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Hoodia Gordonii is a plant that grows in the desert of South Africa. It is often mistaken for a member of the cactus family, but is actually a succulent plant that thrives in the hot, dry climate. It is covered in spikes, like a cactus, and blooms large, colorful flowers, that give off a strong odor. When mature, the Hoodia Gordonii plant can grow to be over 6 feet tall. For thousands of years now, the Sans people have been using the Hoodia Gordonii plant to help naturally suppress their appetites, as well as treat medical ailments. More recently, news of the miracle plant has been spreading worldwide. The following paragraphs will discuss the history behind the Hoodia Gordonii plant, as well as some of the history in the making.
Hoodia Gordonii is a bitter tasting plant that was first used to starve off thirst and hunger centuries ago. Generations of Kalahari San people did not have an abundance of food to take with them on long hunting expeditions through the desert. By eating different parts of the Hoodia Gordonii plant, the Bushmen were able to extend their hunting trips despite not having food. The plant naturally suppressed their appetites, as well as gave them energy. Hoodia Gordonii was also used among the San people to:
help treat diabetes
Help treat hypertension
help treat fatigue
help treat stomach cramps
help treat indigestion
For thousands of years now, Hoodia Gordonii has been a miracle plant, of sorts, for the San people of South Africa.
Although Western scientists became aware of the benefits of Hoodia Gordonii nearly a century ago, it is only in the more recent years of its history that research studies been conducted. Studies conducted on both animals and people conclude that Hoodia is effective in suppressing the appetite, and reducing daily calorie intake. Recent studies have also been successful in isolating the active ingredient in the plant, "P-57".
A British biotechnology company named Phytopharm, as well as pharmaceuticals company Pfizer obtained rights to Hoodia Gordonii's development as an anti-obesity drug. However, Pfizer later found "P-57" too difficult to effectively synthesize, and returned their portion of the rights back to Phytopharm. Phytopharm eventually transferred their exclusive rights, as well.
Most recently, steps have been taken in South Africa to get the Hoodia Gordonii plant listed as a protected species. Endeavors have been successful for the most part. In most places in South Africa, it is necessary to have a permit in order to grow, sell, or export the Hoodia Gordonii plant. However, it is not protected in all places.
Hoodia Gordonii products have been mentioned on several notable television programs over the recent years. American television mentions include:
60 Minutes
Oprah Winfrey Show
NBC's The Today Show
20/20
Hoodia Gordonii products are the only natural diet supplements to have ever been mentioned by so many notable television programs. As time progresses and more studies are conducted, Hoodia Gordonii just may be the answer to help solve the growing obesity problem in the world, as well as so much more.
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