Hoodia Gordonii Appetite Suppressant And It's Origins

Hoodia Gordonii And Its History As A Natural Appetite Suppressant

The Hoodia cactus plant's strong appetite suppressing properties have been well-known by the desert bushmen of the Kalahari desert for many centuries. Back in the middle 1990's the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research did a comprehensive study on the many native bushfoods and plants regularly eaten by the "Sans Bushmen".

The CSIR soon realized that the Hoodia cactus plant not only contains some super powerful properties to suppress your immune system, but it's also non-toxic. This fact was upholstery stain removal during the followup from watching how the animals had reacted when they were regularly consuming the hoodia cactus plant.

The Popularity of Hoodia Gordonii Natural Appetite Suppressants

Piggy-backing on the wild claims of very quick weight loss, many Hoodia Gordonii supplements for appetite suppression have made their presence onto the market. Hoodia has become one of the fastest growing and fastest selling weight loss products in a market where many millions of dollars are shed each year on diet supplements.

Before you decide on which Hoodia Gordonii appetite suppressant you want to use to help with your weight loss, it's very important to know more about the Hoodia . When the CSIR had been able to isolate the active ingredient that was causing the appetite to be suppressed and speeding up the burning of fat- they decided to call it P-57. The CSIR then contracted contracted the rights to Phytopharm- a British Pharmaceutical organization.

When Only Phytopharm Holds The Rights How Can So Many Other Hoodia Appetite Suppressants Be On The Market Today?

It is somewhat surprising that there are such a number of Hoodia products available for consumers when Phytopharm holds the rights to P57. While Phytopharm actually holds the license and there are other patent laws that come into play. Only the Phytopharm pharmaceutical company has the legal ability to extract the potent P57 molecule found in Hoodia Gordonii and to use it in any and all of their Hoodia cactus plant diet supplement lines.

That being the case, no one can ever patent the Hoodia Gordonii plant as a whole. Other companies do have the right price to make their own concoction of the Hoodia Gordonii appetite suppressant, as well as other hoodia products completely legal- even though they don't posess a license to extract P57.

Now that there are such a wide range of Hoodia products available which are made from the Hoodia plant, it's crucial that customers don't fall into the trap and inexpensive, ineffective, limitations and also that they make sure that they only purchase Pure South African cactus Hoodia Gordonii Products for the best results.

Spammers settle charges over weight loss claims

A group of defendants allegedly involved in selling bogus weight loss hoodia supplements through illegal spam e-mails have settled charges with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The three defendants that have made a settlement are Spear Systems, Inc, Bruce Parker, an Australian national, and Lisa Kimsey.

They marketed and sold a pill called Naturaslim, which they said contained hoodia gordonii. The FTC's complaint alleged the defendants claimed it caused rapid and substantial weight loss, including as much as four to six pounds per week

There were also question marks over whether the product really did contain hoodia, but the settlement did not deal with this issue.

Steve Wernikoff, staff attorney for the FTC, told NutraIngredients-USA.com: "According to testimony from a medical expert that the FTC presented to the court, even assuming the product did contain hoodia, there is no credible medical evidence to support the claim that hoodia gordonii causes weight loss."

Daniel Fabricant, vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs for Natural Products Association, explained that manufacturers can make a "weight maintenance type claim", but it is not FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved, so wording tends to resemble "helps maintain healthy weight".

However, issues surrounding the product have made it a "very debatable topic for some time" Fabricant added, referring to other court battles over the authenticity of the hoodia supply.

This is the latest in a long line of efforts to crack down on false health claims that can discredit the dietary supplements industry as a whole, and it is not the first time there has been a dispute over the use of hoodia.

Such settlements have been welcomed by the industry as its credible majority has invested significantly in efforts to retain its reputation in the face of the few companies who are not playing by the rules.

FTC settlement

The FTC sued a group of defendants in October last year in the US, Canada and Australia for using spammers to drive traffic to the websites where they sold the false supplements.

The operations of the three defendants who have now settled charges were considered to violate federal laws in terms of making health claims and they are now barred from making false or unsubstantiated claims about health benefits of any food of any food, drug, or dietary supplements.

The settlement also states they are not allowed to violate the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 (CAN-SPAM Act) and they have to give up $29,000 in ill-gotten gains.

There are five other defendants who have not settled this case

Hoodia

Hoodia, or hoodia gordonii, is a small African cactus traditionally used by the Khoi-san people of the Kalahari desert to suppress appetite during hunting campaigns that could last many days as antelope such as the kudu were tracked to exhaustion.

Hoodia is also grown in Namibia and Botswana and newer plantings have occurred in Israel and the US as global interest has risen on the back of scientific support and the entrance of major food manufacturers such as Unilever.

But it is material sourced from China and India that has been fingered as the source of much fake hoodia. However, according to hoodia supplier Afriplex, based in South Africa, this is less of a problem now than it was two years ago when inflated prices attracted fraudulent traders and suppliers intent on exploiting the sought-after ingredient.

This matter is at the heart of a court action lodged by a Kansas-based contract manufacturer, Certified Natural Laboratories, which has sued New Jersey-based Stryka Botanics for supplying what it considers fake hoodia.

Stryka told NutraIngredients-USA.com last week that it stood by its products and would fight the action "to the bitter end", noting it was the first such action ever-mounted against it and that it continued to supply more than 10 customers with hoodia.

Stryka rises to defense of its hoodia ingredient

The 'fake' hoodia battle between supplier Stryka Botanics and customer Certified Natural Laboratories has moved up a notch, after Stryka filed papers that it says will have the lawsuit thrown out.

Certified filed the suit in state court in Sedgwick, Kan, last month, claiming for $75,000 in losses and other damages after it determined a $40,000 shipment was not in fact hoodia but some other material.

However, Stryka today announced that it has filed papers with the United States District Court to remove the suit, and said that it will "aggressively" pursue redress in the courts for the damage done to its business.

According to Stryka's lead counsel Marc Gross, the lawsuit "won't have legs to stand on once the federal courts have had an opportunity to review Stryka's response."

Allegations

Certified Natural Laboratories said it had been supplied with hoodia extracts and powders by Stryka since 2004, but was alarmed in August 2006 when the $40,000 shipment arrived without accompanying third-party authentication paperwork.

Certified said it requested the paperwork several times from Stryka and was eventually sent documents claiming the material was indeed hoodia, but verified by Stryka's own in-house laboratory, not a third-party tester.

Certified then had the material tested and found it was fraudulent.

However, Stryka president Brian McNally told NutraIngredients-USA.com on the filing of the suit that the paperwork for the disputed batch was no different to that which preceded it.

Defense

McNally this week said that Stryka had an independent analysis performed on the Certified's hoodia shipment, which confirmed its authenticity.

It was unquestionably, according to the independent laboratory results, authentic hoodia gordonii, he said.

"It is our policy to test and certify shipments of raw material to ensure the highest quality product to our customers. I stand behind our product and the quality of our testing."

"The allegations of Certified Natural Laboratories are entirely baseless, and they have already hurt our business and damaged our credibility in the marketplace."

Satiety

Hoodia has risen to prominence on the back of scientifically-backed satiety benefits and has attracted the interest major food players such as Unilever.

The food giant has signed a deal with UK-based supplier Phytopharm and hopes to have a hoodia product on-market, probably under its $500m Slimfast brand by 2011.

However, the rise of the ingredient has led to an influx of new suppliers - some of them less than scrupulous - and has led to a situation where sightings of fake hoodia have become commonplace. Hoodia has been particularly vulnerable to adulteration due to the fact it is a rare and thus expensive botanical.

The plant grows wild in the area stretching from the Ceres-Karoo, through the Northern Cape, to the Kalahari, has been consumed by the bushmen for thousands of years to suppress appetite on hunting trips.

The export of genuine South African hoodia is strictly controlled, and it comes accompanied with paperwork certifying its provenance.

Research into its appetite suppressing properties and the isolation of the active ingredient P57, (which has been patented and is under license to Unilever) has spawned immense interest in the plant in the West. As appetite management gains credence as an approach to weight management, demand has exceeded supply.

Weight management products are estimated to be worth $7bn globally.

Stryka sources its hoodia from China and South Africa and continues to supply the appetite suppressant to more than 10 customers.
Source:Foodnavigator

Fake hoodia fears easing as market stabilises

Riaan van Breda, technical director at South Africa-based Afriplex, said the price had stabilized since a 2006 peak of about €180 per kilogram to current spot prices of about €67/kg.

Slightly reduced demand along with an almost complete shift from wild harvesting to cultivation had contributed to a stabilised market.

On the hunt for fake hoodia

Hoodia gordonii, to give it its latin name, is a small African cactus traditionally used by the Khoi-san people of the Kalahari desert to suppress appetite during hunting campaigns that could last many days as antelope such as the kudu were tracked to exhaustion.

While few Khoi-san bushmen continue to pursue such lifestyles, the people have benefited from the westernisation of hoodia and are involved in planting and harvesting schemes organised by the South African Hoodia Growers' Association, a group that collects some of the hoodia grown in South Africa.

Hoodia is also grown in Namibia and Botswana and newer plantings have occurred in Israel and the US as global interest has risen on the back of scientific support and the entrance of major food manufacturers such as Unilever.

But it is material sourced from China and India that has been fingered as the source of much fake hoodia.

"I have not seen it myself but suppliers and manufacturers have told me about it and most of them mention Asian sources," van Breda told NutraIngredients.com. "But this was 2-3 years ago and as far as I can tell the situation is a lot better now."

Paper trail

His advice to food and beverage makers as well as supplement manufactures sourcing or considering sourcing hoodia was to ensure appropriate paperwork was in place.

This usually entailed third party lab testing and a Certificate of Analysis.

A dispute over this matter is at the heart of a court action lodged by a Kansas-based contract manufacturer, Certified Natural Laboratories which has sued New Jersey-based Stryka Botanics for supplying what it considers fake hoodia.

Stryka told NutraIngredients-USA.com last week that it stood by its products and would fight the action "to the bitter end", noting it was the first such action ever-mounted against it and that it continued to supply more than 10 customers with hoodia.

What is interesting is that the action stems from a transaction in 2006 when concerns over fake hoodia were heightened.

"People know what they are getting now," van Breda said. "There are companies that will tamper with paperwork but it is up to companies to be aware of these kinds of tricks of the trade and to overcome them with thorough quality control procedures."

Negative publicity, positive potential

Van Breda said cases such as this and others had created negative publicity around the ingredient despite a small but solid body of scientific evidence demonstrating its ability to "stimulate satiety".

It is for this reason that food giant Unilever has teamed up with UK start-up Phytopharm, which has a global patent for a particular hoodia extract called P57.

Phytopharm responded to the presence of fake hoodia last year by stating: "Analysis of these products has demonstrated that the great majority of them contain little or no Hoodia. Phytopharm and Unilever have made contact with the relevant authorities concerning this development and are satisfied with the progress being made to limit these activities."

Unilever expects to launch a hoodia weight management product under its €320m Slimfast range by 2011.

Such a move is not surprising considering the global weight management market is worth an estimated €4.5bn globally.

Afriplex has more than 12m hoodia cacti on 120 hectares in South Africa.

It produces about 200 tons of dried material to Ecocert and Good Agricultural Practices, and expects to double its output by 2012.

It trades only in whole forms of hoodia - not extracts - because of the presence of Unilever/Phytopharm's patent.
Source:Nutra ingredients

Stryka Botanics Removes Suit Filed by Certified Natural Laboratories -

Stryka Botanics, a provider of high-quality raw materials serving manufacturers of nutritional supplements, has filed papers with the United States District Court to remove the suit (case #08CV1197) filed by Certified Natural Laboratories, a supplement manufacturer based in Wichita, Kan.

Stryka’s action is in direct response to the lawsuit filed in state court in Sedgwick, Kan., late last month. Certified alleges that Stryka delivered to them a fake hoodia gordonii shipment.
Stryka’s lead counsel, Marc J. Gross, is confident that the lawsuit “won’t have legs to stand on once the federal courts have had an opportunity to review Stryka’s response.”

According to Stryka president Brian McNally, “The allegations of Certified Natural Laboratories are entirely baseless, and they have already hurt our business and damaged our credibility in the marketplace. We have worked hard since the original company was founded in 1990 to operate under only the highest standards and to deliver exceptional quality and customer service. Certified has in one fell swoop caused customers to question these standards that we work every day to uphold, and has injured our goodwill.”

Gross confirmed that Stryka will “be aggressively pursuing redress in the courts” if Certified or any company or individual maliciously interferes with or otherwise defames Stryka through false allegations.

McNally explained, “Contrary to Certified’s allegations, Stryka had an independent analysis performed on the customer’s hoodia shipment. This confirmed its authenticity. It was unquestionably, according to the independent laboratory results, authentic hoodia gordonii. It is our policy to test and certify shipments of raw material to ensure the highest quality product to our customers. I stand behind our product and the quality of our testing.

“We only work with reputable, independent labs to perform analyses of the raw materials we import and to understand the importance of providing the appropriate documentation to our customers. These critical steps are inherent in our dedicated quality management system, and we are confident that the facts in this case will underscore our commitment to that end,” McNally added.

Source:PrWeb

400 Medicinal Plants on Verge of Extinction Warn Researchers

Botanic Gardens Conservation International has warned that 400 medicinal plants around the world are at risk of extinction if current over-harvesting and deforestation practices continue.

The organization, which has member gardens in 120 different countries, surveyed more than 600 members and university experts to compile a list of threatened medicinal plants.

Among the most threatened are magnolias, with half of the world's species at risk due to deforestation. Magnolia has a 5,000-year history as a traditional Chinese medicine for cancer, dementia and heart disease.

Also at risk is the yew tree, source of the popular cancer drug paclitaxel, which is synthesized from the tree's bark. But the bark from six trees must be used to create a single dose, placing the yew at risk of over-harvesting. The medicinal properties of hoodia, a Namibian native, have also placed it at risk of over-harvest, with large quantities being "ripped from the wild," according to the report. Because the plant suppresses appetite, drug companies in search of miracle weight-loss medications are harvesting more than the species can bear.

In contrast, autumn crocus is being over-harvested mostly due to its ornamental appeal. But the plant is also a highly effective treatment for gout, and is being investigated for its leukemia-fighting abilities.

More than 50 percent of prescription drugs use chemicals originally derived from plants.

Even though many of the medicinal chemicals found in the 400 threatened plants can be synthesized in the laboratory, that does not mean the original plants no longer have medical benefit, the report emphasized. The vast majority of the five billion people on Earth still rely on traditional, plant-based medicine as their primary form of medical care.

"It is not an overstatement to say that if the precipitous decline of these species is not halted, it could destabilize the future of global healthcare," said report author Belinda Hawkins.
Source:Natual News.com

Diet Pills: Knowing What Works and What Doesnt -

are supplements which aren´t watched closely by the FDA. Diet pills are weight loss products that are orally ingested. They contain stimulants that speed the metabolism and suppress the appetite.

Diet pills are not a viable weight management solution. Most of these pills are not tested by the FDA and they can have dire consequences, particularly during physical exertion. Diet pills are the easiest option to lose

weight easily and rapidly. They promise you magical results which aren't proven and people that are desperate to lose weight often fall for these promises. I am not saying that all diet pills don't work, but there are certainly, many diet pills out there that simply don't work.

Diet pills are designed for those who suffering from obesity like very fat or overweight, corpulent . If you have tried several conventional weight loss diets without success, it is a better option. Diet pills are very tempting things if you want to lose weight, especially if you have tried several conventional weight loss diets without success. Diet pills are divided into two types: prescription-only diet pills and over-the-counter (otc) diet pills.

Weight loss
has become a fad among young and old individuals alike. In context to the various health related risks obesity and excessive weight encompasses such as diabetes, high cholesterol amid others; weight loss is definitely a good idea. Weight Loss Patches are similar to birth control patches, in that the medication is introduced into the body via the skin. Currently available diet patches apparently deliver "all natural" ingredients through your skin into the bloodstream. Weight loss requires a change in lifestyle. have you tried Alli?

The first over-the-counter diet drug, pronounced al-EYE and approved by the Food and Drug Administration, has been on store shelves for a while now. Displays in pharmacies and supermarkets are hard to miss.The maker of Alli, GlaxoSmithKline, has invested $100 million for the right to sell this lower-powered version of the prescription drug Xenical.

Another Commonly talked about weight loss Diet Pill Is the Hoodia Pill.

Hoodia Quality is a major factor when deciding which Hoodia diet pill is the best choice. GlaxoSmithKline Labs uses high quality parts of the Hoodia Gordonii plant and the extraction process utilizes the most effective parts of the cactus plant. Hoodia diet pills are an all natural treatment for obesity. The extract P-57 from the Hoodia Gordonii herb is the active ingredient of these diet pills, which act as an appetite suppressant. Hoodia has been certified authentic by independent lab analysis.

Hoodia has been featured on TV and in many well respected magazines.

Eating less has amazing results. Appetite suppressant drugs are the most common type of weight loss pills. Eating a healthful and nutritious diet to maintain your new weight, combined with regular physical activity, helps to prevent weight regain. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables; they are exceedingly nutritious and easily digestible. Drink a lot of water and fresh juice.

Eating less leads to improvement in metabolic syndrome which can effect longevity. Eat as much as you want and still lose weight. Stop over-working yourself in the gym and lose weight the easy way.

Weight loss pills are very helpful since not all people have the time and interest to got to the gym regularly, however it is recommended to combine both to achieve optimum results. Weight loss market grows every year, and if you are ill-informed about weight loss products , you can lose your money fast.
Source: American Chronicle

Better Business Bureau Warns Against New E-mail Scam

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Eastern North Carolina warns consumers to approach enticing job offers cautiously. Recent complaints have surfaced regarding e-mail scams blending job opportunities and economic stimulus checks being distributed by the government.

In the June 2008 consumer alerts, BBB counsels consumers that they could potentially receive an e-mail from someone inviting them to become a distributor for flat screen televisions. When the consumer responds, the scammer claims to work for the U.S. government and states that this is part of the new “Stimulus Program.” The consumer then receives a fraudulent check that looks exactly like a U.S. Treasury refund check, with instructions to cash the check, keep a portion for set-up and wire the rest back to the sender.

“Consumers should be weary of any business opportunity received through e-mail or other means which requires the recipient to cash a check and then wire funds back,” says Beverly Baskin, president and CEO of the BBB of Eastern North Carolina.

Consumers should be cautious of business opportunities advertised through e-mail, and any that require such outlandish activities in order to “receive” anything. Visit bbb.org for more information.

About BBB of Eastern North Carolina:
The Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina is a 501 (c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 33 counties in Eastern North Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by BBB Accredited Business fees from more than 3,200 local business and professional firms. The BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by the BBB include, reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, dispute resolution services, and consumer/business education programs. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit bbb.org.

CONSUMER ALERTS FOR JUNE 2008

In an effort to keep the media and public informed, the Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina offers monthly BBB Consumer Alerts as potential story or interview ideas. Readers should take into consideration the importance of the practice in question and the total performance of a company. This list is current as of release date. Information regarding business or consumer topics reported here can be obtained through the BBB office by contacting info@raleigh.bbb.org.

Counterfeit U.S. Treasury checks are arriving in mailboxes. The scam works like this: A consumer gets an e-mail from someone inviting them to become a distributor for flat screen TVs. If the consumer responds, the sender of the e-mail (the scammer) claims to work for the U.S. government and claims that this is all part of the “Stimulus Program.” He is even going to send a check to help get things set up. The check, usually written for around $8,900, looks just like a U.S. Treasury refund check. The consumer is instructed to cash the check, deposit most of it, keep some for set-up and wire the rest back to the “U.S. government official.” The check is counterfeit! Don’t fall for this crazy scam!

St. Matthews Church (not to be confused with actual local churches by the same name) sent out another mass mailing, including the “anointed prayer rug.” This organization has chosen not to make available complete annual financial statements, nor has it provided an annual report that includes mission, programs, officers and board. The church annually sends millions of pieces of religious mail nationwide. The mailing indicates the ministry of the church will pray for individuals who send their offerings. St. Matthews Church is not a recognized charity.

Icon Marketing appears to be going through neighborhoods looking for signs indicating the home is protected by a security company. The Icon representative approaches residents stating he is with the homeowner’s current alarm company and wants to “update” the system. One consumer agreed, and then later found she had unknowingly switched her service to Icon. This Utah company has the BBB’s lowest rating.

Better Trades.com advertises on TV, inviting consumers to free seminars that will help them to trade in the stock market without risk. The company actually sells online trading workshops. Complainants allege selling practice misrepresentation. This Las Vegas company has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB.

Physical Enhancement Labs sells products online under names such as Hoodia Fusion, Diet Pills USA and C & F Fulfillment Center. When one consumer took advantage of their “free trial offer,” she received the product but also a bill for the full price. This seems to be a common practice with this company. More than 940 complaints (approximately 450 in the past year) have been filed against this Oklahoma City company, and they have an unsatisfactory record with the BBB.

Longwood Industries offers auto Internet advertising. When a consumer placed an ad in a newspaper to sell her car, Longwood called her and offered to list her car on their Web site for $150. The consumer called the BBB first and found out this Virginia company has an unsatisfactory rating with the BBB. More than 100 complaints have been filled against the company, with most involving failure to honor their money-back guarantee.

Free Medicine Direct provides information on how consumers can apply to pharmaceutical companies for free prescription drugs. The fee for this service is $199. Most of the 160 plus complaints filed through the BBB against this Florida company involve refund issues and selling practices. Free Medicine has the BBB’s lowest rating. Consumers meeting certain financial criteria may obtain free prescriptions through drug manufacturers.

Source:Carolina newswire

Phytopharm sees FDA submission for weight product Hoodia in late 2009 -

Phytopharm Plc. said it expects Hoodia extract, its weight management product partnered with Anglo-Dutch giant Unilever, to progress towards submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by late in 2009.

In an interim management statement, the company which finds drug candidates in natural Chinese medicine, said it is looking at other territories for its canine
skin health product Phytopica.

Cogane, used to treat Parkinson's and Myogane for lateral sclerosis, continue to make good progress, with Cogane now benefiting from the financial support from The Michael J. Fox Foundation, the company said.

Chief executive Daryl Rees said, 'With a strengthened balance sheet we look forward to reporting on continued progress with the products in our pipeline in the second half of 2008.'

Cash and cash equivalents as at March 31 were 8.80 million pounds, Phytopharm added. TFN.newsdesk@thomson.com yos/ran/ajb
Source. Hemscott

The quality of the hoodia gordonii supply chain has once again been brought into question after a Kansas-based contract manufacturer sued one of its suppliers for selling fake material.

Certified Natural Laboratories is suing New Jersey-based Stryka Botanics for $75,000 in losses and other damages after it determined a $40,000 shipment was not in fact hoodia but some other material.

Certified is also considering expanding the suit to include all Stryka customers in a class-action lawsuit.

Stryka president Brian McNally told NutraIngredients-USA.com his company would fight the law suit "all the way to the bitter end".

"We stand by our products 100 per cent and while we haven't seen the details of the law suit, we will thoroughly investigate it and defend ourselves appropriately," he said.

Stryka sources its hoodia from China and South Africa and continues to supply the appetite suppressant to more than 10 customers.

"We were shocked by this suit," McNally said. "We have never been sued before and have more than 1400 clients."

Hoodia are you?

Certified Natural Laboratories said it had been supplied with hoodia extracts and powders by Stryka since 2004, but was alarmed in August 2006 when the $40,000 shipment arrived without accompanying third-party authentication paperwork.

Certified said it requested the paperwork several times from Stryka and was eventually sent documents claiming the material was indeed hoodia, but verified by Stryka's own in-house laboratory, not a third-party tester.
Certified then had the material tested and found it was fraudulent.

Stryka disputes this and McNally said the paperwork for the disputed batch was no different to that which preceded it.

Certified was unavailable for comment by the time of publication of this story.

As obesity rates have spiraled across both the developed and developing world, weight management has risen as a concern and weight management products are estimated to be worth $7b globally.

Hoodia has risen to prominence on the back of scientifically-backed satiety benefits and has attracted the interest major food players such as Unilever.

The food giant has signed a deal with UK-based supplier Phytopharm and hopes to have a hoodia product on-market, probably under its $500m Slimfast brand by 2011.

However, the rise of the ingredient has led to an influx of new suppliers, some of them less than scrupulous, and leading to a situation where sightings of fake hoodia have become commonplace.

Recognizing the situation, Phytopharm last year issued a statement that said: "Analysis of these products has demonstrated that the great majority of them contain little or no Hoodia. Phytopharm and Unilever have made contact with the relevant authorities concerning this development and are satisfied with the progress being made to limit these activities."
Source:Nutra Ingredient

Labels: appetite suppressing properties, hoodia gordonii