hoodia

Hoodia is a genus of succulents native to Southern Africa, most famously Hoodia gordonii. These plants are known for their spiny, leafless stems and often striking flowers. Historically, indigenous peoples of the Kalahari Desert have used various Hoodia species, particularly Hoodia gordonii, as a source of food and water, and for its appetite-suppressing properties.

The appetite suppressant qualities of Hoodia gordonii gained significant international attention in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. This led to extensive research and commercial development of Hoodia-based weight-loss products. The active compound believed to be responsible for these effects is p-57. However, the efficacy and safety of commercial Hoodia supplements have been subjects of debate and scientific scrutiny.

Regulatory bodies in various countries have issued warnings or taken action against some Hoodia products due to unsubstantiated claims, contamination concerns, or the presence of undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients. While traditional use and some preliminary studies suggest potential appetite-suppressing effects, robust scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of Hoodia gordonii for weight loss in humans remains limited. Conservation concerns have also arisen due to increased harvesting of wild Hoodia populations.