To easily understand how hoodia works, one simply needs to know how a tribe in southern Africa’s Kalahari Desert has been using it for centuries. The year was 1937. A Dutch anthropologist studying the San Bushmen of South Africa observed that, on their hunting trips, they consumed the stem portions of a prickly desert plant known as hoodia in order to suppress their appetites, ward off thirst, and promote endurance. This observation, however, went largely unrecognized until 1963, at which time researchers at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa’s national laboratory, began studying the plant for its commercial and medicinal value, including its alleged weight-loss potential. According to one report, “Initial results were promising— lab animals lost weight after taking hoodia.”

Hoodia's P57 Molecule...

However, perhaps even more exciting to the scientists was their eventual discovery of a previously unknown molecule, which has since been christened “P57.” P57 has an effect on nerve cells in the brain that is quite similar to glucose—in effect fooling the body into thinking it is full, even when it is not, thus curbing the appetite, according to an August 7, 2003 ABC News report. An expert familiar with the pharmacology of the P57 molecule says that the reason hoodia works so extremely well is that in the mid-brain area, the hypothalamus, are nerve cells that respond to simple sugar. When we eat, this causes our blood sugar to spike and turn on these cells. So we feel full. In many cases with morbidly obese people, their nerve cells do not respond to simple sugars as sensitively or effectively as in most normal-weight people. Hence, people eat and overeat. They cannot be satiated as easily.

How it can help you....

Hoodia’s P57 molecule is said to be 10,000 times more active than simple sugars like glucose. Plus, it is able to travel to the mid-brain area and tends to make sugar-sensitive nerve cells fire up. Even if you haven’t eaten, the molecule turns on these nerve cells. In one of the early experimental studies, rats, known for eating almost anything, simply gave up eating. Even when the rats were tempted with some of their favorite foods (e.g., salami and chocolate), they were not interested.

ASTONISHING CLINICAL TRIAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY...

results a clinical trial in the United Kingdom suggests P57 could reduce appetite by up to 2,000 calories a day, making it a potential runaway success in the multimillion- dollar dieting industry, says the BBC report. While the jury is still out and much more study is required, the preliminary data is encouraging, particularly in that it appears quite safe with both traditional use and when clinically observed. Hoodia appears to be very different (and safe) from diet stimulants like ephedra and Fen-Phen, which are now banned or restricted because of potentially dangerous side effects. Hoodia doesn’t stimulate at all, like ephedra, and does not appear to have any of the heart-related toxic effects, like the Fen-Phen combination. Scientists say this molecule fools the brain by making you think you’re full. When the first human clinical trials were conducted, a morbidly obese group of people from Leicester, England were chosen and placed in a “phase 1 unit,” a place as close to prison as it gets, says the BBC report. All the volunteers could do was read papers and watch television—and eat. Half the group was given hoodia, half placebo. At the end of 15 days, the group given hoodia had reduced their food intake by 1,000 calories a day. Given the average daily diet is around 2,200 calories, this study was considered a huge success.

THE BIG DRUG COMPANIES MOVE TO CASH IN ON HOODIA…

Although hoodia itself is certainly not new, only recently has its active ingredient been patented by the CSIR. Subsequently, the British biotechnology company, Phytopharm, acquired the rights to develop and commercialize it as an anti-obesity drug for use in the West (and at the same time a royalty agreement that will financially renumerate the San Bushmen for use of their traditional knowledge has been established). Since that time, even the big drug companies like Pfizer and Unilever have been working with Phytopharm to develop a synthetic drug based on the P57 molecule (although it now seems Unilever has a partnership with Phytopharm). Developers of P57 hope to see it available as a prescription drug by 2007, after further clinical trials.

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HOODIA NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC— AND AFFORDABLE!

Consumers wishing to experience the weight - loss and appetite-suppressant effects of hoodia don’t need to wait until a drug is developed and patented—or pay any exorbitant prices. Hoodia gordonii, the source of this molecule, is now available to consumers as a dietary supplement. It is important to note that hoodia is NOT a drug. Hoodia (the "gordonii" form which will be further explained ahead) contains the appetite-suppressing molecule the drug companies are trying to capitalize on. The hoodia material in its pure, dried and ground form is very effective. Fortunately for consumers, natural products like hoodia cannot be patented, nor can their names be trademarked

CHOOSING THE BEST DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR USING HOODIA GORDONII

While most nutritional supplements come in pill or capsule form, hoodia may best be utilized by the body in a product that delivers it in an oral form (i.e., spray, liquid). Here’s why—the San Bushmen of Africa originally consumed hoodia orally. They peeled off the skin, and chewed on the inner part of the plant. What this tells us is that there was an oral absorption, predigestion, and/or chemical signaling that immediately took place in the mouth cavity first. Then, as the plant substance or juice is swallowed, there is a follow-up digestive process that accompanies it. The problem with most hoodia supplements available is that they come in the form of pills or capsules, which completely bypasses the oral phase of hoodia consumption. Using hoodia in an oral spray, preferably, or a liquid form, allows it to simulate exactly how the San Bushmen in Africa achieved maximum benefit. To date, the only company that has recognized and utilized this concept has been the American nutrition company, Health Direct, in their oral spray hoodia supplement called Binge Buster.

AMERICAN SCIENTISTS ADD A NEW WEIGHT-LOSS TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE HOODIA EVEN MORE EFFECTIVE

At the same time hoodia started to become known in the United States, a team of nutrition-medicine specialists were finishing a new weight-loss technology that had a similar result to hoodia, and at the same time accomplished three additional weight-loss benefits not realized with hoodia. On top of providing an appetite-suppressant benefit like hoodia, it also has these additional features: 1) It works immediately when used—there is no delay as occurs with pills, capsules or liquids; 2) It increases the body’s ability to burn fat and calories (and without stimulants); and 3) It temporarily changes the taste of calorie-rich foods, desserts—even chocolate and alcoholic beverages—instantly making them less pleasant and undesirable. The exciting news is that this new technology has now been combined with the official, certified and authentic Hoodia gordonii, by Health Direct, in their new weight-loss phenomenon, Binge Buster. Health Direct founder and CEO, Jim Caras, explains, “When we learned about Hoodia gordonii and found that we could get the original, certified and authentic raw ingredient, we felt it was a perfect fit with our proprietary new technology in Binge Buster. It seems the two were made to go together, especially when you consider Binge Buster utilizes a proprietary oral-spray delivery system. Not only are consumers getting the benefits of Hoodia gordonii, and the added weight-loss benefits of the Binge Buster technology—but in a form (oral spray) that closely simulates how the San Bushmen originally used hoodia for centuries.” Caras continues, “What makes the combination so exciting is that unlike pill, capsule or liquid products, users will notice immediate results. Even when using just hoodia (without the Binge Buster technology), there is still a delayed benefit. Also, the Binge Buster formula helps the body to burn fat and can help increase energy—all without any harmful stimulants.”

PRELIMINARY STUDIES SUPPORT THE BINGE BUSTER FORMULA

The original Binge Buster formula was studied in a recent unpublished clinical trial. In this study, 26 overweight and weight–conscious adults were evaluated to assess the efficacy of Binge Buster in helping to control hunger cravings and changing behavior patterns. Under the auspices of a bariatric physician the study participants used Binge Buster for 30 days. At the end of the study, an astonishing 92 percent of those using the spray found the product to be effective for helping control their binging habits. What’s more, 88 percent of those in the study found it alleviated their cravings for sweets. The results also showed that 81 percent of the patients found that Binge Buster changed their eating patterns and the same percentage said it replaced their habits with a willingness to control cravings. Binge Buster combined with the powerful hoodia nutrient now provides consumers with both a superior hoodia supplement and multiple-action, complete weight-loss support.

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You’ve probably heard a lot of buzz recently about the appetite suppressant Hoodia, a natural substance said to literally take your appetite away. When Leslie Stahl of 60 Minutes traveled to Africa to try hoodia, she reported that she lost the desire to eat or drink the entire day after ingesting a small amount of it. “I’d have to say it did work,” she says. “Imagine this: an organic pill that kills the appetite and attacks obesity,” writes BBC Two correspondent Tom Mangold in a May 30, 2003 report on hoodia. “It has no known side effects, and contains a molecule that fools your brain into believing you are full.” With these and other reports from major news outlets, no wonder Hoodia is creating a buzz among dieters. But what is hoodia? How does it work? Is it really safe? Is there any science behind it? And, how can you ensure you are purchasing a quality, effective hoodia supplement? The following information will give you all the facts you need to know about this groundbreaking new supplement…

WHAT IS HOODIA?

Hoodia (or properly known as Hoodia gordonii) is a newly available, powerful appetite suppressant sourced from a specific prickly succulent (although it looks like and is often referred to as a cactus) in Africa’s Kalahari Desert. This unique plant contains a special substance, which signals the brain telling it your body is satisfied and does not need more food. The substance works by simply stopping cravings and one’s desire for food. Since hunger and a desire to eat food are one of the main reasons why people fail at dieting, using hoodia shows much promise in successfully losing those extra pounds and inches.