What is Hoodia?

The Hoodia gordonii plant (pronounced HOO-dee-ah) grows in the Kalahari Desert region of South Africa.  Hoodia gordonii grows in clumps of green upright stems.  Although it looks like a cactus it is categorized as a succulent.  Several species are grown as garden plants, and one species, Hoodia gordonii, has been investigated for use as an appetite suppressant.  This impressive plant contains a special substance, which acts on the brain by sending a signal to stop the cravings for food.  It has been used for centuries by the San People of the Kalahari to stave off pain, hunger and thirst when they traveled for weeks, months and even years across the vast desert.

In 1977, the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) isolated the ingredient in hoodia - now known as P57 - which is responsible for its appetite suppressant effect, and patented it in 1996.  In 2002, CSIR officially recognized the San tribes people’s rights over Hoodia, allowing them to take a percentage of the profits and any spin-offs resulting from the marketing of Hoodia.  Hoodia gordonii is a protected plant which may only be wild-harvested by individuals and the few companies who have been granted a license.

It has been established that the P57 molecule found in pure Kalahari Hoodia Gordonii works by mimicking the effect that glucose has on nerve cells in the brain in effect fooling the body into thinking it is full, even when it is not, thus curbing the appetite.  It’s very different from dietary stimulants like Ephedra that are now banned because of questionable side effects.  Hoodia has no stimulant effects at all.

On Nov 21, 2003, 60 Minutes aired a report on the effectiveness of the Hoodia gordonii plant as a natural appetite suppressant.  Reporter Lesley Stahl tried the plant.  Stahl says she had no after effects - no funny taste in her mouth, no queasy stomach, and no racing heart.  She also wasn’t hungry all day, even when she would normally have a pang around mealtime.  And, she also had no desire to eat or drink the entire day. "I’d have to say it did work," says Stahl.

If you haven’t heard about the supplement Hoodia gordonii, there’s no doubt you will very soon.  Hoodia, a natural appetite suppressant, is earning attention as a potentially powerful aid in the focus on losing weight.  Hoodia is not some sort of miracle diet pill. You can’t just take a few Hoodia every day, eat all you want, and lose weight. However, when taken in combination with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, Hoodia Gordonii can effectively support your goal of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is Hoodia Gordonii?
Hoodia is a succulent plant found in the Kalahari desert of South Africa. The genus encompasses a number of varieties of plant of which Hoodia Gordonii is one species.  Hoodia plants are succulents, not cacti, although they do have a spiny appearance similar to cacti.

2. How long does it take for Hoodia Gordonii to have an effect?
Some people report that Hoodia works for them immediately, suppressing appetite within 20 to 30 minutes after taking the capsules.  Hoodia will suppress your appetite for around 4-6 hours.  While some people will notice appetite suppression within the first few days of using Hoodia, for other people the body needs more time to build up the active ingredients in Hoodia.  Generally people typically need up to two weeks of regularly taking Hoodia before they begin to notice the effects, which include:  A reduced interest in food, a delay in the time after eating before hunger sets in again, and feeling full more quickly.

3. Does Hoodia Gordonii have any side effects?
Hoodia Gordonii is not a stimulant, and has no known side effects. Of course, there is always someone who has a reaction to even the safest supplement, so your own experience -- in conjunction with the advice of your practitioner -- should guide you.