Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you most certainly have heard, seen, or read about Hoodia Gordonii, a dietary substance which has virtually become a whirlwind in the dieters market. Whether you've seen the CBS report, or read the endorsement by Oprah, Hoodia is the most famous, or infamous, weight loss product available today.

Moreover, there are literally thousands of reviews and reports extolling the virtues of Hoodia online. Is all the hype about Hoodia well-founded? Lets explore the origin of this product, its claims; and in particular, the Hoodia Gordonii Liquid Extract.

Originating from the stem of succulents in the South African desert, and a distant but unrelated member of the cactus family, Hoodia is a stem with large flowers and a strong odor. The populous of South Africa had been using this herb for years to suppress their appetites. In addition, it was also considered to contain medicinal properties. In 1977, the South African government determined that the stem contained weight loss properties, specifically, a steroidal glycoside which was eventually called P57. Thus, Hoodia Gordonii - a new dietary product, was born.

In its purest form, Hoodia Gordonii Liquid Extract works faster and is more effective than the pill. As with most diet pills today, fillers are often used in combination with the dietary product, and yield little or no results. The liquid extract, when processed to remove the fibers and skin of the stem, result in a concentrated form more potent that the pill. As with most dietary products, taking liquid as opposed to pill form is much easier on the system. It is absorbed more quickly and produces faster results.

The ingredients contained in the liquid extract include: purified water, vegetable glycerin and potassium benzoate. It does not contain yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, corn, soy, wheat, sugar, starch, salt, artificial color, flavor or fragrance. When using this product, it is particularly important to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, because the liquid will immediately decrease your urge to eat or drink the entire day. Therefore, to prevent dehydration you must drink as much as possible when taking the liquid form.

As with all diets and dietary herbs and supplements, you should take the time to research the product; determine its value, and only purchase the original product. More importantly, whenever you begin a diet regimen; always consult with your doctor. Consumers who have used this product have lost weight. While there have been no clinical trials to determine its efficacy, there is no evidence to suggest it doesn't contribute to weight loss. While Hoodia comes in many forms, the most expedient and fast-acting supplement is the liquid extract. To date, there are no side effects affiliated with this weight loss product.