Evidence supporting the use of: Synephrine
For the health condition: Body Building
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Synephrine, an alkaloid found naturally in bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), is commonly included in dietary supplements marketed for weight loss and bodybuilding. The rationale behind its use in bodybuilding is primarily related to its purported effects on metabolism and fat oxidation. Synephrine is structurally similar to ephedrine, a now-banned stimulant, and is thought to increase energy expenditure and promote fat loss by stimulating adrenergic receptors. Several small-scale studies have shown that synephrine can modestly increase resting metabolic rate and energy expenditure in humans, but these effects are generally mild. As a result, synephrine is often promoted as a ‘fat burner’ to help bodybuilders reduce body fat while preserving lean muscle mass during cutting phases.
However, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for muscle growth or direct bodybuilding benefits is limited. Most studies focus on weight loss and metabolic rate, not on strength, muscle mass, or exercise performance. Additionally, the safety profile of synephrine, especially at higher doses or in combination with other stimulants, remains under scrutiny due to potential cardiovascular risks such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. In summary, while there is some scientific evidence that synephrine may aid in fat loss, its direct benefits for bodybuilding are not well established, and the overall quality of evidence is low to moderate.
Other ingredients used for Body Building
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
anchovies
ashwagandha
aspartic acid
beta-alanine
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coleus forskohlii
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
gelatin
ginseng
greens blend (proprietary)
hydroxycitric acid
l-isoleucine
iron
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-methionine
l-ornithine
l-valine
magnesium
maltodextrin
milk
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
protein
almond fruit
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
wheat germ
algae
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
19-NorAndrost-4ene-3b-ol,17-one
17a-di methyl-bol
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
2a,3a-epithio-17a-methyl-5a-androstan-17b-ol
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-1-ene-3-one
2a, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one
4-DHEA
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Anti-aromatase
Animal protein
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
beta-lactoglobulin
Ba Ji Tian
banana
Chia seed
Casein
Cardarine
Citrus
Capsaicin
Capsiate
Chicken
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Dextrose
Egg
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Egg protein
glucose
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
yohimbine
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Synephrine
Athletic and Exercise AidsBody Building
Energy (lack of)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Weight Loss