Hoodia Gordonii Fact Sheet, FAQs & Product List

Hoodia gordonii information, FAQ and product listing page. This page contains information and frequently asked questions about hoodia gordonii as well as a complete list of products containing hoodia gordonii.

What is hoodia gordonii and what does it do?

Hoodia is a shiny plant that can be found in parts of South Africa. They’re very similar to cacti, but do not belong to that plant family – they belong to the Apocynaceae. It’s a common misconception that the Hoodia plant is a cactus, although many people refer to them as being one even though cacti are native to America, while absent in Africa.

There are over 13 different types of Hoodia plants, with only one having the two medicinal properties of thirst and hunger suppression – that being Hoodia Gordonii. The Hoodia Gordonii plant stands out from the other types of plants in it’s genus as it has large, flesh colored flowers.

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What are the benefits of taking hoodia gordonii?

The main benefits are that relating to appetite and thirst suppression. For centuries Hoodia Gordonii has been used by South Africans, mainly Khoi-San herders, to travel long distances with the absence of any food or water. While this particular quality may make the plant beneficial for strictly treating obesity by itself, more research is needed on humans to make a definitive answer.

The compound active within Hoodia Gordonii that makes it an appetite suppressant is a pregnane glycoside, which has been isolated and patented and is now commonly referred to as P57. However, it is possible more than one compound is responsible for the appetite suppressant qualities.

Additionally, Hoodia gordonii contains saponins. This compound has an impact on the central nervous system within the body, but it’s believed to have some kind of incorrect affect on regulation of appetite. A limited test trial that observed 18 overweight men showed positive effects in relation to appetite suppression as well as weight loss with Hoodia Gordonii. Best of all, the study showed that there were no significant adverse side effects from taking the supplement.

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Who can benefit from taking hoodia gordonii?

Individuals that are completely healthy and are not pregnant nor are planning to become pregnant may want to consider taking Hoodia Gordonii because of its potential appetite suppressant properties. Of course, it’s always important to take “weight loss” supplements as part of a regular diet/exercise program.

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How much hoodia gordonii should I take?

Refer to the directions found on the back of the supplement’s label.

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Does hoodia gordonii have any side effects?

No current side effects exist when following the proper usage guidelines for Hoodia Gordonii as a weight loss supplement. However, only limited data exists when it comes to the usage of the plant within humans. More clinical trials and studies are needed to determine if Hoodia Gordonii is safe to a long-term, steady use.

For women that are pregnant or are currently breastfeeding, Hoodia Gordonii is not recommended as there are currently no studies evaluating the usage of the plant during these periods.

If you have any medical conditions or diseases inflicting the heart, kidneys, liver, or thyroid gland, you should talk with a licensed medical professional before taking this or any other herbal supplement.

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HOODIA GORDONII PRODUCTS ON SALE NOW:

The full product listing for supplements that contain Hoodia Gordonii will be posted soon!

Sources used:
Anon. Protecting traditional knowledge: the San and hoodia. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 2006 May;84(5):345.
Avula B, Wang YH, Pawar RS, Shukla YJ, Schaneberg B, Khan IA. Determination of the appetite suppressant P57 in Hoodia gordonii plant extracts and dietary supplements by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-MSD-TOF) and LC-UV methods. Journal of AOAC Int. 2006;89(3):606-611.
Blumnethal M, Cavaliere C. AHPA issues trade recommendations for Hoodia gordonii, ginkgo, pregnancy labeling, and internet sales. HerbalGram. 2006;72:61-62.
Carroll R. It's green, prickly and sour, but this plant could cure obesity and save an ancient way of life. Guardian Unlimited. January 4, 2003.
Duenwald M. An appetite killer for a killer appetite? Not yet. The New York Times. April 19, 2005.
Engelhaupt E. But do Hoodia diet pills really work? The Philadelphia Inquirer. July 9, 2006.
Jha A. P57. Enough to put you off your food. Guardian Unlimited. Manchester, England. December 3, 2005.
MacLean DB, Luo LG. Increased ATP content/production in the hypothalamus may be a signal for energy-sensing of satiety: studies of the anorectic mechanism of a plant steroidal glycoside. Brain Research. 2004;1020(1-2):1-11.
Mangold T. Sampling the Kalahari cactus diet. BBC 2. May 30, 2003.
Marshall L. Africa's Bushmen may get rich from diet-drug secret. National Geographic News, Johannesburg, South Africa. April 16, 2003.
Rader JI, Delmonte P, Trucksess MW. Recent studies on selected botanical dietary supplement ingredients. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. Epublished ahead of print. March 28, 2007.