Supplement Reviews
Synephrine
What it is: Synephrine is an herb that's extracted from the fruit of the citrus aurantium tree. Synephrine is a popular ingredient in many thermogenic (fat burner) products and marketed as a safer alternative to ephedra.
What it does: Synephrine is purported to increase thermogenesis-the body's internal production of heat-by promoting the release of catecholemines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) which stimulate the fat burning process. Due to its chemical structure, synephrine is claimed to have a reduced effect on the central nervous system compared with other thermogenic herbs.
Verdict: Research is scant as to the benefits of synephrine on fat loss in humans. To date, studies investigating the effects of synephrine on fat loss are limited to formulas that contain other potential fat-burning compounds such as caffeine, yohimbe, etc. This makes it next to impossible to determine whether synephrine is responsible for any thermogenic effects. The fat-burning benefits of synpephrine is generally attributed to its role as a beta agonist. One of the functions of beta receptors is to facilitate fat breakdown. However, the effects of synephrine are specific to beta-3 receptors, which have been shown to possess limited function in humans (as opposed to beta-2 receptors, which have powerful lipolytic effects). Moreover, synephrine also functions as an alpha adrenergic agonist. Alpha receptors effectively inhibit the breakdown of fat stores, which would conceivably counteract any thermogenic benefits. While synephrine does reduce many of the cardiovascular side effects associated with thermogenics, it has the potential to increase blood pressure and there have been reports of serious complications associated with its use.
DISCLAIMER: The preceding review is meant for educational purposes only and should not be taken as advice on whether or not to use a particular product. Always consult your physician before taking any supplement.
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