libutron: One of the wonder plants of the century - Hoodia gordonii This is the famous Hoodia g
libutron:One of the wonder plants of the century - Hoodia gordoniiThis is the famous Hoodia gordonii (Gentianales - Apocynaceae), used in diet tablets today as a hunger suppressant and natural energy boost. It has been used for thousands of years by Xhomani Bushmen as an anorexant during hunting trips.However, despite a relatively large body of evidence of the chemical make-up of the plant, peer-reviewed studies to provide scientific information on physiological effects of Hoodia gordonii are relatively sparse. The role of the pregnane glycoside P57—commonly accepted to be responsible for appetite suppression—has been questioned recently. Furthermore, a variety of physiological side-effects associated with consumption of the plant in extracted form questions its suitability for consumption.Hoodia gordonii is a spiny succulent native to South Africa and southern Namibia. In the early stages only one stem is produced but at a later stage the plant starts branching. Mature plants can have as many as 50 individual branches and weigh as much as 30 kg. Plants under ideal conditions can attain a height of 1 m. Flowers are borne on or near the terminal apex (top part of the plant). The flowers are large and have a carrion-like smell. Flowers vary in color from pale straw to dark maroon. References: [1] - [2] - [3]Photo credit: ©Martin Heigan | Locality: Krugersdorp, Gauteng, South Africa (2005)Bold added - very interesting use of this plant -- source link
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