The popular name for a small Brazilian tree, Cordia salicifolia.  In Brazil, the fruit is used as a coffee substitute as well as an herbal medicine.  It’s also marketed as an appetite suppressant, although this property has not been verified by any controlled studies.

Chá de Bugre extracts are being marketed for use in weight loss supplements. It’s being touted as an alternative to ephedra/ephedrine for losing fat and reducing cellulite, although there is zero proof it works.

See Paul’s review: “Brazilian Slim, Chá de Bugre, BugreLife, Jungle Burn: Brazilian Weight Loss?” for more information.

Also known as Country Mallow and “Bala”. Sida cordifolia is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments.  In-vitro and animal studies have shown it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.  In the West, it’s best known as an alternate source of ephedrine alkaloids.

See Ephedra.

An herb used in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for respiratory illnesses (asthma, colds) and hay fever.  Known as “Ma Huang,” ephedra was once a common ingredient in over-the-counter “natural” weight loss supplements, as it’s a source of ephedrine, a sympathomimetic amine.

It is currently illegal to sell ephedra and/or ephedrine alkaloids as dietary supplements.

A plant alkaloid classified as a “sympathomimetic amine” – which are compounds that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.  Ephedrine is used medicinally as a decongestant; it also acts as a stimulant and – in combination with caffeine – can assist with weight/fat loss.

Ephedrine – along with its isomers – are found in several medicinal plants.  Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang) was the principal form found in many over-the-counter diet supplements, although it is now banned for that purpose.  Sida cordifolia is another common source.

Although ephedrine is still a legal, over-the-counter medication, sales are restricted due to the fact that it can be used to “cook” methamphetamine, an addictive, illegal stimulant drug.

See Paul’s review, “Ephedrine / Ephedra: Potent Fat Burner, Or Dangerous Drug?” for more information.

An analog of the amino acid l-cysteine.  NAC is a drug used to a) help dissolve mucus and treat inflammation in respiratory conditions; b) protect against radiocontrast-induced nephropathy; and c) to treat acetaminophen toxicity.  It’s also taken as an oral supplement, as it’s a precursor to glutathione, a potent endogenous antioxidant.  NAC may also have neuroprotective effects in brain injury and exposure to chemotherapeutic drugs.

A non-essential amino acid synthesized in the body from l-serine and l-methionine.  Cysteine is one of the two “sulfur-containing” amino acids found in proteins, and a precursor to the endogenous antioxidant, glutathione.  Cysteine is also an important source of sulfide in human metabolism.

Anecdotally, supplemental cysteine has gained a reputation as a hangover “cure”, as it contributes to the metabolism of acetaldehyde – the toxic ethanol metabolite responsible for those unpleasant, “morning after” symptoms.

See L-Aspartate.

Also known as aspartic acid.  L-aspartate is a non-essential amino acid used in the formation of proteins, as well as several other important biochemical reactions, such as the urea cycle and malate-aspartate shuttle.  No specific need for aspartate supplements per se has been identified, although it may be used as a chelating agent for the delivery of certain supplemental minerals (such as zinc or magnesium).

A non-essential amino acid.  Asparagine is the focus of a food processing problem, as it’s a precursor to acrylamide – a potentially carcinogenic compound found in high-heat processed foods such as french fries and potato chips.  Although important to protein synthesis and structure, no role for supplemental asparagine has been identified.