
Hoodia cactus (hoodia gordonii) is a well known appetite
suppressant and mood enhancer. Recent research has shown that the
hoodia cactus species contains a molecule (P-57) that is similar to
glucose, only MUCH stronger. The scientists believe that this
molecule in hoodia cactus 'fools' the body into believing that it
has just eaten. The result of eating it is thus a lack of appetite.
It produces an immediate effect upon eating. Many people experience
an upliftment in their mood immediately, followed by a satiation of
the appetite. After eating hoodia cactus, one simply doesn't feel
like eating more. You might want to eat because you know its
lunchtime, but there's simply less desire to chew and swallow your
food.
Hoodia cactus is a leafless and grows naturally in the Northern
Cape, a province of South Africa, where it is registered as a
protected species by Nature Conservation. It has been used for
thousands of years by shepherds and hunters of the nomadic SAN
tribes that populate the arid territories of South Africa and
Namibia. Hoodia cactus is famous for its effects as an appetite
suppressant and mood enhancer. Excellent results have been obtained
from people using it as part of a weight loss program. Mass global
interest has been shown for hoodia cactus since an international
pharmaceutical company, started to research hoodia's potential to
help people with obesity. Because of this property, Western
countries have claimed that it is the 'new miracle diet
ingredient'. There is strong evidence to suggest that hoodia cactus
may become a worldwide answer to obesity, as studies confirmed
excellent results.
As far as scientists know, there are no negative side-effects. The
local SAN, who's ancestors have been using the plant for thousands
of years, claim that there are no negative side effects. We do not
know for sure whether there may be drugs that interact negatively
with hoodia cactus, since it is a new food. hoodia cactus is
currently not classified as a medicine in South Africa, but as a
foodstuff, which is testimony to how safe it is.