Being the foundational powerhouse ingredient of a pre-workout, having a full clinical dosage would ensure results. We did not cut corners and attempt to pass off low-dose ingredients in our product. That is why we went with a total dosage of 12,000 mg. Combining L-Citrulline and L-Citrulline DL Malate (Malic Acid). L- Citrulline is a nitric oxide enhancer, in turn widening your blood vessels and improving blood flow and oxygen uptake. It is also an ergogenic aid to resistance and high-intensity performance, it increases strength and enhances the use of branched-chain amino acids such as leucine during exercise. 

Sources:

•  Pérez-Guisado J, Jakeman PM. Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle soreness. J Strength Cond Res. 2010;24(5):1215-1222. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181cb28e0 (1)
• Schwedhelm E, Maas R, Freese R, et al. Pv harmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of oral L-citrulline and L-arginine: impact on nitric oxide metabolism. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2008;65(1):51-59. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2007.02990.x (2) 
• Sureda A, Córdova A, Ferrer MD, Pérez G, Tur JA, Pons A. L-citrulline-malate influence over branched chain amino acid utilization during exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010;110(2):341-351. doi:10.1007/s00421-010-1509-4 (3)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20386132/ (1)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17662090/ (2)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20499249/ (3)

The culprit of the “tingly” feeling. Some aren’t fond of it, but the results cannot lie in its efficacy, and it is 100% safe and tested in many studies… Beta-alanine plays the role of reducing lactic acid in your muscles and prolongs fatigue in training. An important factor is that continuous supplementation of 4-6g for at least 2-4 weeks has been shown to increase performance. Similarly to creatine monohydrate, there is a “loading” phase, its complete effects will be apparent after roughly a month of continuous use. It increases overall muscular strength, and lean mass, and decreases fat. 

Sources:

• Stout JR, Graves BS, Smith AE, et al. The effect of beta-alanine supplementation on neuromuscular fatigue in elderly (55-92 Years): a double-blind randomized study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2008;5:21. Published 2008 Nov 7. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-5-21 (4)
• Hoffman J, Ratamess N, Kang J, Mangine G, Faigenbaum A, Stout J. Effect of creatine and beta-alanine supplementation on performance and endocrine responses in strength/power athletes. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2006;16(4):430-446. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.16.4.430 (5)
• Kern BD, Robinson TL. Effects of β-alanine supplementation on performance and body composition in collegiate wrestlers and football players. J Strength Cond Res. 2011;25(7):1804-1815. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181e741cf (6)
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2585553/ (4)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17136944/ (5)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21659893/ (6)

Similar to creatine, it improves hydration and increases markers for muscle protein synthesis. This occurs because Betaine has carbon and hydrogen molecules that are called methyl groups, these methyl groups help balance fluid levels around cells. It helps with rehydration, endurance, and nutrient absorption, and increases total repetitions and volume. 

Sources:

•  Hoffman JR, Ratamess NA, Kang J, Rashti SL, Faigenbaum AD. Effect of betaine supplementation on power performance and fatigue. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2009;6:7. Published 2009 Feb 27. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-6-7 (7)
• Cholewa JM, Wyszczelska-Rokiel M, Glowacki R, et al. Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013;10(1):39. Published 2013 Aug 22. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-10-39 (8)
• Trepanowski JF, Farney TM, McCarthy CG, Schilling BK, Craig SA, Bloomer RJ. The effects of chronic betaine supplementation on exercise performance, skeletal muscle oxygen saturation and associated biochemical parameters in resistance trained men. J Strength Cond Res. 2011;25(12):3461-3471. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e318217d48d (9)
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6069865/ (7)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23967897/ (8)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22080324/ (9)

Taurine is essential for pre-workout supplementation. Being an amino acid that competes with Beta-Alanine it is important to supplement Taurine or you may experience a deficiency. Taurine has also been shown to reduce next-day soreness. 

Sources:

• Niu X, Zheng S, Liu H, Li S. Protective effects of taurine against inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in brain injury. Mol Med Rep. 2018 Nov;18(5):4516-4522. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9465. Epub 2018 Sep 6. PMID: 30221665; PMCID: PMC6172387. (10)
• Ra SG, Miyazaki T, Ishikura K, et al. Additional effects of taurine on the benefits of BCAA intake for the delayed-onset muscle soreness and muscle damage induced by high-intensity eccentric exercise. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2013;776:179-187. doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-6093-0_18 (11) 
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30221665/ (10)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23392882/ (11)

Increases dopamine and adrenaline release which improves exercise tolerance, motivation, and focus. L-tyrosine is the acetylated form of the amino acid L-tyrosine, resulting in improved absorption and prolonged effectiveness.  

Sources: 

• Neri DF, Wiegmann D, Stanny RR, Shappell SA, McCardie A, McKay DL. The effects of tyrosine on cognitive performance during extended wakefulness. Aviat Space Environ Med. 1995;66(4):313-319. (12)
• Jongkees BJ, Hommel B, Colzato LS. People are different: tyrosine's modulating effect on cognitive control in healthy humans may depend on individual differences related to dopamine function. Front Psychol. 2014;5:1101. Published 2014 Oct 6. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01101  (13)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7794222/ (12)
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4186281/ (13)

L-carnitine supplementation enhances exercise performance while attenuating blood lactate and oxidative stress responses to resistance training. 

Sources:

• Fielding R, Riede L, Lugo JP, Bellamine A. l-Carnitine Supplementation in Recovery after Exercise. Nutrients. 2018 Mar 13;10(3):349. doi: 10.3390/nu10030349. Erratum in: Nutrients. 2018 Apr 26;10(5):E541. doi: 10.3390/nu10050541. PMID: 29534031; PMCID: PMC5872767. (14)
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5872767/ (14)

We wanted to add another source of electrolytes in our pre-workout besides sodium and potassium. This led us to look at natural sources of electrolytes like Coconut Water Powder. Being freeze-dried, nutrients are not lost in the process. 

Sources:

• Kalman DS, Feldman S, Krieger DR, Bloomer RJ. Comparison of coconut water and a carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drink on measures of hydration and physical performance in exercise-trained men. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012 Jan 18;9(1):1. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-9-1. PMID: 22257640; PMCID: PMC3293068. (15)
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3293068/ (15)

Nootropics have been gaining popularity, for good reason, one of the most prominent being Lion’s Mane. An amazing mushroom that has been proven to have many benefits that even extend into the gym… It reduces fatigue, increases energy levels, and increases blood flow to the muscles. This mushroom can also improve your mental focus and concentration and aid in the mind-muscle connection that's crucial for building muscles. 

Sources:

• Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF. The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2023;15(22):4842. Published 2023 Nov 20. doi:10.3390/nu15224842 (16)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38004235/ (16)

AlphaSize® is a type of alpha-glyceryl phosphorylcholine (GPC) that is patented and much more bioavailable. Choline is an essential B vitamin that the body uses to create acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine, both of which play important roles in cognitive function and neurotransmission. Several human studies have shown that alpha-GPC can improve mental and physical performance, especially when taken with caffeine. Therefore, alpha-GPC has both nootropic and ergogenic properties, making it an ideal pre-workout ingredient. (17)

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4595381/ (17)

Rhodiola Rosea, a powerful adaptogen, has been found to protect cells from damage, improve athletic performance, and increase strength and power in strength training. Taken before exercise has been shown to enhance endurance and anaerobic exercise capacity, keeping you in “the zone” for longer periods.

Sources:

• Liu C, Zhao H, Yan Y, Yang W, Chen S, Song G, Li X, Gu Y, Yun H, Li YSynergistic Effect of and Caffeine Supplementation on the Improvement of Muscle Strength and Muscular Endurance: A Pilot Study for Rats, Resistance Exercise-Untrained and -Trained Volunteers.Nutrients.(2023-Jan-22) (18)
• Duncan MJ, Clarke NDThe Effect of Acute Rhodiola rosea Ingestion on Exercise Heart Rate, Substrate Utilisation, Mood State, and Perceptions of Exertion, Arousal, and Pleasure/Displeasure in Active MenJ Sports Med (Hindawi Publ Corp).(2014) (19)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36771289/ (18)
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4590898/ (19)

Amino acid is found naturally in tea leaves. Theanine increases the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) – a chemical known for its ability to promote relaxation and calm and inhibit central nervous system activity.

Sources:

• Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biol Psychol. 2007;74(1):39-45. doi:10.1016/j.biopsycho.2006.06.006 (20)
• Kelly SP, Gomez-Ramirez M, Montesi JL, Foxe JJ. L-theanine and caffeine in combination affect human cognition as evidenced by oscillatory alpha-band activity and attention task performance. J Nutr. 2008;138(8):1572S-1577S. doi:10.1093/jn/138.8.1572S (21)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16930802/ (20)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18641209/ (21)

A fancier caffeine anhydrous… This refers to caffeine being bonded to malic acid, resulting in a yield of 75% caffeine to 25% malic acid. Not only can malic acid contribute to caffeine being easier on the stomach to digest, but also offers a sustained release of caffeine. This type of caffeine has been reported to absorb at a slower rate leading to longer-lasting effects with a smoother come down and no “crash”. 

• Smith AE, Fukuda DH, Kendall KL, Stout JR. The effects of a pre-workout supplement containing caffeine, creatine, and amino acids during three weeks of high-intensity exercise on aerobic and anaerobic performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2010 Feb 15;7:10. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-7-10. PMID: 20156347; PMCID: PMC2854104. (22)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18641209/ (22)

Theacrine, or the purest form known as Teacrine, provides greater focus under fatigue for longer periods, as well as fueling physical exertion, theacrine also delivers a smooth increase in energy that can help boost brain power. When combined with caffeine, theacrine can make it easier to concentrate on the task at hand and help reduce mental fatigue. 

Sources:

• Bello ML, Walker AJ, McFadden BA, Sanders DJ, Arent SM. The effects of TeaCrine® and caffeine on endurance and cognitive performance during a simulated match in high-level soccer players. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2019 Apr 18;16(1):20. doi: 10.1186/s12970-019-0287-6. PMID: 30999897; PMCID: PMC6472067. (24)
• Kuhman, D. J., Joyner, K. J., & Bloomer, R. J. (2015). Cognitive performance and mood following ingestion of a theacrine-containing dietary supplement, caffeine, or placebo by young men and women. Nutrients, 7(11), 9618-9632. (25)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30999897/ (24)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26610558/ (25)

Theobromine, the primary alkaloid present in cocoa beans, can be considered as the "younger sibling" of caffeine. Its roles within the body are believed to complement those of caffeine. Studies have additionally revealed that theobromine contributes differently to mood and cognitive function in comparison to caffeine. This research offers deeper understanding into the unique yet synergistic qualities of these naturally occurring stimulants.

Sources:

• Franco R, Oñatibia-Astibia A, Martínez-Pinilla E. Health benefits of methylxanthines in cacao and chocolate. Nutrients. 2013;5(10):4159-4173. Published 2013 Oct 18. doi:10.3390/nu5104159 (26)
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820066/ (26)

SenActiv® represents a patented blend of two adaptogenic extracts: Panax notoginseng root and the well-known rose hips (Rosa roxburghii). Within SenActiv, the notoginseng is notably rich in notoginsenoside R1, a beneficial compound recognized for its role in expediting muscle recovery following intense exercise. Simultaneously, the rose hips contribute various ginsenoside-like molecules, amplifying the overall recovery-enhancing effect through a synergistic mechanism.

Sources:

• Liang MT, Podolka TD, Chuang WJ. Panax notoginseng supplementation enhances physical performance during endurance exercise. J Strength Cond Res. 2005 Feb;19(1):108-14. doi: 10.1519/00124278-200502000-00019. PMID: 15744902. (27)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15744902/ (27)

We wanted to have a more natural and less jittery source of energy, so organic Green Tea was a great fit for this. While still having a little caffeine anhydrous from the Di-Caffeine Malate for a quick increase in energy, green tea has a more prolonged and stable release. 

• Chacko, S.M., Thambi, P.T., Kuttan, R. et al. Beneficial effects of green tea: A literature review. Chin Med5, 13 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1186/1749-8546-5-13 (23)
• https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1749-8546-5-13#citeas (23)

Enhances the bioavailability of molecules characterized by inherent challenges in absorption or substantial metabolism within the hepatic system.

Sources:

• Bano, G., Raina, R.K., Zutshi, U. et al. Effect of piperine on bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of propranolol and theophylline in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 41, 615–617 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00314996 (28)
• Lambert JD, Hong J, Kim DH, Mishin VM, Yang CS. Piperine enhances the bioavailability of the tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate in mice. J Nutr. 2004;134(8):1948-1952. doi:10.1093/jn/134.8.1948 (29)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1815977/ (28)
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15284381/ (29)