|
Hoodia is a genus containing thirteen species, in the flowering plant family Apocynaceae, under the subfamily Asclepiadoideae. They are described as "cactiform" because of their remarkable similarity to the unrelated cactus family. They can reach up to 3 feet high and have large flowers, often with a flesh like colour and strong odour.
Many Hoodia species are protected plants, typical of the Namib Desert, ranging from Central Namibia to Southern Angola, especially in rock strewn areas and plains. Several species are grown as garden plants, and one species, Hoodia gordonii is being investigated for use as an appetite suppressant.
Perhaps you've already heard of hoodia, the unsightly and unpleasant tasting cactus-like plant which grows in the Kalahari Desert. In recent months, hoodia has received an overwhelming amount of attention from the media for it's ability to suppress hunger with no discernable negative side effects. But how exactly does this plant fool our brains into thinking we are full?
Hoodia contains, among other things, steroidal glycosides. These glycosides, when consumed, act on the hypothalamus of the human brain in much the same way that an increase in the amount of sugar in the bloodstream would.
Source: cactustips.com |
