Lipodrene SR Fat Burner Review: Does Lipodrene Work?

Manufactured by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, Lipodrene SR supposedly represents "a culmination of over a decade of research and development." I very highly doubt that, but that's neither here nor there, so let's continue...

So what's in Lipodrene?

Well, there's green tea, a solid, "no-brainer" supplement with some decent research validating its effects on both metabolism and overall health (a full review of green tea is available here).

Hoodia gordonii also finds its way into Lipodrene, although its effectiveness is largely disputed at this time. That, and there's a serious issue with obtaining a constant supply of this relatively rare, protected cactus (a full review of hoodia gordonii is available here).

Lipodrene also contains...

1) Coryphantha macromeris extract: coryphantha macromeris is also a cactus, and although I did not find any double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized, peer reviewed studies verifying its effectiveness as a fat burner, it is a known stimulant. Perhaps even more interesting is that it is also a mild hallucinogenic. Check out this extract from PubMed for more information!)

2) Phenylethylamine: found in chocolate, phenylethylamine is responsible for that "chocolate high" some people experience -- that sudden uplifting in mood and well-being. Phenylethylamine occurs naturally in the brain, and helps regulate feelings of attraction, excitement, giddiness, apprehension and euphoria. Structurally, phenylethylamine is very similar to amphetamine, and some individuals may even exhibit similar effects. If you're interested in investigating this end of phenylethylamine, here's a good place to start...

http://www.chocolate.org/pea.html

A stimulant as well, it is possible that phenylethylamine could elevate the metabolism and perhaps even increase satiety (fullness). Unfortunately, there does not seem to be any solid evidence indicating this is the case at this time. In this compilation therefore, its biggest value may not be fat burning per se, but its effect on mood... something that often takes hit during periods of dieting.

While the bulk of compilation is comprised of the first 4 ingredients, there's also a 275 mg proprietary blend containing...

i) Citrus aurantium (standardized for synephrine): a chemical cousin to ephedra, it is theorized that this compound may stimulate the metabolism and encourage weight loss. Unfortunately, there really isn't much evidence to indicate this is the case. Check this extract about Citrus Aurantium from this PubMed abstract...

"An extensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, and the Cochrane Collaboration Database identified only 1 eligible randomized placebo controlled trial, which followed 20 patients for 6 weeks, demonstrated no statistically significant benefit for weight loss, and provided limited information about the safety of the herb."

ii) Yohimbe: The standardized extract of the bark of the African Yohimbe tree, this compound is often used as a natural aphrodisiac. It is also sold as a drug (in the U.S., a popular brand is Yohimex containing 5.4 milligram of yohimbine hydrochloride per tablet) and is used to treat impotency, dilate the pupil of the eye, and stimulate fat loss. Because it can cause unpredictable effects on blood pressure, Yohimbe should be approached with caution.

According to SupplementWatch.com there's also the issue that the vast majority of commercial yohimbe products are largely devoid of effective levels of the compound. While a few studies bear out Yohimbe's positive effect on impotence, data proving its worth as a fat burner is sketchy indeed.

iii) Naringen: isolated from grapefruit, naringen helps extend and increase the effects of certain compounds, including caffeine. It also displays cholesterol lowering effects. A full review of naringen can be found here.

iv) Commiphora mukul (also known as guggul): the standardized extract of a resin of a tree native to India. This resin has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. A study published in The Journal of Associations of Physicians in India in 1989 showed this substance to have a powerful effect in decreasing blood fats (called triglycerides) AND LDL cholesterol (that's the "bad" cholesterol), while elevating levels levels of the good cholesterol "HDL."

Additionally, guggulsterones may stimulate the thyroid gland, resulting in a positive effect upon the body's main thyroid hormones, T3 and T4.

v) Coleus forskohlii: May have a positive effect on Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). camp is a "cellular regulator." In other words, this compound camp is required to "spark" many intercellular processes. An increased concentration of camp can have such "total-body" effects such as raised thyroid hormone levels and increased fat burning.

vi) 5-hydroxytryptophan: 5-HTP is often used to treat mild depression on the premise that as a precursor to serotonin (a chemical neurotransmitter found in the brain). High doses may indeed reduce appetite... but I doubt you'll find that much 5-HTP in Lipodrene.

... plus a few other choice ingredients. The only problem is that with only 275 mg in this blend, it's unlikely these ingredients provide little more than window dressing.

What interests me most about the Lipodrene SR formulation is its potential for positively effecting your mood. I'd love to hear and your feedback on this product, if you've used it...

Have you used Lipodrene SR?
Tell me what you think!

Want to learn more about fat burners? Industry professional Will Brink reviews dozens of top weight loss products in his superb "Fat Loss Revealed" Click here to read my review! Click here to visit the Fat Loss Revealed web site!

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