Hoodia gordonii is the scientific name for a cactus-like plant that grows in South Africa. It is used as an herbal supplement and is usually marketed as a weight-loss product. There are actually several different varieties of hoodia plants, but only
Hoodia gordonii has shown promise as a weight-loss aid.
(Click Hoodia Uses for more information on what it is used for.)
Because Hoodia gordonii has not been adequately studied, it is not known if it may cause bothersome or serious side effects.
(Click Hoodia Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Hoodia gordonii is one of many herbal medicines that claim to help with weight loss
(see Weight Loss Pills). Currently, it is thought that its active ingredient is 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.
Which Products Contain Hoodia Gordonii?
Currently, there are a large number of products that claim to contain extracts from the
Hoodia gordonii plant. However, this plant is not grown easily or quickly, and is protected under an international agreement that regulates how certain native plants can be used (in order to protect them over-harvesting, which could threaten their survival). Therefore, there is a limited supply of
Hoodia gordonii plants available, and there have been several reports claiming that many marketed hoodia supplements contain very 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 gordonii). At one time, Phytopharm licensed the patent to Pfizer, although Pfizer has since returned the rights back 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.
There is a lack of scientific evidence to support a conclusion that Hoodia gordonii is effective for weight loss. No adequate research studies have been performed and published using it for weight loss. Phytopharm claims to have conducted a study that showed it to be effective, but this study has never been published.
At this time, there is no established safe and effective Hoodia gordonii dose. More research is necessary in order to determine an appropriate dose for these products.
Hoodia gordonii has not been studied in combination with other medications. Therefore, it is not possible to predict how hoodia products will interact with other medications or supplements
(see Hoodia Interactions).
There is no information available to suggest that the supplement is 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 hoodia products 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 exactly what 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 medical attention immediately.
Storage Methods for Hoodia Gordonii
Refer to the label of your individual product for information on how best to store
hoodia. Keep it (and all other medications) out of the reach of children.
