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Xshoba or xhooba both are the other names of African hoodia cactus. Xshoba or xhooba or African hoodia cactus was used by the San Bushmen to treat indigestion, minor skin infections and as an appetite and thirst suppressant during long hunts. Scientifically African hoodia cactus is known as hoodia gordonii and it is a kind of a succulent so the names hoodia cactus and South African desert cactus are actually misnomers, but they are commonly used. This plant usually resembles a cactus when seen growing wild in the Kalahari Desert.
Hoodia is a succulent plant found in the Kalahari desert of South Africa. The genus encompasses a number of varieties of plant of which Hoodia gordonii is one species. Hoodia plants are succulents, not cacti, although they do have a spiny appearance similar to cacti.
But there are some problems associated with growing the African hoodia cactus for commercial purposes. The main problem is because of the temperature as African hoodia cactus requires the desert like temperatures. And second problem is that it usually takes four or five years for the African hoodia cactus to reach full maturity. Thus, the count of the wild plant is extremely limited and is protected by the governments of South Africa from harvesting.
Around a decade ago Phytopharm decided to research the properties of the African hoodia cactus and for that they established plantations in South Africa. Moreover, many supplement companies have also started marketing products which contain the plant in powdered or concentrated form. Majority of the African hoodia cactus products are being sold to dieters as appetite suppressants.
However there is a research supporting the claims made by these companies, but there are some concerns about safety and cost. As its availability is too scarce that's why African hoodia cactus is only being exported from certain areas of Africa, hoodia products are expensive. As safety is the prime concern that's why clinical tests are underway and have not been completed and effects of long-term use are not known. There are almost twenty more different varieties of hoodia but only hoodia gordonii is believed to contain the natural appetite suppressant. There are few companies which are selling products that are purported to contain the African hoodia cactus, but if it is not hoodia gordonii, then it may not work.
So if you're hunting for health supplements then it is best to buy hoodia products from a reputable company that sells a complete line of products. That's why all the dieters are advised to remember to drink plenty of water since hoodia suppresses thirst, as well as appetite. Thus, whatever name you say the African hoodia cactus is a beautiful plant as its flowers are pale purple and appear after the plant reaches maturity. Even though this plant is in demand still it is wise to protect the wild African hoodia cactus from over-harvesting, so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.
The Hoodia Gordonii plant has been a South African secret used by the native Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert for thousands of years. The small fleshly succulent plant (which is commonly mistaken as a cactus) was used, and still is, to ward off hunger pains when food is scarce. Hoodia Gordonii was also used on long journeys as walking with food in the desert may attract wild animals.
Source: nethoodia.info |
