Long used by the San, a tribe from the Kalahari desert, Hoodia Gordonii is a plant that helps stave off hunger and thirst, which was necessary for tribesmen during long desert hunts. This plant has now shown itself to be an effective herbal weight loss supplement for many people.

A 1996 study validated the results scientifically, finding that Hoodia was non toxic, and caused laboratory animals to lose weight. The active principle of the extract is P57 or pregnane glycoside.

The rights of commercial exploration of the Hoodia extract belonged to Pfizer company, but in 2002, it was released to public research because of the difficulty in synthesizing the P57.

Hoodia Gordonii acts as an appetite suppressant because it reduces an interest in food, and larger intervals to hunger are experienced. It can also cause a boost in energy making it an excellent natural weight loss tool.

It is believed that it actuates in hypothalamus, a brain structure that controls appetite, thirst, sex and sleep functions. There is an enhancement in local energy levels (ATP production) and then, hypothalamus sends messages to upper brain, to block appetite.

In a recent American Diabetes Meeting, while the Hoodia effects and research were being discussed in the auditorium, the buzz was high in corridors. It´s being seen as having real promise in Diabetes, Obesity and metabolic syndrome treatment. The fact that it is natural is an added bonus.

The average dose of Hoodia Gordonii is between 400mg to 800mg daily. When taken before a meal, it can cause a person to eat about forty percent less food.

Large scale and blind-controlled studies are essential and needed to confirm the usability and safety of the extract. One of the non-believers already said that the amount of P57 necessary to cause some type of effect would need that a person eat more than one pound of the plant per day.

Hoodia Gordonii is sold as a health supplement, and is widely available in most vitamin and natural health retail stores.

Currently, no side affects have been reported, and it is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Hoodia Gordonii is an exiting new discovery in the world of natural supplements to aid in weight loss. You can find a good resource for Hoodia by Clicking Here.

These statements have not been approved by the FDA - always consult your physician before undertaking a weight loss program.