Hoodia is a succulent native to South Africa that resembles a flowering cactus, though it is actually of the genus Apocynaceae. In the hoodia family, the species hoodia gordinii has purportedly been used by African bushmen as an appetite suppressant while on long hunts.

 How Hoodia Works?

The active ingredient in hoodia gordonii, P57, targets the hypothalamus - the part of the brain that tells you that you are hungry or full. Within the hypothalamus lie nerve cells which sense the level of sugar in your blood.

When you eat, food is broken down in the body as glucose and the result is a natural rise in your blood sugar levels. As your blood sugar levels rise, those nerve cells in the hypothalamus begin to fire - sending a signal to the brain that you are full.

 P57 is some more effective than glucose in triggering those nerve cells within the hypothalamus. Without eating anything, the presence of P57 tricks the hypothalamus, and thus your brain, into believing it is full.

The weight loss implications are obvious. If you feel full, you’ll likely eat less (consume fewer calories). Thus, you’ll lose weight.

Side Effects?

Hoodia gordonii is not considered a stimulant, and there has not been any reports of negative side effects. More studies are needed though for the long term use of hoodia gordonii.