A range of thermogenic agents have been investigated for their effects in humans. Of the agents tested, a large number of effective thermogenic agents from plants have been identified. However, often the size of the effects is small and should be taken in this context. One method to increase the effectiveness of the agents might be to combine them with a view to creating synergism between the different compounds. For example, naringin and and hesperidin may act synergistically with p-synephrine to enhance its thermogenic effects. The compound forskolin from Coleus forskohlii may also act synergistically with extracts of Salacia reticulata and Sesamum indicumt causing thermogenesis and weight loss. As well as in combinations, plant compounds may work synergistically with exercise, as both act to increase metabolic rate and increase fat oxidation. In this regard ephedrine from Ephedra sinica has been shown to provide greater fat loss compared to either exercise or ephedrine alone, and in addition, ephedrine may significantly improve the retention of muscle during low energy intakes, preventing significant losses of lean mass and maintaining metabolic rate during periods of dieting.
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Stohs, S. J. and Badmaev, V. 2016. A review of natural stimulant and non‐stimulant thermogenic agents. Phytotherapy Research. 30(5): 732-740
