History of Hoodia

Hoodia Gordonii (Xhoba) is a succulent (cactus like) plant found in desert regions of South Africa (Namibia, Angola and Botswana). Although it looks like a small cactus, Hoodia is actually a type of milkweed. Being a succulent, it contains a good deal of moisture, which, although bitter tasting, is obviously useful when you’re out in the desert. For thousands of years, the San Bushmen of the Kalahari desert have used Hoodia Gordonii to counter hunger and thirst, when they were deprived of food on long hunting expeditions in the desert. Sucking on the pulpy flesh, the Bushmen could not only slake their thirst but also, as they discovered ages ago, quell their hunger.

In Dec of 2004, Life Enhancement magazine reported that scientist had determined the the active ingredient in Hoodia which helps control appetite was P57. Our Hoodia-GL has been shown in laboratory analysis to have very high levels of this active ingredient. Clinical studies are currently being done on Hoodia to determine its effectiveness. In one of the first studies completed, participants given hoodia were able to significantly reduce their caloric input.

After Hoodia made national headlines, the Hoodia marketing wars began as companies began to manufacture Hoodia as a nutritional supplement to assist with weight loss. Today there are a large variety of Hoodia products being sold. There are hoodia powders, extracts, hoodia from China, hoodia from South Africa and different species of hoodia altogether. We believe the most effective hoodia products are in extract form and come for Hoodia Gordonii in South Africa.

Not all members of the Hoodia family of plants are biologically active. Hoodia is produced from the species Hoodia Gordonii which has been used in the food chain of the indigent desert people of South Africa. It is very important that this species of Hoodia be used in any supplement since the others may not have the same effect.