What Is Hoodia?

Hoodia is a desert plant that grows in semi-arid regions of Africa. Resembling a cactus, this plant grows purple flowers once it is about 5 years old. The purple flowers signal that the plant is mature enough for harvesting. The harvested plants are then used in various appetite suppressants around the world.

History

• Africa's San Bushmen traditionally ate Hoodia to suppress their hunger during travels. Scientific research on Hoodia began in 1995 as a potential dietary aide.

Function

• Hoodia is now available in pill form, as an ingredient in tea and as a liquid weight loss supplement.

Significance

• Anecdotal evidence points to Hoodia's effectiveness at controlling appetites, but no scientific, randomized trials involving humans have ever been published.

Considerations

• Because Hoodia is so popular in pill form and in the diet supplement TrimSpa, it is now being counterfeited. An estimated 60 percent of the products being sold as Hoodia are counterfeits (see link in Resources).

Warning

• Hoodia may affect the function of the liver and its exact side effects are as yet unknown. It is not recommended for diabetics because of possible effects on blood sugar. It may also lead to dehydration because it suppresses not only hunger but thirst as well.