HOODIA
Hoodia gordonii is a succulent plant from Southern Africa that has chemicals that suppress hunger, appetite and thirst. Recent scientific studies and local folklore in the area where the plant grows show the plant to have positive benefits. The San Bushmen of South Africa have historically used the plant to reduce hunger and thirst while traveling across the barren desert areas in which they live.
The family of plants that Hoodia belongs to has over 2,000 species. Several closely related species are difficult to tell apart from the gordonii specie. Natives in the area who are intimately familiar with the plant are the best people to identify and harvest the plant. This ensures that plant extracts have proper amounts of the active ingredients that provide the benefit of the plant.
Research by the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) demonstrated that sterol glycosides in the plant suppress appetite. CSIR sold its patent on the plant extracts to Unilever Corporation. This company has tried to develop synthetic versions of the sterol glycosides in order to patent and market it as a drug. So far, these synthetic versions have not proven very effective.
Research on both rats and humans indicate successful appetite suppression and weight loss with use of Hoodia. The mechanism of action is still being studied. Other effects of Hoodia include lowering of stomach acid secretion. At this point, no significant adverse side effects of Hoodia have been reported in studies in humans. The long term use by native people in Africa without known complications is another indicator that major toxic effects are unlikely.
As with other herbal products, proper identification, harvesting and processing are essential to be sure of delivering a safe and effective product to consumers. Hoodia supplements should contain whole aerial parts in powdered form, either as capsules or tablets. This is closest to usage by the native Bushmen of South Africa. One current supplement that meets these criteria is Hoodia Supreme by Natures Benefit. As always, when adding a new herb or supplement to your health regime, consult your health practitioner about potential benefits and risks.
Daniel Blodgett MD