Hoodia gordonii: an overview of biological and botanical characteristics: Part I.

Hoodia gordonii is a cactus-like plant from Southern Africa that contains substances which suppress hunger, appetite, and thirst. (1-24) The use of Hoodia as an appetite suppressant is supported by colorful folklore history and recent scientific studies. (1-24) Hoodia is well known to the San bushmen of South Africa who are associated with the folklore medical use of this plant. (1-3) From the teachings of their forefathers, the San learned to eat this plant to reduce hunger sensations. (1-3) It is reported that the San bushmen of South Africa believe that Hoodia is their food, water, and medicine. (1,2)

The Hoodia plant grows in the Kalahari desert region of Southern Africa, including Namibia, Angola, and Botswana. (1-2) History records that the San people of the Kalahari desert used the Hoodia plant to reduce hunger and thirst when they traveled across the desert. (25) This nomadic, ancient group of people was often deprived of food on long hunting expeditions in the desert, and famine was common. (1-3,25,26) In this Part I, of a two-part article, general background information on Hoodia gordonii is reviewed, with a focus on its botanical and biological characteristics.

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Botanical Information on Hoodia gordonii

The succulent plant Hoodia gordonii belongs to the family of plants known as Asclepiadaceae. (1-3,26-31) There are at least 2,000 species of the Asclepiadaceae group of plants, and half of these species are succulents. (1,2) The term succulent, applied to a plant, implies that the body of the plant is full of juice and has fleshy tissues that will conserve water. Breaking the skin of the plant Hoodia results in the flow of juices and presentation of "plant flesh."

Hoodia is a genus within the family of Asclepiadaceae. (32) Although a variety of species of Hoodia are found in the desert regions of Southern Africa (Kalahari, Botswana, and Namibia), not all varieties of Hoodia have been used as appetite suppressants. (1,2) The principle, prized plant of the San bushmen of Southern Africa is Hoodia gordonii. (3)

There may be more than 20 different species of Hoodia that grow in Southern Africa. (1,2) These plants grow in short clumps with a vertical stem that is pale green in color. (1-3,26-31) Attempts to farm the species Hoodia gordonii outside its normal habitat have been generally unsuccessful, with notable exceptions. (1,3) Hoodia plants are extremely difficult to grow, and they need a lot of care and attention, with obligatory requirements of watering, sunlight exposure, and specific seasonal temperatures. (1-3,32,33)