Hoodia gordonii, commonly referred to as “Bushman’s hat” or “Queen of the Namib,” belongs to the family of flowering plants known as Apocynaceae. This remarkable succulent has undergone a significant transformation this century, shifting from being perceived merely as a foul-smelling desert plant to being celebrated as a natural dietary supplement, reputed for its ability to suppress appetite and aid in weight management. However, you might still be curious about its efficacy, safety, and how it actually functions in the body.

This article delves into the scientific evidence surrounding the use of hoodia and its potential benefits for those considering it as part of their dietary regimen.

What is Hoodia?

Hoodia gordonii is a remarkable spiny succulent plant found thriving in the Kalahari Desert, which spans across Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia. With its fleshy stems adorned with small thorns, this unique plant is topped with flesh-colored flowers that emit a scent reminiscent of rotten meat, effectively attracting flies for pollination.

The fascination with Hoodia surged in the early 2000s when anecdotal evidence revealed that the Khoisan people of South Africa and Namibia—a traditional nomadic hunter-gatherer group—have been consuming small pieces of its stems to stave off hunger during extensive hunting trips since the 1930s. This long-standing practice garnered attention and led to the commercialization of Hoodia’s extract as a dietary supplement, marketed under the belief that it naturally curtails appetite, thereby facilitating weight loss.

Today, you can discover Hoodia supplements in various retail outlets and online platforms, available in forms such as tablets, teas, liquid extracts, powders, and patches. The rising popularity of Hoodia, a succulent from the Kalahari Desert, stems from its claimed appetite-suppressing properties, making it a sought-after option for those pursuing weight management.

Advantages and Applications

As previously highlighted, the most renowned claimed advantage of hoodia is its potential to curb appetite. Consequently, it is extensively marketed and sold as a weight loss supplement. However, scientific validation remains limited, failing to provide strong support for this assertion. Furthermore, the precise mechanism by which hoodia might suppress hunger is still not fully understood, though research has proposed two possible pathways.

The first involves a compound from the plant known as P57, which is believed to activate the central nervous system by boosting adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in the hypothalamus—a brain region crucial for regulating metabolic functions. ATP is a vital molecule that supplies energy to cells, often described as the body's energy currency. It is hypothesized that elevated levels of ATP may diminish appetite by deceiving the brain into believing that sufficient food intake has occurred.

Nonetheless, the research supporting this hypothesis was conducted on rats, with P57 being directly injected into their brains. In contrast, other animal studies indicate that stomach acid can break down P57, meaning it might not reach the brain effectively when taken orally.

The second potential mechanism through which hoodia may suppress appetite involves two other compounds in the plant—H.g.-12 and H.g.-20. Laboratory and animal studies suggest these substances enhance the secretion of cholecystokinin (CCK) in the digestive system.

CCK is a hormone that plays a significant role in appetite regulation. Increased levels of CCK promote sensations of fullness, which encourage individuals to cease eating. Conversely, low levels of this hormone can prolong feelings of hunger, leading to increased food intake. Despite this, most available research has focused on rats, and not all findings have been encouraging. For instance, one study indicated that the use of this plant resulted not only in the loss of body fat but also in a reduction of muscle mass. This is concerning, as muscle tissue is essential for maintaining a healthy body.

Regarding human studies, there is only one 15-day trial involving 49 women. The results showed no significant changes in body weight or food consumption between participants who received 1.11 grams of purified hoodia extract twice daily and those in a control group. Additionally, while anecdotal reports suggest that hoodia was traditionally used to treat tuberculosis, and that honey derived from its flowers was employed in cancer therapies, there is no scientific evidence to substantiate these claims.

Precautions, Side Effects, and Recommended Dosage

As is the case with many dietary supplements, hoodia is not sanctioned by regulatory authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although the Khoisan people have traditionally consumed fresh hoodia, suggesting its safety for human use, available research indicates potential risks.

The sole human study involving hoodia revealed that the intake of purified hoodia extract led to a variety of adverse effects, such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and skin reactions. Furthermore, it was observed to cause a notable increase in both heart rate and blood pressure.

Additionally, one study indicates that the appetite-suppressing and weight-loss effects attributed to hoodia could be linked to more serious, yet unidentified, side effects. Considering the insufficient information, using this supplement for weight loss is not advisable, particularly for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Moreover, individuals who are on medications for managing blood sugar levels or those with heart or liver conditions should avoid this supplement, as it may conflict with their treatment protocols.

At present, there is an absence of comprehensive human research to ascertain a safe or effective dosage for hoodia. Consumption of hoodia may result in undesired side effects, including nausea, dizziness, vomiting, skin reactions, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. Further research is necessary to establish any safe dosing guidelines, if applicable.

The Final Verdict

Hoodia, a succulent plant that bears a striking resemblance to a cactus, thrives in the arid expanses of the Kalahari Desert. This plant gained attention due to its traditional use among nomadic hunter-gatherers, who have reportedly utilized it to curb their hunger during extended hunting trips, which subsequently led to its surge in popularity and commercialization as a weight loss supplement. Despite its widespread use, there is a significant lack of scientific research involving human subjects to substantiate its appetite-suppressing claims. Moreover, existing studies have highlighted a concerning array of potential side effects. While hoodia supplements are available in various forms, such as tea, capsules, powders, liquid extracts, and transdermal patches, it is crucial to seek advice from your healthcare provider prior to their consumption.