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Limited evidenceWeight management

Hoodia Gordonii

Hoodia was the appetite suppressant of the 2000s, backed by a compelling San Bushmen story and almost no clinical data. The one proper randomised trial found no reduction in food intake or body weight — and more side effects than placebo. Unilever abandoned development after it.

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What the science says

  • The definitive human trial was negative Limited evidence

    In a randomised controlled trial, 49 healthy overweight women took Hoodia gordonii purified extract (1,110 mg twice daily, providing about 2.2 g/day) or placebo for 15 days. There was no significant reduction in ad libitum energy intake or body weight versus placebo, and the Hoodia group reported significantly more adverse events.

  • Adverse effects exceeded any benefit Moderate evidence

    In that same trial, the Hoodia group experienced more nausea, vomiting and skin sensations, along with significant increases in pulse rate, blood pressure, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase compared with placebo. Development of the ingredient as a food product was subsequently discontinued.

  • P57 appetite suppression has never been demonstrated in humans Limited evidence

    The mechanism claim rests on P57AS3, an oxypregnane steroidal glycoside shown to reduce food intake when injected directly into the brain ventricles of rats. That route of administration says nothing about what an oral capsule does, and no human study has confirmed central appetite suppression.

  • Commercial products often have sympathomimetic activity that Hoodia itself should not have Limited evidence

    Analytical work on a marketed Hoodia gordonii product found sympathomimetic (adrenergic) activity in vitro, offering a plausible mechanism for reported cardiovascular side effects and raising the possibility of adulteration. Independent surveys have repeatedly found products labelled Hoodia containing little or no authentic plant material.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseThe single controlled trial used a purified extract at 1,110 mg twice daily for 15 days and found no effect. Commercial capsules typically supply 400-1,200 mg/day of unstandardised powder of uncertain authenticity. There is no evidence-based dose because there is no demonstrated effect.
SafetyThe controlled trial reported nausea, vomiting, unusual skin sensations, and increases in pulse, blood pressure, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase, suggesting possible hepatic and cardiovascular effects. Hoodia species are CITES Appendix II listed, so legitimate trade is restricted and much of the retail supply is of unverified origin; adulteration with stimulants is a documented problem in this category. Avoid in cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes (an in vitro effect on glucose handling has been suggested), liver disease, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Given a negative trial and a real adverse-event signal, there is no situation in which we would suggest trying it.

How to take it

TimingNo timing is worth recommending — the one controlled trial found no effect on intake or weight.
With food?Either way.
Worth knowingMuch of the retail supply is not authentic hoodia, and spiking with undeclared stimulants is documented in this category.

Frequently asked questions

Does hoodia suppress appetite?

Hoodia gordonii has not been shown to suppress appetite in humans (limited evidence): in the one proper randomised trial, 49 overweight women taking 1,110 mg twice daily for 15 days ate no less and lost no more weight than placebo. The appetite mechanism was only ever shown by injecting a compound into rat brains.

Is hoodia safe?

Hoodia gordonii caused more side effects than placebo in its controlled trial, including nausea, vomiting, skin sensations and rises in pulse, blood pressure, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (moderate evidence). Adulteration with stimulants is documented, and given a negative trial there is no situation in which trying it makes sense.

Is the hoodia sold in stores real?

Much retail Hoodia gordonii is of unverified origin: independent surveys have repeatedly found products labelled hoodia containing little or no authentic plant material. Hoodia species are CITES Appendix II listed, so legitimate trade is restricted.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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