The Bushmen use the plant in its raw, natural form. This is a lot different than taking it as a supplement, where the plant has been processed and is consumed in powder form. They have been using this cactus-like plant to suppress appetite for many centuries to stave off hunger during hunting trips with no reported side effects. The Dangers of Hoodia - Should You Be Concerned.

They literally cut a piece of it, peel it, and then eat it. Anyone considering taking them should keep a careful eye out for any new studies and research for any potential side effects that might arise down the road.

The Bushmen's use of it, however, has been much different than the modern use of hoodia supplements.

When discussing the potential dangers of hoodia we can look at the San Bushmen of South Africa. When hoodia gordonii first appeared on the scene, many people were concerned that the potential. That being said, there are no known hoodia side effects to date.

These supplements haven't been around that long so the jury is still out on the side effects over the long term.