While much of the appetite suppressant Hoodia Gordonii is unknown, what is known is that the main molecule within the pill is P57. The molecule P57 was patented by the British pharmaceutical company, Phytopharm a few years ago. Since then, there has been continuous research to find out how the molecule acts within the pill and how it contributes to weight loss within people.

P57 acts as a steroidal glycoside on the central nervous system, most specifically the hypothalamus. In essence, its intentions are to trick the brain into suppressing your appetite by releasing a sense of fullness. By doing so, the body feels full and will fight the temptations of snacking or eating unnecessary food.

Hoodia, which is the cactus-like plant that P57 has been linked to, most commonly grows in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa. Upon discovering the plant, the British company Phytopharm reportedly spent more than $20 million in research and development to isolate the component P57. They have had hopes of studying it and determining what side-effects come with the plant and how it can benefit or hurt consumers.

Throughout the process, Phytopharm labeled the molecule P57 and patented it. Although research continues today on the molecule and the overall succulent plant, there has been great findings thus far. Phytopharm has found within study groups that individuals will tend to consume at least 1,000 calories less per day when ingesting P57.

To help further their research efforts, Phytopharm teamed up with Pfizer. Their intentions were to design a weight loss drug that can receive the FDA approval to release the drug to the market. Unfortunately, after many studies Pfizer withdrew from the program citing that it was virtually impossible to create a pill with the active form of P57.

Today there are many companies that market and label Hoodia weight loss supplements, but it is important to note that many of these supplements do not contain P57. In such a case, the absence of the P57 molecule takes away from the purpose of the supplement, to lose weight. It is essential that P57 is present in the drug in order for it to be effective with assisting people in losing weight.

The need for an effective diet pill has never been stronger than today, with the obesity rate skyrocketing around the world. Until Phytopharm comes up with a way to integrate P57 into a pill that will receive an FDA approval, consumers will have to continue waiting for that effective diet pill.