Promilin®
A proprietary Fenugreek extract from TSI Health Sciences, that’s standardized to provide 20% 4-hydroxyisoleucine. TSI claims its in-house, pilot studies show Promilin can help reduce glucose concentrations in “healthy, non-diabetic individuals” without affecting insulin levels – but their data is not available on their web site; nor has it been published in any peer-reviewed journal.
Aminogen®
A proprietary proteolytic enzyme preparation produced by Triarco Industries which is added to protein supplements to improve digestion/absorption. According to the manufacturer’s own studies, however, relatively large doses (2.5–5g) are needed to make a significant impact. This is more than is typically added to most commercial protein supplements.
Green Coffee Bean Extract
An extract made from green, unroasted coffee beans. Green coffee bean extract is rich in chlorogenic acid, which has anti-hypertensive, vasorelaxing, antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects in humans and/or animals. Green coffee bean extract has also been demonstrated to have fat/weight loss effects in mice, and – according to a manufacturer’s in-house study – may assist with fat loss in humans, as well.
Green coffee bean extract is currently sold as a standalone supplement, as well as an ingredient in various commercial weight loss supplement blends.
Naringin
A flavonoid glycoside responsible for the bitter taste of grapefruit. Naringen is metabolized to its aglycone (i.e., sugar-free) form, naringenin, in-vivo. Both naringin and naringenin are biologically active and can contribute to the “grapefruit juice effect” on ingested drugs. Unlike grapefruit furanocoumarins, naringin and naringenin have relatively weak effects on “Phase I” drug-metabolizing enzymes; however, naringenin may also affect drug metabolism via esterase inhibition.
Naringin is sometimes added to dietary supplements to enhance the bioavailability of ingested nutrients/nutraceuticals, although specific benefits have not been demonstrated.
In addition to the above, naringin/naringenin have been shown to have antitumor, anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-osteoporotic effects in cell culture and/or animal experiments.
Chemical name: 4′,5,7-Trihydroxyflavanone-7-rhamnoglucoside
Magnolia Bark
The bark of Magnolia officinalis – which is used in Chinese traditional medicine (houpu) to treat lung and intestinal disorders. Magnolia bark extracts contain honokiol and magnolol, which are considered to be the active ingredients. Magnolia bark extracts have anti-depressant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-bacterial activity in animal and cell culture experiments.
Standardized magnolia bark extracts are used in certain weight loss supplements to improve mood and reduce the potential for stress-related eating. A human study on a proprietary blend of Magnolia and Phellodendron extracts (Relora), demonstrated modest improvements in the subjects’ cortisol levels and eating in response to stress. Magnolia bark extract is also being used in breath mints and chewing gum, due to its efficacy in reducing mouth bacteria responsible for halitosis (bad breath).
