See D-Phenylalanine.

The “D” isomer of L-phenylalanine, an essential amino acid.  D-phenylalanine has been used as an alternative treatment for pain relief, on the strength of its alleged ability to inhibit enkephalin breakdown. The supporting studies have been described as “weak and contradictory,” however, with negative results in humans and primates.  It’s also claimed that d-phenylalanine increases brain phenethylamine concentration, but this is disputed by other research.

May be included in supplements as a part of “DLPA”, or DL-phenylalanine, which is a 50-50 mixture (i.e., a “racemic” mixture) of the 2 isomers.

CLA represents a family of linoleic acid isomers containing conjugated* double bonds. The two primary isomers in commercial supplements are c9, t11-CLA and t10, c12-CLA.**

Supplemental CLA has a range of potential health effects – both positive and negative.  CLA has antioxidant and anti-cancer activity, and may be beneficial for fat loss.  It may also increase inflammation and insulin resistance.  The type of effects seen may be isomer-specific: the t10, c12 isomer appears to be responsible for both the effects on insulin resistance AND body fat losses.

Nonetheless, CLA supplementation appears to be relatively safe for human consumption in typical, supplemental amounts.  A recent meta-analysis concluded that a dose of 3.2 g/day “…produces a modest loss of body fat in humans.”

See Paul’s “CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) Review” for more information.

*this refers to a pair of double bonds separated by a single bond.
** c = “cis” and t = “trans” – terms which refer to the orientation of the functional groups attached to the double bonded carbon atoms.

See Chá de Bugre.

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.

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.

See L-Aspartate.

See: Phenethylamine (PEA).

Chitosan is a material derived from shellfish exoskeletons with industrial, biomedical and agricultural applications.  It’s also used as a “fat-binding” agent in diet supplements, but studies have shown that it has little effect.

There is limited animal and human research that suggests a combination of chitosan and Vitamin C enhances excretion of dietary fat, but this combination has not been tested for weight loss.