Need a boost? When most people answer that question, they turn to energy drinks and coffee loaded with caffeine, but an alternative stimulant is making its mark.
Synephrine, also known as Advantra Z, citrus aurantium, bitter orange, sour orange and Zhi shi, is being used more and more in weight loss supplements to give consumers that kick of energy and to knock down the appetite.

Synephrine is an adrenergic amine shown to stimulate beta-3 receptors without significantly impacting other receptors to increase energy and metabolic rate without affecting the heart rate or blood pressure.

In studies conducted on synephrine at the University of Utah in a 10mg dose combined with caffeine, yohimbe and quercetin, synephrine showed a significant increase in resting metabolic rate when compared to a placebo. Core body temperature was also increased as a result of synephrine. And while the core temperature and resting metabolic rate both increased, heart rate remained at normal levels.

Its effectiveness is still widely debated in part because many experts are worried about the dangers and associated risks. So most scientists are hesitant to conduct official clinical trials to assess the effectiveness, risks, and the big picture. However, consumer reviews seem to reflect a powerful ingredient capable of amazing ephedrine like results. So what about the side effects?

Some consumers have reported side effects common to caffeine, which is a considerably milder problem. Some describe jitteriness, sometimes insomnia, headaches, and other mild side effects that sometimes fade over time. But synephrine has never been connected to the more serious side effects connected to ephedrine such as heart attack, strokes, renal failure, kidney damage, or death.

Even without the serious risks or side effects of ephedrine, it is still important to exercise a certain degree of caution when using synephrine. One can never be too careful, and synephrine has not been used by diet pills in amounts above 250-300mg, just as they did with ephedrine. But most do not use more than 25-30mg. And obviously, if you are sensitive to caffeine, you will probably be sensitive to synephrine. So what’s the verdict?