A rare desert cactus, the Hoodia, contains a never before discovered molecule that may hold the answer to one of the world's greatest health problems, obesity and over-eating.  Scientists have isolated an appetite suppressant in the flesh of the plant that is powerful enough to stop people eating all day.  But who holds the rights to this information?  The San Bushmen of the Kalahari desert have known of its powers for decades.  This film reveals how, thanks to a rare spirit of co-operation between first world and third, one of the poorest tribes on earth stands a good chance of becoming overnight millionaires, if the drug is approved. 

Spotlight is a weekly series of investigative reports from around the world, introduced by author and Journalist Mark Hertsgaard.  Mr. Hertsgaard’s latest book is “The Eagle's Shadow: Why America Fascinates and Infuriates the World."

For more information, and to inquire about purchasing the film, click here.

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Spotlight Related Websites:

Kalahari Peoples Fund
American Obesity Association
Globalization 101
Indigenous Peoples and Globalization

Read the latest article on Hoodia from the New York Times dated April of 2005.  It provides information about the drug companies that have exclusive licenses for Hoodia patents as well as an expected arrival date and other pertinent health information.

Check out the 2003 BBC report, “Sampling the Kalahari Cactus Diet."

For more information on Hoodia product development visit the Phytopharm Pharmaceutical website.