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.
Medicinal uses
Hoodia has been used by the indigenous populations of Southern Africa, for centuries, who frequently use these plants for treating indigestion, small infections and as an appetite suppressant when out on long animal hunts…
In 2002, the CSIR (the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) officially recognized the San tribespeople’s rights to Hoodia, ruling they were entitled to a percentage of the profits and any spin-offs resulting from the marketing of Hoodia. Hoodia gordonii is a protected plant which can only be harvested in the wild by individuals and a few legitimate companies, who’ve been granted a license.
Marketing
In December 2004, Unilever entered into an agreement with Phytopharm to start marketing Hoodia gordonii, commercially, in the form of shakes and diet snack bars.
It has been reported (1 July 2006) on the entertainment news show “Extra” that a company is now marketing Hoodia-enhanced lollipops.
