5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin, which gives the human brain a happy feeling. Lack of serotonin can cause depression and other serious health problems. 5-HTP is commonly used to aid in sleep and may also reduce our mental desire for sweets which will benefit individuals looking to lose weight.

Capsiate.

Guarana is a climbing plant of the Sapindaceae family native to the Amazon basin. Guarana is best known for its fruit and seeds. Guarana extracts contain naturally high amounts of caffeine which the plant uses in defense against pathogens. Its extracts are a natural and abundant source of caffeine in most parts of the world. It is added to soft drinks, herbal tea, energy shots and used in capsules. The extracts have a positive effect on cognition and they also increase memory retention and physical endurance. A 2007 study on human pilots showed its positive effects on memory, alertness and mood. It is also reported to have antioxidant and antibacterial effects.

Guggulsterone is a plant sterol found in the resin of the guggul plant, Commiphora mukul. It acts as an antagonist of the farnesoid X receptor, which was earlier believed to result in decreased cholesterol synthesis in the liver.

Hoodia Gordonii, which although popular, has no published randomized controlled trials in humans to show hoodia is safe or effective in pill form. One study published in the September 2004 issue of Brain Research found that injections of p57 (The Active ingredient in Raw, Fresh Cut Hoodia, not dried) into the appetite center of rat brains resulted in altered levels of ATP, an energy molecule that may affect hunger. The animals receiving the P57 injections also ate less than rats that received placebo injections. However, this was an animal study and INJECTIONS IN THE BRAIN are very different from oral consumption, so it cannot be used to show that oral hoodia can suppress appetite in humans. Hoodia Gordonii is a succulent (a cactus of the aloe family) found in the Kalahari desert of South Africa. Most Hoodia Gordonii products contain very little, if any of the active ingredient needed to suppress hunger. Real Hoodia is very rare and is even an endangered plant. Most importantly, Hoodia has only demonstrated any effect in fresh, raw pieces of the plant. The effectiveness of powdered Hoodia has yet to be shown and may actually increase hunger. It's main use is as a cheap alternative to the more expensive weight loss herbs, which are the only alternative left after the banning of ephedra. Most supplement manufacturers can not use the more expensive weight loss herbs because it will result in a product that would be too expensive to compete with other more popular inexpensive diet supplements.

Magnesium Stearate is coommonly used as a filling agent in the manufacture of capsules and tablets, such as vitamins, the source of this ingredient is typically bovine. However, there is an increasing number of vegetarian options in which the product specifically indicates it contains magnesium stearate from vegetable sources.

Maltodextrin is a form of glucose that is found in many foods as an additive. It is easy to digest and is almost flavorless. Maltodextrin is formed mainly from starchy products, such as corn and wheat. The starch in these foods is being used to produce maltodextrin through a process called hydrolisys. Maltodextrin is presently being used as an alternative to sugar because it has the ability to produce a sweet flavoring without as many calories. Although considered a carbohydrate, it has lower levels of properties as compared to carbohydrates, thus keeping the consumer free from worry about health issues. Maltodextrin is an effective and inexpensive way to get the required flavoring you desire in your favorite foods, without having to worry about your health.

Rhodiola can help increase resistance against fatigue and can reduce stress. Classified as adaptogens among the herbs, it prevents different harmful impacts caused by physical and mental stress and illness. Rhodiola Rosea is particularly helpful for athletes because of its adaptogenic properties and its capability to enhance efficiency of mitochondrial respiration in skeletal muscle. It also improves mental work capacity and resists mental fatigue. Research has found that it helps protect against cancer. It can also be beneficial for people who suffer from high altitude sickness. Its intake can better endurance exercise capacity in young people and may also benefit people suffering from certain kinds of glucose level and cardiac conditions. Rhodiola Rosea helps prevent ischemic brain damage development.

Thiamine, also called Vitamin B1 or Thiamin, is needed to help the body utilize energy from proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Thiamine is commonly found in breads and cereals. Thiamine is water-soluble and is concentrated in muscle tissue as it passes thru the body.

Vitamin B12 is a water-souble member of the vitamin B complex. Requirements are in the microgram range, which is lower than the milligram range of the other B vitamins. Vitamin B12 is involved in the production of red blood cells and is usually known as the anti-anemia vitamin.