What exactly is Hoodia? It is a natural appetite suppressant originally from South Africa which has taken the weight watchers’ world by storm. It magically vanishes your appetite irrespective of whether you have eaten or not and is without any reported side effects. Who discovered this magic therapy and why has it become so popular?
To begin with Hoodia is nothing new. It was in existence almost 100,000 years ago when South African San Bushmen of the Kalahari desert consumed it to prevent hunger pangs during their long trek across the desert. Research conducted in South Africa’s national lab found weight loss in animals fed with Hoodia. It took 30 years to discover the molecule contained Hoodia and was labeled P57. This was also the time when it was patented to Phytopharm who further researched on the molecule.
Clinical trials conducted in December 2001 revealed that subjects, who were given Hoodia, consumed less than 1000 calories per day and did not suffer from any side effects. This was followed by pharmaceutical big wig Pfizer joining hands with Phytopharm for funding further research on the molecule. Unfortunately Pfizer backed out when it was found that the molecule could not be made in to a drug formulation. The main problem is that Hoodia can not be produced synthetically and in large quantities. Producing it in small quantities would not be economically feasible. Phytopharm have now decided to market Hoodia in the form of diet bars and shakes and their products are scheduled to hit the stores by 2008.
A plant similar to the cactus, Hoodia is from the gordonii variety of species, which survive only in extremely high temperatures and effective only in its natural form. Available only in Kalahari Desert, growing it in other simulated environments have not met with any success. Not only does it give the consumer a full feeling, it is also coupled with a feeling of well being along with a mild aphrodisiac effect. While some people take to it instantly, while it may take several weeks for it to act on others.
Introduced to the US in 2004, Hoodia is currently available in capsule, powder, liquid or tea form. You need to practice caution as what you buy in the name of Hoodia could be a complete fake. Only companies who guarantee its original source as a South African plant are genuine. While supplements containing at least 200 mg of Hoodia gordonii powder are considered to be effective, beware that children, pregnant women and breast feeding mothers should not consume this product.
While the weight watchers’ world further hypes Hoodia, remember that not much research has been done to assess its safety and side effect profile. Also, the Hoodia plant is under the endangered species list. Given that fact, how are these plants being exported? Food for thought indeed. Whatever you do, make sure you are having genuine Hoodia and not something which promises to be Hoodia.
