TrioniX Endorphix Review: Is Endorphix The World’s First Endorphin Amplifier?

Posted By elissa on Sep 22, 2008 | 0 comments

“TRIONIX has developed “The World’s First Endorphin Amplifier” that will potentiate the body’s natural endorphin response to exercise by dramatically increasing endorphin production while simultaneously prolonging endorphin breakdown. ENDORPHIX is the first product designed to target increasing pain tolerance while uniting and energizing the mind and body with a scientifically advanced proprietary formula that cannot be duplicated.”

As the saying goes: “No pain, no gain”—but that was before Endorphix hit the market. Can TrioniX deliver on its promises? Is it possible to have “no pain, AND gain,” instead?

To answer that question, let’s start with what endorphins are, and what they do.

As you might have guessed from the top paragraph, endorphins have something to do with pain. Endorphins are part of a larger group of “endogenous opioid peptides”—that is, smaller, protein-like compounds made within the body that are capable of activating opioid receptors.

And what are “opioid receptors?” The name comes from “opium”—a term which may be familiar…”opium poppies” are the source for the addictive analgesic (pain-killer) morphine, as well as the morphine derivatives codeine and heroin.

Opioid receptors were discovered in the process of researching the biochemistry of drug addiction. Since then, a wide variety of opioid receptor ligands have been discovered, both endogenous (i.e. naturally produced in the body) and exogenous (drugs, as well as diet-derived compounds such as casomorphins).

Opioid receptors are found throughout the brain and central nervous system, and activation can produce a variety of physiological/psychological effects beyond analgesia, such as euphoria, sedation and respiratory depression.

Endorphins range in size from 16–31 amino acids, while a smaller subclass—known as “enkephalins”—consist of only 5 amino acids. They’re released in response to a range of physical stimuli, including intense exercise (the fabled “runner’s high” is an endorphin-mediated response). Endorphins can relieve/reduce pain by modulating the release of neurotransmitters responsible for pain signals.

So, is there anything in the formula that “dramatically increases endorphin production while simultaneously prolonging endorphin breakdown?” Let’s take a look at the label.

ENDORPHIGENIX™ Endorphin Stimulating Matrix 740mg
DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine), LPA (L-Phenylalanine), PEA (Phenylethylamine), Cordyceps Sinesis (Standardized For 7% Cordyceptic Acid), Bacopa Monnieri (Standardized For A Minimum Of 20% Bacopasides A&B), N,n-Dimethyltyramine, 4-Hydroxy-Phenethylamine

NOOTROPAPLEX™ Neuromuscular Optimization Complex 455mg
5-Oxoproline Isomer, N,n-Dimethyl-2-Aminoethanol (DMAE), N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, Cytidinediphosphocholine (CDP-Choline), Ginkgo biloba 24/6 (Ginkgo Extract Standardized For 24% Flavonoids, 6% Terpene Lactones, 5% Ginkolides (A,B & C), Bilbolides, 2.4%), AlphaSize™ (Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline), Gamma-Aminobuyric Acid (GABA), Huperzia Serrata 1% (Huperzine-A)

TRIXANTHIMINE™ Psychomotor Ignition Primer 178.5mg
1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine, Thiamine Di(2-Methylpropionate) Disulfide, 3,7-Dihydro-3,7-Dimethyl-1H-Purine-2,6-Dione (Theobroma Cacoa), Salix Alba Extract (White Willow Extract Standardized For 15% Salicin), 4′,5,7-Trihydroxyflavanone-7-Rhamnoglucoside (Naringin Extract), Methyl Vanillyl Nonenamide (Capsicum Annuum-40,000 HU)

It’s a looooong list, but it comes down to two candidates. The first is DLPA. DLPA is a racemic mixture of D-phenylalanine and L-phenylalanine. What’s the difference between a “D” amino acid and an “L” one?

Simply put, they’re mirror images of each other. Like your right and left hands, they’re identical, but cannot be superimposed on each other. When it comes to amino acids like phenylalanine, the “L” form is the “natural” one our bodies use to make proteins, peptides and other non-protein metabolites.

But it’s the “D” form that’s important here. As it turns out, D-phenylalanine has been used as an alternative treatment for pain relief, on the strength of its alleged ability to inhibit enkephalin breakdown. The supporting studies have been described as “weak and contradictory,” however, with negative results in humans and primates. Thus, despite its reputation, DLPA may not be as effective as claimed.

Fortunately, the second candidate looks more promising. It’s caffeine (1,3,7-trimethlyxanthine). In one study, 6 mg/kg caffeine significantly lowered the threshold for beta-endorphin release in response to exercise. Caffeine is a well-known performance enhancer, and it’s likely this mechanism contributes to its effects.

What about the rest of the ingredients? Endorphix is a complex blend of known adaptogens, stimulants and cognitive/mood enhancers. In brief, these are:

• L-phenylalanine: a precursor for L-tyrosine, and the neurotransmitters derived from it (epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine). L-phenylalanine may also have antidepressant activity via conversion to phenylethylamine (PEA).
• N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine: a form of tyrosine touted for its high bioavailability.
• PEA (phenylethylamine): PEA is the reputed “love drug” from chocolate. It’s chemically related to amphetamine, which—in turn—is known to enhance the release of endorphins. It’s possible to speculate that PEA may increase endorphin levels as well, although this has not been specifically measured. Chocolate itself is known to increase endorphins, but this is likely due to the taste: sweet, palatable foods in general can do this.
• 4-Hydroxy-phenethylamine: otherwise known as “tyramine”—another phenylethylamine derivative that occurs naturally in a number of foods, such as red wine and aged cheeses. Tyramine intake can trigger the release of epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine.
• N,n-dimethyltyramine: otherwise known as “hordenine.” Hordenine inhibits the enzyme responsible for breaking down other biogenic amines (such as PEA and tyramine), so it can—theoretically—potentiate their effects.
• Cordyceps sinensis/Bacopa monnieri: Cordyceps sinensis is a type of parasitic fungus that grows on caterpillars. “Vegetable Caterpillars” are used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen the immune system and increase resistance to stress/fatigue. Likewise, Bacopa monnieri is used as an adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine.
• 5-Oxoproline (pyroglutamic acid): is an intermediate for glutathione synthesis and serves as an intracellular signal to stimulate amino acid transport across the blood-brain barrier.
• DMAE: dimethylaminoethanol is a choline analog used for memory/cognitive enhancement, but research generally does not support the claims made for it. DMAE is actually an inhibitor of choline uptake and metabolism.
• CDP-Choline: Citicoline (cytidine-5′-diphosphatecholine) is an intermediate in the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and the membrane phospholipid phophatidylcholine. CDP-choline has neuroprotective effects and has been used to treat age-related cognitive impairment.
• Ginkgo biloba is a source of bioactive flavonoids and terpenoids that have antioxidant effects and also enhance memory and learning.
• Alpha-glycerophosphocholine (alpha-GPC): also known as choline alfoscerate, alpha-GPC has neuroprotective and cognitive effects similar to CDP-choline.
• GABA: an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Supplemental GABA is used to induce relaxation and sleep, and relieve anxiety.
• 3,7-Dihydro-3,7-Dimethyl-1H-Purine-2,6-Dione: this is theobromine, a caffeine metabolite found in high amounts in chocolate, with effects that overlap those of caffeine.
• Huperzine is an alkaloid isolated from a Chinese moss (Huperzia serrata) that has neuroprotective and cognitive effects.
• Thiamine Di(2-Methylpropionate) Disulfide: this is a thiamine derivative able to cross the blood-brain barrier. It’s considered to be a “smart drug” and is the main ingredient in Biotest’s Spike.
• White willow extract: a source of salicin, an anti-inflammatory compound closely related to aspirin.
• Naringin “extract”: naringin is a citrus bioflavonoid and cytochrome P-450 inhibitor.
• Methyl Vanillyl Nonenamide: this is also known as “capsaicin.” As a “vanilloid receptor agonist,” capsaicin can activate, then desensitize pain-sensing nerves.

Endorphix contains a lot of interesting and active compounds…nonetheless, I have a couple of reservations. For one, it’s obvious the formula is heavily weighted towards mood/energy/focus, not endorphins. In the end, this is really what Endorphix is all about…the emphasis on endorphins is straight out of Marketing 101.

In addition, it’s a “kitchen sink” supplement—1373.5 mg just isn’t enough to accomodate effective doses of all the ingredients.

For example, cordyceps, GABA, and alpha-GPC are typically taken in doses of 1 g or more. Thus, it’s likely that these—and possibly other—compounds are simply “label decoration.”

But, as another saying goes, “if you throw enough mud at the wall, some of it will stick.” There’s certainly enough “stuff” in here to feel some effects.

This was borne out by a trial run. Although free samples were available, I ordered a full bottle to give Endorphix a fair shake. The instructions recommend starting with two capsules to assess tolerance, and that was plenty for me.

Endorphix definitely made me feel alert…nonetheless, my workout was pretty much “business as usual”—I didn’t notice any “buzz,” rush, or unusual tolerance to pain or muscle fatigue. In addition, the effects seemed to be additive: after several consecutive days of use, I started having trouble sleeping, despite the fact that I was taking it 6–7 hours before bedtime.

Not good…I need my beauty sleep. 😉

On the plus side, however, the stimulant effect provided by Endorphix was pretty smooth—I never felt jittery or “wired” after using it. Likewise, there was no crash—the lift and effects were pretty steady over the afternoon/evening.

So what’s the final verdict? Personally, I’ve felt more noticeable effects on focus and workout intensity from just plain old EC (ephedrine-caffeine), or various NO-boosters like White Flood and NO-Xplode.

As a general stimulant, however, Endorphix works pretty well. If you’re searching for a product that will keep you on your feet for a number of hours, it could be worth a try. It’s available online at BodyBuilding.com!