Scientists believe that succulents developed millions of years ago, before the continents drifted apart. Hoodia gordinii is a succulent, but it is commonly referred to as a cactus. Nobody knows exactly how long hoodia gordinii existed. It is one of many plants referred to as food for Bush, which means that the San or Bushmen of South Africa met for lunch. The Superior Council of Scientific and Industrial Research of South Africa studied many indigenous species and noted an interesting fact about the hoodia gordonii cactus. When fed to animals lost weight, but not due to any toxic effects can be detected. Natives reported that it is used to treat many common ailments. Most indigenous peoples used the roots and herbs for medicinal purposes. After all, there is no pharmacy.

Most people are interested in the hoodia gordonii cactus for one reason. The Bushmen of South Africa reported that hoodia gordinii or xshoba as it is called by the natives, was used by hunters to stave off hunger and thirst during times when other food was unavailable. They were not trying to lose weight. They did not have weight problems. Anyone who spends most of the day searching for food is not going to be overweight. However, overweight people have clung to the idea that the hoodia gordonii cactus can help you lose those extra kilos.

News reports about hoodia gordinii have made public the possibility that a natural appetite suppressant that does not seem to be a stimulant that has been discovered. Most research has been conducted by a British pharmaceutical company Phytopharm call. Phytopharm is not particularly happy to share their research information at this time, because the supplement industry health is capitalizing on it. While Phytopharm extract, hoodia gordonii cactus is not expected that the version to quit sometime. Many health supplement companies are selling hoodia gordinii dust and seems to be working best. Dr. Joseph Varallo, a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recently shared their experiences with Desert Burn ®, a health supplement company that sells a tablet of 750 mg of Hoodia gordonii powder, and were quite positive. His full report is available on the Desert Burn ® website.

There is no doubt that hoodia gordinii continue to make headlines. At some point in the future partner Phytopharm and Unilever (maker of Slim Fast products) will release its product or products that contain hoodia gordonii cactus extract. Some health care companies are being investigated for making false statements about the actual content of their products. At least one class action lawsuit that a health supplement company and the company made claims about their product. No reputable company will advise the customer that hoodia gordinii only be responsible for their weight problems. Reasonable diet and regular exercise program are necessary to maintain weight loss. Supplement health claims about hoodia gordonii cactus should never be too good too true. Companies that make such claims should be avoided. If they are honest about making statements effective appetite suppressants, you can not make honest statements about the content of their products. Search CITES certification on websites of companies that rely on the product you're buying is authentic hoodia gordinii.