Anyone try this?

I've looked for it online its somewhat hard to come by I've found some sites that have people offering the seeds but I wasn't able to contact the seller. I've seen the studies with irvingia/cissus stack and the fatloss and health benefits are impressive.

How exactly does it work?

I see it's a "dietary fiber", so does it just fill up your stomch (similar to glucomannan), or are there some metabolism effects?

its not really known how it works but I think its from the anti-oxidant and anti inflammatory effects.

Study here:

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlere...i?artid=1168905

Anyone have this study?

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00645775

Possible mode of action.

http://www.medwelljournals.com/fulltext/jft/2005/592-594.pdf

Sup everybody, I was searching online for more info on Irvingia and came across these forums. I've been taking irvingia for about 3 weeks and have very noticeably dropped in size. My pants are loose and I'm down a shirt size. Seriously.

The way irvingia works is it lowers the amount of c-reactive protein in your body. The more C-Reactive Protein you have the less Leptin (the hormone that tells your body to stop eating/helps burn fat) can make it to your brain and do it's job. There's no stimulating effects at all. I take it with Fucoxanthin and I will take this stuff the rest of my life.

I found it on another body building website but you can go directly to the maker www.lifeextension.com. I found out they are the only ppl in the world who sell it. Hope this helps!

Very interesting sir.

Steve sent me a bottle to trial but so far I'm not seeing anything all that signifigant at LEF suggested dosage.

I think I saw an abstract on this (over on BB.com) indicating LEF has this underdosed and the abstract showing comparable fat loss to ECA requires around 4x LEF's dosage.So it looks like this is cost prohibitive,unless it can be sourced in bulk and on the cheap.

Edit:

This study had participants take in 3.15 grams for 30 days with favorable results,opposed to LEF's ED dose at .5g.So,6 bottles would last a month at an effective dosage,cost prohibitive indeed.

http://www.lipidworld.com/content/4/1/12

Another abstract showing inhibition of PPAR-gamma and sop on,further indication that this has some potential.I'll see if Mike can source this at a decent price for bulk-supplements,with any luck LEF is price gouging this and the material is available on the cheap.

http://www.lipidworld.com/content/7/1/44

This stuff does look pretty cool. Here is LEFs writeup on their proposed mechanism of action:

Weight Management: Reversing Leptin Resistance
Fat cells produce C-reactive protein, a pro-inflammatory compound that leads to “leptin resistance.” Overweight people given Irvingia have lower levels of CRP, and therefore less CRP is able to block the activity of leptin. Leptin is important in weight management because it promotes the breakdown of fat in adipocytes and tells the brain to turn off chronic hunger messages.

Hormones: Increasing Adiponectin
Large fat cells secrete less adiponectin, and adiponectin is a crucial hormone that helps support insulin sensitivity as well as cardiovascular health. Overweight people given Irvingia show markedly increased adiponectin levels.

Body Fat: Inhibiting the Fat Converting Enzyme
An enzyme called glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase facilitates the conversion of glucose into triglycerides that increase adipocyte size. Irvingia inhibits glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, thus reducing the amount of glucose (sugar) that is converted to fat in the body.

Diet: Reducing Carbohydrate Absorption
In order for carbohydrates to be fully absorbed, they must be broken down in the digestive tract by the amylase enzyme. Irvingia inhibits amylase, and thus reduces the amount of ingested starches that will be absorbed as sugar.

Several studies demonstrate the weight loss properties of Irvingia.1 In the largest placebo controlled human study, those taking Irvingia lost 28 pounds over a 10-week period compared to only up to 3 pounds in the placebo group.2 The study participants did not alter their diet.*

I think there are a bunch of supps that reduce CRP.

Yes,it isn't novel in that respect but it does do other things too.Inhibition of PPAR-gamma shouldn't be overlooked so there are a few angles with it to consider.Anyway,my point being that this does have signifigant benefits towards body comp but it needs to be offered at a realistic price to be worth buying.Like I said,if we can get it in at a marketable price at BS we will have it up for sale ASAP.

- Sidebar -



Colin, who the fuck hacked into your account and added that last line in your sig?

I did it all by myself.....yaaaaaaaaay!!!!

PS
Some dude I work with has been saying that "special" line chased with the Crank Yankers "yaaaay" for the past couple weeks and because I'm a special kind of guy too,I've grifted it.

If you jumble the letters of this herb you come close to garcinias cambogias Who is making up these herbs. You will find positive info on garc camb on this board according to Spook.

http://forums.lylemcdonald.com/showthread.php?t=1672

Good looking out,homes.From the gist of that thread I tihnk it'sa safe to assume that irvingia is balls so I won't follow up on sourcing this.

How are you comparing an extract to the raw herb and coming up with the extract being weaker?

LEF Quote:



It's a month supply for $29.99 which at a buck a day I suppose is expensive for some.

A study on their brand of Irvingia:

http://www.prlog.org/10143124-28-pounds-of...nical-study.pdf

I had thought that the herb and extract were oe and the same.if not,the extract would certainly be stronger and $29.99 would indeed be a fair price if the figure of 28 pounds of fat loss over 10 weeks from Irvingia is accurate.From the looks of it that study you linked was sponsored by LEF which doesn't lend much to the concept of peer reviewed research.

The other studies appear to not be on the level either,as this qoute from Lyle's board explains.

The quality of the herb has particular importance on the outcome of the study. I'm not concerned about studies on the raw herb as the quality obviously varies greatly (both of the researchers and the material used).

With LEF being one of the highest quality and genuine companies around I'm not remarkably concern their study is a fake. However I'm sure you knew going in this herb is relatively new and there is not alot of research done yet. The research done so far is positive and interesting.

Did you want to drop the log?

I plan on finishing the log,I only have a week left or thereabouts left.

To be completely honest,I haven't exactly scoured Pubmed for research on Irvingia and I may very well be off the mark.Generally speaking,I really only see an appreciable amount of fat loss from a decent sized caloric deficit,ample exercise and DNP.The Cameroon study,as the link I provided will show,is quite shady.LEF,while I agree that they are a reputable company,when I see a company offer up their own clinical trials on a product that thry sell,self interest comes immediately to mind.I'd be a bit doubtful of the results if even Avant were to put on a clinical study of one of their upcoming products.However,if the research holds water,thejn this would be an impressive supplement and would rival ECA without the CNS stimulation so that would really be something.

Edit:
Found this abstract,which shows potential,albeit the subjects were diabetics.More research needs to be done.

West Afr J Med. 1990 Apr-Jun;9(2):108-15.Links
A supplement of Dikanut (Irvingia gabonesis) improves treatment of type II diabetics.
Adamson I, Okafor C, Abu-Bakare A.

Department of Biochemistry, University of Benin.

The effects of Dikanut (Irvingia gabonensis), an African viscous preparation, as supplement (4g/day) in the diet of eleven Type II diabetics were studied. Levels of plasma lipids, glucose and erythrocyte ATPases were monitored for one month. The dikanut supplement elicited hypolipidemic activity. The reduction in plasma lipids was primarily due to a decrease in LDL + VLDL-cholesterol and triglycerides levels. HDL-cholesterol was increased. The three ATPases of the erythrocyte membrane of the diabetic patients were significantly lower than in normal subjects. When dikanut was consumed by the diabetics for four weeks, the activities of the enzymes increased significantly. The increases correlated well with significant reduction of plasma glucose levels. These desirable biochemical effects mediated by ingestion of a naturally-occurring dietary fibre were accompanied by improved clinical states.

PMID: 2148494

It would make sense that caloric restriction, exercise, and a potent fat melting compound like DNP would provide a very effective weight loss approach, which I would imagine would be hard to compare to 1 herbal extract.

I thought it was a good thing for companies to do research on their products? This isn't a sports company where they overhype anything I've always found LEF to be precise and well founded on science not profit (being a non-profit org).

It's too bad I didn't know about the study or I would have sent you enough for 10 weeks,

I like LEF and I buy tons of their stuff (including from Steve), but please don't suggest that LEF is not profit-driven. LEF products are never cheap, and are frequently more expensive than competitors' comparable products. The fact that LEF is a non-profit only means that its profits are plowed back into the business and cannot be distributed as dividends to shareholders or otherwise inure to the benefit of owners.

I think they are less driven by profits than other companies but they are not amateurs they know they need funds. Just my opinion based on their actions and history with them. I don't know any supplement company that offers blood tests, lists of doctors, and has such a massive backing from the medical community. Or one that owns a pharmacy and their own clinical testing center.

I'm not driven to run my business due to profit but rather helping people means far more to me and why I started my business in the first place.

I'm not sure which brand you would compare with LEF's but I have not seen many products actually have a competing products at least in terms of a formula. Can you cite some examples?

Your statement regarding you buy tons of their stuff and yet they are more pricey than other similar products is abit confusing can you clarify?

Examples:
LEF: GABA powder 100g, $23.75 list price
NOW Foods: GABA powder 170 g, $17.99 list price (less than half the LEF cost per gram)


LEF: melatonin 3 mg x 60, $8.00 list price
NOW Foods: melatonin 3 mg x 180, $11.00 list price (less than half the LEF cost per gram)


LEF: vit D3 5000 I.U. x 60, $11.00 list price
NOW Foods: vit D3 5000 I.U. x 120, $13.99 list price (36% less than the LEF cost per I.U.)

I knowingly pay a premium for LEF primarily because (i) they are a solid company, (ii) they have a number of products that are designed to work well by themselves and in conjunction with other LEF products (so that my full arsenal of supps is comprehensive yet well-balanced), and (iii) I receive a lot of e-mails and literature from LEF, so whenever I find myself reading about a supp I'd like to try there is a good chance that I am reading materials that were prepared by LEF and that contain an ad for LEF's version of the supp (i.e., it is simply easier and less time-consuming for me to buy from LEF than to try to find and evaluate alternative sources).

Oh for basics supplements there are much better deals out there (supposedly LEF has better quality but I don't think it's makes a massive difference for vitamin D). I don't think they really intend to be the cheapest supplier out there as a goal especially when they sell mostly to their members near wholesale once a year.

I was referring to their most unique offerings LEF Mix, Super Ginkgo, PPC, Irvingia gabonensis, shark liver oil, etc. Some things they have much better prices (and quality) than other companies but it really comes down to the item being discussed.

If LEF is much more expensive than other companies whenever the other companies sell the same products, what basis do you have for claiming that LEF has much better prices on unique products? Can you cite examples?

I've used the LEF Mix and LEF's PPC, and neither of those products have "much better prices" than any comparable product I'm aware of. I've ordered their Irvingia w/ Fuco, and though I am not aware of any comparable product, it seems like quite a stretch to claim that $72 for 60 gelcaps is a cheap price.

Further, it's not really clear whether LEF products have much better quality. LEF (and you) claim it, and I hope it is true, but in fact LEF products don't make me feel any different or better than other companies' comparable products. Do you have any evidence supporting your claim that LEF's products have much better quality?

Basis of fact. Well just going off retail prices:

Source Naturals, PPC, 900 mg, 30 Softgels $36.98
LEF PPC 900 mg 60 softgels $49.50

LEF Norwegian Shark Liver Oil (20% Alkylglycerols) 1000 mg, 30 softgels $18
Solgar, Shark Liver Oil Complex, 100% Pure Norwegian, 500 mg, 60 Softgels $16.21

LEF Super R-Lipoic Acid 60 vegetarian capsules NA-RALA 300 mg $49.99
S.A.N. Na-R-ALA 117 mg 60 caps $34.95
LiveLong Nutrition Na-R-ALA 150 mg 100 caps $54.95



I'm not aware of any comparable (having similar ingredients and amounts) product to the LEF MIX can you cite any?

Why did you buy Irvingia w/ Fuco from them? Yes while the retail is $72 no one pays retail for it. Members pay $48.60 or you could buy it from CN for $45.50.

Regarding quality it obviously varies on the product in question. Some items where they buy from respectful suppliers like Geronova's R-lipoic acid is known to be the best quality. As in my previous post I don't think basic supplements quality vary enough to really make a serious difference but it's a personal choice.

I'm still confused why you claim you like LEF and use tons of their products and has stated "...are frequently more expensive than competitors' comparable products." Why buy anything from them if you can get it cheaper from someone else?

I realize you answered "I knowingly pay a premium for LEF primarily because (i) they are a solid company, (ii) they have a number of products that are designed to work well by themselves and in conjunction with other LEF products (so that my full arsenal of supps is comprehensive yet well-balanced), and (iii) I receive a lot of e-mails and literature from LEF, so whenever I find myself reading about a supp I'd like to try there is a good chance that I am reading materials that were prepared by LEF and that contain an ad for LEF's version of the supp (i.e., it is simply easier and less time-consuming for me to buy from LEF than to try to find and evaluate alternative sources)."

But it seems confusing me to if you believe they are lying (or if you have reason to question) about the quality of their products yet are a solid company at the same time. Regarding prices since you have seemingly never or rarely "evaluated alternative sources " I don't see how you can make a comment on their prices.

Pardon my ignorance and vagueness of my marginally OT comment, but IIRC adiponectin sensitivity is what is desirable, as there was some sort of acute problem with just increasing adiponectin levels, or maybe it was with adiponectin insensitivity. Alas, what the problem was, MOA or end state, I cannot remember.

Any experts in adiponectin willing to chime in?

J

Excellent subject Josh. I'll review it and post up.

Thanks Steve for checking it out.

Have you seen this paper regarding myocardial infarction and adiponectin.

This paper indicates that exogenous adiponectin can be very beneficial to adiponectin knockout mouse models.

When looking at adiponectin as a pure correlatory marker, mortality rates were tripled in high adiponectin groups compared to those with lower adiponectin levels in otherwise high risk patients, but in the low risk groups, adiponectin correlated with better prospects.

I am not sure if this relates to the problem I recalled, or whether there were others. When I get chance in the next week or so, I will go through my adiponectin sensitivity notes and see if I get any further hints.

J

Here's an updated article on the herb before I post up on adiponectin.


More Weight Loss than Any Other Discovery in Supplement History
By William Faloon

I’ll never forget an experience I had at a medical conference 14 years ago. A renowned scientist persistently asked me to sell him the hormone leptin.

When given to obese mice, leptin caused weight loss of 40% after 33 days.

In human terms, that equates to a 250-pound person shrinking to 150 pounds in a short time. The problem was that leptin did not work in humans, if they were not leptin-deficient to begin with.1

This obese scientist kept badgering me because he thought I knew how to get leptin. When I repeatedly said it would not work for him, he asked me why it would not work. Back in 1994, I did not know that answer.

In a breakthrough that may reverse today’s epidemic of obesity, a natural compound has been discovered that circumvents the molecular factors involved in obesity … including a phenomenon known as “leptin-resistance.”2-4 This means that for the first time, humans can benefit from their own leptin because it can now enter cells and do what it did for obese mice … induce massive weight loss!

In a recent controlled study, humans taking this new compound lost 28 pounds over a 10-week period compared to less than 3 pounds in the placebo group.5 Unlike other weight loss studies that mandate at least some moderation in food intake, these study participants did not alter their diet in any way.

Equally remarkable are results showing the same mechanisms that enable this compound to remove body fat also lower heart attack risk factors like LDL,5,6 glucose7,8 and C-reactive protein.5

In this article, I will discuss scientific findings showing how this new compound produces more impressive weight loss results than any other drug, nutrient or hormone in medical history.

Scientists have identified specific factors that cause aging people to accumulate unwanted fat pounds. The problem has been that up until now, there has not been an effective way to circumvent these underlying causes of today’s obesity epidemic.

The corpulent mass that accrues on our aging bodies can be compared to the growth of malignant tumors. This analogy goes beyond ever-increasing fat bulges and extends to how fat cells resist eradication. Like cancer, fat cells deploy multiple survival mechanisms when their existence is threatened.

So while many ways have been developed to assist people in losing weight, nothing has been shown to circumvent the natural ability of adipocytes (fat cells) to propagate and retain excess fat … until now!
OBESITY IS CAUSED BY:

1. Imbalance between energy (food) intake and energy expenditure
2. Hormone imbalance
3. Genetic factors
4. Multiple physiological and molecular mechanisms influencing body fat regulation.

It is obesity cause number four above that is the most prevalent factor involved in age-associated weight gain. Fortunately, it is now possible to control these obesity-inducing mechanisms using a natural plant extract.
How fat cells accumulate fat

Adipocytes (fat cells) function to store calories in the body. When energy is needed, specific command signals mobilize adipocytes to release their stored fat.

The adipocyte is the primary site for fat storage. Under the microscope, adipocytes appear bloated with triglycerides, which is the form that most fat exists in the body.9-10

Age-related weight gain occurs when adipocytes (fat cells) accumulate a large amount of triglycerides and become enlarged. Obesity is characterized at the cellular level by an increase in the number and size of adipocytes in fat tissue.11-12

Adipocytes accumulate excess triglycerides due to overeating, insufficient physical activity, hormone imbalance and other causes. These factors, however, fail to address the reason why aging individuals seem to put on fat pounds despite making great efforts to eat less, taking dietary supplements and following other practices that should in theory lead to weight loss.
Role of command signals in regulating adipocytes

Young, physically active people can consume lots of calories, often without becoming overweight. One might wonder what mechanism besides physical activity enables these healthy young bodies to limit the amount of ingested fat stored in their adipocytes.

The answer is the adipocyte command signal network that controls the storage and release of triglycerides from fat cells. These signals also regulate adipocyte proliferation.

The aging process adversely affects the adipocyte command signal network, which helps explain the difficulty maturing individuals have in controlling their weight.
The three critical adipocyte command signals

Adipocytes regulate their size and number by secreting command signals.13 One such signal is the hormone leptin, which is derived from the Greek term leptos, meaning thin.

Leptin is released by adipocytes to perform two critical functions. First it signals the brain that enough food has been ingested and shuts down appetite.13-19 It then seems to exert a process whereby triglycerides stored in adipocytes are broken down into fatty acids that can be used in energy production.20-22

The second command signal released by adipocytes is a hormone called adiponectin. This hormone is an important modulator of insulin sensitivity. Adiponectin has been shown to have anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic roles.23-28 High circulating levels of adiponectin have been shown to protect against coronary artery disease, whereas low adiponectin levels are observed in overweight individuals.25, 26, 29-32 The insulin-sensitizing effects of adiponectin represent a novel treatment target for insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity.26, 28-41

The third adipocyte command signal is glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. This enzyme is produced in adipocytes to help convert blood sugar into triglyceride stores in fat cells.42

The three adipocyte command signals are thus:

1. Leptin
2. Adiponectin
3. Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase

An ideal weight loss agent would increase adiponectin, decrease glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and inhibit barriers in the aging body that block the utilization of leptin.
Discovery of a West African medicinal food

Medical discoveries often start with accidental observations. For instance, British sailors where encouraged to eat limes to prevent scurvy long before anyone even knew about vitamin C. Scurvy is the acute disease one contracts when vitamin C intake is deficient.

Anecdotal information indicated that a West African medicinal food called Irvingia gabonensis might produce some weight loss effects. A scientific analysis of various Irvingia extracts revealed that they produced a wide range of biological properties that would not only induce weight loss, but also reduce the most common risk factors involved in atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes.5-7, 43, 46, 51, 52, 54

Small studies were conducted to identify which Irvingia extract worked best in humans. Findings from the first placebo-controlled human study showed the Irvingia extract selected caused fat loss and also markedly reduced total cholesterol (by 39%), LDL (by 45%), glucose (by 32%), and triglycerides (by 45%).6
How Irvingia extract works

Weight loss-inducing agents, be they supplements, hormones or drugs, typically function via only one mechanism. Unfortunately, adipocytes possess numerous routes to ensure their continued growth and proliferation. These survival characteristics of adipocytes explain why logical methods to promote weight loss have produced only mediocre results.

Amylase is an enzyme that converts starch to sugar in the digestive tract. There is an FDA-approved weight loss drug called Acarbose® that inhibits amylase and thereby reduces the amount of sugar absorbed into the bloodstream. White kidney bean extract does the same thing.44,46 Only moderate weight loss benefits, however, have been shown with amylase inhibitors. Irvingia is an amylase inhibitor, but this is not its primary mechanism of fat loss induction.6, 46

Adiponectin is a hormone that plays a critical role in metabolic abnormalities that are associated with Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis.33, 26, 28, 34-41 Higher levels of adiponectin enhance insulin sensitivity, and enhancing insulin sensitivity is important to long-term metabolic health as we age. Adipogenic transcriptional factors involved with adiponectin are also involved in the formation of new adipocytes, fat burning and endothelial function.47-49 Irvingia increases beneficial adiponectin levels and inhibits adipocyte differentiation mediated through the suppression of adipogenic transcription factors.49

The Vicious Cycle of Leptin Resistance


Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that facilitates the conversion of blood glucose into triglycerides that increase adipocyte size. Elevated glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase might contribute to the increase of triacylglycerol synthesis in obese subjects.56 Irvingia inhibits glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, thus reducing the amount of ingested sugars that are converted to body fat.42

Leptin is a hormone secreted from adipocytes. Leptin is much more abundant in the blood of obese individuals. This may at first seem illogical since leptin functions to turn off appetite while promoting breakdown of triglycerides that bloat adipocytes. One reason obese people have higher blood levels of leptin is that C-reactive protein binds with leptin and impairs leptin transport across the blood-brain-barrier and leptin signaling at a cellular level.50

The release of C-reactive protein by adipocytes, a leptin-binding protein, neutralizes the natural adipocyte-controlling effects of leptin. Obese people have more adipocytes that secrete leptin and C-reactive protein.17, 50, 51 The result is that more leptin accumulates in the blood of obese individuals because it is not able to be picked up by leptin receptor sites on cell membranes.57 Irvingia is associated with dramatically lower levels of C-reactive protein, thereby unblocking the “leptin resistance” that causes so many weight loss programs to fail.5

Irvingia may induce fat-loss via four different mechanisms:

1. It up-regulates the expression of adiponectin, thereby improving insulin sensitivity.
2. It is associated with lower levels of C-reactive protein and helps restore the dual weight control effects of leptin.
3. It inhibits glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, thereby reducing fatty acid formation in the body and inhibiting the amount of blood glucose that converts to fat.
4. It inhibits the enzyme amylase, thus reducing the amount of ingested starches that will be absorbed as sugar.


How Irvingia extract works

Effect of Irvingia on weight loss, blood fats and glucose

In 1990, researchers studied the effects of Irvingia on eleven human Type 2 diabetics. Compared to baseline, there were significant reductions in blood triglyceride levels (16%), total cholesterol (30%), LDL (39 %), and glucose (38%), while HDL-cholesterol levels were increased by 29% after four-week supplementation. These desirable biochemical effects were accompanied by improved clinical states.43

In 2005, researchers fed guinea pigs a high-fat diet with or without Irvingia. The guinea pigs receiving the Irvingia displayed a significant increase in beneficial HDL accompanied by a significant decrease in triglycerides and LDL. After three weeks, the Irvingia-supplemented animals lost more than 7% of their body weight; whereas the control group fed the same high-fat diet (without Irvingia) showed more than 8% increase in body weight.52

Discovery of a West African medicinal food

In 2006, researchers studied the effect of Irvingia in rats who were artificially induced to develop diabetes. Just a single oral dose of Irvingia lowered plasma glucose two hours after treatment.46

Another study in 2006 evaluated the effects of Irvingia in slowing the intestinal absorption of glucose in healthy rats. The results showed a significant reduction in after-meal glucose blood level and lower subsequent fasting glucose scores.54

The first double-blind study in humans occurred in 2005. Twenty eight of the subjects received Irvingia while twelve were given a placebo. All subjects maintained their normal calorie intake. After 30 days, subjects taking Irvingia lost 12.3 pounds. The Irvingia group also experienced significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and an increase in HDL.6
The most significant Irvingia study
The most significant Irvingia study

Based on consistent findings showing multiple beneficial effects of Irvingia, a larger study was conducted on overweight and obese participants over a 10-week period. Participants were randomly divided in two groups, one that received Irvingia extract (150 mg twice daily), and the other was given a placebo, while maintaining the same diet and amount of physical exercise.5

Body weight and the following blood levels were measured at baseline:

1. Total Cholesterol, LDL and HDL
2. Fasting glucose
3. Leptin
4. Adiponectin
5. C-reactive protein

The chart below shows the weight loss effects measured at three different times during the ten week study:5

Baseline weight

4 weeks

8 weeks

10 weeks

Irvingia group


215 pounds


207 pounds


197 pounds


187 pounds

Placebo group


212 pounds


210 pounds


209 pounds


211 pounds

The chart above shows the Irvingia group lost 28 pounds, whereas the placebo group lost virtually no weight.

The results from the blood measurements showed equally remarkable effects after ten weeks as follows:5

Glucose

Cholesterol

LDL

CRP*

Adiponectin

Leptin

Irvingia group


-22%


-26%


-27%


-52%


+160%


-49%**

Placebo group


-5.2%


-1.9%


-4.8%


-1%


+23%


-9%

*C-reactive protein

**Reduced blood levels of leptin indicate it is binding to leptin receptor sites on cells and performing its weight control function. Higher leptin blood levels indicate "leptin-resistance," just as higher blood insulin levels indicate "insulin resistance."

These remarkable blood marker changes reveal specific mechanisms responsible for the profound weight loss effects observed in subjects receiving Irvingia. These beneficial blood marker changes would also confer considerable protection against diabetes and vascular disease beyond the fat loss benefits.

When assessing body composition in these study subjects, the following changes were measured at 10 weeks:5

Waist Reduction

Fat Loss

Irvingia group


16.2%


18.4%

Placebo group


5.0%


5.7%

This historic study demonstrated that Irvingia induced more weight loss in a shorter period of time than any other compound ever tested. Participants who received Irvingia had significant improvements in body composition and reductions in blood measurements of cardiovascular and diabetes risk.

The charts on the next page show the percentage of changes seen in the Irvingia group compared to the placebo group.

Irvingia on Weight & Fasting Blood Glucose Irvingia on Total Cholesterol & LDL Cholesterol
Irvingia on Weight & Fasting Blood Glucose Irvingia on Total Cholesterol & LDL Cholesterol
Irvingia on C-reactive Protein & Adiponectin Irvingia on Leptin
Irvingia on C-reactive Protein & Adiponectin Irvingia on Leptin

Dosage

Scientists have spent many years identifying the specific Irvingia extract that promotes the greatest amount of weight loss, while reducing blood fat (lipid) and glucose levels.

In the most significant study to date, it required only 150 mg of standardized Irvingia extract taken two times a day to produce the dramatic results, i.e. 28 pounds of weight loss in subjects taking Irvingia extract compared to less than 3 pounds of weight loss in the placebo group.

Considering the profound effect of Irvingia in sharply reducing blood glucose and cholesterol, the dose of 150 mg of Irvingia taken two times a day should not be exceeded.
Precautions

Optimal cholesterol levels range from 180 to 200 mg/dL. Cholesterol over 200 increases heart attack risk, whereas cholesterol below 150–160 mg/dL seems to increase overall mortality, probably from diseases like hemorrhagic stroke and cancer along with deficiencies of hormones that are made from cholesterol.

If you use cholesterol-lowering drugs and start taking Irvingia, have your blood tested after 30 days to make sure that your cholesterol level is not being lowered too much. If your total cholesterol drops below 160, ask your doctor to consider reducing the dose or eliminating your statin drug.

Hypoglycemics (low blood sugar) should use this product with caution as it can significantly lower blood glucose levels.

Diabetics taking medications to lower glucose levels should use this product with caution as it might cause glucose to drop too low. Diabetics are encouraged to carefully monitor their blood glucose levels, in coordination with their physician, to make sure the proper doses of anti-diabetic drug(s) are taken. If blood glucose levels drop too low, ask your doctor if the dose of anti-diabetic drug can be lowered, or the drug(s) discontinued altogether. If a diabetic experiences significant weight loss with Irvingia, their need for anti-diabetic drugs may be reduced or eliminated. Careful self measurement of blood glucose levels is crucial for all diabetics.

IRVINGIA

has been shown to work via multiple pathways to promote effective fat loss by such mechanisms as:

1. Inhibiting α-amylase activity, reducing the absorption of sugar
2. Reducing glucose levels and insulin induced lipogenesis
3. Reducing adipocyte triglycerides and the glucose-3-phophate dehydrogenase enzyme (thus inhibiting the conversion of glycerol to triglycerides)
4. Reducing immune mediated inflammatory-molecule (CRP) binding to leptin, thereby reducing leptin resistance
5. Lowering serum leptin levels
6. Increasing adiponectin levels (anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects)
7. Reducing PPARgamma expression, which has been implicated in insulin resistance and the pathology of numerous diseases including obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis and cancer

Summary and warning to not overeat

Endeavors to manage age-associated surplus body fat buildup have been challenging.

Just when new methods are discovered to reduce fat stores, scientists uncover additional mechanisms by which adipocytes retain excess triglycerides.

Irvingia seems to overcome the multiple escape routes that enable fat cells (adipocytes) in aging bodies to resist eradication.

Last year I wrote an article titled “Why a 100% Effective Diet Pill Would Lead to a Health Catastrophe.”55 My article stated that most people restrict their calorie intake not for health reasons but to avoid becoming too fat. I warned that if a diet pill ever emerged that did not require food restriction, most people would overeat themselves into an early grave.

It is still too early to know for sure if Irvingia will prove to be a 100% effective diet pill.

With our knowledge about the health and longevity benefits of restricting calorie intake, I beg, plead, and reiterate my point that if you find an effective method to lose weight without dieting, please continue to control calorie intake anyway in order to extend your life.
Regenerative Medicine Breakthroughs

In other words, if Irvingia were to work for you as well as it did for the study subjects, please do not overeat, as excess calorie intake is a leading cause of cancer, vascular disease, and accelerated aging. The good news is that by freeing up leptin to bind to hunger-control centers in the brain, most people will find their appetite is reduced when taking Irvingia, thus eabling them to effortlessly ingest fewer calories.

Note: The issue of Life Extension Magazine that members will receive in early January 2009 will feature an in-depth scientific report on obesity and the role that adipocyte modulating agents like leptin and adiponectin play in regulating body fat storage.

References

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Note to actually see the charts click here:

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2008/ss2008...weight-loss.htm

OK So who is up for trying to source some of this bad boy in Bulk???

How bout a couple trial reasonable dosing of the LEF stuff and then report back first?

So far I only have Colin running a log. I would be interested in having at least 2 more people to see if this really works.

I'm not sure why you included the Shark Liver Oil, since LEF is more expensive than Solgar, but I agree that the numbers for PPC indicate that LEF is not the most expensive source.





AOR Ortho-Core is very comparable. Source Naturals Life Force Multiples is also comparable.





I didn't pay $72; I paid the member price, around $48. I made reference to the $72 list price because our earlier comparisons were based upon list prices. (By the way, but I don't know where you got the $45.50 number. I just checked CN's website, and CN is charging full list price, i.e., $72, for the Irvingia w/ Fuco.) Regardless of whether the consumer pays $45.50, $48 or $72 for 60 gelcaps, it remains difficult for me to accept your claim that with respect to products like Irvingia w/Fuco LEF offers better prices and less hype because it is somehow "less driven by profits than other companies."



Regarding quality, I never suggested LEF is lying or that I have reason to question LEF's quality; you simply made that up. One of the reasons I buy LEF is that as far as I can tell they seem to shoot fairly straight. I purposefully refuse to support companies (like USP Labs) that I consider to be deceptive. That doesn't mean I am oblivious to the fact that LEF supports its prices with its claim of higher quality products, or the fact that I am accepting LEF's claim on faith because I have no means of validating it. It also doesn't mean I am oblivious to the fact that LEF is hyping its Irvingia products ("28 pounds in 10 weeks!") pretty hard.

Regarding prices, your claim that I cannot comment on LEF's prices because I never or rarely evaluate alternative sources is nonsense. I never said that I never or rarely evaluate alternative sources; you simply made that up. Furthermore, you have already conceded that other companies had "much better deals" than LEF after I identified several products to you.

Time will tell which of us is correct. If your claim is accurate, Irvingia and Irvingia w/ Fuco will prove to be very solid products and after other companies start selling comparable formulations LEF's price will be among the lowest. If my view of LEF is correct, LEF's price will be higher than most.

LEF's is more cost effective as it offers more of the active compound than Solgar's.

Solgar has 3 grams of alkoxylglycerols per bottle while LEF's has 6 grams. Double the amount for a retail a few bucks seems like a great deal to me if not the best.

Please post a cheaper source of PPC as I'm not aware of a better deal.



Most people would consider them very different formulas both in amounts and ingredients.



Sorry for the price looks like there was an error on the price format in the backdoor of the site it's fixed at $45.50. It's my view from my experience from them and sorry you don't share it but obviously it does not matter if you still use and like their products.



I've had COA's send to me from LEF and never saw anything but quality results, perhaps you should inquire to validate it. I don't view presenting a clinical study as hype but that's just my viewpoint.



If I somehow misunderstood your quote please explain but your comments below suggest it's easier fcor you to buy from LEF than try to look for other sources. So i would assume you have not looked for other sources as it was easier and more money consuming not to. You pointed out some of the cheaper basic supplements compared to a cheaper company was cheaper yes. It would be more accurate to review 5-10 companies to make a better comparison however.






My view is based on the information and experience dealing with LEF which I have no reason to change unless they give me one. Whenever any company comes out with a new item the retail price is almost always higher than other brands as some brands take this into consideration when launching their product. Even if LEF's retail prices are higher on some or many items when it comes down to it you have to compare what prices suppliers are selling it at because that's what your buying it at (which varies as different suppliers offer different discounts on their brands).

Thanks Steve - that article you posted on Irvingia gabonensis has some very impressive claims. I would be interested in giving this a run myself - probably in the new year.

In addition to using it for cutting, I wonder if it's adiponectin play could be used to improve anabolic partitioning on a bulk.

J

Sure sent me a pm with your address and I'll send you 10 weeks worth.

I'd really like to give this stuff a go. I've been on a new journey towards leanness. I quit smoking about a month ago (quit a few years ago but smoked about three a day for the past year) and I'm motivated to make some serious changes. But I am NOT in the mood to diet. I'm glad to be off nicotine but I want to enjoy myself during the holidays without getting anal about calories and what not. If this supplement does what it claims to then I should see results without any change in diet.

If there's room for one wildcard to add to this experiment, let it be me.

Sure.

i bought 2 bottles - will post results.

Look forward to it. Where did you buy them btw?

I just bought two bottles from LEF, and will probably start this on Tuesday, Dec 9. I will report back in a couple of weeks. I am about 30 pounds overweight. No chol or sugar issues. Do regular blood tests. I have already started watching my carbs, so I will be the case of a bit of watching what I eat versus the no diet person.

Anna

Welcome to the forum Anna. What brought you here if i may ask?

I came looking for the answers to the question on this thread. Given that this is a rather new offering, and sounds too amazing to be true, I thought I'd better check it out.

I'm an adult woman who has had weight creep since childbirth over 22 years. I eat normally, and maybe even less than those around me. I take a range of supplements actually created by a nutritionist and made in a compounding pharmacy. I was told a few years ago that my C reactive proteins were higher than normal. And who knows maybe the gain is somehow related.

Well this is a very supportive forum and we hope our experiences can help each other out. Please keep us updated or even start a log if it helps!

+1

How much cardio do you do?
J

Not enough. I'm not a couch potato, but climbing the stairs at work instead of using the elevator is about the time I give it except one or two good workouts a week.

FYI Given that this thread is indexed on Google and that there have already been 1300 reads of it, I think we are onto a popular topic.