Tag: Hoodia gordonii

The San people, Southern Africa's oldest human inhabitants, developed an intricate knowledge of desert plants to ensure their survival in harsh environments. This traditional knowledge included chewing the succulent Hoodia during extended hunts to effectively suppress feelings of hunger and thirst.

For thousands of years, indigenous tribes in certain regions have used specific cacti to curb hunger during long treks and periods of famine. Today, this ancient wisdom has fueled a multi-million dollar supplement industry seeking to harness the power of a cactus that suppresses appetite, but the scientific support for these claims varies dramatically.

Native to the Kalahari Desert, the spiny succulent Hoodia gordonii has been traditionally used by the indigenous San people to stave off hunger during long hunting expeditions. This unique heritage has led to its promotion as a natural dietary supplement for appetite suppression and weight loss in many Western countries. However, its effectiveness and safety are a subject of much debate in the scientific community.