Hoodia is an herbal supplement usually marketed as a weight loss product. It is a cactus-like plant that grows in South Africa. There are actually several different varieties of this plant, although only a particular one (
Hoodia gordonii) has shown promise as a weight loss aid.
Which Products Contain It?
Currently, a large number of products claim to contain hoodia. However, the plant is not grown easily or quickly, and it is protected under an international agreement that regulates how certain native plants can be used in order to protect them from overharvesting, which could threaten their survival. Therefore, a limited supply is available, and there have been several reports that many marketed supplements contain little or no hoodia at all.
Currently, Phytopharm (a well-respected supplement manufacturer) holds the patent for p57 (a compound that is thought to be the active ingredient of hoodia). At one time, Phytopharm licensed the patent to Pfizer, although Pfizer has since returned the rights to Phytopharm. At this time, Phytopharm has licensed the patent to another company (Unilever). Also, a certain group of native people in South Africa have the intellectual property rights for the use of hoodia to control appetite.
Hoodia is one of many herbal medicines that claim to help with weight loss
(see Weight Loss Pills). Currently, the active ingredient in it is believed to be a compound known as p57. It has been speculated that p57 works in the brain to give people a sense of being full. This helps to suppress the appetite.
There is a lack of scientific evidence to support a conclusion that hoodia is effective for weight loss. No adequate research studies have been performed and published using this supplement for weight loss. Phytopharm claims to have conducted a study that shows hoodia to be effective, but this study has never been published.
Currently, there is no established safe and effective hoodia dose. More research is necessary in order to determine an appropriate dose.
Because hoodia has not been adequately studied, it is not known if may cause bothersome or serious side effects.
(Click Hoodia Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Hoodia has not been studied in combination with other medications. Therefore, it is impossible to predict how it will interact with other medications or supplements
(see Hoodia Interactions).
There is no information available to suggest that hoodia is either safe or unsafe. Some people may be more likely to experience problems due to drugs and supplements. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this supplement 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.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Hoodia Safety for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not known what exactly to expect from an overdose (or even how much hoodia would result in an overdose). If you think you may have taken too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Hoodia Be Stored?
Refer to the label of your individual hoodia product for information on how best to store it. Keep hoodia and all other medications out of the reach of children.
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