QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF CAFFEINE, EPHEDRINE, AND YOHIMBINE IN STIMULANT-BASED FAT BURNER SUPPLEMENTS

Introduction: The use of supplements in the fitness industry has experienced a notable surge due to the growing awareness of their potential health benefits. Fat burners, a popular type of supplement, are commonly employed to assist in weight loss. However, it is important to acknowledge that fat burners can have adverse effects on the body. Common side effects include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, sleep disturbances, restlessness, heightened anxiety, and digestive issues. They often contain ingredients like green tea extract, herbs, and minerals, which can enhance energy levels and speed up metabolism. Some fat burners also include stimulants like caffeine, ephedrine, and yohimbine, which can lead to additional problems like rapid heart rate, dehydration, and agitation. In certain cases, fat burners may even pose a risk to liver health. Objective: To ensure the safety and accuracy of fat burner supplements, a method known as RP-HPLC (Reversed Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) was developed and validated according to the guidelines established by ICH of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. This method enables the precise quantification of caffeine, ephedrine, and yohimbine in fat burner supplements that contain stimulants. Results and Discussion: The study’s results demonstrated that the developed RP-HPLC method was suitable, specific, and accurate for analyzing caffeine, ephedrine, and yohimbine. The linear regression data revealed that the method-maintained linearity across a concentration range of 150μg to 900μg for caffeine, 2.5μg to 15μg for yohimbine, and 25μg to 150μg for ephedrine, effectively fulfilling its intended purpose. Analysis of samples indicated that unbranded fat burner products, including those not labeled as containing caffeine, contained varying amounts of caffeine ranging from 199.8 mg to 297.3 mg. Ephedrine was absent in all ephedra-based supplements, while yohimbine exceeded the labeled quantities. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing analytical controls for fat burners to ensure consumer safety. Conclusion: The use of fat burner supplements has gained popularity in the fitness industry as a means to aid weight loss. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential side effects associated with these supplements. The development and validation of the RP-HPLC method have provided a reliable approach to analyze the components of fat burners, specifically caffeine, ephedrine, and yohimbine. The study’s findings underscore the necessity for proper regulation and quality control measures to ensure the safety and accuracy of fat burner supplements for consumers.