Recently a new supplement with the strange name of Hoodia gordonii has been making headlines as a possible very effective weight management tool. The natural supplement has been shown to greatly reduce one's appetite which usually leads to eventual weight loss.


Hoodia is a cactus-like plant that can only be found growing naturally in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa. The taste of the plant has been described as bitter and has the consistency of cucumbers. Hoodia is placed in the category of plants known as 'succulents'. Hoodia is a natural substance and does not contact any stimulants such as Ephedra and Phenfen. Although those in the West are just learning about Hoodia, the Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert have been consuming it for centuries.


A study of indigenous foods was conducted in South Africa and it was observed that when Hoodia was fed to animals they subsequently ate less and lost weight. However initial studies on Hoodia were conducted in the mid 60's and it took approximately 30 years to identify the specific ingredient within the plant responsible for suppressing the appetite.


After taking Hoodia most people's appetites are greatly reduced or eliminated. Studies have shown an average of 1,000 less calorie consumption per day for those taking Hoodia. Taken everyday, Hoodia has produced dramatic weight loss.


Hoodia has been extensively researched, specifically to identify possible ways to produce the effective ingredient synthetically. Unfortunately this research has generally come to the conclusion that producing Hoodia synthetically is far too expensive to produce in sufficient quantities.

The goal now is to cultivate the traditionally wild plant in plantations specifically designed for groaning Hoodia. A goal of 2008 has been set to have widespread Hoodia products available to the public. However for those willing to pay for it, Hoodia is available currently in a number of products.