Hoodia gordonii is the Latin name of the South African Hoodia, one of the most popular herbs in the world today. The plant’s popularity is attributed to its ability to promote weight loss. The plant is native to South African deserts, particularly the Kalahari Desert and the Namib Desert where many species wildly grow. Hoodia is a genus of 13 species belonging to the flowering plant family of Apocynaceae, and can reach up to one meter in height. Because it carries a remarkable similarity to the cactus plant, Hoodia has been described as a cactiform. However, unlike the cactus plant, Hoodia can grow large flowers that carry a strong smell and a soft flesh color.

Hoodia gordonii is currently known as an appetite suppressant. This reputation is being investigated by the media, as well as the scientific community, in an effort to shed light on the plant’s true medicinal value as far as weight loss is concerned. In the past few years, the South African Hoodia Gordonii has been largely marketed as an effective weight loss ingredient, but this effectiveness, not to mention the plant’s safety, has yet to be established scientifically. For this reason, consumers are advised to practice caution and seek medical opinion before buying any weight loss supplement with Hoodia.

Many people these days are keener on using plant-based medicine or herbal products for health care. However, manufacturers of weight loss supplements that contain the South African Hoodia are facing difficulty in getting hold of the plant. Today, Hoodia is presently listed in the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). The plant is at risk of becoming extinct if trade is left unregulated and uncontrolled.