See Cnidium monnieri.

A patented, pH-buffered form of creatine monohydrate that proponents claim is more stable and effective than the unmodified form.  These claims have not been proven in any published, peer-reviewed study.

See the “Kre-Alkalyn Buffered Creatine: Better Than Regular Creatine Monohydrate?” review for more information.

This is the common name for Pueraria lobata. Kudzu is a vine that’s an invasive plant pest. Just like soy, it contains the isoflavones daidzein, daidzin, and genistein, which have antioxidant and weak estrogenic activities.

See Banaba.

The botanical name for the olive tree (and/or its fruit).  When used in supplements, this typically refers to olive leaf extract.  Olive leaf extract has antibiotic, anti-hypertensive, and antioxidant activities, although not all of these effects have been demonstrated in human subjects.

Tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein are some of the bioactive compounds identified in olive leaf, and commercial extracts are often standardized for one of these compounds.

An essential amino acid and precursor to serotonin (neurotransmitter), melatonin (hormone) and niacin (vitamin). High protein foods such as poultry (especially turkey), soy, eggs and fish are good sources of tryptophan.  Tryptophan supplements are used to promote relaxation and sleep, although this has yet to be validated by the appropriate clinical studies.

See Hordenine.

Also known as Velvet Bean.  Mucuna pruriens is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac and treatment for nervous disorders.  Velvet bean is used as an alternative treatment in Parkinson’s Disease, as it’s high in l-dopa, the precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Mucuna pruriens allegedly increases growth hormone output, although this claim (which appears in a patent) needs to be substantiated.

An amino acid found in tea with relaxant and neuroprotective effects. L-theanine is used in various fat loss supplements, primarily for its effects on mood/cognition (both alone, and synergistically with caffeine), although there is some (very) preliminary evidence that it also may have anti-obesity effects.

For more information, see the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center article, “L-Theanine.”

A biogenic amine and constituent of Citrus aurantium (bitter orange). Octopamine is promoted as a fat loss agent, although there is only limited animal (and NO human) data to support this.  Any effects on fat loss are likely to be weak, as its oral bioavailability is low.

See David Tolson’s article, “Octopamine Science” for more information.