Citrus Aurantium is the Latin name for a citrus tree which grows bitter oranges. Traditionally being used by Chinese medicine and herbologists, the extract of the orange and the peel was used as a dietary supplement in concoctions with other herbs to suppress appetite. While other active ingredients of the citrus aurantium may contribute and even promote the effect, the main ingredient used in all weight loss products is synephrine, an alkaloid similar to ephedrine. It is a phenethylamine; it influences the alpha1 adrenergic receptor, constricting blood vessels, additionally increasing the heart rate and the blood pressure. In most cases the use of synephrine is paired with a diet and body building plan, where weight loss and muscle building is essential.

Coleus Forskohlii, contains forskolin, a labdane diterpene which boosts cAMP. Forskolin performs a variety of cellular functions like inhibiting release of histamine, stimulating the thyroids as well as burning fat. The plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is readily found in the mountainous terrains of Asia. Forskolin, a root extract of the plant Coleus forskohlii also has many clinical uses. It is used to treat ailments like asthma, angina, epilepsy, cardiovascular dilation to name a few. Since the plant is known to promote fat loss, it is also used in various weight loss and body building supplements. Forskolin aids weight loss by controlling the enzyme, responsible for burning fat. Moreover, by increasing the production and release of thyroid hormones, it enhances the body’s metabolism to burn more fat.

Green Tea Extract is very popular with the health conscious community, mainly because of the broad antioxidant features, which are provided by the green tea catechins. It is a very popular nutritional supplement, much more popular than regular green tea, because several green tea extract products have no caffeine. Caffeine is actually contained in larger quantities in green tea than in coffee. Besides the already mentioned catechins, further polyphenols are included in the Asian tea favorite. Green tea furthermore contains carotenoids, ascorbic acid – more commonly known as Vitamin C, Minerals and tocopherols. While there are many proven qualities of green tea extracts, some lesser researched effects have been observed, like reduction of LDL cholesterol, increasing the levels of norepinephrine, weight loss and additional antioxidant qualities.