Hoodia: The Real Thing?

For generations, the San speaking tribes of South Africa’s Kalahari Desert have snacked on the stems of a bitter tasting, wild succulent plant to ward off hunger and thirst during long hunting expeditions. Today, the cactus-like Hoodia gordonii is heralded as the world’s most sought after weight loss aid, and may be a valuable tool in the fight against obesity, a disease affecting one third of all American adults.

More than 10 years ago, rumors about the powerful plant reached researchers at the South African Council for Scientific & Industrial Affairs (CSIR). Scientists there conducted initial studies and discovered that Hoodia gordonii actually contains a potent appetite suppressant, a previously unknown miracle molecule dubbed P57, which tricks the brain into thinking the stomach is full, eliminating the urge to eat or drink.

Further research was led by Dr. Richard Dicey of the British pharmaceutical firm Phytopharm which received worldwide patent rights to the plant in 1997. Rats fed Hoodia gordonii lost all desire to eat. In 2001, Phytopharm fed Hoodia gordonii to humans when a group of severely obese adults were given daily doses. By day 15, test group members decreased their individual daily caloric intake by 1000 calories. Dicey claims that Hoodia gordonii has no known side effects, and today Phytopharm continues to spend millions of dollars on extensive research, currently in collaboration with Unilever (makers of Slimfast), to develop yet to be released Hoodia gordonii diet supplements and products.

Dicey’s research results captured the attention of the BBC in 2003, and Hoodia gordonii gained popularity in the US when TV show 60 Minutes and Oprah Winfrey’s O magazine later investigated the wonder plant. Dr. David McLean of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island conducted research with rats and found that Hoodia gordonii dire ctly affects the nerve cells in the brain that monitor blood sugar. In short, under the influence of P57, the brain believes it has a sufficient supply of blood sugar, and no need for food or drink.

Today dieters around the world are scrambling to buy Hoodia gordonii, and the marketplace is flooded with products. But, caution is advised.

Today dieters around the world are scrambling to buy Hoodia gordonii, and the marketplace is flooded with products. But, caution is advised. Nearly 2/3 of advertised supplements fail lab analysis tests, according to Sidney Sudberg, Director of Alkemists Pharmaceuticals. They either contain no Hoodia gordonii or an insufficient amount of the extract combined with other diet supplements.

And, although there are many species of Hoodia, only Hoodia gordonii contains the P57 molecule. The plant is scarce, native only to South Africa’s Kalahari Desert, and demand exceeds supply. Although it’s now being grown organically on plantations, the plant takes about 5-6 years to mature, making it an expensive product. Any Hoodia gordonii supplements advertised at bargain basement prices probably aren’t the real thing.

But products containing genuine Hoodia gordonii are available to the smart consumer. To avoid being duped, check out a few things before buying. Hoodia gordonii is now listed as an endangered species. As such, it’s protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Any authentic supplement containing the genuine extract will carry a current, dated CITES document which names both the importer and exporter. Also, ask for the manufacturer’s independent lab test analysis report data, which proves product authenticity. Labs such as Alkemist Pharmaceuticals of California have tested many US marketed Hoodia gordonii products. Most reputable manufacturers also offer some type of product guarantee.

Because it’s an organic product, Hoodia gordonii is not FDA approved or monitored. Experts advise using it in conjunction with diet and exercise for best results. Attention to proper water intake is especially important when using Hoodia gordonii to prevent dehydration. Doctors advise pregnant women, nursing mothers and diabetics to avoid Hoodia. To date, no research results have been released about interactions with other drugs.

Not only has the discovery of the desert plant given a boost to the multibillion dollar diet supplement industry, firms like Phytopharm claim that their products will give new hope and help to the millions worldwide who are struggling to lose weight and live healthier lives.