Hoodia Gordonii is a member of the plant family Apocynaceae and is called a "stem succulent" due to its prickly cactus-like appearance. Hoodia gordonii feature large, creamy pink blossoms on the tops of their prickly stems.

Tribal African bushmen have been utilizing hoodia gordonii for hundreds of years to reduce hunger while on lengthly hunting and gathering trips. It's also reported that they ate hoodia to relieve pain as well. Only available in the United States since 2004, the only authentic hoodia gordonii on the market comes from the Western Cape of South Africa in the Kalahari desert. There are several varieties of hoodia but only the gordonii type possesses weight-loss properties.

There are no adverse side effects associated with taking hoodia gordonii. After CBS newswoman Lesley Stahl tried hoodia, reported that she experienced no nausea, shakiness, dry mouth or other unpleasant side effects. I'd have to say it did work, she reported.

Hoodia gordonii is a plant, not a drug, and is entirely natural. Several pharmaceutical companies are currently researching ways to isolate and synthesize P57, the name for the ingredient found in hoodia gordonii that causes the appetite suppressing effects. These drug companies are hoping to create a synthetic drug that mirrors the properties of hoodia gordonii.

Hoodia gordonii works by telling your brain that you're full. This is what blood glucose also does, however hoodia gordonii has been found to be thousands of times more active and effective than glucose in the suppression of hunger.

Consumers are normally advised to take hoodia for an extended period of time to achieve desired results. The average dose for hoodia gordonii is is usually one pill an hour before your afternoon meal and one pill an hour before your evening meal.

When seeking to lose weight, hoodia gordonii is most effective when combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan.