Ninja Unleashed v2 Pre-Workout Review

Are you ready for version 2 of the unparalleled high-flying, kick-giving, punch-throwing energy from Ninja Unleashed? This is the new and improved reformulation featuring even more caffeine and stimulants. 

Version 2 is not recommended for beginners, non-supplement users, or even those sensitive to caffeine, as it contains a whopping 611.25 mg. In addition, it features eria and alpha yohimbine, which are not meant for the weak.

Thank you, Jake with Nutricartel, for sending this full product for review! 

Where to Buy Ninja Unleashed v2

You can buy Ninja Unleashed by Ninja from the following retailers:

• Nutri Cartel
  • LIFTVAULT = 15% off
• Supps Central
  • LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off

Experience

Within the first five minutes, I felt some increased energy lip tingling.

At 15 minutes, more energy made its way around my body as my head and ears experienced the paresthesia effect from beta-alanine.

At 25 minutes, I felt full of energy as I continued to read the label, realizing that the caffeine content was over 600 mg. It’s been a while since I consumed a caffeine dosage this high, let alone combined with other stimulants like those in this pre-workout.

I’m in the ZONE! The triple-phase caffeine has always been my favorite, and the combination of other stimulants just hit it right out of the gate.

My energy is at a controllable 7/10 level for the 35-minute mark, with tunnel vision focus. Just solid focus, energy, and good feeling vibes are working as we approach the next level in activation with these stimulants. “His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy. There’s vomit on his sweater already, mom’s spaghetti,” as Eminem said it best, but this is the moment not to lose yourself as everything ties together.

Really, there was a thermogenic effect that made things swampy, but the energy and intensity ramped up to a 9/10 as I moved from set to set. 

Even while reviewing this product during various training routines, including HITT (high-intensity interval training), I never had raging heart rate issues. This held up with my level of endurance and intensity, staying at a moderate heart rate. I mention this as similar formulations with stimulants have caused me to slow down my training or even left me light-headed, whereas Ninjas didn’t. In fact, my breathing had improved, contrary to other products that cause oxygen-carrying molecules (hemoglobin) to move faster than your lungs can keep up with. 

My endurance improved and strength was better than my baseline. Whether the betaine or cellular hydration, it was noticeably improved.

Pump and vascularity, however, weren’t in the highlight reel. My hands were in a constant sweat so grip was compromised, but a wipe on my shirt and vigorous hand friction rub together made it workable. 

Aside from the thermogenic effect, which alpha yo could contribute to along with halo and synephrine, the caffeine didn’t feel to be over 600 mg. I was glad they utilized the tri-phase delivery system so that it wasn’t delivered all at once. While caffeine is higher for most users, this is for advanced supplement takers.

The focus and intensity were excellent, and they provided amazing workouts that left me feeling aggressive during training plus sore the next day. 

Side Effects

I didn’t experience any negative effects while using this product.

Flavor

“Orange Creamsicle” was the flavor I was sent for review. It had an excellent, tasty flavor, smooth with some tartness but very orange julius-like. Flavor ratings are subjective and don’t impact the product’s rating, but I hope to help gauge how a particular flavor might taste. The flavor desirability was about 9/10. The suggested amount of water was 8-10 ounces, but less was more for me. I enjoyed around 10 ounces of water, as the flavor was perfect at this ratio. 

Dose/Scoop Size

The serving size is 20.6 grams for each serving/scoop, a slightly rounded scoop. I shake my supplements before using them, especially the first time. This can cause aeration, making the powder fluffy and causing scoops to measure slightly differently. 

Since this is a high-stimulant-based product, you should be weighing them out until you assess your tolerance. I used a full, one-scoop serving each use, which hit precisely how I needed it and adequately for this product review. We have 21 servings at max dosage, slightly above the current market standard. 

Ingredients

This is an excellently stacked label and the formulation was effectively dosed. The high amount of caffeine might hinder some people’s training, thus scooping less, making them underdose on many ingredients. The breakdown below is for one serving.

Sodium – 70 mg

Sodium is the most critical electrolyte since it is readily lost through sweating. Sodium dosage depends on which source you look at, but all electrolyte products contain various amounts ranging from 50 mg to 1g (as seen in LMNT). The proper dosage depends on your unique needs, diet, exercise, and nutrition, which is affected by previous medical history (i.e., hypertension). This is a smaller dosage, but I enjoy adding sodium to my pre-workouts when I am not reviewing them. However, sodium affects the taste and isn’t desired by all users.

L-Citrulline Malate 2:1 – 6 g

L-citrulline is one of the most common pre-workout ingredients. Extensive evidence supports its ability to increase nitric oxide production, power output, pumps, blood flow, and endurance. It is typical for this ingredient to contain malic acid mixed in a 2:1 ratio per the clinical studies if disclosed. Malic acid has some benefits similar to beta-alanine, and these ingredients aren’t in a chemical bond. Some products may list malic acid as a separate ingredient. 

You want four to six grams of pure l-citrulline for proper clinical dosage. If the ratio on the label is 2:1, a 6-gram dose would contain close to 3.96 grams. Per the clinical trials, daily supplementation is required to obtain the full benefits.

Some critical points are amino acid precursors, enhanced nitric oxide production, improved endurance, reduced muscle fatigue, cardiovascular health, and erectile dysfunction.

Beta-Alanine – 4 g

Beta-alanine has been shown to support muscular endurance and act as a lactic acid buffer. Depending on the source of this ingredient, you may feel the paresthesias tingling effect. This feeling is often desirable in the sports community, as it makes you feel the intensity after ingestion. This may be negated by diet and intake of beta-alanine. 

Beta-alanine requires regular intake to be effective, akin to creatine. Daily beta-alanine supplementation of grams is recommended to become effective, with a three to five-week loading period. Three to four grams is the recommended daily dosage for beta-alanine, putting this in the standard clinical dose range. When you consume beta-alanine, it combines with another amino acid called histidine to form carnosine. 

Carnosine is found in high muscle concentrations and is a buffer against lactic acid buildup during intense exercise. This buffering effect can delay the onset of muscle fatigue and improve exercise capacity. By increasing carnosine levels in muscles, beta-alanine helps reduce the accumulation of hydrogen ions, contributing to muscle acidity and fatigue. This allows athletes to perform at a high intensity slightly longer before experiencing fatigue.

Typical dietary sources do not abundantly contain it, so it’s challenging to obtain the required amounts solely through diet. However, it is naturally present in small quantities of animal products like meat and fish. 

Betaine Anhydrous – 2.5 g

Betaine is included to help increase your power output. However, research needs to be more consistent around this claim. The typical range for betaine is between 1.5 g and 5 g, but generally, 2.5 g is on the high end for what is in the market. If you ingest 2 g of betaine nitrate, it would yield 1308 mg of betaine and 692 mg of nitrate. Since the clinical dose of betaine is 2.5 g, you must consume around 3.9g of betaine nitrate to get the full benefits. Per the clinical trials, daily supplementation is required to obtain the full benefits.

Betaine anhydrous, often called “betaine,” is a naturally occurring compound in various foods, including beets, spinach, and whole grains. It is also used as a dietary supplement for different purposes. Betaine serves several bodily functions and has been studied for its potential benefits.

Key points about betaine anhydrous include physical performance, enhanced muscular strength and power, cognitive function, and liver health with antioxidant effects. Betaine is naturally present in various foods: beets, spinach, quinoa, and whole grains. Read more about nitrates and comparisons here.

Agmatine Sulfate – 1 g

Agmatine is often included in pre-workout supplements as a pump ingredient, but more research is needed to understand how reliable these claims are. Theoretically, since agmatine can increase endothelial nitric oxide, it can help boost nitric oxide in the body and improve circulation. Improving circulation can help with more than achieving a pump; it helps the distribution and saturation of ingredients as well. This is especially important with high and hard stimulants. A comparable dose in similar product categories would be 750-1,000 mg, placing this on the high typical dosage.

SantEnergy Nu – 400 mg

The only information I can find on this ingredient is from the patented manufacturer, so take it with a grain of salt. I have had this ingredient in super human extreme, and it was dosed at 400 mg as well. 

SantEnergy Nu is a polyphenol-rich, high-quality plant extract from Santa Herba. Clinical results show significant weight and body fat loss, while nutrition and exercise habits remained the same as before the trial. SantEnergy Nu is the perfect ingredient for nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and functional foods. (Source)

Caffeine Anhydrous – 380 mg

Caffeine Anhydrous is the standard form of caffeine, known for increasing energy, alertness, and motivation, reducing the perception of fatigue, and improving concentration and mood. It is a powdered form of caffeine commonly used as a supplement and in various products, including energy drinks, pre-workout supplements, and over-the-counter medications. “Anhydrous” means without water, so caffeine anhydrous is essentially dehydrated caffeine, typically a white, odorless, and bitter-tasting powder. 

The caffeine content varies for each product. 350-450 is the typical dosage for sports supplements, 200-300 is the range for fat burners, and some products may contain other forms or stimulants. Caffeine works by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleepiness. This increases the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which contribute to heightened alertness. 

Less is more, as your dependency will lead to diminishing returns as you increase your intake. The overall combination of many factors, such as sleep, when you take caffeine, diet, and nutrition, affect how much you will need. Recent attention on caffeine consumption within 90 minutes of waking has been given by Dr. Andrew Hubberman, who said it causes the delay of clearing of adenosine. Ingestion of caffeine upon waking will likely produce a mid-day crash, according to his research, so plan your consumption accordingly.

Eria Jarensis (N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine HCl) – 300 mg

Eria Jarensis is a stimulant frequently seen alongside DMHA in high-stim pre-workouts. 300 mg is a large dosage for this ingredient; being an exotic stimulant and others found in this product, it isn’t clinically studied but isn’t currently the highest on the market. The most eria jarensis I’ve ever seen in a pre-workout is 500 mg with Flame Pre-Workout (which is fantastic).

Caffeine Citrate – 200 mg

Caffeine Citrate is a faster-acting version of caffeine when compared to caffeine anhydrous. It’s not very common in supplements. Some popular pre-workouts, like Wrecked Extreme and M2, include this ingredient. It is usually 50% Caffeine and 50% Citric Acid, meaning a 200 mg dosage would yield 100 mg of actual caffeine. 

Infinergy (Dicaffeine Malate) – 175 mg

Infinergy™ Di-Caffeine Malate is the extended-release version of caffeine, which usually slowly releases and adds to energy/focus later in the workout, delaying or preventing a crash depending on the formulation of stimulants in the pre-workout. Typically, 75% caffeine anhydrous and 25% malic acid, meaning 175 mg, would yield 131.25 mg of actual caffeine, which brings the total caffeine content to an extremely high 611.25 mg. The label claims a total of 600 mg of deliverable caffeine. 

Infinergy™ represents a precise combination of Caffeine and Malic Acid into an ionic bonded compound. By combining the well-established properties of Caffeine and Malic Acid, Infinergy™ offers a multi-dimensional ingredient that not only optimizes energy levels but also stimulates thermogenesis while promoting mental focus.

ElevATP (Ancient Pear & Apple Fruit Extract) – 150 mg

This ingredient is used in many products, as it has been around for several years. The standard dose is 150 mg, per manufacturer recommendations. From the manufacturer.

ElevATP® is a natural combination of ancient peat and apple polyphenols clinically shown to increase levels of endogenous adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the body, and support improved strength, power, and performance in resistance-trained athletes.† Research shows that oral supplementation with exogenous ATP is unreliable for increasing ATP levels since it breaks down in the gut. ElevATP® is not an exogenous ATP but rather an ingredient that helps the body produce higher levels of ATP via its own internal mechanisms. This means elevATP® promotes non-stimulatory energy from the body’s own mitochondria. More information.

Lotus Extract – 75 mg

While there are no human studies of the Lotus flower, it has been used for centuries to help mental health. It also boasts antioxidant and antibacterial effects. It is known to be a mild stimulant, stimulating the dopamine receptors and improving motor function (read more). More studies must be completed to understand the extract quality and dosage, as the ranges vary too greatly. Not many products include this ingredient, but it is a fair dosage.

Synephrine – 60 mg

Synephrine is a well-researched ingredient shown to aid in weight loss. It is a common ingredient in many reputable weight loss supplements. It may also appear on ingredient labels as bitter orange extract. You may also see iso-norsynephrine, which is also a lipolytic agent and is generally considered to be a more robust version of synephrine.

“In general, bitter orange extract alone (p-synephrine) or in combination with other herbal ingredients did not produce significant adverse events as an increase in heart rate or blood pressure or alter electrocardiographic data, serum chemistry, blood cell counts or urinalysis. p-Synephrine alone and in combination products were shown to increase resting metabolic rate and energy expenditure, and modest increases in weight loss were observed with bitter orange extract/p-synephrine-containing products when given for six to 12 weeks.” Synephrine Meta-Analysis

Synephrine also increases energy and controls appetite. A standard dosage for this ingredient would be around 50 mg, which is exceeded here with a slightly higher dosage.

Halostachine – 50 mg

Halostachine or n-methylphenylethanolamine is an alkaloid with a very similar structure to ephedrine. It is also a phenylethylamine (PEA) metabolite, a compound found in cocoa beans known for its “feel-good effects.” Halostachine acts as a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist similar to ephedrine and DMAA but has a tone-down potency. 

That being said, you need to respect its power. It is adrenergic, meaning it causes brain cells to release the neurotransmitters epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). These neurotransmitters increase energy and focus and are part of the “fight-or-flight” response.

It is classified as a sympathomimetic amine with stimulant properties. It acts on the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and bronchodilation (widening of the airways). Halostachine is structurally similar to ephedrine, a powerful and decongestant stimulant.

Choline L-Bitartrate – 1 g

Choline is a focus ingredient and chlorogenic source. Compared with alpha gpc, choline bitartrate may be less effective as a nootropic.

Dosages usually range between 500 mg and  2,000 mg, with one gram being on the higher end of the market standard and should be enough to experience the benefits of choline. However, since the bioavailability is less than alpha gpc or cdp, it may be less potent, although we have alpha gpc below combining in effectiveness. 

L-Tyrosine – 1 g

L-tyrosine boosts cognitive performance in stressful environments. Pre-workouts include it as a focus ingredient and help achieve anti-stress effects. The typical dosage range is 500 mg to 2,000 mg for exercise due to the higher dosage needed. 

L-tyrosine is a naturally occurring amino acid and a precursor to several important neurotransmitters and hormones in the body. It plays a significant role in producing dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which regulate mood, stress response, physical performance, and cognitive function.

Alpha GPC – 600 mg

Alpha GPC is a cholinergic compound that is produced within the body. It is used for enhancing cognition and increasing power output. Based on several studies, Alpha GPC dosages should be between 300 and 600 mg. At 600 mg, this is at the top end of the efficient dosage range.

Some key benefits include choline source, cognitive enhancement, acetylcholine precursor, neuroprotective properties, and athletic performance. 

Combining alpha-gpc with other nootropic compounds, such as below, can enhance the cognitive effects. Common combinations include racetams (like piracetam) and other brain-boosting supplements.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract (30% Polysaccharides) – 600 mg

Lion’s Mane (yamabushitake) is a relatively new nootropic, with some research supporting anti-anxiety, cognition boosting, and general well-being effects.

According to Examine, only a single human study has involved lion’s mane. The individuals orally consumed one gram three times a day. While that dosage appeared effective, it is unknown if this is optimal.

This contains 600 mg of lion’s mane, which is a lower dosage compared to market standards (500-1,000 mg), but there isn’t enough research to determine if this is an effective dose. Additional research is needed to confirm the benefits and optimal dosage of lion’s mane.

L-Theanine – 150 mg

Taken from Healthline, in a review of five randomized controlled trials that included 104 participants, four trials linked L-theanine with reduced stress and anxiety in people experiencing stressful situations (ScienceDirect). This is dosed on the low end of the recommended 300-500 mg range for relaxation, which is great to have in a sleep aid and is often included in high stimulant pre-workouts to nullify the side effects. 

Typically, it isn’t needed in regular caffeine-based pre-workouts, and unfortunately, we are given 150 mg here, which is more than some sleep aid supplements. It is possible that it was included to help increase neurotransmission in the brain, but for some people, it might make them too relaxed. 

CognatiQ (Coffee Fruit Extract) – 125 mg

CognatiQ is a patented product from the whole fruit of the coffee plant, Coffea arabica. One dose of 100 mg of WCFC increased serum BDNF by 54% and exosomal BDNF by 206%. BDNF, a Brain-Derived Nootropic Factor, is essential for learning, memory, alertness, mood, controlling body weight, and controlling energy metabolism (Scientific Research Open Access). It is also stimulant-free (Source).

Rauwolscine (Rauwolscine Vomitoria) – 2 mg

“Alpha yo” is a “love it or hate it” stimulant. Some individuals are susceptible to alpha yohimbine and avoid any pre-workout with it outright. Common adverse side effects include anxiety, headaches, sweating, frequent urination, and increased blood pressure.

If you are sensitive to the effects of Alpha Yo, I’d suggest starting with a smaller serving size to assess if the results are too strong for you. Dosages can range from 0.5 to 3 mg, with the ladder being very potent.

Rauwolfia vomitoria is a plant native to West and Central Africa. It is a member of the Apocynaceae family and has a long history of traditional medicinal use by indigenous peoples in the regions where it grows. The plant is also known by various names, including “African serpentwood” and “kouayang.” 

The plant contains several alkaloids, including reserpine, ajmaline, and serpentine. Reserpine, in particular, is a well-known compound found in Rauwolfia vomitoria and has been used to treat high blood pressure and certain mental disorders. The alkaloids in Rauwolfia vomitoria have been investigated for their potential antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, among other effects.

Huperzia A 1% – 100 mcg

Huperzine A is cholinergic and acts as a cognitive enhancer. As an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, it helps lengthen the half-life of cholinergic sources. Depending on the extract percentage, it is typically 50 to 200 mcg dosages.

Huperzine A is a naturally occurring alkaloid compound derived from a Chinese club moss plant (Huperzia serrata). It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is known for its potential cognitive-enhancing properties. Some additional benefits include cognitive enhancers, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, nootropic, and smart drugs.

AstraGin – 50 mg

AstraGin is a proprietary nutraceutical ingredient composed of two natural extracts, Panax notoginseng and astragalus membranaceus. Its primary purpose is to improve the absorption of nutrients and bioactive compounds within the body. Key points include its potential to enhance nutrient uptake, potential benefits for digestive health and sports nutrition, and claims of immune support. In other words, it helps your body absorb more of the ingredients in the product, which allows the effectiveness of the ingredients. As the serving size increases, so does the need for a digestion aid. The typical dosage set by the manufacturer is 50 mg.

Bioperine – 5 mg

Black pepper extract, or bioperine, is a patented ingredient that increases the bioavailability of nutritional supplements. In other words, it helps your body absorb more of the ingredients in the product, which allows the effectiveness of the ingredients. As the serving size increases, so does the need for a digestion aid. Typically, you only find it dosed at 5 mg, but we are oddly given double the dosage, which can only be good.

Bioperine is a trademarked name for a patented extract of black pepper (Piper nigrum) standardized to contain a high concentration of piperine. Piperine is the active component responsible for black pepper’s intense and spicy flavor. It primarily enhances the body’s bioavailability of various nutrients and substances. It achieves this by inhibiting certain digestive and liver enzymes that break down these compounds, allowing them to remain in the bloodstream for extended periods and be more effectively absorbed.