Dávid from Zambia – XXVI. Blog Post

13/06/2023

African traditional medicine has been using the power of nature for centuries to treat and prevent diseases. One of the most interesting herbs widely used in African medicine is Hoodia Gordonii, which is native to the African deserts.

Hoodia Gordonii is a type of cactus used in the African Kalahari Desert to reduce hunger and promote weight loss. The indigenous San tribes have been using this plant for centuries during long hunting trips to prevent feelings of hunger and control their appetite. The valuable property of Hoodia Gordonii is that its active compound (P57) effectively suppresses hunger signals in the brain, reducing appetite and helping with weight loss.

However, due to the immense value of Hoodia Gordonii, it is increasingly threatened by illegal poaching and the destruction of its natural habitats. As a result, there is an ongoing battle in African medicine to preserve the plant and ensure its sustainable use.