60 Minutes aired a segment in 2004 on Hoodia Gordonii Plus and the weight loss supplement world was never the same. Long used by natives in South Africa and Namibia, the Hoodia plant helped suppress their appetite during long times in the desert. Although the Hoodia plant family includes thirteen different species, it is the Hoodia Gordonii that carries the appetite suppressing compound. This plant is part of the succulent species, although it is often incorrectly referred to as a cactus. It's thick stems retain water and the plant itself often reaches a meter in height.

Although Hoodia Gordonii Plus is a brand, it belongs to a company that is licensed by the Western Cape Conservation Authority of South Africa. The importance of this license for the consumer is that is proves that the product is from the Kalahari Desert and is one hundred percent pure South African Hoodia. Two more certificates are also needed, the Analytical Report and the C.I.T.E.S. Certificate. By having these two documents this company can assure consumers that they are receiving the products advertised.

Hoodia Gordonii Plus is a powerful appetite suppressant that works almost immediately when taken and also lasts throughout the day. Normally, the brain receives a signal from your body as you eat and the food is turned into glucose. Your body sends your brain a message as these glucose levels increase telling it you are full. The Hoodia plant has a molecule, named P57 by scientists, that accomplished the same thing, allowing you to control your appetite in a natural and effective way. This supplement also has the added benefit of a mood enhancing side effect, making it a great addition in the battle against weight gain.

There are many ongoing tests being done on Hoodia, but to this date, there are no negative side effects found from taking the supplement. That is one of the biggest drawbacks to other weight loss supplements. Many give you a wired feeling as well as raising your body temperature, sometimes for hours at a time. Others may keep you awake all night or even cause your heart to race.

It's important to choose a Hoodia supplement wisely to avoid any that have unwelcome additives. These can include such things as ephedra, ephedrine or ma huang. There are even companies that have transplanted Hoodia plants out of their natural environment and are selling supplements derived from these. Many experts believe that these plants don't have the same appetite suppressing abilities as those from their native lands.