Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate is an excellent body building supplement that helps in reducing body fat and in building up the immune system. It assists the metabolism of nitric oxides and increases the blood flow and oxygen to various parts of the body and carries nutrients to the skeletal muscles. As a result, the performance and physique of an individual are improved without excessive dieting or using drugs. Many athletes use it to improve their strength and muscle mass. It increases the secretion of insulin and growth hormones and is known to improve the growth rate in children. It is effective in treating people with burns, wounds and those recovering from a surgery. Patients suffering from trauma and malnutrition have been known to benefit from it.

Caffeine, is a naturally produced medicine from the seeds and leaves of many plants. It is also produced unnaturally to add to certain foods. Caffeine is termed as a medicine because it arouses the central nervous system, causing enhanced alertness. Caffeine gives most people a short-term energy boost and bump up mood. Caffeine is present in tea, many soft drinks, coffee, chocolate, and pain relievers and other over-the-counter medicines. Caffeine tastes very bitter in its natural form. However, most caffeinated drinks undergo processing to cover-up the bitter taste. You may feel caffeine’s effects for up to 6 hours though it is not stored in the body.

Cinnamon, which is an aromatic bark used as a spice

Creatine Ethyl Ester, commonly abbreviated to CEE, is a nutritional supplement that is deemed to aid athletes, body builders in particular, with development of muscle tissues and in improving the overall athletic performance. It is a form of creatine that is immediately formed back to regular creatine in the human body. The ethyl ester variant has proven to have a faster absorption rate as well as a longer durability within the human body, the so called half life, when compared with the regular creatine monohydrate. Due to recent disputes in the efficacy of CEE, other forms of creatine supplements have been preferred, such as Di-Creatine Malate and Tri-Creatine Malate. Creatine is in every case the compound supplemented, which is proven to boost the lean muscle mass and improve muscle strength as well as the athletic performance.

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.

L-Glutamine is an amino acid that occurs most abundantly in the body by being released from muscles under stress. Aside from increasing the immune system’s efficiency to fight diseases, it also takes care of the normal functioning of the brain and the digestive system through the removal of excess ammonia in the body. A number of factors, such as stress, infections, injuries and surgery affect the levels of glutamine in the system, showing that the healing process is under way. Glutamine supplements may be used by regular exercisers to help in the recovery of muscular fitness after a workout. Glutamine, however, is known to be linked with infections of the intestine and users are advised to seek advice from professionals before ingesting this amino acid.

Synephrine or oxedrine is a drug derived from bitter orange or Citrus aurantium. It is an aromatic compound with the systematic name 4-[1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]phenol which indicates that it has an attached hydroxyl group at para position and a methyl amino group at another position. It is not one of those compounds on which an extensive scientific study has been done. However, it has some positional isomers such as the neosynephrine as well as other compounds. Studies indicate that it could act as a Beta-3 adrenergic receptor which means that if taken as a supplement it enhances the breakdown of fat to release energy and also increases heat production in the muscles.

Tribulus Terrestris, commonly known as Puncture Vine, has been frequently used in India and China for its medicinal properties. The plant is used mainly in overcoming problems with infertility, erectile dysfunction and to improve libido. In recent times, however, it is being used by athletes to enhance performance. Research carried out on samples suggests that the levels of testosterone and estrogen are increased by its use. The fruit of the plant has also been used as a diuretic and a urinary antiseptic. Other than this, it is also used to treat headaches and problems of the eyes, such as conjunctivitis and weak eyesight. It has been used traditionally to treat people with gout problems. The use of Tribulus Terrestris has shown no adverse side effects.

Yohimbe- Basically a tree bark, Yohimbe is rich in pharmacologically active chemicals. It is commonly found in products developed for body building and enhancing male performance. The use of Yohimbe causes serious side effects too that include renal failure, seizures and in very rare cases, even death. Individuals suffering from low blood pressure, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, and diabetes should refrain from using any kind of Yohimbe supplements. Taking larger doses of Yohimbe can cause weakness, stomach disorders, fatigue, and nervous stimulation followed by paralysis. It is therefore important to avoid self-medication. Sometimes, side effects may arise even if small amounts of this supplement are taken, especially for prolonged periods. If you are already taking drugs for treating some health condition, it is best to avoid this supplement.