Chromium Picolinate is a combination of chromium and picolinate acid. Combined with exercise, it is commonly used to lose weight through reducing appetite, increasing metabolism rate and melting fats. This, however, has not been proved clinically. It is also believed to increase energy, life span, prevent acne and improve a person’s mood. Being considered a natural alternative to steroids, it is recommended to athletes. Chromium is found in fish, poultry, whole-grains, cheese and meat. It helps in the proper working of cells by improving the efficiency of insulin. Picolinate acid helps in the proper absorption of chromium. A combination of chromium picolinate and other supplements may be risky, hence professional advice should be sought before using it. Pregnant or nursing women should also be careful.

Citrus Aurantium is the Latin name for a citrus tree which grows bitter oranges. Traditionally being used by Chinese medicine and herbologists, the extract of the orange and the peel was used as a dietary supplement in concoctions with other herbs to suppress appetite. While other active ingredients of the citrus aurantium may contribute and even promote the effect, the main ingredient used in all weight loss products is synephrine, an alkaloid similar to ephedrine. It is a phenethylamine; it influences the alpha1 adrenergic receptor, constricting blood vessels, additionally increasing the heart rate and the blood pressure. In most cases the use of synephrine is paired with a diet and body building plan, where weight loss and muscle building is essential.

Cocoa Seed Extract is the extract of the seeds of Theobroma cacao. It is cultivated for its seeds which are present in its pod shaped fruits. The extracts from its seeds have a number of health benefits. They are also used to make chocolate. Studies show that Cocoa extracts contain a high level of flavonoids, specifically epicatechin, which may have beneficial cardiovascular effects on health. The ingestion of flavonol-rich cocoa is associated with acute elevation of circulating nitric oxide, enhanced flow-mediated vasodilatation, and augmented microcirculation. Researchers also found that consumption of Cocoa can reduce risk of cancer and can reduce elevated blood pressure.

Glucomannan, a water soluble dietary fiber that comes from the konjac root (Amorphophallus konjac). Glucomannan is a laxative used to create larger, bulkier stool.

Glucosamine is derived from chitin found in shells of crabs, shrimp, and oysters. There is sufficient scientific evidence to prove that glucosamine sulfate is both safe and effective for treating mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Research also indicates analgesic and disease-modifying effects of glucosamine sulfate. However, this does not imply that side effects of glucosamine sulfate do not exist. Short term use of glucosamine sulfate may lead to minor side effects such as insomnia, headache, drowsiness, heartburn, constipation, vomiting, and diarrhea and in rare cases, increase in blood pressure and heart rate and palpitations. People with bleeding disorders should not take glucosamine supplements without consulting their physician. These supplements should also be avoided by those allergic to shellfish, which happens to be the primary source of glucosamine.

Green Tea Extract- For thousands of years, Green Tea has been used for the purpose of medicine in countries such as China and India. The leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant are allowed to dry after being lightly steamed. The leaves are steamed as the properties of the plant are retained through this procedure. The extract has a number of varying health benefits, inclusive of properties that assist the body in fighting cancer and body protecting antioxidant effects. Green tea also offers protection against digestive and respiratory infections. It reduces health affecting LDL cholesterol, increases the levels of HDL cholesterol that is good for the body. Along with keeping control of the content of blood sugar in the body, it also helps burn fat in the body by boosting the metabolic rates.

Hoodia Gordonii grows in Namibia and South Africa naturally. It is a leafless spiny plant useful for medicinal purposes. These flowers are pollinated by flies mainly as they smell identical to rotten meat. Hoodia is known long by indigenous population and is infrequently used for treating small infections and indigestion. This is used to suppress appetite during long hunting trips such as Kalahari Desert that interests more tourists. Hoodia Gordonii was prominent for it appetite suppressing effect and hence was collaborated with Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company to deal with obesity. However, it was stopped as it is stated to have indications of effects on liver. Hoodia Gordonii is wild harvested by individuals as well as by few companies that are granted license. However, there is no evidence of Hoodia working in humans as appetite suppressant. Due to the lack of clarity and fear of breaking down of liver, it is not recommended for obesity.

Vanadium is a chemical element that not much is known about but is being used as a dietary supplement and increasing insulin sensitivity.