Capsaicin is used in several skin preparations and is used to relieve pain. It is available in the market in various forms such as ointments, creams, gels, liquids, lotions, sticks and pads under marketing names such as Capsagel, Zostrix, Arthricare for Women and Icy Hot Arthritis Treatment. A very astonishing fact is that capsaicin happens to be the active part of chili peppers. Though it is an irritant producing burning sensation on any tissue that comes in contact with it, it depletes substance P. Substance P transmits impulses of pan to the brain. It relieves pain due to diseases such as osteoarthritis, diabetes neuropathy and rheumatic arthritis. Capsaicin has not had any drug interactions till date. But this does not means that it can never have any interaction with any other drug. It is always best to confirm with your doctor if you really need to use capsaicin. Also, it is best to use this drug only in specified quantities.

Guarana is a South American climbing plant belonging to the genus of trees and shrubs called Maple. This plant is common around the Amazon and very present in Brazil. The fruit of the guarana plant is being used in that country to produce a diversity of soft drinks and beverages, having the double caffeine content of the coffee bean. Other nutrients that are contained in the seed besides caffeine are protein, fat and starch, but also adenine, choline, guanine, resin, tannin and xanthine, just to name a few. The cognitive effects of guarana are well documented, but the appetite suppressant qualities of guarana are relatively new. A study has proven that a combination of yerba mate, guarana and damiana leads to a tenfold weight loss quantity when compared with a placebo.

Kola Nut is native to Africa, mainly found in the tropical rain forests. There are about hundred and twenty tree species which belong to this family, their fruit, the kola nut, being the interesting feature. It has been traditionally used for chewing, with an effect where hunger cravings subsided. The popularity of the kola nut was established by The Coca-Cola Company, which used the kola nut as an ingredient in this popular drink. Many other similar drinks and also energy drinks feature this ingredient. The kola nut, although featuring caffeine, provides a xanthine mixture with catechins which not only stimulate the central nervous system but also has analeptic and lipolytic properties, as well as chronotropic effects. Further effects include enhanced alertness, physical energy, mood and tactile sensitivity, as well as appetite suppression.

Yerba Matte or Ilex paraguariensis commonly grows in South America. It contains about twenty four vitamins and minerals, fifteen amino acids, eleven types of polyphenols, caffeine, and contains a high level of antioxidants. It is considered to be the most balanced stimulant and revered as the “drink of the gods”. It contains xanthine alkaloids such as theobromine, caffeine and theophylline, and saponins that stimulate the immune system, enhance the memory and focus, and suppress appetite. Yerba Mate also helps regulate the blood sugar and cholesterol level. It also helps burn the fat and fight free radical damages to cells that may cause cancer and aging. It also helps in cleansing the blood, and may act as a diuretic

Yohimbe is a tree that grows in different parts of Western Africa. Active compounds called alkolids are present in its bark with Yohimbine being the principal alkaloid. Yohimbe bark extracts are available in health food outlets. You can also buy it online. These extracts are promoted as a product that increases sex drive and for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, there is proof of their effectiveness. Most studies are concerned with the drug Yohimbine and not herbal extract Yohimbe. The side effects of Yohimbe include anxiety and dangerous increase in blood pressure.