Hoodia gordonii is a succulent from southern Africa. The San people traditionally chewed it to manage hunger during extended hunts. Today people mostly take it as capsules or powder for appetite control, timing doses 30 to 60 minutes before eating. Solid clinical studies do not back up those weight loss claims. Some trials found it no more effective than a placebo.
Reliable safety information is scarce. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use it. The way it works remains unclear, so anyone on diabetes medication or other drugs that affect appetite should talk to a doctor before adding hoodia to their routine.