Abstract: A method of suppressing or curbing appetite and treating or preventing obesity comprising administering to a human or other mammal in need of such treatment an effective amount of plant material derived or derivable from plants of the genera Stapelia and Orbea.

Abstract: A method of suppressing or curbing appetite and treating or preventing obesity comprising administering to a human or other mammal in need of such treatment an effective amount of plant material derived or derivable from plants of the genera Stapelia and Orbea.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Vitex agnus castus extract wherein the extract is obtained by extracting dried and pulverized fruits of the plant Vitex agnus castus with a 90-100% ethanol solvent, separating the extraction solution from the rest of the plant material, removing the solvent from the extraction solution and recovering the extract. The present invention also provides for a dietary supplement comprising a Vitex agnus castus extract having a linoleic acid content of at least ten weight percent by the composition and a calcium source and the use of the extract and dietary supplement to treat conditions particularly affecting women.