This beneficial herb looks like a cactus, but it's actually a succulent plant from the Kalahari Desert in South Africa. Bushmen from the area have been using hoodia for centuries to help ward off hunger during long trips in the desert. Key results of hoodia reported include a reduced interest in food, delay in the time after eating before hunger sets in again, feeling full more quickly, and a general feeling of well-being.Hoodia gordonii is entirely natural -- not a drug. Only the gordonii variation of hoodia has appetite-suppressant abilities. Hoodia tricks the brain into thinking you've eaten and makes you feel full. Hoodia may work right away or may take several weeks. Hoodia gordonii is not a stimulant and has no known side effects.