Thursday, November 20, 2008

Buy Hoodia Diet Pills With Care and Much Scrutiny

When people found out that there is a weight loss solution that is natural, effective, and harmless in pure hoodia diet pills, many companies started to come out with their own versions. These manufacturers claim that their products are of high quality. But there are fake ones in the market and they are everywhere so you should be careful whom you buy hoodia diet pills from.

Hoodia pills have been rounded up for studies and lab analyses. The scientists found out that only 6 out of 17 passed the hoodia authenticity tests. Many of the other pills are not really made from hoodia. Instead they are made from impure ingredients or other substances from different cactus plants. Some say that 80% of all hoodia products in the market now are fakes.

Other bogus manufacturers would buy the real hoodia but add sawdust, leaves, and other plants then pass them up as puro hoodia. Some fake manufacturers would let the users take the real ones for sample testing but would deliver something else during bulk orders. 

In 2004 the African government and CITES (Convention of Internatioal Trade in Endangered Species) started regulating the harvest of the hoodia gordonii because it is fast becoming categorized as endangered specie. Manufacturers then, started to cheat on their diet pills by using other plants that look like the hoodia.

Counterfeit hoodia pills are rampant because supply of the hoodia extract is hard to come by. You see it takes five long years before the hoodia gordonii plant can be harvested. This is the reason too, why it is quite expensive to buy hoodia diet pills.

The potent hoodia pill is one that is made from the active ingredients found in the stem of the hoodia gordonii plant. Some pills are manufactured from extracts of the whole plant when P57 can only be found at the core or stem. Other parts are ineffective portions so they can't be use for the real purpose.

So, how can you tell the real ones from the fake ones if you want to buy hoodia diet pills? The legit ones should have the CITES certification on their packages and websites. But there are companies that say they have CITES but will only give a copy upon purchase.

Hoodia gordonii is expensive and there are only limited quantities so be wary about those that are being sold with discounts as they may contain little or no hoodia at all. There may be some companies who will offer the products with discounts and free shipping for multiple bottles. Check if the price is too low - that is something to be worried about. All products that come from genuine herbs of all kinds are expensive because of the costs for harvesting, importing, and producing them.

The reputable companies do not claim anything that is too good to be true. Hoodia diet pills are meant to help a dieter reduce his cravings for food. This means that the person still has to stick to his diet plan and work his way into the weight he is aiming for. Healthy eating should be in place as well as regular exercises. Hoodia diet pills help you to reduce your weight, but it should not be your total solution for weight loss and good health because it is not.

Hoodia pills that have been verified to be consistent in containing authentic hoodia are Desert Burn, Hoodoba from Strictly Health Corp., and the Hoodia Hoodia of Millenium Health.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Are Hoodoba Hoodia Diet Pills a Good Hoodia Supplement?

As I was searching online for hoodia supplements, I found Hoodoba hoodia diet pills. I immediately thought "here we go again" another company trying to jump on the hoodia bandwagon with inferior products. So, I went searching for their lab test results and C.I.T.E.S. certificates. Anyone searching for hoodia should know that these two pieces of information are the tell-all as to whether a product is authentic or not. I was surprised to see that Hoodoba had their lab test results posted and they also had C.I.T.E.S. certificates posted. The pills are real!

The next thing I did was to look to see if the company added any fillers, additives or stimulants to their diet supplement. I'm happy to report they don't. Hoodoba hoodia pills contain nothing but pure hoodia gordonii. You won't find ephedra or caffeine hiding in these capsules.

After browsing through the information on Hoodoba, I learned that they only use vegetable capsules to package their pills. This is a remarkable find, especially for people who have digestive problems and who can't consume gelatin capsules. The more I learned about Hoodoba, the better it was getting.

The only negative thing I can say about Hoodoba is their site. While it is professional, I personally didn't care for the typical weight loss sales pitch. They have before and after pictures and claims that some of their customers have lost a significant amount of weight. Those pictures and claims may or may not be true, but consumers need to be told that hoodia isn't a magic pill-no matter what company they are buying it from. You need to diet and exercise for long-term weight loss.

But, with that said, Hoodoba is affordably priced. They offer both 400mg and 750mg hoodia diet pills. If you want to try them out, you can opt for the 400mg capsules. Yet, if you want to save money, the 750mg capsules are probably a better deal. You won't have to take as many and a bottle will probably last longer.

I was really surprised to read that if someone finds they are in the minority of people who doesn't respond to hoodia, the company allows you to return any unopened bottles back to the company for a refund-within 30 days of purchase. This money back guarantee is really unique and impressive to me.

I couldn't find any negatives about the Hoodoba hoodia diet pills to report. The company prices their product affordably, they are definitely authentic and powerful, and the 30 day money back guarantee should alleviate any fears about this diet supplement. I give it two thumbs up!

Does hoodia work for you? Get $10 off instantly on Hoodoba pure hoodia pills and test them yourself. You'll understand why so many people recommend them as a potent appetite suppressant and weight loss aid.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Travis_Van_Slooten

Natural Slimming Pills

The truth about weight loss pills is that there are so many out there in the market that you can't really decide which one is the best for you. Millions and million of people around the world have tried this brand and the next, only to be disappointed and frustrated a couple of weeks later because instead of losing weight, they even gain weight.

So how to choose the best natural weight loss pill for you? There have been studies that tried and tested several pills in the market. And these studies came out with several outstanding results to determine which the best pill is for you to take.

Because this is clinically proven and that it is a risk-free diet pill, the ProActol diet pill is composed of 100% natural ingredients and is known to suppress hunger and binds up to 28% of fats. This has also been approved by the FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) and this has no side effects.

But why should you buy ProActol and what does it benefit you if you do? Along with the ProActol pill, you will also receive these following products: free toning belt for your waist and abs, free quality e-books, free online exercise guidelines for you and an online customer support for you 24/7. ProActol, according to its conxumers, also has no known side effect unlike some other pills that would have side effects such as excess urination, diarrhea and constipation. Just make sure that when you take this pill, combine it with a meal and exercise for effectiveness. And then watch your fats melt away.

There is also another diet pill that is taking the whole world by storm - the ProShape RX, a competition when it comes to the loss weight industry. The ingredients of this pill are all original, and one of them is the Hoodia Gordonii, an African plant known to suppress the appetite. Aside from Hoodia Gordonii, the ingredients of ProShape RX are the following: Salix Alba, Chitosan, L-Methionine, Phaseolus Vulgaris, Trigonella Foenumgraecum, Beta Vulgaris, and Green Tea, which helps in the pxidation of fat. But unlike ProActol, this pill is not yet DFA approved but is nevertheless recommended by two doctors and one herbalist, who all back up the effectiveness of this natural weight loss pill.

These natural weight loss pills come equipped without the side effects because it is proven to be safe and effective. It also contains chemicals, such as P57, which curbs out the appetite. Hoodia Gordonni is believed that because of such chemical, it actually tricks the brain into believing that you are already full. And these pills also originate from plants so everything found is natural and in herbal form.

With such magic working on the brain, pills such as this one actually works and makes you lose unwanted fats that are stored in the body. But along with taking these pills, you should combine it with a healthy lifestyle and diet to make it more effective.

For more reviews and tips, visit weight loss pills.

Aaron, an independent weight loss expert and senior member of weight loss center.


South African Hoodia Gordonii

Hoodia Gordonii is a plant that looks like a cactus. It grows naturally in the desert regions of South Africa. The San Bushmen who live in these regions consume this plant before proceeding on long treks through the desert areas. This plant suppresses their appetite and thirst and helps them to accomplish the journey easily.

This phenomenon impressed the researches who conducted intense studies into the same. They found that this plant contained a component called P57 that had qualities that nullify hunger pangs. The discovery was a great joy to weight loss practitioners as synthetic appetite suppressants possess various harmful chemicals that may cause undesired side effects. If a substance can naturally do this, then it will be a huge blessing for them. This P57 component sends messages to the brain that falsely tell that the body has enough blood glucose. Thus, the brain stops sending apatite signals.

Even consuming little food makes you feet full and you don't feel hungry for a long time afterwards too. The best part of hoodia is that you also feel wonderful after consuming this plant. Unlike other appetite suppressants this plant does not leave you depressed. Other than the side effects of weight loss, there are no other side effects of this drug that have been proven. So, this natural weight loss supplement has found much favor from all.

However there are two important points to remember before you decide to consume this plant:

1) This hoodia drug suppresses thirst too. So, remember to take adequate water. Some San Bushmen who consumed this plant died of dehydration.

2) The safety of effectiveness of this plant along with other medications has not yet been proven. So, be careful.

It is always better to take this drug after consulting your medical practitioner.

http://hoodiagordoniiresearch.org/

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Pure Hoodia Gordonii Plus

By Sheryl L Polomka

Hoodia Gordonii Plus is derived from the Hoodia Gordonii plant and is used as a way of losing weight. When looking for Hoodia products though you do need to be very careful as there are many fake products out there claiming to be the pure Hoodia product. As with any product on the internet there are always a few con men out there waiting to take advantage of unsuspecting customers so always be sure that the product that you are buying is the legitimate product.

The business of Hoodia Gordonii is fast becoming a high profit business and there is a bit of competition so how do you know who to trust when buying your product? How will you know that the product you are buying is 'pure' Hoodia Gordonii? I suggest never to buy from any source unless you are sure it is a reputable company that you can trust.

The Hoodia Gordonii Plus company uses only 100% pure South African Hoodia which originates from the Kalahari Desert and they do display their certificates to prove it. This company is licensed by the Western Cape Conservation Authority of South African and is certified to be 100% Authentic.

There are two certified documents that you need to look for that are the requirements to prove authenticity of pure South African Hoodia and they are the C.I.T.E.S Certificate and the Analytical Report.

So don't just purchase Hoodia Gordonii from anyone, make sure that you have a reputable company like 'Hoodia Gordonii Plus' and ensure that you are buying pure 100% Hoodia.

To find out more about the Hoodia Gordonii product visit Hoodia Gordonii Plus

Hoodia Gordonii Plus company uses 100% pure South African Hoodia and is certified to be 100% authentic. To find out more about our product visit our website at http://www.hoodiagordonii-plus.net

Hoodia For Weight Loss

By Gary Stephens

Hoodia is a powerful appetite suppressant that has received lots of media
attention lately. Here we've compiled a list of some of the most frequently
asked questions and answers regarding hoodia for weight loss.

What is hoodia?

Hoodia is a plant called a succulent. Resembling a cactus, hoodia grows
over a foot tall and features large blossoms that are unpleasant in odor.
There are many different types of hoodia, however only hoodia gordonii has
been proven to assist in weight loss.

How can hoodia cause weight loss?

Hoodia gordonii works by affecting the hypothalamus, which is located at the
base of the brain and regulates certain bodily functions, such as hunger.
Hoodia gordonnii makes your brain think you're full, even if you aren't.
Glucose works in much the same way, but hoodia has been discovered to be
thousands of times more effective than glucose in controlling the hunger
signal.

Where is hoodia found?

Authentic hoodia gordonii is produced in the Western Cape of South America
in the Kalahari desert. If the hoodia you choose to take for weight loss
comes from another country, it is considered “counterfeit” hoodia and should
be avoided.

Who holds the patent for hoodia?

Currently the Phytopharm corporation holds the patent for P57, the
ingredient in hoodia gordonii that causes weight loss. They acquired from
the South African laboratory, who spent 30 years studying and isolating it.

Are there different kinds of hoodia?

There are different kinds of hoodia, however hoodia gordonii is the only
type that possesses weight loss properties.

Are there different forms of hoodia available?

You can purchase hoodia gordonii products in several different forms,
including pill, liquid, spray, and patch.

What are the side effects of taking hoodia for weight loss?

There are no harmful side effects associated with taking hoodia gordonii for
weight loss. If you are taking a supplement containing hoodia and
experience negative side effects, they are being caused by one or more of
the other ingredients of the supplement.

Gary Stephens is a writer on weight loss supplements and runs an informational website dedicated to the discussion of the new weight loss solution Hoodithin.

For more information please see http://www.hoodithinreview.com

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Is There Really Any Cheap Hoodia?

According to Hoodia gordonii.com.za, the current price of hoodia gordonii is $39.55 (US dollars) per ounce. So how can companies sell cheap hoodia? One belief is that they are not selling pure hoodia gordonii. Another is that they are mixing it with inexpensive ingredients.

Advertisements of cheap hoodia gordonii products abound. E-bay sellers like to use this tag line, not to say that there is necessarily anything wrong with the products being sold on e-bay. Individuals could have bought large quantities and received volume discounts in order to turn them around for a lower than normal price and still make a few bucks. The hoodia in stores is not cheap. Even the hoodia herb mixtures that are commonly sold at Wal-greens and other retail establishments are not cheap. They may appear to cost less than the better known products like Desert Burn, but take a close look at the ingredients before you buy. The hoodia in stores is often something like “Green Tea with Hoodia!” Green tea is cheap. Cheap hoodia does not exist. There is also the question of cost per day. Many companies claim that a bottle is a thirty day supply when closer look at the label indicates otherwise.

According to Hoodia gordonii.com.za, they have researched the market and found that more than 75% of all products being sold as hoodia gordonii, possibly cheap hoodia gordonii, are not hoodia gordonii. Hoodia gordonii.com.za does not sell hoodia gordonii. They are a South African based company that facilitates the “authentication and monitoring of hoodia gordonii products in the global environment”. By buying hoodia in stores and retail outlets and sending these samples to an independent testing facility, they have been able to provide complete information about some of the products that are out there. Testing is expensive and this is a non-profit group, so every hoodia product on the market has not been tested by them at this time. One product that is listed in their “Hall of Shame” is currently the subject of a possible class action suit for making false claims.

Even the fake hoodia is not cheap hoodia. These companies know what price consumers are willing to pay for something that has been touted as a “cure for obesity”. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigates companies for making fraudulent claims. Consumers who have purchased hoodia in stores that did not work and can not be returned can visit the official website of the FTC to lodge a complaint. Consumers can protect themselves from cheap hoodia ads, simply by not falling for them. The FTC also advises that companies which make claims that seem “too good to be true”, making statements like “lose weight without diet or exercise” should probably be avoided.

Real Hoodia Gordonii Plus

What’s in there? The plus must mean something. Real hoodia gordonii plus is one of the many popular hoodia diet pills on the market. The hoodia content is not considered a high hoodia dosage, but there are other ingredients and exceeding manufacturer’s recommended dosage is not advisable. This may or may not be the right product for you. This information is provided to help you decide.

The primary active ingredient in real hoodia gordonii plus is, as the name suggests, hoodia gordonii. Real hoodia gordonii plus provides 400mg of concentrated hoodia gordonii. This is not considered a high hoodia dosage, but some information suggests that products which contain concentrates may be more potent than non-concentrated products. CITES certification and product analysis available for inspection at the real hoodia gordonii plus website support the authenticity of the hoodia gordonii used by the company. Some manufacturers do not have these certifications and analysis reports.

As the plus suggests, hoodia gordonii is not the only active ingredient in real hoodia gordonii plus. 50mg of garcinia cambogia is included. Garcinia cambogia which is commonly called gambooge is a plant native to West and Central Africa and parts of Asia. Gambooge was used in traditional Indian medicine to treat a variety of ailments. One must assume that it was included in real hoodia gordonii plus, because certain clinical studies indicate that the active compound found in gambooge can decrease appetite, body mass index, and increase the body’s ability to burn fat. Research of the effects of gambooge is contradictory. Some groups showed positive results while others did not, but it is widely recommended as a natural fat burner. Most products which contain a high hoodia dosage do not include any other ingredients.

Real hoodia gordonii plus also includes 250 mg of magnesium, an essential mineral found in most vitamin supplements. Some well known diet experts recommend supplementation of magnesium. It is not commonly found in supplements which contain a high hoodia dosage. Magnesium helps strengthen muscles including the heart and helps the body to make use of the B complex vitamins, (important for energy) vitamin C and E. Magnesium is found naturally in green vegetables, nuts and seafood, but since the average American diet is high in starches, breads and pasta, which are low in magnesium, most people do not get enough. Total daily intake of magnesium should not exceed 400 mg, as higher dosages can be toxic. If you choose to use real hoodia gordonii plus, check the label of your daily vitamin to make sure that it does not contain more than 150mg of magnesium. Most do not, but some high potency products may.

There is 50mg of green tea extract in real hoodia gordonii plus. Most products which contain a high hoodia dosage do not include green tea. There have been numerous studies about the health benefits of green tea. It contains anti-oxidants which are thought to prevent cancer and possibly even wrinkles. Presumably, hoodia gordonii plus includes green tea in its product because research has shown that green tea can raise metabolic rates, speed up fat oxidation and calorie burning. Because green tea contains caffeine, those who are sensitive to stimulants may not be able to use real hoodia gordonii plus.

There are other ingredients in real hoodia gordonii plus. Those mentioned here are just the most interesting. Most high dosage hoodia pills on the market, those which provide 750mg or more of pure hoodia gordonii powder do not contain any of these ingredients. Some believe that the other ingredients are included because the amount of hoodia is so small, that other ingredients must be used to obtain the desired effects. This is of course a matter of opinion.

Does Hoodia Gordonii Really Work?

Everyone wants to know. I have personally read and heard testimonials from people saying that it does. But, it may be necessary to compare hoodia products to find the right one for you.

If you asked a San Bushman, “Does hoodia really work?” He would probably tell you, through an interpreter of course, something like you will feel no hunger or thirst. Eating the plant reportedly makes the hunger go away. People say that do not even think about food, but all hoodia products are not the same and it may be necessary to compare hoodia ingredients, before you buy. Many companies only use hoodia gordonii as one ingredient in their weight loss supplement and most of these have some form of natural stimulant. Natural does not always mean safe and people who are sensitive to stimulants may want to avoid these products.

If you asked the British pharmaceutical company Phytopharm, “Does hoodia really work?” They would probably tell you that only Phytopharm’s hoodia gordonii product has been clinically proven to reduce calorie intake and body fat. In fact, that is a quote from their website. They do not compare hoodia products currently on the market to the product that they are working on. At one time, it appeared that Phytopharm would release a prescription form of hoodia gordonii, but since their new partner is Unilever, makers of Slim Fast, food products and over the counter meds, it is unclear exactly what their new product may be.

If you asked the manufacturers of the better hoodia products, “Does hoodia really work?” The answer would probably be that results vary depending on the individual’s diet and exercise program. If you asked, “How does your product compare to other hoodia gordonii products?” It is hard to say what their answers would be, but of course each company thinks that their product is the best.

In order to compare hoodia products, the first place to look is the label. There is no standard dosage and milligrams per tablet or capsule vary among manufacturers, plus we already mentioned that some products have other ingredients. Some dieters say that it takes 1500mg per day to control their appetites and some as much as 3000mg. In general, when you compare hoodia products, look for 750mg or higher per capsule, check for CITES license and chemical analysis reports to insure that the product is genuine. If you compare hoodia prices, you will see some differences. It is, in general, an expensive product, but if the answer to the question, does hoodia really work is yes, then price is not really important. Is it?

How does hoodia really work? That is apparently a complicated question, but the way that they explain it in laymen’s terms is that the brain believes that food has been eaten, shutting down the hunger mechanism. Does hoodia really work for everyone? Probably not, there has never been an appetite suppressant that works for everyone and there will probably never be an appetite suppressant that works for everyone. People, unlike animals, eat for other reasons than hunger. A hoodia weight loss program will only work for individuals who are motivated to succeed. When we compare hoodia products and read customer comments, it appears that some hoodia products work better than others.

Here is the real answer to the question; does hoodia really work? Anyone can lose weight if they reduce calories and increase activity. In order to maintain that weight loss, people must make changes in their lifestyles. When we compare hoodia to other appetite suppressants, there appear to be several advantages. Lack of side effects is one, but the important one to most dieters is lack of interest in food.

Is hoodia a good diet aide?

Is hoodia a good diet aide? If hoodia success is measured by the number of people who report positive results then hoodia is a good diet aide for about 50-60% of the people who have tried it. As with other appetite suppressants and health supplements, results vary.

Will hoodia alone help me lose weight? Although the answer to the question “is hoodia a good diet aide” may be yes for many people, hoodia gordonii is only an appetite suppressant. It must be used as part of a complete weight loss program.

Is hoodia a good diet aide for someone with a medical condition? No studies have been completed relating to hoodia success when used by people with existing medical conditions. All clinical studies by Phytopharm have included volunteers who were in relatively good health, except for being overweight.

Have clinical studies of possible side effects related to hoodia use been completed? As of May of 2006, Phytopharm has not completed clinical studies of the extract of hoodia gordonii that they will be releasing with Unilever.

Does hoodia have any known side effects? There are no known side effects caused by the use of hoodia gordonii, but products which contain other herbs or plant extracts may cause side effects in some people.

Is hoodia a good diet aide when compared to other appetite suppressants? Most appetite suppressants are stimulants, either natural or synthetic. Stimulants can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure. Stimulants are not “fat burners” though some companies advertise them as such. Those who have reported hoodia success do not report any of the side effects associated with stimulants. They only report that they did not feel hungry or even think about food.

Is hoodia a good diet aide if I am pregnant or nursing? Hoodia gordonii should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing.

Is hoodia a good diet aide for children who are overweight? Hoodia gordonii should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.

Is there a difference between the hoodia gordonii products that are currently on the market and the product that will be released by Phytopharm? We do not really know the answer to that question at this time. While all hoodia success in formal clinical studies has been at Phytopharm and Phytopharm maintains that there product will be superior, there have been informal clinical studies which reported hoodia success, performed by interested physicians, using products that are currently on the market.

Is hoodia a good diet aide for people who cannot take “pills”? For those people who have trouble swallowing pills, there are liquid hoodia products. Most appetite suppressants are not available in liquid form. The reported hoodia success among users of liquid hoodia is about the same as that reported by those who have used the tablets.

Fake Hoodia Diet Pills

Sometimes the best new is no news. There has been no recent news concerning fake hoodia diet pills on the market. There have been no recent complaints to the Federal Trade Commission concerning fake hoodia diet pills. While there is no question that the best selling hoodia products are genuine hoodia gordonii. There are some products that have been shown by independent testing to contain little or no genuine hoodia gordonii. These are the fake hoodia diet pills to look out for.

According to Hoodia gordonii.co.za, a South African based company which facilitates the authentication of hoodia gordonii products worldwide, there are still many fake hoodia diet pills on the market. They and the makers of Desert Burn, one of the best selling hoodia products on the market, have had nine different hoodia products tested at their own expense. Chemical testing is an expensive process, costing around $800, so testing of every hoodia product on the market has not been possible.

It is recommended that consumers who wish to avoid fake hoodia diet pills look for certification from hoodia gordonii.co.za or independent testing by a pharmaceutical laboratory which confirms the presence of hoodia gordonii. You can view sample chemical analysis reports at Desert Burn or hoodia gordonii plus websites. The best selling hoodia products will have analytical reports available for inspection. Importation licenses may not be enough.

The governments of South Africa have reported concerns that current suppliers may not be providing genuine hoodia gordonii to exporters. It is apparently difficult to distinguish hoodia gordonii from other species of the plant. Some of the fake hoodia diet pills may have purchased what they believed to be genuine hoodia gordonii, but without laboratory analysis, there is no real guarantee that what they are selling is genuine. Another problem is price.

The best selling hoodia products may seem expensive, but as of March 2006, hoodia gordonii was selling for about $40 per ounce. Many of the companies which have been accused of selling fake hoodia diet pills have a small amount of genuine hoodia gordonii present in their formula. But, in order to cut costs, the hoodia gordonii has been mixed with other natural appetite suppressants, leaving negligible amounts of actual hoodia gordonii present. When you know the facts, it is easy to see why the best selling hoodia products cost more and the fake hoodia diet pills cost less.

Another way to avoid the fake hoodia diet pills is to read their advertising. If they make outrageous claims about hoodia, then they may be trying to rip you off. The best selling hoodia products will advise you that hoodia gordonii is simply an appetite suppressant and is only one part of a weight loss plan which should include diet and exercise. People who have tried the best selling hoodia products have reported that they do not even think about food. People who have tried the fake hoodia diet pills have reported no effect on their appetites.

Hoodia Gordonii Results Promising

Results of available studies, both formal and informal, about hoodia gordonii’s effectiveness as an appetites suppressant are encouraging. There is no evidence that use of hoodia results in any unwanted side effects. However, reputable companies recommend that dieters check with their doctors before beginning any weight loss program.

News stories about hoodia gordonii have people searching for this natural appetite suppressant. The plant grows wild only in areas of southern Africa and is apparently relatively hard to cultivate. The San people of southern Africa reported that consumption of hoodia results in suppressed appetite. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in South Africa reported in 1963 that injecting lab animals with extracts of hoodia results in weight loss, but not due to any apparent toxic effect. A British pharmaceutical company heard about hoodia gordonii and began to investigate for themselves. They released results in 2001 of a clinical study of overweight volunteers who were given hoodia extract and the results were positive. There was a significant reduction in daily caloric intake and a significant reduction in body fat. In 2004, scientists at Brown University Medical School in Rhode Island reported that injecting laboratory rats with extract of hoodia results in increased levels of ATP, a neurotransmitter and cell energy source. Rats reduced their food intake over a 24 hour period by 40-60%.

Many people have questions about hoodia gordonii. The majority of questions are about safety and side effects. Many appetite suppressants contain stimulants and use of stimulants may result in unwanted side effects from sleeplessness to increased heart rate to, in the case of Ephedra, death. Apparently use of hoodia results in no unwanted side effects other than suppression of thirst, as well as hunger, which means that dieters need to be conscious of water consumption to avoid dehydration. The clinical studies by Phytopharm have not been completed at this time. Most information about hoodia gordonii comes from Phytopharm. There have been informal studies by interested doctors in the United States and no unwanted side effects have been reported. However, the importance of talking to one’s doctor about hoodia gordonii can not be overstressed. If they have not heard about hoodia, they soon will. One should be in relatively good health before using hoodia, results vary among individuals and all available products are not the same. A little investigation into ingredients and sometimes a little trial and error is necessary to find an effective product.

A non-profit South African based company, Hoodia gordonii.co.za, is involved in providing accurate information about hoodia gordonii supplements to interested consumers. They have had the products from several different companies tested by Alkemists Pharmaceuticals laboratories. These hoodia results are not so promising. While there are companies whose products do contain genuine hoodia gordonii powder, there are many products that do not. A list of products that have been tested and the results of those tests are available for view at their website. They have not tested every product on the market as testing is expensive and was sponsored by Desert Burn Industries and Ethno Africa. Many companies that are aware of customers concerns about hoodia gordonii authenticity have had their own testing done and display these results on their websites.

In conclusion, comparing use of hoodia results in lab animals to anticipated results in people could be a problem. Animals only eat because they are hungry. People eat for a variety of reasons and hunger is only one of them. While use of hoodia gordonii may suppress the appetite, it may not suppress psychological cravings and eating out of boredom. Binge eaters, habitual overeaters and those who need to “clean their plates” may not be helped by an appetite suppressant. Available information about hoodia gordonii’s effectiveness as an appetite suppressant is promising, but it is not a “miracle cure” for obesity.