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A patented ingredient called "hoodia gordonii," a natural substance that takes away appetite is being marketed under a number of brand names by various manufacturers, including the popular weight loss pill TrimSpa, which features Anna Nicole Smith in its ads.  Derived from a bitter-tasting, leafless succulent plant that grows wild in South Africa's Kalahari Desert, hoodia is different from FDA-banned stimulants like Ephedra, which was found to have dangerous side effects.  Hoodia is not a stimulant - it simply turns appetite off.  Hoodia can be purchased at various retailers or via the Internet, at prices ranging from $29.95 to $39.95 per bottle.

The hoodia plant, in its natural form, has been used for thousands of years by the South African tribesmen known as the "San Bushmen," to stave off hunger while on long hunting expeditions, as an energy booster, and as a treatment for various ailments. They call the plant, "Xhoba."

Scientists have been studying the hoodia cactus for 30 years.  South Africa's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) began investigating the plant back in the 1960's, but the ingredient that suppresses appetite was not identified until recently.  Once this specific molecule - christened P57 - was isolated, they obtained a patent in 1996 for the compound to be developed into a potential obesity treatment.  In 1997 it was licensed to British pharmaceutical company Phytopharm, plc. to begin the development and commercial production of the new patented discovery.  The company has spent and estimated $20 million on further research. So, how does it work?  According to Dr. Robert Dixey, CEO of Phytopharm, the compound affects nerve cells in the hypothalamus organ within the brain. "When you eat, blood sugar goes up because of the food, (and) these cells start firing (so you feel full). What hoodia seems to contain is a molecule that is about 10,000 times as active as glucose. It goes to the (hypothalamus) and actually makes those nerve cells fire as if you were full.  But you have not eaten. Nor do you want to."

Pfizer, the large U.S. pharmaceutical company, signed a licensing agreement with Phytopharm in 1998 to commercially develop and market the product. Pfizer funded much of the research and began clinical trials with volunteer test subjects.  However, Pfizer dropped out in 2003, due to difficulties in manufacturing the substance in pill form.  Although it can be produced synthetically, it would be far too expensive to manufacture in quantity.  Phytopharm decided to continue manufacturing the natural product, and began farming the plant on huge hoodia plantations in South Africa.  Growing enough of the plant to meet anticipated demand will be a massive undertaking, but a lucrative one as well, given the potential market for hoodia. 

The San tribe, who "discovered" the appetite suppressant qualities of the plant also stands to make a considerable sum if hoodia catches on in the West.  As the result of litigation initiated on behalf of the San, South African courts ruled that the San will share in CSIR's profits once hoodia becomes commercially profitable.  This will bring much a much needed economic boost to their people.  As a result of the legal battle, landmark legislation is expected to be enacted in South Africa requiring proof of prior informed consent of communities before granting patents for products or elements derived from their traditional knowledge. This legislation is meant to prevent companies from exploiting indigenous cultures.

Dietary supplements are largely unregulated, and are not held accountable for the contents of their formulas.  Therefore, consumers cannot be assured of achieving the results advertised, that the bottle contains the ingredients listed, that dosages are accurate, or even that they're receiving the percentages of the ingredients listed on the label.  In our opinion, hoodia gordonii shows great promise for use in weight loss programs, but further study still needs to be done to determine the effects of long-term use.   Hoodia may prove a helpful weight loss plan tool for those who need an appetite suppressant, when used in combination with a healthy diet plan.  However, it should not be used by those suffering from eating disorders, as its effects may not only reduce appetite, but eliminate it altogether.  Dieters may also need to be educated about nutrition well enough to return to healthy diet habits once they stop taking the supplement. Most important, since some the long-term effects of many supplements remain unknown and may be dangerous for those with certain medical conditions, dieters should always check with their doctor first, before taking any dietary supplement.  

The information on this web site is intended for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Before starting any weight loss program, it is recommended that you consult your physician or other health care professional.