Hoodia Extract
Also known as: Hoodia gordonii, Hoodia, Kalahari cactus, Xhoba
Overview
Hoodia gordonii is a cactus-like plant native to the Kalahari Desert in Africa, traditionally used by the San Bushmen to suppress appetite. It is marketed as a dietary supplement for weight loss, primarily due to its purported appetite-suppressing properties. The active compound is believed to be the oxypregnane glycoside P57AS3 (P57), although its effectiveness and safety are under scrutiny. The available evidence is limited, with only one small clinical trial published. Oral administration of Hoodia extract leads to extensive gastric breakdown of P57, suggesting poor bioavailability. Due to the limited and low-quality evidence, the benefits and safety of Hoodia gordonii remain uncertain. Further well-designed clinical trials are needed to validate its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
The only published clinical trial involving 49 overweight women found no significant effect on body weight, body fat, or energy intake after 15 days of Hoodia gordonii extract consumption compared to a placebo group. There is no statistically significant or clinically significant weight loss associated with Hoodia gordonii supplementation in the available literature. No secondary benefits have been consistently reported or supported by high-quality evidence. There are no identified population-specific benefits, as the limited studies did not show any significant effects. The effect size is negligible, with no clinically significant weight loss observed in the available studies. Given the lack of significant effects, there is no established time course for benefits.
How it works
The proposed mechanism involves the oxypregnane glycoside P57, which may decrease appetite by increasing hypothalamic ATP production and initiating cholecystokinin secretion in human enteroendocrine cells. However, this mechanism is based on animal and in vitro studies rather than human clinical trials. The exact interaction with human body systems is not well understood due to the limited human studies. P57 is thought to target the hypothalamus and enteroendocrine cells, but this is not well established in humans. Oral administration of Hoodia gordonii extract leads to extensive gastric breakdown of P57, suggesting poor bioavailability.
Side effects
The safety profile of Hoodia gordonii is concerning due to the reported adverse events in the limited human studies. Common side effects (>5%) include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, odd skin sensations, increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, increased pulse, electrocardiogram abnormalities, and blood chemistry abnormalities (e.g., increased total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase). Uncommon and rare side effects are not well-documented due to the limited number of studies. Drug interactions are unknown, as there is no comprehensive data on interactions with other medications or supplements. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended due to the lack of safety data. Individuals with cardiovascular conditions should be cautious due to the reported effects on blood pressure and electrocardiogram measures.
Dosage
There is no established minimum effective dose due to the lack of efficacy in clinical trials. No optimal dosage range has been identified, as the available studies did not show significant benefits. The maximum safe dose is not well-defined due to the limited safety data. There are no established timing considerations for Hoodia gordonii supplementation. No specific recommendations can be made due to the poor bioavailability and lack of efficacy. Oral administration is associated with extensive gastric breakdown of the active compound P57. There is no identified need for cofactors to enhance the efficacy or safety of Hoodia gordonii.
FAQs
Is Hoodia gordonii safe?
Hoodia gordonii has been associated with several adverse events, including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal issues, and its long-term safety is unknown. Caution is advised.
When should I take Hoodia gordonii?
There is no recommended timing or administration schedule due to the lack of efficacy and safety data. Current evidence does not support its use.
What results can I expect from taking Hoodia gordonii?
Based on current evidence, no significant weight loss or appetite suppression can be expected from Hoodia gordonii supplementation. It has not been shown to be effective.
Is Hoodia gordonii an effective weight loss supplement?
Despite marketing claims, there is no robust evidence to support the use of Hoodia gordonii as an effective weight loss supplement. More research is needed.
Research Sources
- https://www.cdrnet.org/vault/2459/web/files/Rios-Hoyo.pdf – This resource provides information on dietary supplements, potentially including details on Hoodia gordonii. It may offer insights into the supplement's uses, effectiveness, and safety considerations, contributing to a broader understanding of its role in weight management.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20831685/ – The study by Blom et al. (2011) is a randomized controlled trial involving 49 overweight women. It found no significant effect on body weight, body fat, or energy intake after 15 days of Hoodia gordonii extract consumption compared to a placebo group, while noting adverse events like nausea and cardiovascular issues.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/9/2238 – This article discusses various natural appetite suppressants and their potential mechanisms. It may provide context on how Hoodia gordonii is believed to work, its active compounds, and the scientific basis for its purported appetite-suppressing effects, while also highlighting the limitations of current research.
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/hoodia – The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) provides general information about Hoodia. This resource likely covers its uses, potential side effects, and the current state of scientific evidence regarding its effectiveness for weight loss and appetite suppression.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.611361/full – This research article likely explores the pharmacological properties of Hoodia gordonii and its potential mechanisms of action. It may delve into the active compounds responsible for its effects, its interaction with biological pathways, and the scientific rationale behind its use as an appetite suppressant.
Supplements Containing Hoodia Extract
ISO Lean 1
ANS

Thermovex Mango Lemonade
EVOchem Nutrition

Lipodrene
HTP Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals

Lipodrene With 25 mg Ephedra Extract
Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals

Lipodrene
Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals
Stimamine 150
IDL

Lipodrene with 25 mg Ephedra Extract
Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals
Fucoxanthin with Fucoplast
Best Naturals
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