Why Hoodia is Extremely Popular

In this jet set life, weight loss program has become extremely essential. You can not afford to put on some extra weight; otherwise your ability to work to the best of your ability will be hampered.

Hoodia gordonii, the herbal preparation for suppressing the appetite is becoming popular gradually. It is a succulent cactus like plant found in the partly deserted area of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Angola. The San Bushmen were using the plant to kill their appetite while long hours of hunting or while they had to cross the great ‘Kalahari’ desert. Hoodia not only suppresses the appetite, but it crunches the thirst also. The native medical practitioners also were using this plant as to treat abdominal cramps, vomiting and to guard against small infections.

In 1937, a Dutch anthropologist while studying the Bushmen noticed that they were chewing some kind of plant to wane off their appetite. In 1963, South African Nationalized laboratory – Center for Scientific and Industrial Research, started studying the plant. In 1995, they have patented the active ingredient obtained from Hoodia gordonii – p57, and subsequently sold it to the British Pharmaceutical Company – Phytopharm. At present, Phytopharm is marketing the Hoodia gordonii worldwide in association with another pharmaceutical giant – Unilever.

Scientists have separated out the Hoodia’s active ingredient and the companies are selling it in the form of pills or simply Hoodia extract. They have injected the extract to the hypothalamus of laboratory animal after purification. The observation was outstanding. The food intake of the animals was reduced to 60%.

Hoodia is exceptionally active, especially in the extract form. After taking the dose, the subject will start feeling reduction in their appetite within minutes. The pills may take hours to do so. Anyway, the effect is same. The good thing about Hoodia gordonii extract is that the bioavailability is about 90-95%. Little amount has to be taken and it can be easily administered to older persons. The use in the pregnant and lactating mothers has not been established. Its use in the diabetic patients is also controversial.

There is virtually no side effect. Phytopharm had conducted the lone study involving 18 human volunteer. They did not complain any kind of bitterness in the mouth (although the plant is very much bitter in taste), no altered sensation, no abdominal cramps, palpitation or even slight headache. The studied volunteers were taking 1000 calories less than the placebo group. Within a week, the reduction in weight was visible.

No weight control pill can reduce your weight on his own. You have to include some amount of exercises besides lowering the intake of calorie. The good thing with Hoodia is you do not have to go for extensive workout program.

Hoodia gordonii has become extensively popular in recent times. So much Hoodia have been uprooted during the last couple of years that Namibian and some other government have stamped the plant as protected species.

The Hoodia gordonii product is freely available in the internet. Only you have to place an order, by any method you like, and you will get the medicine at your doorstep.