Health, Weightloss and Diet Information

Know the hottest craze in dieting these days? Hoodia gordonii is the popular diet pill nowadays.

What is Hoodia Gordonii?

Hoodia Gordonii is a cactus-like plant that grows primarily in the semi-deserts of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola. The use of Hoodia Gordonii has long been known by the indigenous populations of Southern Africa, who infrequently use these plants for treating indigestion and small infections. But in 1996, the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research granted United Kingdom-based Phytopharm, pharmaceutical company, a license, who the collaborated with Pfizer to isolate active ingredients from the extracts and look into synthesizing them for use as an appetite suppressant. Since then, research and experiments were made and successfully developed the newest diet pill.

Hoodia gordonii was found to have miracle molecule that can trick the brain by telling that you are full and satisfied and this chemical is called p57. This chemical acts like glucose in the body. Hoodia gordonii can also increase the stamina of the one taking it, which is a good factor in losing weight

Although it is often called a cactus because it resembles one, hoodia gordonii is actually a succulent plant. It is considered a species threatened with extinction if international trade is not monitored. Hoodia Gordonii is a protected plant which may only be wild-harvested by individuals and the few companies who have been granted a license.

Hoodia Gordonii was introduced on the media by BBC in 2003. In 2004 60Minutes reporter Leslie Stahl traveled to Africa and tried it for herself. She reported that she lost the desire to eat or drink the entire day and she didn’t experience any immediate side effects, such as indigestion or heart palpitations. On November 21, 2004, 60 Minutes aired a report on the effectiveness of the Hoodia gordonii plant as a natural appetite suppressant.

Goen Technologies Corporation’s TrimSpa unit began marketing Hoodia gordonii under the brand name X32 with celebrity spokesperson the late Anna Nicole Smith, even though the Food and Drugs Authority has notified Trimspa that it has not demonstrated any claims that their product is scientifically supportable, and eventually been sued by the State of New Jersey. In addition to massive spam campaigns, there have been many reports of over-hyped and sometimes misleading marketing associated with websites selling and/or promoting Hoodia gordonii-related products. But still, it didn’t stop dietary supplement companies to produce hoodia gordonii.

So before taking any pills that claim hoodia gordonii, be sure to research about the pill first. Look at the buyer’s guide, hoodia gordonii ratings and other sites about it on the net. Prepare yourself before taking hoodia gordonii. It might do good wonders, after all this is considered the wonder cactus plant.