Caffeine may be the most popular legal addictive stimulant that is available to mankind. Besides coffee, tea, guarana and kola nut have excess amount of this xanthine alkaloid, which is actually acting as a psychoactive drug. In several plants, caffeine is an effective insect repellant, but this trimethylxanthine is deemed by the Food and Drug Administration as generally safe food substance. It is an antagonist of adenosine receptors. The effect of caffeine is individual and may more or less increase the ability to perform physical and mental labor. It reduces the effects of fatigue and may in long term help predominantly men reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. It has also been observed that caffeine has nootropic effects, furthermore, regular consumption of caffeine may significantly reduce the risk of heart diseases.

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.

DL-Phenylalanine works with body’s natural ability to ease pain. It assists in increasing the lifespan of brain chemicals that relieves pain. It is particularly effective in reducing pain caused by arthritis and aching muscles. DL-phenylalanine can treat persistent pain by stimulating nerve pathways in the brain responsible for controlling pain. Its effect increases if used with prescribed pain killers. DL-Phenylalanine, which is a combination of essential amino acid L-phenylalanine and D-phenylalanine, blocks an enzyme in the nervous system that enhances pain signals. This disturbance of pain signals causes the body’s healing mechanisms to start working faster. Use of DL-phenylalanine is also reported to have helped people in improving their mood and in treating depression. This is because a higher proportion of production of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, if went out of balance, cause depression, stress and frustration. Increasing the levels of these chemicals has an anti-depressant impact in the body.

Evodiamine, an alkaloid extract from the Evodiae Fructus plant is known as Evodiamine. It has been referred to as a “hot nature” herb in Chinese literature and medicine. Based on animal studies, Evodiamine increases the natural fat burning rate and stimulates vanilloids for reduction of fat intake. It increases body temperature, influences the adrenal glands to secrete catecholamines and also affects the metabolism of certain drugs. Since it acts like a thermogenic and increases the overall temperature, more fat and calories are burnt due to its intake. This alkaloidal compound has anti obesity effects due to UCP1 (uncoupling protein 1) thermogenesis. In part, evodiamine can prevent diet induced obesity from developing further. It is available in the form of supplement or through Evodiae Fructus plant.

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 contains natural nutrients and antioxidants. It contains 11 polyphenol, which are a group of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are effective antioxidants and are thought to show anti-cancer effects in mammal by making strong natural defenses of an organism and protecting it against cellular destruction. Yerba Matte leaves also have saponins, which are phytochemicals that help induce the immune system and assist the body in protection against ailment. They have important anti-inflammatory properties. Yerba Matte can also prevent oral cancer. Research has shown it contains 90 percent more nutrients, which boost metabolism, than green tea. Some of the vital antioxidant enzymes in the body are also stimulated by Yerba Matte.

Yohimbe is a tree that grows in different parts of Western Africa. Active compounds called alkolids are present in its bark with Yohimbine being the principal alkaloid. Yohimbe bark extracts are available in health food outlets. You can also buy it online. These extracts are promoted as a product that increases sex drive and for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, there is proof of their effectiveness. Most studies are concerned with the drug Yohimbine and not herbal extract Yohimbe. The side effects of Yohimbe include anxiety and dangerous increase in blood pressure.