History of the Hoodia Gordonii Cactus
Hoodia Gordonii is a cactus like plant that grows in the South African deserts. Hoodia Gordonii is not actually a cactus, but looks very much like a cactus. The Hoodia Gordonii cactus has been found to act as an appetite suppressant, and therefore has recently been promoted as an herbal supplement used to promote weight loss.
But when did it all begin? Why are we just hearing about the Hoodia Gordonii cactus now? The answer to these questions lies in the fact that there is still little known about this rare and hard to produce plant.
It was discovered by an anthropologist in the 1930's as the people of Kalahari consumed parts of Hoodia Gordonii cactus during long journey across the desert to smother their appetite and thirst. It was the method to survive long periods without food. The nature by way of the Hoodia Gordonii cactus helped people to cross the desert unharmed.
The properties of this plant became known in the other parts of the world and it caught the fancy of the scientists to use it as a supplement to help people lose weight. Experiments in the lab were conducted by a group of scientists in the sixties especially on animals to understand the properties of the Hoodia Gordonii plant better. They were able to come to a conclusion that it was true that some parts of the plant had the capability of suppressing thirst and hunger.
However, there have been few additional studies completed. Only one human clinical study was done on the Hoodia Gordonii cactus, and this was completed by a manufacturer of Hoodia Gordonii diet pills. There is no evidence to show how the Hoodia Gordonii cactus works to suppress appetite. Nor is there any hard proof of side effects or other possible disadvantages or benefits.
For these reasons, the Hoodia Gordonii cactus has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as a weight loss supplement. When more studies have been completed and more is known about the plant and how it works, it may be determined that we have found the best weight loss promoter in the world.
There is another big problem as it is very difficult to get this plant as it does not grow everywhere. The cactus needs a climate which is very hot with a little bit of humidity, which is common in South African deserts. There is not very good chance of getting this supplement easily and will also cost a lot.
