Caffeine- The bitter, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid caffeine is found in tea, coffee, soft drinks, chocolates, pain relievers, and a variety of over the counter medications. It is a psychoactive stimulant drug that causes increased alertness by stimulating the central nervous system. For the same reason, many people feel more energetic after consuming it. It even elevates the mood but these effects do not last for long. The effects of caffeine usually last for about five to six hours, though caffeine sensitivity varies from person to person. It has been found that people who consume lot of caffeine on a daily basis soon develop less sensitivity and may need to increase their intake to enjoy the same effect. Being a diuretic, a person consuming caffeine may have to urinate more often.

DL-Phenylalanine, an amino acid that acts as a natural pain reliever, is a 50/50 combination of the D- and L- forms of phenylalanine. It relieves pain by blocking the enzymes that interrupt endorphins and enkephlins from naturally lessening pain in the body. Endorphins can be more powerful than the drug morphine and are released by small cells in the brain, nervous system, spine and nerve endings. DL-phenylalanine also weakens the appetite and is considered a stimulant of mild strength. The human body does not naturally produce phenylalanine so it has to be obtained from eating food. It is converted by the body into tyrosine, which is also an amino acid that makes proteins, and brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine and thyroid hormones. Used in high quantities it can be toxic and should not be used at all by those who have schizophrenia as it can cause confusion, lethargy, depression, decreases in memory and alertness, anxiety and jitteriness. It is detrimental to children with hyperactivity and diagnosed ADHD. It is advised that they avoid such products as aspartame, which is made from phenylalanine.

DL-Phenylalanine is a a-amino acid. The biological functions of D-amino acids remain unclear although some, such as DL-phenylalanine shows some pharmacological activity. It is sold as a nutritional supplement because of its analgesic and antidepressant activities. This analgesic activity can be explained by the possible blockage by D-phenylalanine of enkephalin and degradation by the enzyme carboxypeptidase A , and the mechanism of antidepressant activity may be accounted for by the precursor role of L-phenylalanine in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine. High levels of norepinephrine and dopamine are believed to have an anti-depressant effect.

Evodiamine, a bioactive alkaloid extract from the Evodiae Fructus plant, sometimes called Wu-Chu-Yu. Evodiamine is related to capsaicin, found in cayenne pepper. Evodiamine is a vanilloid receptor agonist, and may enhance lipolytic activity. Evodiamine has been shown to raise the body’s skin temperature and decrease core temperature, which is thought to burn calories and fat for energy.

Guarana Extract is the extract of the guarana plant. It contains a significant amount of guaranine, a substance that is similar to caffeine found in coffee beans. It helps stimulate the adrenal glands and increase the production and release of hormones such as epinephrine, norepinephrine (adrenaline), and dopamine. This helps the metabolism of the body that enhances fat loss, and increases energy and endurance. It helps the body burn the fats to be used for energy. It aids in fighting stress, weakness and fatigue. As a stimulant, it also improves mental alertness, clarity, focus, concentration, and memory retention. Guarana also also improves the libido or sex drive in both men and women. Guarana also contains tannins that help prevent diarrhea and soothes the digestive system.

Yerba Matte is potent and refers to a drink that is brewed with dried leaves. It belongs to the holly family that is an evergreen member. This grows in Peru, Argentina, Brazil and Chile. This is as well found in plenty in Paraguay. The Yerba Mate plant is considered as stimulant, aromatic, astringent, bitter, purgative, diuretic and good for inducing sweat and reducing fever. Yerba mate contains many minerals and vitamins. The Yerba Mate leaf has nutrition and antioxidants in plenty and hence North Americans prepare strong tea using this leaf. Yerba mate powder is used to boost immunity and to detoxify blood, restore hair color, combat fatigue, tone nervous system, stimulate mind, control appetite, retard aging, reduce stress and as well eliminate insomnia. The tea is preferred with sugar or some people add mint and few replace the water with milk. The extraction can be done repetitively so that the properties stay beneficial.

Yohimbe is an evergreen tree which grows in Africa. Traditionally yohimbe is used as an aphrodisiac but it also acts as a powerful antioxidant. It’s usually taken in the form of tea or capsules or tablets. It is also used for impotence, depression, sexual problems in both men and women, in high blood pressure, low blood pressure and for chest pains. Yohimbe bark is also used to treat fever, cough and leprosy. It is also used as an anesthetic to dilate pupil, to prevent heart disease and as a hallucinogen. Yohimbe also helps in weight loss as it contains nor-epinephrine which increases metabolism. Yohimbine an active ingredient taken from bark of yohimbe is used in drugs to treat various disorders.