As with any natural product including CortiSlim and Cortisyn, there will be a range of side effects experienced by users.

CortiSlim Side Effects

CortiSlim does not contain ephedrine.  Each of the ingredients in CortiSlim is known to be extremely safe when used as directed. CortiSlim has been formulated to provide safe and “clinically effective” levels of all ingredients, but users are cautioned to discontinue use if they experience any undesired side effects. A primary ingredient in CortiSlim and Cortisyn is synephrine.

Synephrine as found in CortiSlim and Cortisyn weight loss formulas

Synephrine, is the main "active" compound found in the fruit of a plant called Citrus aurantium. The fruit is also known as zhi shi (in traditional Chinese medicine), and bitter orange. Synephrine is chemically very similar to the ephedrine and pseudo-ephedrine found in many OTC cold/allergy medications and in a number of weight loss and energy supplements. But synephrine differs from ephedrine in that synephrine targets some tissues such as fat, more than it targets others such as the heart. A non-selective sympathomimetic (like ephedra which targets many tissues equally and thus often causes side effects).

Synephrine in CortiSlim and Cortisyn has no effect on heart rate and blood pressure

Unlike ephedra, research has shown that Citrus aurantium extract has no effect on heart rate and blood pressure. For example, although some high-dose ephedra-containing supplements have been associated with certain cardiovascular side effects as elevated blood pressure and heart palpitations, researchers at Mercer University in Atlanta have shown that Citrus aurantium extract (because it targets fat tissue rather than heart tissue) has no effect on hemodynamics such as heart rate and blood pressure.

Claims:

• Increases metabolic rate
• Increases caloric expenditure
• Fat burner
• Promotes weight loss
• Increases energy levels

Supplement manufacturers have latched onto the cortisol-belly fat connection as a way to promote weight-loss products.

Are they effective?

Cortisol products generally contain vitamins and minerals along with a "proprietary blend" that includes herbs and supplements with anti-anxiety and stimulant effects. Though the stimulants might curb the appetite, they would clash with the anti-anxiety effects and also mimic the effect of other stress hormones, which seems to be at cross purposes.

The evidence for the weight-loss claims of these products is slim to none. Most "evidence" is provided by glowing testimonials, which can be taken with a grain of table salt.

In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration ordered one manufacturer to stop making unsubstantiated product claims such as "controls cortisol levels," "controls appetite," "eliminates cravings," and "enhances metabolism through thermogenesis."

Banaba leaf in CortiSlim and Cortsyn

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