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What is Hoodia ?
Hoodia (pronounced Hoo-dee-ah) is an
herb that comes from the cactus family, Asclepiadeceae. This
plant produces beautiful flowers which are not only very
colorful but also extremely fragrant. These herbs are stem
succulents and attain a height of about 1 meter. This variety of
cacti grows in South Africa, in the Namib Desert ranging from
Central Namibia to the south of Angola, where it commonly grows
in the plains and rocky terrains. It is commonly known as the
“queen of Namib” or “Bushman’s hat”. The scientific name of
Hoodia is Hoodia gordonii (Masson) Sweet ex Decne. In the year
1830, this plant was first described by Sweet. Later Masson
named it as Stapelia gordonii. However, as it was first
described by Sweet, the name Stapelia was not considered. Today
Hoodia is also cultivated in the United States, China and
Mexico. Hoodia gordonii is also known as xhooba, !khoba, Ghaap,
hoodia cactus, and South African desert cactus. What is special
about Hoodia is its natural ability as an appetite suppressant.
It is a great boon in today’s world that is trying out various
methods to fight obesity. It was only in the year 2004 that
Hoodia supplements were introduced in the US market.
Listed below are some key points
that one needs to know about this new found herb
• Hoodia gordonii resembles a cactus but it is actually a
succulent from the Kalahari Desert in South Africa. For ages
Hoodia has been used by the tribes to suppress hunger during
their long nomadic trips in the desert. They also used Hoodia
for treating abdominal pains, indigestion, tuberculosis,
hemorrhoids and hypertension.
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• This is a natural herb and not a
drug. In fact pharmaceutical companies are attempting to
segregate the molecule P57 that is responsible for suppressing
appetite and generate a fat reducing medicine in future.
• Hoodia has other varieties apart from gordonii. But it is only
this variation that has appetite reducing ability.
• Hoodia deceives the brain into thinking that food has been
consumed and hence reduces the appetite.
• The results after using Hoodia may vary with different people.
Hoodia is presently only being exported from the Western Cape of
Africa. Pure Hoodia gordonii is very expensive – one kilogram
costs $300 USD (as reported on April, 2006).
The genus “Hoodia” is also grown in
the garden. There are almost 15 varieties of this herb that can
be grown in the garden. A few species include: |
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• Hoodia macrantha
• Hoodia officinale
• Hoodia ruschii
Hoodia
gordonii really an appetite suppressant?
In order to verify the appetite suppressing qualities of this
natural herb, UK based Phytopharm joined hands with Pfizer
(makers of Viagra) to extract the key ingredient that is
responsible for this and in turn manufacture it commercially. In
1995 the main ingredient, p57, a steroidal glycoside, was
eventually patented and in 2004, Unilever along with Phytopharm
decided to sell Hoodia gordonii commercially in forms of diet
bars and shakes. Today Hoodia is available in a variety of forms
ranging from beverages like tea and coffee to powder, pills and
candies.
How did this Hoodia hype begin?
The buzz about Hoodia started after Leslie Stahl, a
correspondent with the television channel 60 minutes, went to
Africa with her team to taste Hoodia. Local tribes were hired
for traveling through the desert and looking for this herb. When
this was found, Stahl consumed a part, describing it as
“cucumbery in texture” and “not bad”. Her appetite was
completely lost and no side effects like indigestion and heart
palpitations were experienced. So she had concluded that the
claims of it as an appetite suppressor are true.
How long
does Hoodia take to show results and what is the dosage?
It is said that the Hoodia shows results only after one or two
weeks. But many users have claimed that the results can be
experienced after half an hour of its consumption. Companies
have recommended a standard dosage but users say that they need
much more than the mentioned amount. It is said that at least
1200 milligrams are required o be consumed per day to detect any
change. However, this depends on the person’s weight, diet,
lifestyle and metabolism.
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How to
take Hoodia
• It should be taken one hour before any major meal.
• Adequate water must be consumed with this as Hoodia also stops
the thirst mechanism temporarily. Only the prescribed amount of
Hoodia must be consumed. Taking more than the recommended dosage
can cause health hazards.
Why is authentic Hoodia gordonii so
expensive?
Though there is a huge demand for Hoodia gordonii in the modern
day market, its supply is painstakingly low. Till very recently
this magic herb was only found in the wilderness of South
Africa. It is extremely difficult to grow Hoodia; it needs
temperature of 122F and a time frame of about 4 to 5 years. Due
to these conditions, the supply is low and hence the prices are
exorbitant. |
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Few points
to be remembered while buying a Hoodia product
• Only established and international brands must be selected.
• The consumer must have an idea on the actual strength of the
medicine and the effectiveness as claimed by the seller.
Not much has been written about Hoodia. Very recently researchers at
Brown University in Rhode Island discovered its method of operation.
In the brain there is a part that is known as hypothalamus whose
role is to detect the glucose level in the body. When the sugar
level is high, signal is sent to the brain and the appetite
diminishes. Hoodia gordonii contains steroidal glycosides which
affect this hypothalamus and tricks the brain into believing that
the blood sugar level in the blood is high and hence the hunger
mechanism can be stopped.
Until now, no ill side effects have been reported after Hoodia
consumption. Nevertheless, FDA has still not evaluated and approved
this product. The fact is that lot more studies are required to
reach any conclusion about the safety and side effects of Hoodia
usage.
It is always safe to consult your physician before undertaking any
weight loss program. It must be remembered that a natural product
does not necessarily mean a safe product. Combining certain kinds of
drugs with herbs can prove to be fatal. For instance, a person
suffering from Diabetes should never use Hoodia. As it dupes the
brain into believing that there is adequate sugar level in the
blood, it is possible that the blood sugar level may drop
dangerously low and aggravate the situation. Likewise, people with
medical conditions like blood pressure; stroke and heart related
problems should never use Hoodia products. Pregnant and nursing
mothers should also stay away from its usage.
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Article Contributed By: Sukanya
Banerjee
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