History of Hoodia
, 05 19th, 2008
This was on the web in About.com:Alternative medicine
What is the History of Hoodia Gordonii?
In 1937, a Dutch anthropologist studying the San Bushmen noted that they used hoodia gordonii to suppress appetite. In 1963, scientists at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa’s national laboratory, began studying hoodia. They claimed that lab animals lost weight after they were given hoodia gordonii.
The South African scientists, working with a British company named Phytopharm, isolated what they believed to be an active ingredient in hoodia gordonii, a steroidal glycoside, which they named p57. After obtaining a patent in 1995, they licensed p57 to Phytopharm. Phytopharm has spent more than $20 million on hoodia research.
Eventually pharmaceutical giant Pfizer learned about hoodia and expressed interest in developing a hoodia drug. In 1998, Phytopharm sub-licensed the rights to develop p57 to Pfizer for $21 million. Pfizer returned the rights to hoodia to Phytopharm, who is now working with Unilever.
Much of the hype about hoodia started after 60 Minutes correspondent Leslie Stahl and crew traveled to Africa to try hoodia. They hired a local Bushman to go with them into the desert and track down some hoodia. Stahl ate it, describing it as “cucumbery in texture, but not bad.” She reported that she lost the desire to eat or drink the entire day. She also said she didn’t experience any immediate side effects, such as indigestion or heart palpitations.
Hoodia a Protected Plant
, 05 16th, 2008
I found this article and thought you may be interested in it. From wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Hoodia (pronounced /ˈhʊdiːə/) is a genus of 13 species in the flowering plant family Apocynaceae, under the subfamily Asclepiadoideae.[1] They are stem succulents, described as “cactiform” because of their remarkable similarity to the unrelated cactus family. They can reach up to 1m high and have large flowers, often with flesh colour and strong smell.
Many Hoodia species are protected plants, typical of the Namib Desert, ranging from Central Namibia to southern Angola, especially in plains and rocky areas. Common names include “Bushman’s Hat” and “Queen of the Namib”.
Several species are grown as garden plants, and one species, Hoodia gordonii, is being investigated for use as an appetite suppressant.[citation needed]
On January 18, 2008, the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (representing botanic gardens in 120 countries) stated that “400 medicinal plants are at risk of extinction, from over-collection and deforestation, threatening the discovery of future cures for disease.” These included Yew trees (the bark was used for cancer drugs, paclitaxel, although current licensed syntheses do not); Hoodia (from Namibia, source of weight loss drugs); half of Magnolias (used as Chinese medicine for 5,000 years to fight cancer, dementia and heart disease); and Autumn crocus (for gout). The group was said to have found that five billion people rely upon traditional plant-based medicine for health care.[2]
Hoodia is currently listed in Appendix II to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which includes species not currently considered endangered but are at risk if trade is not controlled.[
A Resource for Hoodia Gordonii
, 05 15th, 2008
What is the hoodia cactus?
There is a succulent like plant that grows in many parts of the world that is hoodia. The one that has been of interest to the Western World since the 1990s is from South Africa. This particular type plant known as Hoodia Gordonii has an amazing appetite suppressant. Since its discovery by the media it has become a very popular diet supplement around the world..
Why hoodia from South Africa?
The Hoodia Gordonii plant has been consumed for thousands of years by the ‘San Bushmen’, a primitive tribe of the South African desert. They would eat the cactus on the long journeys across the desert wilderness or hunting trips. When eaten it gives the feeling of being full or not hungry. The research has not shown any side effects.
What is ‘P57”?
Hoodia Gordonii, grown in South Africa is the kind of hoodia that has the appetite suppressant result. The active ingredient that causes this astounding result is a molecule known as “P57”. The research on this extract was carried out by the ‘Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’ or C.S.I.R.. The rights to ‘P57’ were sold to a British pharmaceutical company called Phytopharm. Only they can extract the molecule called ‘P57’ for use in their products. This is due to patent laws. The whole native Hoodia Gordonii plant cannot be patented so other companies can and do produce products from this plant legally.
How Do I Know what I Am Getting?
Of the many varieties of hoodia only Hoodia Gordonii is believed to have the natural appetite suppressing quality. It is best to buy from a reputable company that has had their product certified as pure Hoodia Gordonii. This plant is rare and protected by the South African government so it will not be over harvested.
Hoodia Gordonii
Do your research and enjoy the benefits of this wonderful discovery. Be sure to get pure certified Hoodia Gordonii products for best results and with no side effects.
Weight Loss
, 05 14th, 2008
Weight loss and good sleep habits are directly related. Recent studies show that there is a connection between loss of sleep and weight gain. That could explain why people with sleep apnea gain weight at a higher rate than normal. Loss of sleep is usually under six hours and is considered less than ideal. Too much sleep can also cause weight gain, over nine hours daily. The duration of sleep should be adequate to let you feel refreshed upon waking. You should feel alert and able to function normally throughout the day.
Daily Physical Activity
, 05 12th, 2008
If it is safe you can work out in your own home. You can watch TV while you use exercise equipment. Once you purchase the equipment you can use it and other members of the family can also use it. You can enjoy short bouts of exercise multiple times daily. While talking on the phone use a portable phone and walk around. Do your own housework instead of hiring it done by someone else.
Enjoy the out of doors by walking your dog or do your own gardening. Mow your own lawn. Go for a walk before breakfast or after dinner. When you go to the store, park in that more distant parking place instead of the one in front of the store. Take an extra lap around the mall when you have time.
Small changes like this make a difference in your activity and keep in mind to use good posture and hold that belly in. Most of all enjoy yourself and it will be easier to do.
What is Hoodia Gordonii?
, 05 07th, 2008
Hoodia Gordoni is a cactus that grows in the Kalahari Desert and is used by the San Bushmen to stave off hunger on long hunting trips. This has been used for generations with no side effects. Pure Hoodia Gordonii comes from South Africa.