Hoodia Gordonii

Listening to the San Bushmen

Hoodia gordonii has been used for centuries by the San bushmen of South Africa . These people may have, at times, consumed Hoodia on a regular basis. The “San” are known to have chewed on the plant during times of food scarcity, in order to alleviate hunger and thirst. Hoodia gordonii was found by bushmen to be particularly valuable for use during arduous hunting expeditions in the Kalahari desert . The Kalahari desert is a principle home for the San bushmen and it is a prime location for the growth of the succulent plant, Hoodia gordonii. The power of this succulent plant, known to the San as !khoba (Hoodia) is going to be a continuing focus of international attention in the fight against the global pandemic of obesity. The world has finally listened to the “San” people.

The Science of Hoodia

Government researchers in South Africa have focused on compounds called sterol glycosides, present in Hoodia gordonii. Hoodia gordonii whole powder contains fiber, organic material, antioxidants, and biologically active substances. The pharmaceutical industry has been so impressed by research findings with Hoodia gordonii that there have been multi-million dollar deals to try to make drugs or food additives from constituents of Hoodia gordonii. Making a drug from Hoodia is not consistent with its traditional use as an appetite suppressant by native South Africans.

The consumption of Hoodia gordonii over thousands of years by the San bushmen creates a great precedent for the safety of the Hoodia plant, but it does not create precedence for the safety or effectiveness of a “drug derivative”. Hoodia does not contain dangerous stimulant molecules, but it does contain substances that may mimic the effects of glucose on nerve cells in the brain. Controlled clinical and laboratory experiments show much promise of Hoodia for weight control. Some experiments have shown that obese people taking Hoodia have reduced their calorie intake by an amazing amount of one thousand calories per day.

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.

How is Hoodia To Be Used?

The traditional use of Hoodia gordonii for its appetite suppressant effect involved the eating of whole, fresh plants or perhaps dried plants. Flowers, roots, and spiky skin on the plant were not eaten readily by anyone, including the hardy San bushmen. The natural use of Hoodia involved cutting open the skin, and eating or drinking the flesh and sap of the plant. In fact, several TV correspondents have taken the plant in this traditional form. These newscasters, along with others, comment upon its bitterness, and almost immediate effects on appetite suppression. It is clear that Hoodia gordonii cannot be taken in this fresh form by many consumers. Therefore, the Hoodia plant in South Africa has been processed by drying the plant and producing powder or concentrates that can be used in dietary supplements, or perhaps added to food.

The use of Hoodia in a dietary supplement is closer to the traditional use of Hoodia than the isolation of certain extracts of Hoodia (steroidal glycosides). Although recent scientific experiments seem to support that specific fractions or extracts of Hoodia gordonii are responsible for its major effects on appetite, it is not safe to assume that other ingredients within Hoodia do not contribute to its many effects in humans. The precedent for the safety of taking Hoodia rests with the use of the whole plant, not with the use of extracts such as steroidal glycosides.

Are there any side effects?

his product is for adults only. Do not use this product if you are pregnant, nursing, or have the following conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, glaucoma, diabetes, difficulty urinating due to prostate enlargement, or if you are now taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease), or for two (2) weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you are uncertain whether your prescription drug contains an MAOI, consult your physician before taking this product. Do not exceed recommended dosage.