Hoodia Gordonii is succulent cactus from the Asclepiadaceae family native to South Africa.  The cactus produces circular purple flowers that give off an unpleasant scent.  In the wild, it takes 5 to 6 years for the Hoodia to fully mature.  In a controlled growing environment, Hoodia is fully matured in 2 years.  Scientists have isolated several key compounds in the Hoodia, one of which being a compound known as P57.  The P57 has been determined to have an effect on the brain that fools the body into thinking that you're full, so your food intake is lessened.  Unlike most diet pills available today, there are no side-effects commonly accompanied by diet pills such as jittery feeling, racing heart or increased body temperature.  Hoodia is all natural and contains no stimulants like caffeine or Ephedra and best of all, Hoodia is non habit forming.