Obesity drug uses African remedy

Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Article Date: 26 Feb 2004 - 0:00 PDT

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A new obesity drug is being developed using a supplement that has been used by bushmen in Africa for hundreds of years.

Phytopharm, the company that is funding development says that the anti-obesity supplement is derived from extracts of 'hoodia'.

Hoodia is a desert succulent. The Kalahari bushmen have used hoodia as an appetite suppressant. They have been using hoodia for centuries.

The Kalahari bushmen have traditionally consumed hoodia (a plant) when they go out hunting. It suppresses their hunger so that they are less likely to eat their kill before they bring it back.

Phytopharm plans to make meal replacement bars and shakes using extracts of hoodia.

The company is growing hoodia on plantations. They say the extract has no taste. The plant in its original state is quite bitter.