Xenadrine EFX has been discontinued. The newest member of the Xenadrine brand, Xenadrine Core, will be covered in future review.
With Xenadrine EFX, Cytodyne released its ephedra-free alternative to the extremely popular ephedra-based fat burner, Xenadrine Rfa-1. Since this release, we’ve seen the release of other such ephedra-free products, such as Xenadrine NRG, Xenadrine Hardcore, and so on.
Nonetheless, Xenadrine EFX remains on the market, so let’s have a look at the ingredients.
1. First in the formulation is tyrosine and acetyl-l-tyrosine (simply a more easily accessible form of tyrosine). Tyrosine is an amino acid that may have a positive effect thyroid metabolism. It’s also required for hormone development, and because it’s a precursor for some powerful neurotransmitters, may help elevate mood. Real evidence showing its benefits for weight loss are hard to come by though.
2. Green tea (standardized for epigallocatechin gallate): Green tea is one of the few newly utilized compounds that shows real promise a weight loss aid. Not only is Green Tea a powerful antioxidant and a source of caffeine, it seems to exhibit a powerful glucose moderating action. In other words, Green Tea seems to lower post-meal blood sugar levels by inhibiting the action of a digestive enzyme called amylase. It’s a solid addition to any fat burner, including Xenadrine EFX.
3. Here’s where it gets interesting — next on our list are three “endogenous neuroamines.” These include Phenylethylamine, Tyramine, and Theobromine. These three chemical compounds are particularly interesting as they are but a few of the extremely active (and interesting) compounds found in chocolate. You may know, for instance, someone who gets a real “boost” from eating chocolate. Check this out…
“Phenylethylamine (PEA), an endogenous neuroamine, increases attention and activity in animals and has been shown to relieve depression in 60% of depressed patients. It has been proposed that PEA deficit may be the cause of a common form of depressive illness.” (Source:J Neursopsychiatry Clin Neurosci, 1996 Spr, 8:2, 168-71)
For the rest of this article, please click here!
For an interesting article — “Chocolate: Food or Drug?” click here!
4. Tyramine, also derived from chocolate in this formulation, is also an interesting compound. On a positive side it helps to support blood pressure. On a negative side it reacts with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (a class of drugs used to treat depression) to cause dangerous side-effects, and is thought to cause cluster-headaches.
Bottom line on the chocolate-derived ingredients?
Definitely interesting, although there benefits for weight loss are unproved to date. And I would steer away from this product if you happen to be taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
The rest of the formulation is decent but not revolutionary — Yerba mate, the lipotropic amino acid di-Methionine, a couple of flavonoids, synephrine, grape seed extract (a powerful anti-oxidant) and DMAE.
So… do you experiment with Xenadrine EFX?
In a word… no. The real issue with Xenadrine EFX is one of credibility.
In 2005, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission sued the makers of Xenadrine EFX for making false and unsubstantiated claims about the effectiveness of the product. The FTC also alleged that the “endorsees” of the product had not lost weight with the use of Xenadrine, but by adopting vigorous diet and exercise programs. These “endorsees” were also paid very well for their testimonials — anywhere from $1,000 – $20,000!
Obviously, that makes it impossible for me to recommend this product or any other products manufactured by this company. If you’re interested in experimenting with a fat burner, read my review of Lean System 7. It’s a good product manufactured by an ethical company, backed by a “real-live” “satisfaction or your money back” guarantee.
