- Hoodia is a staple of the San Bushmen. The plant is used to stave off thirst and hunger during long hunting trips and as a treatment for a variety of illnesses including hypertension, tuberculosis, abdominal cramps, hemorrhoids, indigestion and diabetes. Hoodia became popular as a weight loss suppressant after a 60 minutes news crew traveled to Africa and reported the plant lived up to its promise.
- There are 20 varieties of the hoodia plant but only hoodia gordonii is believed to help promote weight loss. Hoodia gordonii contains the P57 molecule that tricks the brain into thinking you are full. P57 is similar to glucose but 100,000 times more powerful. The molecule sends the signal to the hypothalamus that the body has sufficient food intake. To date, there are no reported side effects associated with consuming hoodia. Hoodia is available in many over-the-counter forms including capsule, spray, liquid extracts and as an ingredient in tea.
- Various studies confirm hoodia's appetite suppressant properties. Studies conducted in South Africa at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and studies conducted in joint venture between the CSIR and Phytopharm, a British firm, indicate P57 sends a signal to the brain to shut down hunger. The joint venture conducted a double-blind study in which participants were divided into two groups, one that received hoodia gordonii and one that received a placebo. Both groups were instructed not to alter their regular exercise and eating routines. The group that received the hoodia gordonii ate an average of 1,000 calories less than participants in the other group. Studies conducted at Brown University on lab rats showed the rats who received the hoodia supplement cut their caloric intake by 30 to 50 percent.
- There are many hoodia diet supplements on the market, but not all share the same level of effectiveness. Hoodia extract is a more effective and pure form of hoodia compared to hoodia capsules. Hoodia capsules are ground from the entire plant, including the fiber and skin. Hoodia extract is a concentration of hoodia's active ingredients and is available in 20:1 and 10:1 concentration levels.
Fake hoodia is abundant in the market place. Many of the varieties of hoodia available in stores and over the internet do not contain pure hoodia gordonii or contain it in levels that are ineffective. Hoodia supplements should be purchased from reputable merchants and should contain a certificate of authenticity and information on the ingredients from an independent lab study.