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Article: Hoodia gordonii: an overview of biological and botanical characteristics: Part I.
- Article from:
- Townsend Letter: The Examiner of Alternative Medicine
- Article date:
- November 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 The Townsend Letter Group. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Hoodia gordonii is a cactus-like plant from Southern Africa that contains substances which suppress hunger, appetite, and thirst. (1-24) The use of Hoodia as an appetite suppressant is supported by colorful folklore history and recent scientific studies. (1-24) Hoodia is well known to the San bushmen of South Africa who are associated with the folklore medical use of this plant. (1-3) From the teachings of their forefathers, the San learned to eat this plant to reduce hunger sensations. (1-3) It is reported that the San bushmen of South Africa believe that Hoodia is their food, water, and medicine. (1,2)
The Hoodia plant grows in the Kalahari desert region of ...