Hoodia alstonii

Hoodia alstonii-0749 - Flickr - Ragnhild & Neil Crawford

Hoodia alstonii is a species of flowering plant in the Apocynaceae family, native to the arid regions of Southern Africa. It is one of several species in the genus Hoodia that are known for their use by indigenous peoples of the region for suppressing appetite during long hunts, a property attributed to the presence of the steroidal glycoside known as P57.

Description

Hoodia alstonii is a succulent plant that grows in clumps with spiny, cactus-like appearance. It produces large, flesh-colored flowers that emit a strong, unpleasant odor, often compared to that of rotten meat. This odor is an adaptation to attract its primary pollinators, namely flies. The plant can reach up to 1 meter in height and has stems that are typically covered in thorns.

Distribution and Habitat

This species is found in the wild in the Kalahari Desert, Namibia, and parts of South Africa. It thrives in extremely hot, arid environments, where water is scarce. Hoodia alstonii has adapted to these conditions with features that minimize water loss, such as a thick, waxy skin and the ability to store water in its stems.

Uses

Traditionally, Hoodia alstonii has been used by the San people of Southern Africa to suppress hunger and thirst during long hunting trips in the desert. This use has attracted significant attention from the pharmaceutical industry due to the potential for developing appetite suppressant drugs from the active compound, P57. However, as of the last update, no such drugs have been approved for market due to concerns over safety and efficacy.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Hoodia alstonii is not well-documented, but like many desert plants, it faces threats from climate change and habitat loss. Overharvesting for use in weight loss supplements has also been a concern, although trade in Hoodia species is regulated under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) to prevent over-exploitation.

Cultivation

Cultivating Hoodia alstonii outside its natural habitat can be challenging due to its specific growth requirements, including high temperatures, low moisture, and intense sunlight. It is occasionally grown by succulent enthusiasts and in botanical gardens specializing in arid plants.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The commercial interest in Hoodia for weight loss has raised ethical concerns regarding biopiracy and the rights of indigenous peoples. The San people, in particular, have fought for and gained a measure of control and compensation for the commercial use of their traditional knowledge related to Hoodia.