Leviathan Reviewed

Acacia Gum- Acacia belongs to the Mimosacaea family and is a cousin of legumes. This plant produces acacia gum only in adverse conditions like drought, poor soil or heat. This is because the trees get damaged and produce gum. The abundance of acacia gum is in Sudan. Acacia gum is tasteless, colorless and is soluble in cold water. Acacia gum is a blend of proteins and complex polysaccharides. The bark is stripped from the unhealthy plants and then they form gum that dries such that the can be later on collected. The gum drops have irregular shape and are yellowish white or beige in color. Acacia gum is employed in many items ranging from ice cream to ink. This gum is also used in herbal medicines to bind pills as well as to stabilize emulsions. This gum is useful in producing a source for applying balsams, oils, camphor, resins and musk. The acacia trees are known as gum Arabic, or talha. However, the preferred resin is traded as acacia gum.

Bioperine, a standardized extract from the fruit of Piper nigrum L (black pepper) or Piper longum L (long pepper). It contains 95 percent of piperine. Bioperine is used in conjunction with other herbs or vitamins to increase their absorption and digestion to make them more effective.

Caffeine may be the most popular legal addictive stimulant that is available to mankind. Besides coffee, tea, guarana and kola nut have excess amount of this xanthine alkaloid, which is actually acting as a psychoactive drug. In several plants, caffeine is an effective insect repellant, but this trimethylxanthine is deemed by the Food and Drug Administration as generally safe food substance. It is an antagonist of adenosine receptors. The effect of caffeine is individual and may more or less increase the ability to perform physical and mental labor. It reduces the effects of fatigue and may in long term help predominantly men reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. It has also been observed that caffeine has nootropic effects, furthermore, regular consumption of caffeine may significantly reduce the risk of heart diseases.

Cocoa Seed Extract, which is standardized for caffeine, tyramine, phenylethylamine and theobromine. Cocoa seed extract is thought to possibly help speed up the metabolism and provide feelings of fullness.

Coleus Forskohlii or otherwise known as Plectranthus barbatus and Indian Coleus is a perennial plant native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. In Kenya the leaves of the plant have been traditionally used as toilet paper. Ayurvedic medicine lists the coleus species as treatment for various ailments of the urinary tract, spasmodic pain and even heart disease. In the extract of the C. forskohlii is the compound forskolin, which has found wide usage in body building and weight loss circles. It is supposed to increase thyroid hormone production, increasing the metabolic rate. Further data suggests that forskolin may also be responsible in increasing cAMP levels and associated metabolic activities, such as stabilization of insulin levels, relaxation of smooth muscles and promotion of thyroid functions.

Diindolyl Methane, 3,3’ – Diindolylmethane or DIM is derived when broccoli and cauliflower are ingested and digested. These two cruciferous vegetables, and others, like cabbage, kohlrabi, wasabi, watercress and mustard seeds, to name a few, all include a powerful androgen receptor antagonist for cancer, like the human prostate cancer. This component is called indole-3-carbinol and is currently very much under investigation for the antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antiatherogenic properties. Diindolyl Methane, or rather indole-3-carbinol, has an uncanny ability to alter the estrogen metabolism, which makes it very interesting for the body building circle of enthusiasts. It supposedly increases the good estrogen, 2-hydroxyestrogen, while at the same time diminishing the count of bad estrogen, the 16-hydroxyestrogen. The effects seem to be rejuvenating on testosterone and estrogen levels, while promoting weight loss.

Fenugreek is used both as a herb (the leaves) and as a spice (seeds). Cultivated world-wide, fenugreek forms an essential part of the cooking in several African, Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Fenugreek seeds are used in a variety of ways from cooking to managing diabetes. In India fenugreek seeds are used regularly in cooking curries and breads just as in Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. In Egypt, the seeds are used as a very popular tea drink, by being boiled in water and then sweetened. Apart from being used as a spice, fenugreek seeds have other uses as well. In Ethiopia and India, fenugreek seeds are used as a natural remedy for diabetes and are part of traditional Chinese medicine. In the US, where maple syrup is a much loved by expensive product, fenugreek seeds are used to produce maple syrup favouring. Fenugreek seeds are also used by lactating women to increase milk supply since they are galactagogue.

Green Tea Extract is currently being promoted by the health conscious community as a weight loss product, which does not do this incredible concoction of helpful ingredients justice. Many green tea extracts nowadays exclude caffeine, to avoid the associated side effects and lower the ingestion of this legal addictive stimulant. The main characteristic of the green tea extract should be the antioxidative effect, which surpasses Vitamin C twentyfold. But the other traits are not to be forgotten, it is anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogen and anti-radiation. The unique combination of green tea catechins, derivatives of apicatechin, and flavonoids, which belong to the same family, are proven scavengers of free radicals and an unavoidable addition to any dietary supplement combination, body building or weight loss as the target objective.

L-Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, which is used by the cells in order to synthesize the proteins and appears to help stabilize ones mood during periods of high stress levels.

Rhodiola , popularly known as the “golden root” in Russia has been considered an effective treatment for stress and depression. This adaptogenic herb enhances resistance without changing the normal biological function of the body. Rhodiola is found in Asia and Europe’s artic areas at high altitudes. Scandinavian and Russian countries have been using its roots to cure poor attention span and fatigue for centuries. Rhodiola rosea is also effective in improving mood by enhancing mental and physical performance. There are several compounds in Rhodiola rosea which makes it so effective. It includes rosavins along with active components like tyrosol and rhodioloside. This supplement is available in the form of tablet or capsules that can be taken once or twice on a daily basis. You can also increase the dosage if needed.

Tribulus Terrestris, commonly known as Puncture Vine, has been frequently used in India and China for its medicinal properties. The plant is used mainly in overcoming problems with infertility, erectile dysfunction and to improve libido. In recent times, however, it is being used by athletes to enhance performance. Research carried out on samples suggests that the levels of testosterone and estrogen are increased by its use. The fruit of the plant has also been used as a diuretic and a urinary antiseptic. Other than this, it is also used to treat headaches and problems of the eyes, such as conjunctivitis and weak eyesight. It has been used traditionally to treat people with gout problems. The use of Tribulus Terrestris has shown no adverse side effects.

Vitex agnus-castus is commonly called vitex. It is also known by its other names such as chaste tree, chasteberry or monk’s pepper. It is plant which is native to the Mediterranean region. Since it has aromatic foliage and flowers, it is cultivated in warm and subtropical regions. In Africa, vitex is a traditional but little known plant. It boosts of food security and also has the potential of improving nutrition. It is also used for foster rural development and it also supports sustainable land care. During pregnancy, the usage of vitex agnus-castus might increase the chance of complications. Therefore, it should be avoided during pregnancy. As it have effects on the testosterone levels, male body builder’s use vitex agnus-castus as a supplement but only as a secondary component.

Yohimbine HCL raises body temperatures. it increases the flow of blood to the genital area and increases the sex drive in men but also women have reported similar effects.