Hoodia Gordonii: A Succulent With Appetite Suppressing Properties

Introduction to Hoodia Gordonii

Hoodia Gordonii is a succulent that looks like a cactus that grows mainly in South Africa but also grows in Namibia. It was first discovered in 1779 by Robert Jacob Gordon. Hoodia Gordonii has been used for a very long time by the people of South Africa, traditionally this succulent is used to treat indigestion, infections and to prevent hunger during long hunting trips by the Sun Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert. This succulent prefers high temperatures and very low humidity while growing (Just like the Kalahari Desert in South Africa). 

Uses For People That Are Overweight

This succulent is gaining a lot of popularity around the world as an appetite suppressant for people with weight problems. Its key effects are, if you have eaten something and taken Hoodia Gordonii straight after, it will take a much longer time before hunger sets in again, if Hoodia is taken before a meal, the person will feel more "full" with eating less food. It's gained a lot of popularity because it is a cheaper and more effective alternative than the banned Ephedra. Many people prefer a natural composition than chemical made in a lab.  No side effects have been reported in scientific studies but people with diabetes should be cautious as Hoodia Gordonii is suspected of tricking the brain into thinking there is enough sugar in the blood stream, pregnant woman should also be cautious when using Hoodia.  Hoodia Gordonii is found in several forms on the internet, mainly powder, capsules and extract, but there are many vendors out there that sell fake Hoodia. Studies have been done and it shows that P57 compound is responsible for the appetite suppressing effects of Hoodia Gordonii. P57 is an oxypregnane steroidal glycoside. This succulent can also help with Gastric acid reduction, gastric acid is inhibited by the P57 compound.