Hoodia is a cactus-like succulent plant that grows in the deserts of Namibia (Namib Desert) as well as in parts of South Africa and Botswana. At the close of the 20th Century anthropologists noticed that Khoisan Bushmen from Kalahari Desert were using the herb to prevent themselves from feeling hunger and thirst during long periods of hunting. Since then it has gained popularity as a slimming product world over even featuring in Oprah Winfrey’s Magazine.
Mode of action
Hoodia contains a bioactive compound called p 57, a steroidal glycoside which inhibits the appetite center in the hypothalamus hence suppressing appetite and the feeling of hunger and at the same time, it simultaneously inhibits the activation of the thirst center of the hypothalamus in the brain. These two actions result in a reduction in calorie intake by as much as half helping the individual to achieve weight loss. Perhaps this explains why the San Bushmen have almost zero body fat and tend to be thin.
Effectiveness/Advantages
Unlike most slimming products, Hoodia stand out as the only appetite suppressants that does not impact on or increase the heart rate or increase blood pressure.
Side Effects
The only side effect of hoodia proven thus far is dehydration arising from thirst suppression. But this can be overcome by taking large amounts of water (64 ounces a day).
Contraindications
Medical experts express concern over the use of hoodia among people severe illness, pregnant and lactating mothers as well as children although no real effects have been documented.