Citrulline Malate

Citrulline is converted to arginine in the body. Taking citrulline increases nitric oxide levels better than taking arginine. Citrulline also removes ammonia from the body increasing endurance and delaying muscle fatigue.

According to Flex Magazine:
"Citrulline malate elevates muscle ATP by 35% during exercise and increases the rate of creatine phosphate resynthesis by 20%."

Take 3-6g of L-citrulline or citrulline malate 30-60 minutes before workouts

Cinnamon Extract

Cinnamon which has been in use for thousands of years contains hydroxychalone. This active ingredient imitates the effects of insulin. You know how powerful insulin is as an anabolic hormone.

Cinnamon aids insulin in driving nutrients including carbohydrates and amino acids into muscle cells. The benefit of this is that less carbohydrates will end up being stored as body fat.

Try taking 100-250mg with meals daily and post-workout with creatine.

Look for the trademarked cinnamon extract CinnulinPF.

GREEN-TEA EXTRACT

Green tea is full of catechins, powerfull compounds that include epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is the ingredient responsible for the tea's fatburning.

EGCG's has the ability to inhibit an enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, the neurotransmitter involved in regulating metabolic rate and fat burning.

Green tea also is a antioxidant that supports general wellness within the body.

Look for a standardized extract containing EGCG and take 500mg 1 to 3 times daily before meals.

CHROMIUM

Chromium is a mineral essential for helping regulate insulin function. It has been shown that it can  reduce carb cravings, aid fat loss, and lower cortisol levels.

Try 200-400 micrograms (mcg) of chromium picolinate or chromium nicotinate per day with meals

Arabinose (L-arabinose)

Excerpted from Block Absorption of Killer Carbohydrates

Researchers have identified a potent sucrase inhibitor called L-arabinose. Although it is a simple plant sugar, L-arabinose is indigestible and cannot be absorbed into the blood. Instead it remains in the digestive tract and is eventually excreted.11,12 By blocking metabolism of sucrose, L-arabinose inhibits the spike in blood sugar and fat synthesis that would otherwise follow a sugar-rich meal.12 In animal models, L-arabinose virtually eliminates the rise in blood sugar following administration of sucrose, with blood glucose levels rising only 2% higher than in control animals that did not receive sucrose. L-arabinose did not exert any effect on serum glucose levels in control animals that did not receive sucrose.13

L-arabinose has been proven safe in both short- and long-term studies, and may contribute to lowered levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1C),14 a measure of chronic exposure to sugar in the blood. A study combining L-arabinose and white bean extract (see next page) not only smoothed out postprandial glucose spikes and reduced insulin levels—it lowered systolic blood pressure.14

Chocamine

This extract from cocoa provides all the benefits of chocolate without the sugar or fat. The active compounds in chocamine help suppress appetite and enhance metabolism. The components include caffeine, tyramine, theobromine, and phenylethylamine.

Try chocamine to boost energy, improve mood, concentration, and alertness.

Take 1-2g up to three times per day.

Chitosan

This charged protein derived from chitin attracts, binds, and removes fat from the digestive system before it can be absorbed by the body.

Try 2g before high-fat meals.

CAPSAICIN

The chemical in chili peppers that makes them spicy, capsaicin enhances fat loss by first raising levels of the neurohormone norepinephrine, which increases metabolic rate. It has been found to elevate fat burning when taken an hour before aerobic exercise and can also decrease hunger. Look for capsaicin supplements that list Scoville thermal units, or heat units, with a dosage that supplies 40,000-80,000 units. You can also take 1/4 tsp of ground red pepper or cayenne pepper that lists the heat units.

Take 1 capsule containing 40,000-80,000 units 30 minutes before meals and one hour before cardio.

Calcium

Essential for growth of the musculoskeletal system, calcium also regulates and is critical for the contraction and relaxation of muscle tissue. In addition, it can help burn body fat by promoting thermogenesis and reducing dietary fat absorption.

DOSAGE: 500-600mg two or three times per day

Caffeine for strength and power: 200-400mg one hour before workouts

A stimulant and effective fat burner due to its ability to increase the release of fat from fat cells, caffeine has been shown to boost strength and power output when taken one hour before workouts. 

For fat loss and weight management: 100-200mg between meals; mental acuity and focus: 50-200mg every couple of hours; strength and power: 200-400mg one hour before workouts

Carnitine aids the transport of fats into the machinery of muscle cells

Carnitine aids the transport of fats into the machinery of muscle cells (mitochondria), where it's burned for fuel. It has been shown in reseach to improve fat loss during exercise and low-carb dieting. Additionally, it enhances recovery and increases the number of testosterone receptors in muscle cells. Carnitine is also as a potent NO booster. 

Take 1,000-3,000 mg in the form of L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, L-carnitine-L-tartrate or glycine propionyl-L-carnitine (GPLC) in the morning and with evening meals. Some take their dose pre and post-workout. 

Apigenin flavonoid: Apigenin is a citrus bioflavonoid. It is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Apigenin is a citrus bioflavonoid. It is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Sources of apigenin include parsley, thyme, peppermint, chamomile, horsetail, lemon balm, perilla, vervain, and yarrow.

Source:
How a flavonoid in parsley boosts testosterone levels

Apigenin flavonoid benefit

University of Maryland - Celery seed

 Stoppani, Jim. "14 natural anabolics: power foods that act like supplements. " Flex. 22.3 (May 2004): 186(5).

Kiefer, Dale. "Natural methods to improve vitality, sexual function, and prostate health. " Life Extension. (Dec 2008): NA

Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)

You may be thinking, "why not just take leucine?" Well as with lots of supplements it seems that is a the team is greater than the individuals effect. The three work better together.

The cool thing about BCAAs is that they are either used directly to build muscle or to provide energy. The liver doesn't decide to send them to other functions in the body.

BCAAs have also been shown to blunt the catabolic hormone Cortisol. Lower cortisol means higher testosterone.

BCAAs also enhance recovery decreasing delayed-onset muscle soreness.

The typical recommendation is to take 5-10g with a whey shake in the morning, pre-workout, and post-workout. Although some like to drink them all day. Others drink a BCAA drink intra-workout to keep their energy levels high while training.

Beta-Phenylethylamine (PEA)

Beta-Phenylethylamine (PEA)

This is a naturally occurring metabolite of the amino acid phenylalanine. Known as a stimulatory transmitter in the body that enhances neurotransmission, it also promotes fat burning by increasing the release of norepinephrine.

Norepinephrine raises dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain reducing the sensation of pain and boosting feelings of euphoria. This can help trainees tolerate the rigors of training and dieting. It's also available as beta-methoxyphenylethylamine, a form that significantly enhances its half-life in the body and allows a single dose to be more effective.

The recommended dosage is 100-500mg one or two times daily.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

The nucleic acid adenosine triphosphate is a major celluar energy source. The supplemental form boosts blood levels of ATP, which boosts energy levels while working out, increases blood flow and increases fat burning.

Flex magazine recommends that you take 125-250mg twice daily on an empty stomach.  

Astaxanthin: Antioxidant

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid antioxidant that improves immune function, aids cardiovascular health, and protects the eyes from cataracts and macular degeneration.

Research also shows that it can increase endurance by up to 150%, thanks to its fat burning abilities.

The recommended dosage is 4-6mg with meals once or twice per day, with one dose taken pre-workout.

It has been combined with saw palmetto berry lipid extract (SPLE) to formulate a testosterone booster. There was a study were 42 healthy males ages 37-70 took either 800 mg or 2,000 mg per day of a patented combination of astaxanthin and SPLE for 14 days. Both groups showed increases in testosterone, but only the 2,000 mg group also showed a decrease in estrogen levels.

Sources:
HORMONE HELPERS. Antonio, Jose. Joe Weider's Muscle & Fitness, Aug2009, Vol. 70 Issue 8, p200-204

The activity of the enzyme aromatase is inhibited by administering an aromatase inhibiting amount of a composition comprising at least one of astaxanthin, black cohosh, echinacea, and phytosterols to a subject.

Deconstructing Alphastat

Below is from 2008 Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. reference by Ageless Male"The study did not use Ageless Male. Rather researchers were testing another supplement called Mytosterone (also called Alphastat) made by Triarco (triarco.com) which is located in Wayne NJ. Triarco funded this study but the investigation notes that none of the authors had any financial connection to the outcomes of the research.
In this 2 week long investigation, 42 healthy men between the ages of 37 and 70 were divided 2 groups. "

• Group 1 (21 men) were given 800 mg of the Mytosterone supplement

• Group 2 (21 men) were given 200 milligrams of the Mytosterone supplement

At the end of the study, researchers noted that men who got both 800 mg and 2000 mg showed:

• Significant elevations in testosterone and

• Significant reductions in DHT

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant. It's called the universal antioxidant because seems to help prevent certain kinds of cell damage in the body, and also restores vitamin levels such as vitamin E and vitamin C.

Bodybuilders love it because it improves muscle glucose and creatine uptake when consumed with simple carbs like dextrose.

In addition, ALA is used in some fat-loss products because it reduces the amount of insulin released when carbs are eaten. This increases fat burning and reduces hunger.

The Flex magazine recommended dosage is as follows:

• For increased creatine uptake; 500-600mg with 2-5g of creatine.
• For fat loss and antioxidant protection: 100-300mg two to three times per day

R-Lipoic Acid the better form?

Lipoic acid helps protect against oxidative stress generated by high glucose levels. Alpha-lipoic acid consists of two different forms (isomers) that have vastly different properties. The “R” form is the biologically active component (native to the body) that is responsible for lipoic acid’s phenomenal antioxidant effect.

Sources:
University of Maryland Medical Center

Webmd ALA page

Studies:
Androne L, Gavan NA, Veresiu IA, Orasan R. In vivo effect of lipoic acid on lipid peroxidation in patients with diabetic neuropathy. In Vivo. 2000;14(2):327-330.
Beitner H. Randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind study on the clinical efficacy of a cream containing 5% alpha-lipoic acid related to photoaging of facial skin. Br J Dermatol. 2003;149:841-9.
Berkson BM. A conservative triple antioxidant approach to the treatment of hepatitis C. Combination of alpha lipoic acid (thioctic acid), silymarin, and selenium: three case histories. Med Klin. 1999;94 Suppl 3:84-89.
Clark WM, Rinker LG, Lessov NS, Lowery SL, Cipolla MJ. Efficacy of antioxidant therapies in transient focal ischemia in mice. Stroke. 2001;32(4):1000-1004.
Faust A, Burkart V, Ulrich H, et al. Effect of lipoic acid on cyclophosphamide-induced diabetes and insulitis in non-obese diabetic mice. Int J Immunopharmacol. 1994;16:61-66.
Head KA. Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two: cataracts and glaucoma. Altern Med Rev. 2001;6(2):141-166.
Hruby K, Csomos G, Fuhrmann M, Thaler H. Chemotherapy of Amanita phalloides poisoning with intravenous silibinin. Hum Exp Toxicol. 1983;2(2):183-195.
Lynch MA. Lipoic acid confers protection against oxidative injury in non-neuronal and neuronal tissue. Nutr Neurosci. 2001;4(6):419-438.
Melhem MF, Craven PA, Derubertis FR. Effects of dietary supplementation of alpha-lipoic acid on early glomerular injury in diabetes mellitus. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2001;12:124-133.
Melhem MF, Craven PA, Liachenko J, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid attenuates hyperglycemia and prevents glomerular mesangial matrix expansion in diabetes. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2002;13:108-116.
Monograph:Alpha-Lipoic Acid. Altern Med Rev. 1998;3(4):308-311.
Nagamatsu M, Nickander KK, Schmelzer JD,et al. Lipoic acid improves nerve blood flow, reduces oxidative stress, and improves distal nerve conduction in experimental diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes Care. 1995;18:1160-1167.
Packer L, Kraemer K, Rimbach G. Molecular aspects of lipoic acid in the prevention of diabetes complications. Nutrition. 2001;17(10):888-895.
Packer L, Tritschler HJ, Wessel K. Neuroprotection by the metabolic antioxidant alpha-linoic acis. Free Radic Biol Med. 1997;22:359–378.
Packer L, Witt EH, Tritschler HJ. Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Rad Bio Med. 1995;19(2):227-250.
Panigrahi M, Sadguna Y, Shivakumar BR, Kolluri SV, Roy S, Packer L, Ravindranath V. Alpha-Lipoic acid protects against reperfusion injury following cerebral ischemia in rats. Brain Res. 1996;717(1-2):184-188.
Rakel D. Rakel Integrative Medicine, 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Inc. 2008;84.
Segermann J, Hotze A, Ulrich H, et al. Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on the peripheral conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine and on serum lipid-, protein- and glucose levels. Arzneimittelforschung. 1991;41:1294-1298.
Ziegler D, Ametov A, Barinov A, et al. Oral treatment with alpha-lipoic acid improves symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy: The SYDNEY 2 trial. Diabetes Care. 2006;29:2365-70.
Ziegler D, Gries FA. Alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic peripheral and cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Diabetes. 1997;46 (suppl 2):S62-66.
Ziegler D, Reljanovic M, Mehnert H, Gries FA. Alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy in Germany: current evidence from clinical trials. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 1999; 107:421-430.