Tuesday Sep 30, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- Hoodia gordonii Sweet ex Decne is known to be a natural appetite suppressant and commonly used as a weight loss supplement. 

A new study led by C. Smith and A. Krygsman at Stellenbosch University in Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa found evidence suggesting that Hoodia gordonii extract supplementation indeed results in weight loss including loss in fat mass and muscle mass.

In the study,  twelve lean and twelve obese male Wistar rats were supplemented with placebo or Hoodia gordonii extract in a dose of 80 or 160 mg per kg body weight twice daily for 14 days.

All rats taking Hoodia gordonii extract exhibited significant weight loss.

The study concluded "the weight loss seen after consumption of Hoodia gordonii is due to loss of both adipose and muscle mass." (david Liu, PHD)

Smith C, Krygsman A.  Hoodia gordonii extract targets both adipose and muscle tissue to achieve weight loss in rats.  J Ethnopharmacol. 2014 Sep 11;155(2):1284-90.