Green tomato extract is a source of nicotine and “nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists”. Certain supplement marketers claim it enhances muscle growth, although there is zero science to back this up.

Also known as 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy cinnamic acid. Ferulic acid is a polyphenolic constituent of plant cell walls.  It’s abundant in whole grains, fruits and some vegetables.  It’s a potent antioxidant in-vitro, although its dietary bioavailability may be limited. Ferulic acid and its derivatives have potential therapeutic applications against diseases such as cancer and diabetes, but human clinical trials are lacking.

Ferulic acid is also used as a “cosmeceutical”, as it can help protect skin against UV-induced damage.

Ferulic acid may also be written as “trans-ferulic acid” as the trans isomer is the dominant natural form.

See L-Glycine.

See Palatinose.

Also known as 4-hydroxyandrostenedione (4-Hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione).  An irreversible, “suicide” inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme (responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens).  Originally developed as a treatment for breast cancer, formestane is now sold as a bodybuilding supplement, and used primarily for estrogen control/post-cycle therapy.

An extract made from green, unroasted coffee beans.  Green coffee bean extract is rich in chlorogenic acid, which has anti-hypertensive, vasorelaxing, antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects in humans and/or animals.  Green coffee bean extract has also been demonstrated to have fat/weight loss effects in mice, and – according to a manufacturer’s in-house study – may assist with fat loss in humans, as well.

Green coffee bean extract is currently sold as a standalone supplement, as well as an ingredient in various commercial weight loss supplement blends.

A climbing perennial vine, the flowers of which are used as a flavoring agent in beer.  Hops contains a range of flavonoids, including 8-prenylnaringenin – a potent phytoestrogen.  Hops also exhibits chemopreventive activity, as an inhibitor of CYP1A1 - a liver (Phase I) enzyme that activates chemical carcinogens.  Hops extract – in combination with valerian – has been studied as a sleep aid.  Compounds isolated from hops also possess cytotoxic, anti-aromatase and antioxidant activities in-vitro, although in-vivo research remains to be done.

Gymnema sylvestre is native to India, and its leaves are a traditional folk medicine for diabetes. Several studies in humans and animals have confirmed it can improve glucose control, possibly by inhibiting glucose uptake in the small intestine and enhancing insulin release. It may even have positive effects on lipid metabolism and has potential for use in treating diabetes and obesity.

Gymnema also seems to inhibit the ability to taste sweet or bitter (studies proving this have been performed in large part on mice and rats, however).

Hoodia is a cactus-like plant used by the San people in the Kalahari to stave off hunger, which is why it’s currently used in a number of weight loss supplements as an appetite suppressant. It’s one of those ingredients that looks great on paper, but has yet to realize its potential, thanks to poor quality control and the use of counterfeit material by unscrupulous manufacturers. 

Despite the outrageous hype and unsubstantiated claims. Hoodia does show some promise. Scientists have isolated the molecule apparently responsible for Hoodia’s appetite suppressing characteristics. This molecule, called P57, is now under development by a company called Phytopharm, which recently reported plans to seek GRAS status with the FDA in late 2009.

See Paul’s “Hoodia Appetite Suppressant” review for more information

A synthetic derivative of the isoflavone daidzein. Ipriflavone was marketed as a non-estrogenic alternative treatment to counter post-menopausal bone loss and osteoporosis, on the strength of in-vitro and animal studies.  Controlled studies in humans, however, have had conflicting results. The safety of ipriflavone has also been questioned.

It’s also been claimed that ipriflavone and/or certain derivatives (such as 5-methyl-7-hydroxyisoflavone) can enhance muscle growth, but definitive proof is lacking.

Ipriflavone may also be known by a chemical name, 7-isopropoxyisoflavone.