Abstract
According to statistics compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO), around one billion persons are overweight today, with another 300 million being obese. Based on these data, it is clear that obesity has become a huge international problem, impacting nations of all economic levels. Estimates predict that by 2025, Brazil would rank fifth in the world in obesity prevalence, up from its current rate of roughly 13%. Although certain herbal treatments are indicated for therapy, many other natural items are utilized without consideration to their safety or effectiveness in preventing or reducing weight gain. Notable among these is the African plant Hoodia gordonii, whose commercial powder was sold freely until it was banned in February 2007 by the Brazilian National Sanitary Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) due to a lack of scientific proofs of its efficacy and safety. Moreover, its putative association with leptin and insulin involved in neuroendocrine control of hunger and satiety is not well understood, nor is its method of action in suppressing desire and thirst.
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