Hoodia is a genus of succulent plants in the family Apocynaceae that is widely used traditionally by the San people of southern Africa as an appetite suppressant, thirst quencher and as a cure for severe abdominal cramps, haemorrhoids, tuberculosis, indigestion, hypertension and diabetes.

Recent press reports from various large media outlets such as 60 minutes, BBC, and ABC News have shone a light on Hoodia's long standing positive appetite suppressing effects.

“Imagine this: an organic pill that kills the appetite and attacks obesity. It has no known side-effects, and contains a molecule that fools your brain into believing you are full. ”

“The plant is said to have a feel-good almost aphrodisiac quality, and I have to say, we felt good.”

- BBC News Report

The San Bushmen of the Kalahari, one of the world's oldest and most primitive tribes, has been eating the Hoodia for thousands of years, to stave off hunger during long hunting trips. Hoodia is derived from Hoodia gordonii (Masson) Sweet ex Decne. of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), a succulent plant that grows primarily in Namibia as well as in northwestern parts of South Africa.