Hoodia
Other names for Hoodia
1065mg of hoodia gordonii powder
cactus concentrate
cactus stem concentrate
certified south african hoodia gordonii cactus
chinese hoodia extract
hoddia extract
hoodia
hoodia 1400 complex
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hoodia fleshy leaf extract
hoodia gordon extract
hoodia gordoni
hoodia gordonii
hoodia gordonii 12:1 concentrate
hoodia gordonii 20:1
hoodia gordonii 20:1 extract
hoodia gordonii 20:1 powdered extract
hoodia gordonii (aerial parts) 1:4 extract
hoodia gordonii cactus
hoodia gordonii cactus 12:1 concentrate
hoodia gordonii (cactus) extract
hoodia gordonii cactus extract
hoodia gordonii cactus stem concentrate
hoodia gordonii concentrate
hoodia gordonii extract
hoodia gordonii extract, powder
hoodia gordonii fleshy leaf extract
hoodia gordonii (fresh stem) 20:1
hoodia gordonii (fruit) 12:1 extract
hoodia gordonii leaf extract
hoodia gordonii plant extract 20:1
hoodia gordonii plant extract, dry
hoodia gordonii powder
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hoodia gordonii, powder, pure
hoodia gordonii stem concentrate
hoodia gordonii stem extract
hoodia (hoodia gordonii) extract
hoodia (hoodia gordoni) powder
hoodia leaf extract
hoodia plant extract, dry
hoodia supreme(r)
organic hoodia cactus
prickly pear (hoodia gordonii) stem powder
sa hoodia
selectively imported and tested south african hoodia gordonii aerial parts
selectively imported hoodia gordonii
selectively imported south african hoodia gordonii
south african hoodia cordonii succulent complex
south african hoodia gordoni
south african hoodia gordonii
south african hoodia gordonii extract 20:1
south african hoodia gordonii succulent complex
south african hoodia powder
wildcrafted hoodia extract
wildcrafted hoodia gordonii
wildcrafted hoodia (hoodia gordonii) dried plant liquid extract
wild harvested hoodia extract
Synopsis of Hoodia
History
Hoodia, most commonly referring to Hoodia gordonii, is a succulent plant native to the arid regions of Southern Africa, particularly the Kalahari Desert. Historically, Hoodia has been used for centuries by the San people (also known as Bushmen) as a traditional remedy to suppress hunger and thirst during long hunting expeditions. The indigenous use of Hoodia was not only practical but also deeply integrated into cultural practices, helping these communities survive harsh desert conditions with limited resources.
Medicinally, Hoodia was typically consumed fresh or dried, and sometimes included in simple remedies aimed at promoting endurance and well-being. Its reputation as an appetite suppressant has been passed down through generations, contributing to its later popularity as a natural aid for weight management in modern nutritional products. The plant's unique active compound, thought to be P57, is believed to affect the hypothalamus, signaling a sense of fullness and reducing appetite.
In contemporary herbal medicine, Hoodia is often featured in herbal combinations designed to support healthy weight management, energy levels, and metabolic balance. When blended with other supportive botanicals such as green tea, garcinia cambogia, or yerba mate, Hoodia may contribute synergistically to these formulas. These combinations aim to not only gently curb appetite but also enhance vitality and support a balanced lifestyle.
Overall, Hoodia's longstanding traditional use and its continued presence in herbal blends highlight its positive contributions as a natural ingredient for well-being, especially in the context of appetite control and nutritional support.
Traditional and scientific validation
Hoodia, primarily derived from the Hoodia gordonii plant native to southern Africa, has a long history of traditional use by the San people, who reportedly consumed it to suppress hunger and thirst during long hunting trips. This ethnobotanical background fueled interest in Hoodia as a natural appetite suppressant, leading to its inclusion in various nutritional supplements targeting weight management.
Scientific investigation into Hoodia’s efficacy centers on its active compound, P57, believed to influence the hypothalamus and reduce the sensation of hunger. Early animal studies suggested appetite-suppressing effects, sparking commercial and research interest. A handful of small human clinical trials have been conducted; for example, one randomized, double-blind study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2007) indicated that Hoodia extract did not significantly reduce caloric intake compared to placebo. However, these studies often had limitations such as small sample sizes, short durations, and variable extract standardization.
While Hoodia’s traditional use and preliminary research highlight its potential, larger and more rigorous clinical studies are necessary to conclusively confirm its safety and efficacy as a dietary supplement. Nonetheless, Hoodia remains a noteworthy example of how indigenous knowledge can inform modern nutritional science, and it continues to be explored for its possible role in appetite regulation. Consumers and researchers alike are encouraged by its promising background, even as the scientific community calls for further validation.
Hoodia is used for these health conditions
Appetite (excessive) (Traditional)
Weight Loss (Traditional)
Hoodia is used to support these body systems
Hypothalamus (Traditional)
