What are they?
Some fat-burning pills and capsules claim to mimic the effects of ephedrine, boost the metabolism and enhance fat loss, without harmful side effects. The most popular ingredients include citrus aurantium (synephrine or bitter orange extract), green tea extract and forskolin (a herb).

What do they do?
Citrus aurantium is related to ephedrine but has a much weaker stimulating effect on the nervous system. Green tea extract contains polyphenols (antioxidants) that may enhance fat burning and increase the metabolic rate. Initial research suggests that polyphenols may cause a greater proportion of fat (rather than carbohydrate) to be burned for energy. Forskolin extract also appears to boost metabolism and stimulate the release of stored fat.

Do you need them?
The research on ephedrine-free fat burners is only preliminary and any fat-burning boost they provide is relatively small. The doses used in some brands may be too small to provide a measurable effect. Again, sensible eating and exercise are likely to produce better weight loss results in the long term. Drinking green tea will boost your antioxidant intake but probably won’t enhance fat burning.

Are there any side effects?
While the herbal alternatives to ephedrine are generally safer, you may get side effects with high doses. Citrus aurantium can increase blood pressure as much as, if not more than, ephedrine. High doses of forskolin may cause heart disturbances.

Ref: Food for Fitness

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