Hoodia Gordonii

Plants of the Hoodia genus are fleshy succulents growing naturally in the Kalahari Dessert. Reaching a height of around 1 meter, they have flowers that stand out, looking like caps, hence the common names of "Bushman's Hat" and "Queen of the Namib".

Parts of Hoodia plants have long been used by the Kalahari Bushmen as medicine in the treatment of indigestion and infection. In particular, Hoodia Gordonii is used by the Bushmen as an Appetite Suppressant when chasing animals as part of a hunt.

It is this ability to suppress the appetite that has caught the eye of the weight loss industry, to the point where the plant itself is now a protected species within South Africa.

In 1977, the ingredient within Hoodia Gordonii that acted  as the appetite suppressant was isolated (P57) and was isolated and patented by the  South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Research then started on then synthesis of P57 for commercial applications. However, the rights to P57 were released in 2002 fuelling speculation that Pfizer (the rights holder) saw no benefit to be gained from the isolate.

Regardless, many companies have produced diet formulas around Hoodia with varying concentrations and therefore effectiveness.

Also in 2002, the CSIR recognized the rights of the San Tribesmen in regard to Hoodia Gordonii, awarding them a percentage of profits made from the substance and other ancillary items.

Due largely to the media attention given this plant, Hoodia Gordonii is now a protected plant and a licence must be obtained before any wild harvesting can be done.