mg |
Guarana
(33 mg caffeine) |
150
mg |
| Willow
Bark |
100
mg |
| Caffeine |
100
mg |
| Cayenne |
100
mg |
| Ginger
Root |
100
mg |
Suggested
Use: 2 tablets daily with food.
WARNING:
Not for use by individuals under the age of 18. Do not use if pregnant or
nursing. Consult a physician or licensed qualified health care professional
before using this product if you have, or have a family history of, heart
disease, angina, thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, recurrent
headaches, bleeding disorder, depression or other psychiatric condition,
glaucoma, difficulty in urinating, prostate enlargement, or seizure disorder, if
you are using a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or any other dietary
supplement, prescription drug or over-the-counter drug containing ephedrine,
pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine (ingredients found in certain
decongestants, allergy, asthma, cough/cold and weight control products). The
maximum recommended serving of ephedrine for a healthy adult is 100 mg in a
24-hour period for not more than 12 weeks. Side effects may include insomnia,
nervousness, or hand-tremor. Discontinue use and call a physician or licensed
qualified health care professional immediately if you experience rapid
heartbeat, dizziness, severe headache, shortness of breath or other similar
symptoms. Individuals who consume caffeine, or other stimulants, with this
product may experience serious adverse health effects. Keep out of the reach of
children. Do not use with alcohol. Do not use if you have a history of drug
abuse. Do not fast when taking this product.
REFERENCES
1.Liu, YL. Et al. 1995. "Contribution of beta
3-adrenoceptor activation to ephedrine induced thermogenesis humans" Int J
Obes Relat Disord. Sep;19(9):p. 678-685.
4. Hull, KM, Et al. Effects of L-tyrosine on mixed-acting sympathomimetic-induced
pressor actions. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1992 Dec;43(4):1047-52 5. Lehnert, H.
Et al 1993. Amino acid control of neurotransmitter synthesis and release:
physiological and clinical implications" Psychother Psychosom.60(1):p.
18-32.
10. Hamano, Y. Et al. Involvement of lipoic acid in plasma metabolites, hepatic
oxygen consumption, and metabolic response to a beta-agonist in broiler
chickens. Br J Nutr. 1999 Dec;82(6):497-503.
11. Monograph: Alpha-Lipoic Acid. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Aug;3(4):308-11