• Promotes oxygen delivery to the cells
• Facilitates production of oxidized fat burning
• Encourages circulation and blood flow
• Promotes better sleep

Hoodia Gordonii plant originated in the southwestern part of Africa and grows best in the semi-arid areas of South Africa primarily the Kalahari. Experts believe that the Hoodia may hold the miracle solution to the current obesity epidemic. As scientists continue to research the plant to identify its active molecules, it is the entire Hoodia plant that the San people have eaten over thousands of years.

• Promotes alleviation of hunger and appetite suppression
• Promotes alertness
• Encourages circulation and blood flow

Chamomile has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It is a popular treatment for numerous ailments, including sleep disorders, anxiety, poor digestion, colic, inflammation, and wound healing. Chamomile is thought to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic powers. Some herbalists also recommend it for treatment of water retention, blood clots, muscle tension, and a depressed immune system.

• Stimulates deep sleep
• Helps to reduce anxiety
• Stimulates the immune system

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), is the active ingredient extracted from the rind of a little pumpkin-like fruit, Garcinia cambogia, from India and Southeast Asia. Dietary supplements and a wide variety of weight loss formulas, contain Garcinia extract to inhibit fat production and suppress appetite. A number of products include extracts (about 50% HCA) under the brand names Citrin (Sabinsa) and CitriMax (InterHealth) and a new one called Regulator is a 98% pure potassium HCA from a small Irish supplement company.

• Promotes weight loss
• Suppresses appetite
• Reduces blood lipids
• Increases fat oxidation/mobilization
• Promotes glycogen synthesis
• Increases energy levels

Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) is a salt formed by combining two molecules of the amino acid ornithine and one molecule of alpha-ketoglutarate. Because OKG seems to be involved in amino acid synthesis and protein availability, many athletes supplement with OKG as a way to increase muscle mass and strength – although the evidence for its effectiveness is this regard is quite limited.

• Increase muscle size and strength
• Reduce body fat
• Stimulates the immune system

5-HTP is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan (a hydroxyl group added to the 5-position). In the body, tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP, which then can be converted into serotonin (a potent neurotransmitter in the brain). Although 5-HTP is not found at any significant level in a normal diet, tryptophan is found in a wide variety of protein foods. The 5-HTP used in dietary supplements is derived from the seeds of and African plant (Griffonia simplicifolia).

• Relieves mild to moderate depression
• Relieves insomnia and promotes restful sleep
• Promotes weight loss by suppressing appetite
• Reduces overall sensation of pain (migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, general muscle pain)

Gymnema is a plant used medicinally in India and Southeast Asia for treatment of “sweet urine” or what we refer to in the West as diabetes or hyperglycemia. In ancient Indian texts, gymnema is referred to as gurmar, which means “sugar killer” in Sanskrit. Gymnema leaves, whether extracted or infused into a tea, suppress glucose absorption and reduce the sensation of sweetness in foods – effects which may deliver important health benefits for individuals who want to reduce blood sugar levels or body weight.

• Reduces blood sugar levels
• Lowers blood cholesterol levels
• Balances insulin levels
• Promotes weight loss
• Reduces sugar cravings

Valerian has been used as a medicinal anti-anxiety herb and sleep aid since the days of the Romans. The dried roots of the plant are used in teas, tinctures and in capsule/tablet forms.

•Promotes relaxation
• Induces sleep
• Anti-anxiety
• Calms nerves

Theanine is a unique amino acid found in the leaves of green tea (Camellia sinensis). Theanine is quite different from the polyphenol/ and catechin antioxidants for which green tea is typically consumed. In fact, through the natural production of polyphenols, the tea plant converts theanine into catechins. This means that tea leaves harvested during one part of the growing season may be high in catechins (good for antioxidant benefits), while leaves harvested during another time of year may be higher in theanine (good for anti-stress and cortisol-controlling effects).

• Improved mental focus
• Sounder, more restful sleep
• Better control of stress Other claims for theanine may include:
• Benefits in cancer therapy
• Reduces blood pressure

Pyruvate is a "salt" form of pyruvic acid - a 3-carbon molecule derived from the breakdown of glucose. The form of pyruvic acid found in dietary supplements is combined with various minerals such as sodium, calcium, magnesium or potassium to improve stability. In the body, glucose (6 carbons) is split into 2 pyruvic acid molecules (3 carbons each) in the end stages of cellular glycolysis. When enough oxygen is present, pyruvic acid can be converted into acetyl CoA in the mitochondrion of the cell to produce energy. Under anaerobic conditions, however, pyruvic acid becomes lactic acid, which can build up and lead to muscle fatigue.

• Enhances weight loss and reduces weight regain
• Decreases appetite
• Elevated energy levels
• Increased endurance levels
• Increases muscle glycogen
• Reduces fatigue

Passionflower, or maypop, is a common roadside vine in many areas of the United States. Several possible medical benefits make this common plant useful as a sedative, antispasmodic and mild pain reliever.

• Treats insomnia (sleep aid)
• Anti-stress
• Anti-anxiety

Banaba is a medicinal plant that grows in India, Southeast Asia and the Philippines. Traditional uses include brewing tea from the leaves as a treatment for diabetes and hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar). The hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect of banaba leaf extract is similar to that of insulin – which induces glucose transport from the blood into body cells.

• Balances blood sugar
• Promotes healthy insulin levels
• Controls appetite and food craving (especially carbohydrate cravings)
• May promote weight loss

Hydrolyzed collagen protein (HCP) is also known as gelatin. Collagen is the chief structural protein that makes up connective tissues in the body (skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments). Hydrolyzed collagen is simply a modified form of the protein that has been broken down into smaller pieces by enzymes – which makes the protein easier to incorporate into dietary products and may ease the digestion and absorption of the amino acids by the intestine. HCP is often used as a general protein source in body building products because it is relatively inexpensive. HCP has most recently been used to promote joint health, nourish cartilage and bones and help athletes recover from exercise and sports-related injuries.

• Rebuilds cartilage and bones
• Speeds injury repair
• Promotes tissue recovery following exercise
• Protects against over-use injuries (sprains, strains, tendinitis)

Magnolia bark is used as a general anti-stress and anti-anxiety agent - so its claims typically center on general benefits in controlling stress and anxiety. Newer claims are emerging, however, to link magnolia's anti-stress benefits with control of the body's primary stress hormone, cortisol, and the myriad health benefits associated with normal cortisol levels (versus elevated cortisol, which has been associated with obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, memory problems and suppressed immune function).