Citrus
Aurantium (Advantra Z) Another Miracle Fat Burner?
by Scott Fallon
| Description |
Synephrine
is the main "active" compound found in the fruit
of a plant called Citrus aurantium, commonly known as Advantra
Z. The fruit is also known as zhi shi (in traditional Chinese
medicine), and as green orange, sour orange and bitter orange
in other parts of the world. Synephrine is chemically very
similar to the ephedrine and pseudo-ephedrine found in many
OTC cold/allergy medications and in a number of weight loss
and energy supplements which contain Ma Huang. |
| Claims
|
Increases
metabolic rate
Increases caloric expenditure
Fat burner
Promotes weight loss
Increases energy levels |
 |
| Theory |
Because
synephrine is a stimulant, similar to caffeine and ephedrine,
it is thought to have similar effects in terms of providing
an energy boost, suppressing appetite and increasing metabolic
rate and caloric expenditure. In traditional Chinese medicine
(TCM), zhi shi is used to help stimulate the Qi (energy
force). Although synephrine and several other compounds
found in zhi shi are structurally similar to ephedrine and
are known to act as stimulants (via adrenergic activity),
zhi shi does not appear to have the same negative central
nervous effects of ma huang (ephedra). Through its stimulation
of specific adrenergic receptors (beta-3, but not beta-1,
beta-2 or alpha-1), zhi shi is theorized to stimulate fat
metabolism without the negative cardiovascular side effects
experienced by some people with Ma Huang (which stimulates
all beta-adrenergic receptors).
|
| Scientific
Support |
The
effects of synephrine alone or in combination with other ingredients
such as kola nut and guarana (both are caffeine sources) or
with salicylates such as white willow (a natural form of aspirin)
generally fall into the category of acting as a mild stimulant.
The extract of citrus aurantium, in addition to synephrine,
also contains tyramine and octopamine. Octopamine has been
shown to control appetite.
Studies that have been performed have demonstrated that synephrine
and octopamine can increase metabolic rate in a specific type
of fat tissue known as adipose tissue. Additionally their
was further increases in fat loss by taking citrus aurantium.
As it stands now, citrus aurantium extract exists as one of
the most exciting things to come along in the weight loss
field in a very long time. The below link further advances
the evidence how it works to increase metabolic rate and promote
weight loss.
http://www.nophedra.com/media/advantraz.pdf |
| Value |
The
most likely explanation for weight loss effects attributed
to citrus aurantium supplements is the energy producing metabolic
boosting effects. Although this effect is likely to be somewhat
less dramatic that effects induced by Ma Huang (ephedra alkaloids),
users can expect variable effects including reduced appetite
and heightened feelings of energy (similar to caffeine) without
the danger of ephedra. The end value is significant potential
for weight loss. |
|
|
|
