Background: Within the last decade the crude drug Hoodia and products derived from Hoodia (Hoodia gordonii (MASSON) SWEET EX DECNE.) became increasingly popular. These food supplement preparations – sold partly via the Internet – are promoted as appetite suppressing agents in order to reduce weight. The succulent plant derives from indigenes, the San, living since centuries in Southern Africa and using Hoodia to quench thirst and appetite during their hunting trips. Objective: To provide an overview about the current knowledge on plant origin, chemical constituents, ethnopharmacology and pharmacology of Hoodia. In addition, historical development and intellectual property rights are addressed. Method: Systematic analysis of scientific literature on Hoodia found in major electronic data bases. Results: A considerable number of patents has been issued regarding Hoodia which is maintained to show appetite suppression, anti-diabetic activity and protective effects against gastric acid secretion. The originally planned development of Hoodia as pharmaceutical was amended in 2004, shifted to the category functional food and has been discontinued tentatively by the end of 2008. The knowledge about its chemical composition focuses on pregnane glycosides, one of which is regarded as the active principle. Analytical methods have been developed which allow a screening of the crude drug and formulations thereof. A huge amount of scrutinised food supplements claiming to contain Hoodia turned out to lack any of the pregnane constituents, and, therefore, have to be regarded as adulterations. Studies on the above mentioned beneficial health claims are scarce. The metabolic stability of the main steroidal glycoside and its interaction with drug metabolising enzymes were determined in vitro. In vivo this compound was shown to reduce calory uptake and body weight after either intracerebroventricular injection or oral application. However, neither clinical nor toxicity data are published to date. Two cases of adverse reactions (anticholinergic syndrome, acute hepatitis) upon intake of Hoodia containing preparations have been reported. Conclusion: The current knowledge about Hoodia and its products is incomplete. The phytochemical profile needs to be scrutinised for further classes of compounds besides the well investigated pregnane glycosides. There is no reliable data about toxicity, safety and clinics. The Hoodia issue is intrinsically tied to questions concering the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) and protection of species: the benefit sharing agreements signed with the San are to be respected as well as the fact that permits are required from the authorities for collection, cultivation, transport or exporting, because Hoodia is protected.