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?
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.
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Caplet
60 servings
Amount Per Serving:
Hoodia Gordonii Extract (Aerial Stem, 20:1) 500mg
Directions: Take 1 caplet at least 30 minutes prior to breakfast and
1 caplet one hour prior
to lunch. For best results take with 8 oz (240 mL) of water.
Other Ingredients: cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid,
silicon dioxide,
magnesium stearate and pharmaceutical glaze.
