hoodia pill
05 Nov 2007 36.5p (+0.00%) (Delayed by 20 mins) Hoodia is a succulent plant found in the Kalahari desert have used Hoodia plants as a food. Due to the tradition of food use of Hoodia plants, certain species were included in a scientific research project established by the South African statutory council known as CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) to screen a large number of bush foods. As part of the screening process, extracts of plants were made and tested for toxic effects. Surprisingly, it was observed that the Hoodia extracts caused a decrease in appetite and body weight in animals that did not appear to be due to a direct toxic effect of the extract.
Only Phytopharm’s Hoodia extract has been proven to decrease calorie intake in human volunteers. In 2001 Phytopharm completed a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study in overweight, but otherwise healthy volunteers using an extract of Hoodia. The large doses of extract caused a statistically significant reduction in the average daily calorie intake. In addition, a statistically significant reduction in body fat content was also observed compared to the placebo group after two weeks. A clinical trial conducted by Phytopharm demonstrated that repeat dose administration of large doses of Hoodia extract caused a statistically significant reduction in the average daily calorie intake. By day 15 the hoodia pill calorie intake had decreased by approximately 1000 kcal per day. In the clinical study described above the safety data are consistent with a satisfactory overall safety profile, however further scientific studies are required to establish the safety profile of Hoodia extract.
These are currently ongoing at Phytopharm. The CSIR has submitted patents in territories all over the world relating to Hoodia. Phytopharm has an exclusive licence for these patents. The necessary clinical trials and other studies to ensure the safety of the extract will take a few years before a product will be available. The CSIR have entered a benefit sharing agreement with an organisation representing the San people, to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. There are 166 Parties (States bound by the Convention). Species covered by CITES are listed in three appendices. Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but for which trade must be controlled in order to conserve indigenous plant populations within the range states (South Africa, Namibia and Botswana).
Hoodia is very rare and is protected by national conservation laws in South Africa and Namibia. It can only be collected or grown with a permit. Wild stocks are also extremely limited so Phytopharm has established plantations over the past 5 years to grow sustainable quantities of Hoodia exclusively for Phytopharm’s product. There is a continuing development programme by Phytopharm to ensure sustainable supplies for Phytopharm’s product in the future. ^ Back to top Site by Iroqo.
