Biotest MD6 — A Potent Fat Burner?
Biotest’s MD6 is back! Originally, MD6 was a norephedrine based fat burner — until the FDA cracked down on norephedrine. Then it was reformulated as an ephedra-based fat burner — until the FDA cracked down on ephedra. Then, it was discontinued and replaced by BioTest’s Hot Rox, which is reviewed here.
And now we’ve come full circle… MD6 is back!
Personally, I’ve always liked Biotest’s products — I’ve used many over the years — “Power Drive”, “Tribex”, “Spike”, “Surge” and others. I haven’t used the new MD6 yet, but after a look at the formulation I’d say it’s a step below the Hot Rox formulation in potency.
MD6 contains 475 mg of the following; guarana extract, caffeine, yohimbe, PEP2 (a blend of piperine and cayenne pepper extract, and something called “p-methylcarbonylethylphenol” which I was unable to find much about (incidentally, this ingredient is also included in Hot Rox).
The piperine / cayenne pepper blend is no doubt included to increase the bioavailability of this formulation, although there a small body evidence that the chemical compounds in cayenne can effect the body’s metabolism in a positive way (this requires a large amount of cayenne to be ingested — 6 to 10 grams per meal to be exact. So it’s unlikely the small amount of cayenne present in this formula will help much in that matter).
Guarana extract is common in many fat burners, for both its caffeine and theophylline — a xanthine commonly known for use in the treatment of respiratory illnesses. Caffeine, of course, is a well known stimulant and thermogenic, and it too is a common ingredient in many fat burners.
Yohimbine is a popular ingredient in many fat burners, although its proven effect on weight loss is largely unproven at this time, although some studies do reveal that yohimbine does show promise as a weight loss agent. (Isr J Med Sci. 1991 Oct;27(10):550-6., Int J Obes. 1991 Sep;15(9):561-5., Eur J Clin Invest 1988; 18:587-594., Int J Obesity 1991; 15:305-315).
Naturally, Yohimbine in the standardized extract of the bark of the African Yohimbe tree, and yohimbine HCL is the synthesized version of the drug. Because it can have adverse effects on blood pressure levels, yohimbe should be approached with caution. Here’s what the U.S. FDA has to say on the matter…
Yohimbe is a tree bark containing a variety of pharmacologically active chemicals. It is marketed in a number of products for body building and “enhanced male performance.” Serious adverse effects, including renal failure, seizures and death, have been reported to FDA with products containing yohimbe and are currently under investigation.
The major identified alkaloid in yohimbe is yohimbine, a chemical that causes vasodilation, thereby lowering blood pressure. Yohimbine is also a prescription drug in the United States. Side effects are well recognized and may include central nervous system stimulation that causes anxiety attacks.
At high doses, yohimbine is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. MAO inhibitors can cause serious adverse effects when taken concomitantly with tyramine-containing foods (e.g., liver, cheeses, red wine) or with over-the-counter (OTC) products containing phenylpropanolamine, such as nasal decongestants and diet aids. Individuals taking yohimbe should be warned to rigorously avoid these foods and OTC products because of the increased likelihood of adverse effects.
Yohimbe should also be avoided by individuals with hypotension (low blood pressure), diabetes, and heart, liver or kidney disease. Symptoms of overdosage include weakness and nervous stimulation followed by paralysis, fatigue, stomach disorders, and ultimately death.
Of course, the big question mark in this formulation is “p-methylcarbonylethylphenol” which I was unable to find out much about. That’s too bad because other than that, this formulation contains a fairly common blend of ingredients that may provide some small benefit to the dieter, should the appropriate changes to diet and lifestyle be made.
