DVST8 of the Union - The most innovative DVST8 formula yet!

• L-Tyrosine - 1,500mg

L-Tyrosine is one of the most popular ingredients in pre-workouts these days, and for very good reason. It plays a significant role in the production of Dopamine (our feel good hormone), Adrenaline and Noradrenaline, Epinephrine and Norepinephrine, and thyroid hormones. Supplementing L-Tyrosine replenishes these important neurotransmitters and dramatically improves mental function (focus, concentration, memory, learning).

1,500mg is a massive dosage of L-Tyrosine and will trigger several of our “feel-good” neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and dopamine. This will greatly enhance a sense of well being, boost mood, and drastically increase mental alertness and focus. As an added bonus, it can also lower anxiety and stress so nothing will stand in your way from demolishing every session! 

• Caffeine Anhydrous - 350mg

Caffeine is without a doubt the most known and utilized stimulant in the world. Caffeine occurs naturally in plants such as coffee beans, tea, and cacao, which is the source of cocoa for chocolate. It's a CNS (Central Nervous System) stimulant that has been shown to reduce feelings of fatigue, increase energy levels, heighten mental alertness, lower perceived exertion, and even lower levels of perceived pain.

Caffeine also improves mental acuity and sharpness, helps maintain laser-like focus, and even improves some technical skills both during and after strenuous activity. And, if that isn't enough, it's also believed to enhance the body's ability to use its own fat as fuel, which can effectively increase the time to exhaustion in endurance events. 

350mg is a clinical dose of caffeine anhydrous. This specific dosage has been shown to maximize the benefits of caffeine supplementation. These benefits include:

- Increased mental alertness and energy levels 

Caffeine works in the brain as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, so when I say energy, I mean alertness. Caffeine blocks certain receptors in the brain that increase levels of epinephrine, adrenaline, and dopamine. Blocking these receptors in the brain gives you that drive you feel—and a bit of euphoria—when you consume caffeine before a workout

- Increased Strength and Power

The nerves that activate muscle fibers, once stimulated by caffeine, activate those muscle fibers with greater force. More force equals more strength, which is why caffeine can increase your strength during a workout.

- Enhanced Muscular Endurance

Caffeine increases endurance in several ways. The first is by increasing fat burning during workouts. When you train with caffeine, you burn more fat. This spares muscle glycogen, which means you have more energy later in the workout, when you need it most. Another way caffeine can improve endurance is by boosting nitric oxide levels. That's right, research shows that caffeine can enhance vasodilation, the term for the widening of blood vessels. This allows more blood to flow to the muscles, which in turn delivers more oxygen and more nutrients, resulting in greater overall endurance.

- Reduced Muscle Soreness

Believe it or not, research shows that caffeine works incredibly well for helping ease muscle soreness by altering your perceived exertion during your workouts. With less muscle soreness, you can go harder, perhaps banging out a few extra reps you probably wouldn't have gotten if that muscle soreness was too much. More reps equals more work done by your muscles, and that equals better results.

• EnXtra® Alpina Galanga Extract (Root) - 300mg

Alpinia galanga is native to Southeast Asia, where it’s used as a food and herb. It is part of the ginger family, and, similar to ginger, the rhizome, or creeping rootstalk is what’s used.  EnXtra® is a clinically studied and standardized Alpinia galanga rhizome extract. In numerouos studies, EnXtra® has been examined complementary to caffeine and as a standalone substance. Clinical studies have shown and proven that supplementation with EnXtra® support alertness and focus. It’s clinically proven to improve alertness and focus for up to 5 hours with and without caffeine. EnXtra® can be used as a replacement for caffeine or used with caffeine to prevent crash and prolong caffeine’s nootropic benefits.

• Eria Jarensis Etxract - 150mg

 Eria Jarensis Extract or N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine is a neuromodulator on the Central Nervous System (CNS) and provides several mental effects including powerful focus, energy and even an increase in mood. It provides therapeutic mood boosting effects due to its ability increase levels of Dopamine and Noradrenaline the body.

Dopamine is the hormone responsible for ‘feeling good’, with Eria Jarensis Extract reported to give users a euphoric sensation. These hormones are also associated with enhancing concentration levels, alertness and focus, while other have also reported that Eria Jarensis Extract was also associated with the reduction in appetite, acting as a bronchodilator and reducing feelings of anxiety! Therefore, supplementing with Eria Jarensis Extract can increase the quality of one’s training, assist with fat loss and improve general concentration levels throughout the day. This is also the primary substance that is responsible for the tunnel vision focus I mentioned earlier in the blog.

• zümXR® XR Caffeine - 100mg

zümXR® Caffeine is extended released caffeine that alters how caffeine is absorbed and then processed by the body. The technology of zümXR® takes you typical caffeine that has extremely rapid absorption and is processed in the body almost instantly and delays the entire process. This delaying effect then produces an extended-release effect on the caffeine.

Your typical caffeine anhydrous is fast-absorbing, fast-digesting and VERY fast acting! With effects felt within the first 15 minutes after consumption and all the energy being delivered within the first hour. This is why we see caffeine anhydrous used in 90% of stimulant formulas, the rapid onset of effects makes it extremely desirable for achieving increases in energy for users. 

On the other side of the coin, zümXR® Caffeine, is designed to NOT provide the effects of caffeine anhydrous; at least from an energy release timeline point of view. The specific zümXR® technology is designed to allow no MORE than 50% of the caffeine ‘energy’ within the first hour after the consumption of zümXR® Caffeine. And then by the 5-6 hour mark, no LESS than 80% of the caffeine energy will have been released, absorbed and utilized by the body.

This slowed down release of caffeine allows for much more gradual onset of effects from the caffeine serve attached to the zümXR® and thus allows for much longer-lasting energy than you typical caffeine anhydrous. This slowed down release also helps to prevent any jitters and alleviates a mid or post-workout crash!

• CoLEAN™ - 100mg

CoLEAN™ is a patented blend of alpha-GPC (50%), choline DL-bitartrate, and citicoline. All 3 are potent 

a precursor for acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter synthesized by cholinergic neurons and involved in muscle control, circadian rhythm, memory, and many other neuronal functions. 

Alpha-GPC (A-GPC) is a potent building block of acetylcholine, which as we discussed, is a vastly important neurotransmitter present in both brain and muscle tissue. A-GPC is converted to phosphorylcholine, a metabolically active form of the essential nutrient choline. Phosphorylcholine migrates to the synaptic nerve endings found throughout the central nervous system and in turn increases acetylcholine synthesis and release. All athletic research performed with A-GPC has proven to benefit cognitive performance (memory, learning, recall, focus, and repetitive tasking) and also to benefit physical performance, including power output, force development, strength, jumping, and agility. It has even been shown to help improve video game performance. Major plus for all you gamers out there who also love to lift!

Choline-bitartrate is a chemical compound, which is augments acetylcholine neurotransmission, thus enhancing muscle fiber recruitment. Acetylcholine is found in neuromuscular junctions and helps signal muscle contractions, which is the key component to better “mind-muscle connection” when training. It also plays a key role in basically every cognitive function from balance, coordination, memory, mental alertness, to just learning in general. 

Citicoline helps enhance communication between neurons, maintain normal levels of acetylcholine, protect neural structures, and support healthy brain activity and energy. Clinical studies have shown citicoline's remarkable ability to promote focus and attention, which is vital for optimal training performance. It has also been shown to increase the activity of mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of cells that produce Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP), which in turn increases ATP production that supports the health of neurotransmitters vital for sustained mental effort.

• Hordenine - 60mg

As a powerful hormone regulator, Hordenine effects include increased cellular metabolism, promoting fat burning and enhancing mental focus. It's actually very similar in chemical structure to the neurochemical tyramine, which assists in the release of hormones such as norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine. Hordenine crosses the blood brain barrier and functions as a monoamine oxidase (MAO B) inhibitor. Hordenine effects and benefits include balancing hormone levels and improving nerve communication.

When Dopamine levels get too low, we start to experience various disturbances in the central nervous system including stress responses, symptoms of depression, and difficulty focusing. Hordenine effects and benefits remedy these issues and lifts concentration levels while improving mood.The adrenergic system is stimulated, creating the sensation of lasting natural energy. Cell metabolism is increased, resulting in more energy for all processes of mind and body.

• Isopropylnorsynephrine - 50mg

Isopropylnorsynephrine is a modified version of synephrine -- the primary active alkaloid found in citrus aurantium. 

Synephrine is a naturally occurring alkaloid that is considered to be a stimulant and nootropic due to its affect on weight loss and cognitive processes in the brain. Synephrine helps to increase metabolic rate, increase caloric expenditure and elevate energy levels throughout the day. In particular, synephrine is a beta-agonist similar to Ephedrine and acts to increase metabolic rate via increasing lipolysis and BMR (basal metabolic rate).

Now, here comes the kicker!! Isopropylnorsynephrine has actually been found to be more potent than synephrine, which means more energy, more focus, and more fat burning! The boosts in fat oxidation and metabolic rate is also a major plus for those dieting as it will help you maximize the weight loss benefits of exercise.

• Cocoabuterol® Extract - 30mg

Cocoabuterol® is a natural cocoa extract containing the very bioactive compounds, to include N-Coumaroyldopamine, N-Caffeoyldopamine, EGCG, phenethylamines, and Theobromine. The natural alkaloids in Cocoabuterol® can greatly increase cAMP via beta-adrenoceptor, which can exert attractive fat burning and muscle building functions. Cocoabuterol® supports physiological pathways which improve insulin sensitivity, supports muscle protein synthesis, decreases skeletal muscle atrophy, promotes fat burning, increases blood flow, enhances mood and has antioxidant effects.

Theobromine is an indispensable methylxanthine ingredient in Cocoabuterol^®. Whether you incorporate it into your pre-workout stack or get it from one of its many natural sources, theobromine is a worthwhile stimulating substance to have.
Theobromine is effective in the increase of NO and hence give better pump if ingested pre-workout. It can be used for a short period in order to reduce residual water under the skin to give more muscle definition. Theobromine is also known for its ability to dilate blood vessels making it a widely used as a muscle relaxer and artery dilator for people with high blood pressure. Its ability to dilate has also been distorted and used with digitalis to relieve dilation.Theobromine stays in the body for a long time. About half of what you consume will take seven to eight hours to pass through, giving it more time to act in the body. You won’t be crashing because Cocoabuterol^® will still be exerting its stimulant-like effects.

• Alpha Yohimbine - 1mg

Rauwolscine (also known as Alpha Yohimbine), similar to its stereoisomer, yohimbine, is most commonly used as an amped-up fat burner. Recent developments are showing it has some potential as a pre-workout as well, especially when combined in bodybuilding stacks. 

Rauwolscine has two notable mechanisms through which it positively impacts pre-workout formulas:

- Alpha blocking. Rauwolscine’s first-line mechanism is as an alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist. This bioactivity helps with blood pressure, and may have pre-workout benefits related to enhanced circulation and better pumps.

- Activating serotonin. The compound elevates serotonin levels by activating 5-HT1a/b receptors – a bioactivity that may directly promote a bright mood and indirectly help fat-burning by helping to promote appetite satisfaction.

The breakdown of fat cells is restricted by a number of processes, including the activation of alpha-adrenergic receptors by epinephrine and norepinephrine. Rauwolscine acts to oppose such activity by blocking alpha-adrenergic receptors and enabling fat burning to continue functioning seamlessly. As an antagonist, rauwolscine does not directly activate fat burning, but rather allows the operation to carry on unreservedly, which suggests increases in weight loss concurrent with the upkeep of body muscle and definition. In other words, for bodybuilding applications rauwolscine may help with “shredding” efforts.

Rauwolscine’s alpha blocking activity leaves excess quantities of epinephrine and norepinephrine readily available for use, for a stimulant effect. Following this reasoning, rauwolscine is suspected to amplify performance as a potential adrenaline booster. Holding more available adrenaline in the system may likely enhance muscle strength and net performance due to the importance of related hormones in workout regimens. Moreover, muscles might be able to get started the slightest bit sooner and sustain workout duration for longer stretches of time.

Through activating 5-HT1a/b receptors, rauwolscine is capable of inducing serotonin-like effects throughout the body.⁷ Serotonin is largely renowned for being a formidable mood booster. Sustaining a positive disposition may be an idyllic state of being for people engaged in exercises. It can thus possibly account for more motivated and enjoyable workouts. Accompanying effects of increasing serotonin levels include padding pain sensitivity and regulating blood pressure, which may additionally benefit workout sessions.

• Yohimbine HCI 1mg

Yohimbine has the distinct ability to block the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors located in fat cells which normally suppresses fat burning. It also increases the metabolic rate to help speed up overall weight loss and energy expenditure.

Yohimbine HCI will also stimulate better autonomic responses by triggering your nervous system, dilate blood vessels to deliver more nutrients and oxygen to the muscles, and help increase force development, power and speed.