Scientifically Burning Off
Excess Fat
The process of producing energy from stored reserves, thermogenesis , is one of the primary means by which we burn fat. It can be stimulated by food, cold exposure , or exercise. Our bodies contain two types of fat cells: metabolically active brown fat is a major site of thermogenesis, comprising approximately 1% of the body mass, and the metabolically inactive white fat which functions primarily as fat storage. Brown fat cells contain an abundance of sympathetic nerve fibers which can release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Norepinephrine triggers thermogenesis and activates triglyceride lipase, thus breaking down the fat stored in inactive white fat cells and allowing it to be burned for energy.
Chronic or "yo-yo" dieting may permanently impair the ability of brown fat to respond to norepinephrine, and consequently lower the level of thermogenesis, making weight loss difficult if not impossible. Decreased thermogenesis not only discourages the body from burning fat, but creates an increased appetite as well, usually resulting in increased weight gain. (References 1, 2, 3, 4)
Ma Huang (Ephedra)
The branching shrub Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica) includes weight reduction among its many therapeutic uses. One of the active ingredients in this plant, ephedrine, is able to directly stimulate beta receptors on the fat cells, activating thermogenesis, burning stored fat and generating energy (Reference 5).
A four month study using ten women who had been chronic dieters, and were on 1000-1400 kcal/day diet demonstrated that weight loss was four times greater during the ephedrine trial than when a placebo was given. No major adverse health effects were reported by any of the subjects, although during the first month a few individuals reported mild insomnia, agitation, palpitation and giddiness (Reference 6). Other studies have shown that the weight-loss effects of ephedrine are enhanced with other herbal substances such as methylxanthines, caffeine, theophylline, (References 7, 8) and salicylates (Reference 9).
Willow (Salix)
Bark of the willow species contains salicin, a naturally occurring salicylate (aspirin is a commonly-used synthetic form of salicylate). In laboratory studies, salicylates doubled the effect of ephedrine alone. Long-term administration of the salicylate alone had no effect on body composition (Reference 9). Without Ma Huang, willow is ineffective, but together the herbs produce a high-performance weight loss effect.
