Accomplix Review: It’s NOT Accomplia Folks…
If there’s anything that really frosts my butt, it’s retailers naming their weight loss products after prescription drugs — or as close as legally possible. Accomplix™ is a prime example of this. It’s obviously named after Accomplia (Rimonabant), a smoking cessation drug shown to display benefits as a weight loss pharmaceutical. My concern is that some individuals are going to mistake Accomplix™ for Acomplia, and make a purchase under false pretenses.
Because despite the hype, the dubious scientific references, the high price and questionable statements like this one…
“Studies published in respected scientific journals have clinically proven that the key ingredients in Accomplix™ work fast and they are protected by United States patents.”
… there really isn’t anything remotely special about Accomplix. It contains the same blend of tired ingredients found in almost every product today. True, there are a couple of decent ingredients included (more on this when I do the breakdown), but whether or not they are present in a dose strong enough to be effective is not known, since the label only lists them as a proprietary blend.
And patented ingredients?
Only a couple of the ingredients in this formula are available as “patented versions” (which does not mean they work, mind you), and there’s nothing to indicate this product contains these versions of key ingredients (anytime a retailer uses these patented versions, they are quick to place them on the product label, as it’s a common misconception that patented products are “proven to work.”) Despite this, you don’t see them on this product’s label.
With that said, let’s take a closer look at the Accomplix™ formula. In addition to a small vitamin blend that contains chromium, the 1,472 mg formula contains indeterminate amounts of…
1. Hoodia: Despite the outrageous hype surrounding this ingredient, there is no independently verified clinical evidence proving hoodia is an effective appetite suppressant. In addition, hoodia is an endangered species and takes forever to grow and culture; it is estimated the majority of hoodia products on the market today contain little or no hoodia. For a full review of hoodia, including visitor feedback and a 3-week “in-the-trenches” review, click here!
2. Banaba leaf extract (usually standardized for Corosolic acid): Traditionally, Banaba was used as a natural cure for diabetes in the Philippines. To date, several credible studies validate Banaba’s ability to lower blood glucose levels, therefore providing some benefit to those with non-insulin dependent diabetes, as well as overweight or obese individuals. (Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2006 Aug;73(2):174-7. Epub 2006 Mar 23 , J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Jul;87(1):115-7 , J Nutr. 2001 Sep;131(9):2242-7)
There’s also some early preliminary evidence to suggest another chemical component of Banaba (called valoneaic acid dilactone) may be a potent alpha-amylase inhibitor (Yakugaku Zasshi. 2003 Jul;123(7):599-605.) Amylase is the enzyme required for the proper break-down of carbohydrates into glucose. If Banaba were indeed an effective amylase inhibitor, it would also give it “carb blocking” properties as well.
Another study (J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1999;45;791-5) shows that banaba suppresses weight gain in genetically diabetic obese mice. However, there is no data validating this effect in non-diabetic animals or humans.
3. Clary sage (usually standardized for sclareolide): Theoretically, sclareolide is a cAMP stimulator. cAMP is what is called a “second messenger.” In other words, this compound is required to “spark” many intracellular processes. An increased concentration of cAMP can have such “total-body” effects as raised thyroid hormone levels and increased fat burning.
Is there any independent clinical evidence to support clary sage extract’s amazing fat-blasting powers?
Unfortunately not.
4. Guggulsterones: Guggulsterones, and specifically the E&Z guggulsterones which are arguably the most important isomers of guggul, have been used in weight loss products for years (not sure if this extract is standardized for E&Z isomers, and if so how much is included).
There is a small amount of evidence that indicates guggulsterones may also have value as a fat burner (see J Postgrad Med. 1995 Jan-Mar;41(1):5-7) specifically by increasing thyroid T3 hormone levels.
Data validating guggul’s cholesterol-lowering characteristics on the other hand, is contradictory.
An earlier study, for instance, indicated it did (see J Assoc Physicians India. 1989 May; 37(5):323-8), while a later study published in The Journal Of The American Medical Association showed it did not.
5. Citrus aurantium (standardized for synephrine): After ephedra became illegal, retailers scrambled to find an effective alternative, and at one time, synephrine was thought to be it. However, clinical studies have not been kind to synephrine showing it demonstrates relatively insignificant weight loss effects (for the full review and accompanying clinical references, click here!).
6. Cinnamon bark: Cinnamon extract that has some interesting implications for weight loss. Preliminary studies show it can improve insulin function, plus improve the glucose and lipid profiles of those who supplement with it. Whether there’s enough in this formula to elicit a response is anyone’s guess.
7. L-tyrosine: Because l-tyrosine (an amino acid) is a precursor to the thyroid hormone thyroxine, retailers have speculated that supplementation with l-tyrosine will boost the metabolism, leading to fat loss. There is no scientific data to validate this… unfortunately (see the full tyrosine review here!).
8. Magnolia bark extract: usually standardized for its honokiol content, which can help to “de-stress” you without making you sleepy. Several products (i.e., CortiSlim, CortiStress) include magnolia bark in their formulas, their retailers claiming it can reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol and therefore cause weight loss. There is no evidence this is the case, and one instance, the retailers were sued by the FTC for making false and unsubstantiated claims.
9. Guarana (standardized for 50% caffeine): Caffeine’s thermogenic properties are well established and have been demonstrated in several clinical studies (see Am J Clin Nutr. 1989 Jan;49(1):44-50, Am J Clin Nutr. 1980 May;33(5):989-97). Again though, whether there’s enough caffeine to elicit an effect (ingredients are labeled according to dosage, and this is the second last ingredient on the label).
10. Green tea (90% polyphenols, 50% EGCG): Without a doubt, green tea is one of the few “bright lights” in the world of natural fat burners (click to read the full review). Unfortunately, a relatively large amount is required and although we can’t be sure, it’s unlikely Accomplix™ contains enough green tea to be helpful — that’s the main problem with proprietary blends.
Well, now that we know what’s in Accomplix™, how does it stack up against the competition? Does it deliver value?
Frankly, the majority of the ingredients deliver little in the way of value. The best ingredients — the ones with the most clinical data behind them (i.e. green tea and caffeine) aren’t likely to be present in a dose strong enough to deliver much benefit.
Guggulsterones and banaba leaf extract do add value to this formula, but there’s no clinical data to show either delivers the sort of dramatic effects Accomplix™claims to deliver .
Worst of all, this relatively ordinary product is pretty expensive — about $45 for a one month’s supply. For much less money, you could experiment with…
- 1 Bottle (60 capsules) Primaforce Lean Green green tea extract: $9.98
- 1 Bottle (100 tabs) AllMax Caffeine (200 mg): $3.99
… and probably receive the majority of the benefits. You could even throw a full-blown guggulsterone product into the mix (like Guggulbolic Xtreme, available for just under $16) and still end up with a few dollars left in your pocket. If you don’t feel like “mix and matching”, there are better formulated, lower cost products currently available on the market.
Also, this product offers a free trial offer and a “VIP” membership program. I heartily recommend you avoid programs like these; the free trial program will add you to a recurring billing program.
Although I have yet to receive any negative comments about the billing practices of Accomplix™, feedback on other products sold using such methods is not positive (please see our video, “The 5-7 Day Free Trial Scam” for more).
Bottom line?
Strong on hype, short on substance and value.
