Abstract: A method for treating a disease comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective dosage of an extract of a plant of the genus Hoodia, wherein the disease is selected from the group consisting of immune-mediated disorders, immune-associated disorders, inflammatory diseases, coronary disease, insulin resistance and liver-related diseases. In a preferred embodiment, the Hoodia is Hoodia parviflora. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition for treating the above diseases comprising an effective dosage of an extract of a plant of the genus Hoodia.