I will say this... I have fasted for 7 days before, just water, and have gotten exactly the same "results" as that of what people are saying they got from the master cleanse. Looking at things from the standpoint of someone who not a doctor but thinks logically and actually teaches science, the syrup is simply carbs for energy, lemonade is simply extra calories and flavor, and the pepper is just an appetite suppressant for those of weak will. This is nothing different than any other fad starvation diet out there. If you have less than 500 calories a day your brain will not function properly, and at anything less than 1200 calories a day your body will simply feed on itself. There is nothing about the ingredients that makes this diet work any differently or provide any magical "nutrients" that any others don't.
Maple Syrup
"The maple syrup has a large variety of minerals and vitamins. Naturally the mineral and vitamin content will vary according to the area where the trees grow and the mineral content in the soil. These are the minerals found in average samples of syrup from Vermont: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, phosphorus, sulphhur, chlorine and silicon. Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, and C, nicotinic acid and pantothenic acid are also present in the syrup."
Lemon
"The lemon is a loosening and cleansing agent with many important building factors. The ability of the elements in the lemon and in the maple syrup working together creates these desired results.
Its 49% potassium strengthens and energizes the heart, stimulates and builds the kidneys and adrenal glands.
Its oxygen builds vitality.
Its carbon acts as a motor stimulant.
Its hydrogen activates the sensory nervous system.
Its calcium strengthens and builds the lungs.
Its phosphorus knits the bones, stimulates and builds the brain for clearer thinking.
Its sodium encourages tissue building.
Its magnesium acts as a blood alkalizer.
Its iron builds the red corpuscles to rapidly correct the most common forms of anemia.
Its chlorine cleanses the blood plasma.
Its silicon aids the thyroid for deeper breathing.
The natural iron, copper, calcium, carbon, and hydrogen found in the sweetening supplies more building and cleansing material. It truly is a perfect combination for cleansing, eliminating, healing, and building. Hence, supplements are not needed during the diet and may actually interfere with its cleansing action.
Blend a part of the lemon skin and pulp with the lemonade in a blender for further cleansing and laxative effect. (Note: commercially grown lemons may have had their skins dyed with yellow colouring and may have been subjected to poisonous insect sprays - be sure to peel off the outer skin if you cannot get uncoloured, organically grown lemons.) The properties in the lemon skin also act as a hemostatic to prevent excess bleeding and to prevent clotting internally should there be any such prevailing condition. (Don't worry - normal conditions will occur during the menstrual periods.) "
Cayenne
"Adding cayenne pepper is necessary as it breaks up mucus and increases warmth by building the blood for an additional lift. It also adds many of the B and C vitamins."