The only type of treatment that has actually produced short-term weight loss is the combination of ephedrine and caffeine. This type of product may be marketed as a drug combination or as the herbal sources, which include ma huang (ephedrine) and a caffeine source such as guarana seed or Kola (cola) nut. Thus, caution should be used with chromium picolinate supplements especially by individuals prone to behavioral disorders. The efficacy of chromium picolinate as a fat-reduction aid for obese individuals enrolled in a physical exercise program was studied. Chromium Picolinate has become the hot supplement among individuals looking to increase metabolism and lose weight. The chromium picolinate supplements interfere with iron metabolism, increasing risk of anemia. The biochemical, physiological, and behavioral actions of chromium picolinate may be a consequence of the effects of picolinic acid on the central nervous system. 

The magnitude of the risk of side effects associated with herbal therapies is well illustrated by a recent case. Reactions may include GI symptoms (colic, bloody diarrhea), elevation of body temperature, circulatory disorders, elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure, stupor progressing to unconsciousness, or tonic clonic spasms. Wild yam root has produced a picrotoxin-like effect (tonic clonic spasms headache, dizziness, nausea) on overdose. The mild diuretic uva ursi has been reported to cause nausea and vomiting. Other agents include gingko biloba, which has been associated with headache, GI upset, allergic skin reactions, and several cases of cerebral hemorrhage, possibly related to its interaction with platelet aggregation and thrombolytic therapy. 

Herbal therapies may include ingredients that are very potent and pharmacologically active. The general trend among these products is fast effective weight loss, that has yet to be accomplished by other weight loss programs. The program is based on cellular nutrition to insure maximum nutrition, you take your supplements and enhancers three times daily to support healthy weight management. Whether your goal is achieving healthy weight management, increasing your energy, maximizing nutrition or nourishing your skin and hair, your personal Herbal life distributor is available to assist you whenever you need support. Sudden death (myocardial infarction), hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, acute hepatitis, nephrolithiasis, dizziness, tachycardia, headache, tremor, nervousness, and insomnia have all been reported with this combination. The most common adverse events identified in a recent report included: hypertension, palpitations, tachycardia or both, stroke, and seizures. Uncertainty about these issues stems from the lack of data regarding effects of various herbs, concerns as to what the active ingredients may be, the lack of the practice and enforcement of good manufacturing standards and a lack of a mechanism for adverse reaction reporting. One of the main ingredients is Ephedra. Stimulation of this enzyme's activity may lead to a reduction of the blood levels of certain concomitant medications, including cyclosporine, indinavir or possibly oral contraceptives. 

Studies have shown that Chromium (III) can accumulate in human tissues to reach the levels at which DNA damage has been observed in animals and in vitro. Consulting the literature and/or individuals knowledgeable about herbs will help in determining if the individual has adverse reactions or drug interactions associated with these therapies. When this mineral gets into the body in the proper form and in the suggested amounts, cravings for sweets are greatly diminished, body fat can be reduced without losing lean body tissue, blood sugar and cholesterol can be decreased, and metabolism is more efficient. Chromium is a trace element required for normal protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Chromium is also an essential cofactor for the hormone insulin which regulates the metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Such products may contain either herbal or pharmacological sources of stimulant cathartics, such as bisacodyl, cascara sagrada, or senna. As a result, herbal products are a completely unregulated source of potentially dangerous products readily available to anyone who wants to lose weight. You feel healthy, full and satisfied as you lose your weight more easily than you ever imagined possible. The Internet has exploded with an abundance of claims for various herbal preparations. Hoodia Gordonii was relatively unknown until major drug companies rediscovered unique properties. Serotonin helps to decrease appetite and help people feel full while eating less food, thus providing feelings of well being and satisfaction. Drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day ensures the removal of toxins and helps with water retention. Many people were introduced to this traditional botanical. Attempts to identify empirical data concerning the effectiveness of other putative weight loss products or ingredients have proven unsuccessful. It has been seen that integral ingredients in Herbal Phen-fen have been removed from the market completely.