Products
In many countries, no medicinal products are registered with. Appropriate products can be ordered as dietary supplements over the Internet – but the quality is questionable.
Stem plant
Sweet ex Decne. of the dogbane family (subfamily Asclepiadoideae) is a slow-growing, environmentally resistant, succulent and thorny plant native to the Kalahari in South Africa and Namibia. It is cactus-shaped and is therefore also called -cakus, but is not a member of the cactus family.
Ingredients
The plant contains pregnane derivatives, among others. The oxypregnane glycoside P57, also known as P57A53, is considered to be an active constituent. In addition, numerous other compounds have been isolated.
Effects
Is reported to have appetite suppressant activity. The actual clinical efficacy is controversial.
Indications for use
The preparations are used against overweight and obesity. The Khoisan people of southern Africa have traditionally used against hunger and thirst in hunting and food shortages.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include digestive disturbances such as nausea and vomiting. In our view, safety has not been adequately evaluated.
