Low-Carb Diet Research and News

Press Release

Shaman to Present Scientific Data At International Society of Ethnobiology Congress

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 12, 2000-- Shaman Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCBB:SHPH.OB - news) today announced that the Company will present a scientific abstract to the International Society of Ethnobiology Congress in October 2000. The abstract describes the research results of a plant species significantly effective at lowering triglyceride and blood sugar levels, and a second plant which promotes weight loss without a decrease in food consumption. The weight loss product will stand on its own as a safe and natural product. The Company also plans to incorporate both plants into extensions of the Syn X Bar product line for treating Syndrome X, also called the insulin resistant syndrome. Elevated triglyceride and blood sugar levels are common characteristics of Syndrome X and insulin resistance and studies show that excess body weight worsens the manifestations of the disorder.

Syndrome X is a metabolic disorder that leads to half, and probably more, of all heart attacks in individuals living in economically developed countries. Approximately 30% of adult Americans are insulin resistant and at risk to develop Syndrome X. Even young children are developing the disorder in epidemic proportions, as publicized in recent news stories about type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes also begins with insulin resistance and individuals with Syndrome X are at increased risk to develop type 2 diabetes. One of Shaman's goals is to identify, through rigorous ethnobotanical studies, plants used to treat manifestations of Syndrome X and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The plant species effective at lowering triglyceride and blood sugar levels has been safely used for thousands of years by peoples living in the tropical regions of Asia, Africa and Latin America to treat type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

``Syndrome X leads to coronary heart disease,'' said Steven King, Ph.D., COO and Senior Vice President of Ethnobotany & Conservation of Shaman, ``which remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. Shaman's product line extensions will provide a safe, effective way to help stop and even reverse the damages Syndrome X can do to your arteries when used in conjunction with the Syndrome X Diet -- a careful balance of protein, good fat and carbohydrate.''

The plant species contained in the weight loss product comes from a West African forest tree. Traditional healers have historically used the stembark from this tree to treat a variety of disorders, including obesity, fatigue and type 2 diabetes.

``The study results provides great news,'' said Thomas Carlson, M.D., Vice President of Medical Ethnobotany, ``to individuals concerned about using weight loss products that contain stimulants such as ephedrine or caffeine. The stembark extract in this product is a safe, natural weight loss alternative free of all known stimulants.''

For information about Syndrome X visit the website at www.syndromexweb.com.

Shaman Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a leader in medicinal plant research and commercialization of proprietary dietary supplements. Shaman works collaboratively with indigenous communities to discover, harvest and reforest medicinal plants. The Company also provides cultural educational programs in conjunction with rainforest communities.

This press release contains, among other things, certain statements of a forward-looking nature relating to Shaman's ability to advance its development and research programs. Such statements involve a number of risk and uncertainties including the Risk Factors listed in the Shaman Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10K and 10K/A for the year ended December 31, 1999. These filings are available upon request at 650/952-7070. Also visit Shaman at http://www.Shaman.com.

     Shaman Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
     Corporate Communications, 650/952-7070, ext. 466