The stack is a cutting aid, although the asprin is expendable, unless you' re really, really fat if i remember correctly (Something to do with NSAIDS and some other stuff i couldn' t be arsed to research).
I think a lot of companies still include the asprin though. Purely because they don' t research the science themselves and just follow suit of other companies.
Anyhoo, EC is pretty standard these days - occasionally with other additions (see below).
E = ephedrine.
It elevates adrenalin/noradrenalin release, which stimulates the adrenoreceptors. At normal levels, these hormones tend to stimulate more alpha receptors (specifically alpha-2, a signal for fat storing and anti-lipolysis etc...), but at ephedrine-induced levels, they tend to stimulate more beta receptors (specifically beta-2, a signal for fat mobilisation and lipolysis, but also effects beta-3 to a some extent - which is less of an issue since humans have so little beta-3 receptors anyway).
Because ephedrine stimulates adrenalin/noradrenalin release, it excites the sympathetic nervous system, which is what gives you that " buzz" and mental clarity - a potent pre-workout stimulant. So Ephedrine can be used in this regard. However, the body becomes acustomed to the " buzz" and so if you want to use ephedrine as a pre-workout boost, you should use sparingly or cycle on and off regularly.
The thermogenic effect has been shown to get stronger with prolonged use, so if you' re using it as a cuting aid, then there' s no real need to cycle off. If you' re going to use it so often, however, using tyrosine simultaneously wouldn' t be a bad idea, since tyrosine is a precursor for adrenalin/noradrenalin and frequent stimulation may deplete your reserves.
The caffiene is basically a fat mobiliser and helps get the fatty acids out of the adipocytes and circulating in the blood stream for the muscles to take up to oxidise. Careful not to over do this one though, cause it causes cellular dehydration, which can negatively impact RMR. Also, a dehydrated cell certainly isn' t an anabolic cell. Potentially catabolic infact.
If your bodytype sways more towards the endomorphic region, it may be best to either restrict caffiene intake or curb it altogether. Ephedrine has a slight diuretic effect, but comparatively caffiene is more potent in this regard, and ephedrine yields more favourable effect on the adrenoreceptors. The minimal diuretic effect of ephedrine is more than made up for because of this reason.
There are various other compounds to can still use in comjunction with ephedrine (and caffiene if it works well for you). Yohimbine (the active alkaloid of yohimbe - or at least one of the known active alkaloids of yohimbe) has become really popular lately - orally and transdermally. Careful combining oral yohimbine with ephedrine, however. Both increase heart rate and blood pressure. definately build up doses to see how the mix effects you. Also, avoid using yohimbine with carb meals, since any effect it may have will be overshadowed by insulin. Insulin wins pretty much any fight.
Yohimbine works by antagonising the alpha-2 receptor mentioned above. The prevents adrenalin/noradrenalin from binding, so fat storage and anti-lipolysis doesn' t get " switched on" . On the contrary - it can induce fat mobilisation. Yohimbine is also small enough to pass through the skin quite easily (providied you' re using the right carrier and transport mechanism *cough* lipoderm-y *cough*) so can be used for targeted delivery - i.e. that infamous spot reduction.
It' s also an anti-diuretic, so can cause water retention. Quite significant water retention in some people.
EGCG, a catechin like that found in green tea are also a handy addition - as is Forskolin.
EGCG inhibits COMT.
COMT is one of the things that metabolises the adrenalin/noradrenalin not taken back into the synaptic nerves (although palys a lesser role compared to MAO [or MAO-A if we' re being more specific]).
So EGCG basically helps prolong the life of NE in the synaptic cleft.
I' ve also read a little about EGCG inhibiting fatty acid synthase.
< Message edited by Robboe -- 6/20/2003 5:25:57 PM >