Before using the diet supplement hoodia, information concerning the safety of this product should be reviewed. At this time, no information is available to suggest that it is either safe or unsafe. Since some people may be more likely to experience problems with drugs and supplements, however, you should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking hoodia supplements if you have:
- Liver disease, including liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Any other chronic disease or health problem.
Hoodia is one of many herbal medicines that claim to help with weight loss
(see Weight Loss Pills). The active ingredient in hoodia, p57, has been speculated to work in the brain to give people a sense of being full. This helps to suppress the appetite. However, there is currently a lack of scientific evidence to support a conclusion that the product is indeed effective for weight loss.
(Click Hoodia for more information on this diet supplement, including details on its safety and effectiveness, as well as information about possible side effects and potential drug interactions.)
