A natural appetite suppressant, extracted from a plant that only grows wild in the Kalahari Desert is taking New Zealand by storm. 'Hoodia', derived from the succulent Hoodia gordonii, is thought to contain a 'miracle molecule', which acts to suppress the appetite by tricking the brain into the sensation of fullness.

The San bushmen of the Kalahari - one of the world's oldest and most primitive tribes - have consumed Hoodia for thousands of years to curb their hunger during long hunting trips in the harsh desert.

With no known side effects, internationally Hoodia demand has become so strong the United Nations has intervened to protect the species. It is now protected by a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) permit with harvesting royalties being paid back to the San tribes.

Read more about the surge of Hoodia diet pill sales in New Zealand at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0510/S00539.htm.