A natural cure for the heartburn and dyspepsia caused by too much gastric
acid is being patented by Phytopharm of Cambridgeshire (GB 2355657). The remedy
is based on sap from the stems and roots of the perennial succulent Hoodia
gordonii, which grows in arid regions of southern Africa. The sap is mixed
with methylene chloride to extract the active ingredients, which can be
recovered by evaporation. In tests on rats, the firm claims the natural remedy
was dramatically better than aspirin at reducing secretion of gastric acid.
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