Hoodia gordonii, often referred to as “Bushman’s hat” or “Queen of the Namib,” belongs to the Apocynaceae family, which includes various flowering plants. This century, hoodia has transformed from being dismissed as an unpleasant-smelling desert plant into a celebrated natural dietary supplement, renowned for its potential to curb appetite and promote weight loss. However, you might still be curious about its efficacy and safety. This article delves into the evidence surrounding hoodia, providing insights into its effects and usage.

What is Hoodia?

Hoodia gordonii is a unique spiny succulent that thrives in the Kalahari Desert regions of Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia. This fascinating plant features fleshy stems adorned with small thorns and is crowned by flesh-colored flowers that emit a scent reminiscent of decaying meat, specifically designed to attract flies for the purpose of pollination.

The plant garnered significant attention in the early 2000s when anecdotal evidence emerged indicating that the Khoisan people — a nomadic hunter-gatherer community from South Africa and Namibia — have been consuming small portions of its stems to curb their hunger during extensive hunting trips since the 1930s. This historical usage prompted the commercialization of Hoodia's extract as a dietary supplement, marketed with the claim that it effectively reduces appetite, thereby enhancing weight loss.

You can find Hoodia supplements available in various forms such as tablets, teas, liquid extracts, powders, and patches, both in physical stores and online. Its popularity is largely attributed to its supposed appetite-suppressing properties, making it a go-to choice for those seeking to manage their weight more effectively.

Benefits and Uses

Hoodia is primarily recognized for its claimed ability to suppress appetite, making it a popular choice in the weight loss supplement market. However, the scientific backing for this assertion is quite limited and does not provide robust support for the effectiveness of hoodia as a hunger reducer.

The mechanisms through which hoodia might influence appetite remain largely speculative. Research has pointed to two possible pathways that could explain its hunger-suppressing effects. The first pathway revolves around a molecule known as P57, which is believed to activate the central nervous system by elevating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels within the hypothalamus — the brain region responsible for managing metabolic functions. ATP, often referred to as the body's energy currency, plays a crucial role in cellular energy provision. It’s thought that heightened ATP levels may create a false sense of satiety in the brain, leading individuals to believe they have consumed sufficient food. However, it is important to note that the research supporting this claim was conducted on rats, with P57 being directly injected into their brains. Other studies on animals have indicated that when consumed orally, stomach acid may break down P57, preventing it from reaching the brain.

The second pathway involves two additional compounds found in hoodia, namely H.g.-12 and H.g.-20. Preliminary studies in test tubes and on animals suggest these compounds could enhance the secretion of cholecystokinin (CCK) in the gut. CCK is a hormone critical for regulating appetite; increased levels of CCK can induce feelings of fullness, prompting individuals to cease eating. Conversely, lower CCK levels can prolong the sensation of hunger, encouraging overconsumption.

Despite these findings, it’s essential to highlight that most studies have been conducted on rats, and results have not consistently shown beneficial outcomes. For instance, one study found that while hoodia use resulted in a reduction of body fat, it also led to a decrease in muscle mass, which is counterproductive as maintaining muscle is vital for overall health.

Regarding human research, there is only one notable 15-day study involving 49 women, which revealed no significant differences in either body weight or food intake between participants who took 1.11 grams of purified hoodia extract twice daily and those in a control group. Additionally, it has been noted that while there is anecdotal evidence suggesting hoodia's use in tuberculosis treatment and the application of honey derived from its flowers for cancer therapy, such claims lack scientific validation.

In summary, hoodia is predominantly marketed as a weight loss supplement. Nevertheless, the scientific community has yet to fully ascertain its efficacy or mechanisms of action, leaving a gap in research pertaining to its benefits for human health.

Precautions, Side Effects, and Recommended Dosage

Like many dietary supplements, hoodia is not sanctioned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While the Khoisan people have historically used fresh hoodia (also known as hoodia gordonii) suggesting its safety for consumption, scientific research presents a different narrative. In the sole human study conducted on this plant, the ingestion of purified hoodia extract was linked to multiple side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and various skin reactions. It also resulted in a notable increase in both heart rate and blood pressure.

Moreover, one study indicates that the appetite-suppressing effects attributed to hoodia might actually be indicative of a more serious, yet unidentified, adverse reaction. Considering the insufficient data available, utilizing this supplement for weight loss is discouraged, particularly for pregnant and lactating women. Furthermore, individuals who are on medications for managing blood sugar levels, as well as those with heart or liver ailments, should avoid this supplement, as it could potentially interfere with their treatment plans.

At present, there is an inadequate volume of human research to establish a safe or effective dosage of hoodia. The consumption of this supplement may lead to undesirable side effects, including nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, more scientific inquiry is essential to ascertain a safe dosage, if one exists.

The Final Thoughts

Hoodia, a fascinating succulent that bears a striking resemblance to a cactus, thrives in the arid expanses of the Kalahari Desert. This unique plant gained recognition due to its use by nomadic hunter-gatherers who consume it to curb appetite during extended hunting trips, contributing to its surge in popularity and commercialization as a weight loss supplement. Despite its fame, scientific investigations into its effectiveness in humans are limited, and the existing studies have revealed a concerning array of potential side effects. While hoodia supplements are available in various forms such as tea, capsules, powders, liquid extracts, and patches, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider before incorporating them into your routine.