Where is it found?

Various species of spiny, succulent plants belonging to the genus Hoodia are found in the arid parts of Southern Africa. Hoodia species do in fact resemble cacti, but belong to a different plant family; the Apocynaceae, commonly known as the dog-bane or milkweed family. Cacti are native to America and absent in Africa, therefore the term "cactus" has been misapplied to Hoodia species by many individuals, as well as by some commercial herbal /nutritional supplement companies. It is reported that the 13 species belonging to this genus do not have the same medicinal properties. Only H. gordonii seems to have the main active ingredient that causes both hunger and thirst suppression. This species has large flesh-colored flowers.

What is it used for?

As an appetite and thirst suppressant. Native South Africans, notably the Khoi-San herders, have used this plant for centuries in order to endure extended periods of time without food or water. This quality may render this plant useful as a treatment for obesity, but more controlled research in humans is needed. The active compound responsible for the plant's appetite suppressant action is a pregnane glycoside (similar in structure to a cardiac glycoside), which has been isolated and patented as P57, although it is possible that more than one compound is responsible for this action. Hoodia gordonii also contains saponins. This compound acts on the central nervous system (CNS), but may also be active peripherally on appetite regulation, via the vagal afferent nerves, as well as on potentially anorectic peripheral hormones such as cholecystokynin (CKK), for example. Limited data involving a clinical trial with 18 obese men report a favorable effects related to appetite suppression and weight loss. In this trial, the plant was well tolerated by the participants and no significant adverse effects were reported.

Quick Tip - Avoid Free Trials The current market price for Geniune Hoodia Gordonii is just over $300/Kilo. Free trial products are virtually fake, and trial offers are only interested in consumers forgetting to canel their free trial.

How is it used?

The native South Africans consume it fresh, by cutting a small piece of the stem and removing the thorns. Currently, extracts, teas, powders and capsules are commercially available. Some of the products sold may contain only Hoodia or combinations of this plant with other herbs or minerals, such as green tea and chromium picolinate, for example. The data related to clinical trials in humans is very limited at this time.

How does it fit into a capsule?

PGH Products uses an advanced extraction process which removes excess abundance of moisture from the most effective part of the plant, into powder form. Hoodia Gordonii contains a large abundance of excess moisture which should be removed in order to make Hoodia truely effective in powder form. This brings up a very important point: Hoodia Quality. There are many gimicks and fakes on the market which are flying off the shelf. Many of these pills brand themselves with the name Hoodia, while only having a small portion of low-quality Hoodia. Low quality Hoodia Gordonii consists of mostly skin, edge of creasline, and base area of plant. So technically there is hoodia gordonii in the product, but it's as effective as a placebo.

Quick Tip - Don't Trust "Review" Sites So called "Review" sites are plaguing search results for Hoodia Information. The cost of creating, advertising, and maintaining a "review" site is not done by a true consumer advocate. Rather, these sites are created by companies or private individuals who are affiliated with the companies who sell their products. These websites earn a commission by each product sold and are typically rated highest to lowest by the highest paying commission recieved by those sales.

Safety and Precautions

There are currently no known side effects with the proper use of this plant as a weight control supplement; however, there are only limited data pertaining to humans, so much more clinical research is needed in order to conclude if it is safe for long term use.

There are currently no studies evaluating the use of Hoodia during pregnancy and lactation, so its use cannot be recommended during this time.

If you currently have a disease related to the heart, liver, kidneys or thyroid gland, consult with your health professional first, before taking this or any other herbal / nutritional supplement.

Avoid use in children, as well as in the elderly, unless under medical supervision.

Disclaimer

Before you decide to take any medicinal herb or herbal supplement, be sure to consult with your health care professional first. Avoid self-diagnosis and self-medication: Always be on the safe side!

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»  Suppresses appetite effectively
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