Hoodia supplements were just introduced to the U.S. market in early 2004.
Here are some key points about hoodia that you need to know:
Hoodia gordonii looks like a cactus, but it's actually a succulent from the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. Bushmen from the area have been using hoodia for centuries to help ward off hunger during long trips in the desert.
Hoodia gordonii is entirely natural -- it is not a drug. Pharmaceutical companies find it so promising, however, that they are trying to isolate the appetite-suppressing molecule, P57, to create a patented diet drug in the future.
Only the gordonii variation of hoodia has appetite suppressant abilities.
Hoodia tricks the brain into thinking you've eaten, and makes you feel full.
Hoodia may work right away, or may take several weeks.
Does Hoodia have Aphrodisiac Capabilities?
Some folklore observations on the effects of Hoodia gordonii have been somewhat ignored by scientists. The San Bushmen in South Africa reported that Hoodia gordonii might have aphrodisiac and even other pleasurable effects. In recent scientific studies, it has been demonstrated that the human brain produces and/or metabolizes plant compounds. This is fascinating work, which supports many beliefs in regards to natural medicine. It seems clear that the evolution of humankind in association with the plant kingdom must have influenced our complicated body chemistry, over a period of many thousands of years.
"There are no side effects from the usage of Hoodia, other than lack of hunger
and weight loss".