Hoodia Gordonii Weight Loss Research
By Mark Dailey

Ever since its discovery in 1970, there have been countless research studies and experiments on the extraction of its active component. Later, this component was found and known to be P57. The SANL (South Africa National Library) was responsible for the research and applied for its patent in 1977. It turned over the rights for the commercialization of the plant extract to a United Kingdom company named Phytopharm.

Hoodia Gordonii As An Anti-Obesity Herb

In mid 1977, the Phytopharm company started its pre-clinical testing on lab rats and compared it with similar other compounds. The pre-clinical experiments were supervised and conducted by Dr. Richard Dixey. These tests showed promising results and the project proceeded to clinical testing.

In 1998, Phytopharm develops their anti-obesity formulation and decides to go into phase1 clinical testing. The test results showed that 70% of the trial participants have achieve their goals over the trial period. In October of the same year, Phytopharm collaborated with Pfizer in commercializing Hoodia Gordonii in the United States and worldwide.

In 1999, A research facility and a plantation was started in South Africa to support ongoing experiments, clinical research and the development of Hoodia Gordinii. Joint research was conducted by both Phytopharm and Pfizer on the synthesis of the active ingredient.

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