One particular study is frequently quoted to confirm the appetite suppressing qualities of hoodia gordonii.  In this study, obese volunteers consumed fixed quantities of hoodia gordonii.  The conditions were apparently set up to discourage exercise by the test subjects.  On average, the obese test subjects ate 1,000 fewer calories daily than a control group which received a placebo. The secret of hoodia gordonii is an active ingredient called P-57.  P-57 seems to fool the brain into thinking an empty stomach is full.  Those eating hoodia gordonii would therefore not eat as much and the natural result would be weight loss.  An American reporter who traveled to South Africa ate hoodia gordonii and reported no hunger or thirst for an entire day.  Even animals which eat the plant are said to lose weight.

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