Experiments done in rats found that hoodia may reduce food intake.
 
Hoodia gordonii is a cactus found in the Kalahari desert and in Namibia. Local tribesmen consume Hoodia to survive long periods of starvation. Supplements containing Hoodia are promoted for weight loss and some cancer patients use them for weight control.
The FDA has warned the manufacturer and distributors of a Hoodia product against making unsubstantiated and misleading claims about weight loss.