Cissus Quadrangularis

Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in Thailand and used in traditional African and Ayurvedic medicine. As with green tea extract, CQ renders multiple physiological effects including potent antioxidant effects to minimize oxidative stress, anti-arthritis benefits, as well as anti-obesity properties. Specifically, the chemical constituents of CQ (e.g., flavonoids, phytosterols and keto-steroids) have shown promise as powerful antioxidants and demonstrated efficiency for lipase and amylase inhibition—collectively contributing to reduced oxidative stress and weight loss. At least three human studies have been conducted using this agent, all reporting beneficial effects on weight loss and associated variables. In summary, these studies found CQ alone, or in conjunction with other materials, caused statistically significant reductions in body weight, central obesity, body fat, waist size, cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose (Oben et al., 2006-2007-2008). Considering the work performed by Oben and colleagues, the results for use of CQ are very impressive, and an extremely positive attribute of the Oben work is the fact that all studies included a relatively large sample size, something that is lacking in many dietary supplement intervention studies.

Capsaicinoids

Capsaicinoids are the major pungent, naturally occurring active compounds in capsicum fruits such as hot chili peppers—a fruit of the genus capsicum plant family. The most abundant forms of capsaicinoids found within hot red peppers are capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), dihydrocapsaicin, and nordihydrocapsaicin (Thomas et al., 1998). Capsaicinoid ingestion is typically associated with intense feelings of heat. In fact, the amount of heat generated by these capsaicinoids is actually measured using Scoville Heat Units (SHU), with pure capsaicin yielding the highest measure of 15,000,000 SCU. With such a high rating, very little capsaicin in needed to provide a measureable effect, and too much may be associated with gastrointestinal upset. In terms of effects related to weight/fat loss, capsaicinoids have been reported in multiple studies to reduce ad libitum food intake, increase thermogenesis and energy expenditure, and enhance lipolysis (for a review please see Bloomer et al., 2009b), and inhibit adipogenesis (Hsu and Yen, 2007). Capsaicinoids are thought to function to stimulate thermogenesis by activating the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca+-ATP-ase (SERCA). Thermogenesis, as indicated earlier, refers to process of heat generation via the hydrolysis of ATP via SERCA. In the presence of capsaicinoids, SERCA becomes uncoupled (i.e., ATP hydrolysis occurs without the transport of calcium) leading to greater heat energy production (Mahmmoud, 2008). In terms of lipolysis, capsaicinoids are an agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1). TRPV1, via a number of steps, ultimately leads to an increased activation of the sympathetic nervous system leading to the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine from adrenal glands. These anorectic catecholamine hormones interact with hormone sensitive lipase, an enzyme involved in lipolysis and the mobilization of fatty acids from storage sites. Epidemiological data appear to support an association between the consumption of capsaicinoid containing foods and a lower incidence of obesity (Wahlqvist and Wattanapenpaiboon, 2001).

Vitamin & Mineral Matrix

Fat Smack™ contains a vitamin/mineral matrix to enhance the antioxidant activity of the other ingredients (e.g., EGCG and CQ), post-digestion catechin recovery (Vitamin C-see above EGCG) (Henning et al., 2004), and the support of optimal thyroid function (numerous studies can be found in support of our included vitamin/mineral matrix regarding healthy thyroid-see PubMed, Linus Pauling Institute, and the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements). Several of the ingredients provided within this matrix are known to support healthy thyroid (vitamin A, selenium, iodine, iron, and zinc) which is important for the regulation of metabolic rate (energy expenditure). No outlandish claims are made in support of this matrix in terms of increasing thyroid activity beyond normal healthy function. While certain agents are used within nutritional supplements in an attempt to boost thyroid activity, and may be capable of doing so when studied in animal models at high dosages, little or no direct evidence is available to support their use in human subjects and there exists a strong possibility of long-term TSH suppression. Due to these issues, PURUS LABS™ has simply decided not to focus specifically on attempting to boost thyroid function by using "novel," supposed thyroid stimulators; instead, Fat Smack™ is fueled by a combination of ingredients thought to support healthy thyroid function, used by human subjects.

Piperine

Piperine is an extract of black pepper and appears to function in a similar manner as capsaicinoids (binding the TRPV1 receptors) by increasing catecholamine secretion, hence thermogenesis. Piperine is often used within nutritional supplements as an aid in absorption, as it may promote rapid absorption of certain nutrients (e.g., curcumin, vitamins, amino acids) from the gastrointestinal tract. (Johri, R.K. et al., 1992)( Kowado, T, et al., 1988)

SUMMARY

Fat Smack™ contains a carefully selected blend of ingredients, based on human evidence for effect in relation to multiple aspects of weight/fat loss, and used at the research-proven dosages. While regular exercise and optimal dietary intake inclusive of frequent, macronutrient balanced and nutrient dense meals (as well as adequate water intake) should be viewed as most important in the quest for body weight/fat reduction and the reduction of cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk, use of a weight/fat loss agent such as Fat Smack™ may be an adjunct to this lifestyle plan.