Hoodia gordonii
Hoodia is a cactus-like plant used by the San people in the Kalahari to stave off hunger, which is why it’s currently used in a number of weight loss supplements as an appetite suppressant. It’s one of those ingredients that looks great on paper, but has yet to realize its potential, thanks to poor quality control and the use of counterfeit material by unscrupulous manufacturers.
Despite the outrageous hype and unsubstantiated claims. Hoodia does show some promise. Scientists have isolated the molecule apparently responsible for Hoodia’s appetite suppressing characteristics. This molecule, called P57, is now under development by a company called Phytopharm, which recently reported plans to seek GRAS status with the FDA in late 2009.
See Paul’s “Hoodia Appetite Suppressant” review for more information
