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The Hoodia gordonii plant (pronounced HOO-dee-ah) grows in the Kalahari Desert region of South Africa. Hoodia gordonii grows in clumps of green upright stems. Although it looks like a cactus it is categorized as a succulent. Several species are grown as garden plants, and one species, Hoodia gordonii, has been investigated for use as an appetite suppressant. This impressive plant contains a special substance, which acts on the brain by sending a signal to stop the cravings for food. It has been used for centuries by the San People of the Kalahari to stave off hunger and thirst when they traveled for weeks, months and even years across the vast desert.
In 1977, the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) isolated the ingredient in hoodia - now known as P57 - which is responsible for its appetite suppressant effect, and patented it in 1996. In 2002, CSIR officially recognized the San tribes people�s rights over Hoodia, allowing them to take a percentage of the profits and any spin-offs resulting from the marketing of Hoodia. Hoodia gordonii is a protected plant which may only be wild-harvested by individuals and the few companies who have been granted a license.
It has been established that the P57 molecule found in pure Kalahari Hoodia Gordonii works by mimicking the effect that glucose has on nerve cells in the brain in effect fooling the body into thinking it is full, even when it is not, thus curbing the appetite. It's very different from dietary stimulants like Ephedra that are now banned because of questionable side effects. Hoodia has no stimulant effects at all.
On Nov 21, 2003, 60 Minutes aired a report on the effectiveness of the Hoodia gordonii plant as a natural appetite suppressant. Reporter Lesley Stahl tried the plant. Stahl says she had no after effects - no funny taste in her mouth, no queasy stomach, and no racing heart. She also wasn't hungry all day, even when she would normally have a pang around mealtime. And, she also had no desire to eat or drink the entire day. "I'd have to say it did work," says Stahl.
If you haven't heard about the supplement Hoodia gordonii, there's no doubt you will very soon. Hoodia, a natural appetite suppressant, is earning attention as a potentially powerful aid in the focus on losing weight. Hoodia is not some sort of miracle diet pill. You can't just take a few Hoodia every day, eat all you want, and lose weight. However, when taken in combination with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, Hoodia gordonii can effectively support your goal of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Selected References
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The San and the CSIR announce a benefit-sharing agreement for potential... 24 March 2003.
http://www.csir.co.za/plsql/ptl0002/PTL0002_PGE013_MEDIA_REL?MEDIA_RELEASE_NO=7083643.
- MacLean DB, Luo LG. Increased ATP content/production in the hypothalamus may be a signal
for energy-sensing of satiety: studies of the anorectic mechanism of a plant steroidal glycoside.
Brain Research. 2004 Sep 10;1020(1-2):1-11.
- Stahl, Lesley. African Plant May Help Fight Fat. CBS News 60 Minutes, Nov. 21, 2004.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/11/18/60minutes/main656458.shtml
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