Is Hoodia Safe?

Hoodia Gordonii was first approved for use in the United States in 2004.  There are currently no known side effects with the proper use of the Hoodia plant as a weight loss supplement.  Hoodia Gordonii is not a stimulant or fat burner type of diet stimulant like Ephedra, Phenfen or other appetite suppressants on the market today. Hoodia will not raise your heart rate, blood pressure, or your metabolism. It simply dulls all sense of hunger without any dangerous side effects.

The data related to clinical trials in humans is very limited at this time and more clinical research is needed in order to conclude whether Hoodia is safe for long term use.  However, what is known is that the San Bushmen have used hoodia for thousands of years as a staple in their diet and during times of famine.  This fact alone supports the safety of the hoodia plant, however, it does not create a precedent for the effectiveness and safety as a supplement derived from the Hoodia plant.

It is known that P57, the active compound present in Hoodia Gordonii, acts on the central nervious system and “tricks” the brain into believing you are full. It has been reported that the San Bushmen felt energized after taking Hoodia while on strenuous hunting expeditions. This implies that hoodia supplements would be safe when combined with aerobic exercise, a major factor in promoting good health and weight loss, and in combating insulin resistance.

In 2001 Phytopharm conducted the first double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on humans taking Hoodia. The trial lasted for 15 days and consisted of 18 overweight men who were instructed to continue their normal diet and exercise. Half of the volunteers were given 400 mg per day of Hoodia Gordonii powder while the rest of the group received a placebo. During the length of the trial, Hoodia was well tolerated and no significant adverse effects were reported. At the end of the trial, scientists measured the caloric intake and weight of each man. The study revealed that men on the placebo consumed an average of 3,300 calories a day and gained 2.00 pounds over the course of the trial. Participants taking Hoodia choose to eat only 2,200 calories per day and lost an average of 2.15 pounds over the 15 day period.  A statistically significant reduction in body fat was also recorded, while the placebo group remained virtually unchanged.

There are currently no studies evaluating the use of Hoodia during pregnancy and lactation, so its use cannot be recommended at this time.  If you currently have a disease related to the heart, liver, kidneys or thyroid gland, you should consult with your healthcare professional first, before taking this or any other herbal or nutritional supplement.  Children should not take Hoodia, as well as the elderly, unless under medical supervision.

This is a label typically found on Hoodia products:

WARNING: Not for use by pregnant or lactating women.  Consult your doctor before use if you have, or have had, ANY HEALTH CONDITION or if you are taking ANY MEDICATIONS OR REMEDIES including OTC medications, or are planning any medical procedure. Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur, such as gastrointestinal discomfort. NOT INTENDED FOR USE BY PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18. >

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. STORE IN A DRY PLACE AND AVOID EXCESSIVE HEAT. TAMPER RESISTANT:

DO NOT USE IF SEAL UNDER CAP IS BROKEN OR MISSING.

Who Should NOT Take Hoodia

1. You should not take Hoodia if you have diabetes.
2. You should not take hoodia if you had heart disease.
3. You should not take Hoodia if you have high blood pressure.
4. You should not take Hoodia if you have anorexia, bulimia or any other eating disorder.
5. You should not take Hoodia if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder.
6. You should not take Hoodia if you have allergies, especially to plants, herbal or botanical products.
7. You should not take Hoodia if you have any other medical conditions.
8. You should not take hoodia if you take other medicines or herbal supplements.
9. Do not take Hoodia without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.
10. Do not take Hoodia without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
11. We do not recommend the use of Hoodia by children, even when there is no information available regarding the use of Hoodia by children. Do not give any herbal or health supplement to a child without first talking to your pediatrician.