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Hoodia Gordonii Concentrate

Also known as: Hoodia, Hoodia Gordonii, Hoodia gordonii

Overview

Hoodia gordonii is a succulent plant indigenous to Southern Africa, historically utilized by native populations to suppress appetite during extended hunting expeditions. It is primarily marketed as a weight loss supplement due to its purported appetite-suppressing properties. The plant contains active compounds, notably pregnane glycosides like P57AS3 (P57) and steroidal glycosides such as Gordonoside F. While preclinical studies suggest potential appetite suppression, robust clinical evidence supporting its efficacy in humans is largely absent. Research is still in its early stages, with most findings derived from animal models and very limited human trials. Systematic reviews indicate a significant lack of conclusive clinical data to substantiate its use for weight loss.

Benefits

In preclinical animal models, Hoodia extracts and isolated compounds, such as P57 and Gordonoside F, have demonstrated appetite suppression and reduced food intake. This effect is sometimes linked to an increase in ATP production within hypothalamic neurons, which may signal satiety. Specifically, Gordonoside F has been shown to activate the GPR119 receptor, a key player in metabolic homeostasis, contributing to reduced food intake in animal models. Additionally, anti-inflammatory effects, including reduced IL-6 and increased leptin levels, have been observed, which could potentially benefit obesity-related inflammation. However, human clinical data are sparse and inconclusive. A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial involving 49 healthy women, who received 2220 mg/day of purified Hoodia extract for 15 days, found no significant effect on body weight or energy intake compared to placebo. While animal studies report significant reductions in food intake (up to 60% with purified compounds), the oral bioavailability of these compounds and the translatability of these findings to humans remain uncertain.

How it works

The anorectic effects of Hoodia gordonii are believed to be primarily mediated by several mechanisms. Gordonoside F, an active compound, activates the GPR119 receptor, which plays a role in metabolic regulation and appetite suppression. Another proposed mechanism involves an increase in ATP content within hypothalamic neurons, signaling satiety and subsequently reducing food intake. There is also a suggestion of potential inhibition of adrenal steroidogenesis via CYP enzymes, which could contribute to appetite regulation. Furthermore, Hoodia may stimulate cholecystokinin secretion in enteroendocrine cells, potentially suppressing appetite through vagal nerve pathways. However, a significant challenge for oral administration is the extensive gastric breakdown of active compounds like P57, which severely limits their bioavailability.

Side effects

The overall safety data for Hoodia gordonii are limited, with no established long-term safety profile. Short-term human studies have reported mild to moderate adverse events, including dizziness, nausea, paresthesia (tingling or prickling sensation), headache, and cardiovascular effects such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid heart rate). More serious, though rare, side effects have included ECG abnormalities and changes in blood chemistry parameters. Hoodia gordonii also carries a risk of potential drug interactions. It may inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, which could alter the metabolism of various medications. Furthermore, it may interact with anti-diabetic medications and anticoagulants like warfarin, potentially leading to adverse effects or reduced drug efficacy. Due to the lack of comprehensive safety data and the potential for significant interactions, caution is strongly advised. There is no established therapeutic dose or long-term safety profile for this supplement.

Dosage

There is no consensus on a minimum effective dose or a maximum safe dose for Hoodia gordonii due to the limited clinical data available. The only human clinical trial conducted used a dose of 2220 mg/day of purified extract for 15 days, which did not yield any significant effects on weight loss or appetite suppression. It is hypothesized that high doses may be required to achieve any potential effects due to the poor oral bioavailability of the active compounds, which are susceptible to degradation in the stomach. The optimal timing of administration and the most effective formulation specifics remain unestablished. Without clear evidence of efficacy or a well-defined safety profile, specific dosing recommendations cannot be provided.

FAQs

Is Hoodia Gordonii effective for weight loss in humans?

Current scientific evidence does not support significant weight loss effects in humans at the doses tested in clinical trials. Most promising results are from animal studies, which do not reliably translate to human efficacy.

Is Hoodia Gordonii safe to use?

Short-term use appears relatively safe, but with potential for mild to moderate side effects like dizziness and nausea. Long-term safety data are lacking, and there are potential drug interactions, particularly with medications metabolized by CYP3A4.

How does Hoodia Gordonii work?

It is believed to work by suppressing appetite through mechanisms involving increased ATP in hypothalamic neurons and activation of the GPR119 receptor by compounds like Gordonoside F, signaling satiety.

Are there better alternatives for weight loss?

Yes, there are other weight loss supplements and strategies with stronger clinical evidence for efficacy and safety. Hoodia's effectiveness remains unproven in humans, making it a less reliable option.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4210048/ – This preclinical study identified Gordonoside F as a novel GPR119 agonist derived from Hoodia gordonii, demonstrating its role in mediating appetite suppression in rodent models. It suggests a potential mechanism for Hoodia's effects but lacks human data.
https://aipublications.com/uploads/issue_files/8IJREH-AUG202354-Hoodia.pdf – This review summarizes preclinical findings, including the work by MacLean & Luo (2004), which showed that the P57 glycoside reduced food intake by 60% in rats via hypothalamic ATP increase. However, this was an animal study with intracerebroventricular administration, limiting clinical applicability.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6683127/ – This systematic review and included RCT found no significant weight loss or appetite suppression in humans using Hoodia gordonii. It highlighted mild adverse events and potential drug interactions, concluding a lack of robust clinical efficacy and safety data.
https://www.cdrnet.org/vault/2459/web/files/Rios-Hoyo.pdf – This source discusses the challenges of oral administration of Hoodia's active compounds, such as P57, due to extensive gastric breakdown, which significantly limits their bioavailability and potential efficacy in humans.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.611361/full – This article provides further context on the mechanisms of action of Hoodia gordonii, including the stimulation of cholecystokinin secretion in enteroendocrine cells, which may contribute to appetite suppression via vagal nerve pathways.