Bushman's hat
Also known as: Hoodia, Veldkos, Slimming Cactus, Trichocaulon Gordonii, Stapelia Gordonii, Hoodia Gordonii
Overview
Hoodia gordonii is a small shrub (falsely said to be a cactus) that is claimed to suppress appetite. It seems the main bioactive (P57) cannot easily reach the brain to do this, and aside from failures of hoodia to suppress the appetite it may also be mildly toxic and imprudent to supplement. Hoodia gordonii is a small plant that is used as a famine food (to suppress appetite and thirst, to make suffering a famine a bit more bearable) and due to that is sought after for possible appetite suppressive effects. The first introduction of Hoodia to the first world (Europe and North America) was based on preliminary studies associated with the company producing Hoodia, and the lone independent study on Hoodia has noted that active dose recommended for a supplement not only failed to reduce appetite but was also associated with some mild and irregular toxic effects that need to be further investigated. This plant appears to be a source of a large amount (well over 30) steroidal glycosides, and only one is said to be the activ ingredient (P57) yet most of the steroidal glycosides have no research on them. Due to this, the possible toxic effects in humans (confirmed in mice), and both the inefficacy on reducing appetite while having no other apparent marketable effects Hoodia gordonii does not appear to hold any promise for a dietary supplement.
Benefits
The mechanism of action of Hoodia gordonii is primarily attributed to its main bioactive compound, P57. However, it has been noted that P57 does not easily reach the brain, which is necessary for appetite suppression. This limitation raises questions about the effectiveness of Hoodia as an appetite suppressant.
How it works
Hoodia gordonii is claimed to have appetite-suppressing effects, which is the primary reason for its use. However, studies have shown that it does not effectively reduce appetite and may have mild toxic effects.
Side effects
Recommended doses of Hoodia Gorgonii tend to be around one gram of an extract of 70% steroidal glycosides or more, taken twice a day with each dose about an hour before a meal. There is no evidence to suggest an optimal dose nor to support the above as being active, and the toxic dose in mice (as well as preliminary human evidence) is the exact same as the supplemental dose.
Dosage
Hoodia gordonii may be mildly toxic and has been associated with some irregular toxic effects that need further investigation. Specific side effects are not detailed, but the potential for toxicity raises safety concerns.
FAQs
What is Bushman's hat?
Bushman's hat is another name for Hoodia gordonii, a plant claimed to suppress appetite.
What are the alternative names for Bushman's hat?
Bushman's hat is also known as Hoodia, Veldkos, Slimming Cactus, Trichocaulon Gordonii, Stapelia Gordonii, and Hoodia Gordonii.
What is the recommended dosage for Hoodia gordonii?
Recommended doses of Hoodia Gorgonii tend to be around one gram of an extract of 70% steroidal glycosides or more, taken twice a day with each dose about an hour before a meal.
Are there any side effects associated with Hoodia gordonii?
Hoodia gordonii may be mildly toxic and has been associated with some irregular toxic effects that need further investigation.
Does Hoodia gordonii effectively suppress appetite?
Studies have shown that Hoodia gordonii does not effectively reduce appetite.