According to distributers that sell the Hoodia Patch, the product works by delivering the active ingredients directly into the bloodstream. Because it does not have to be digested, the implication is that the patch works more quickly than capsules. It should be known that the Hoodia Patch, like all other dietary herbs and supplements, is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Using an unregulated dietary supplement could cause an adverse reaction.
Active Ingredients
The active ingredients in the Hoodia Patch are hoodia gordonii, citrus aurantium, paullinia cupana and green tea extract. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says hoodia gordonii is used to reduce hunger and thirst. It is marketed as a weight loss supplement. Also known as bitter orange, citrus aurantium is used to help treat heartburn, minimize appetite and for weight loss. Green tea extract is a popular antioxidant. It is used for weight loss, as well as treatment and prevention of different cancers. Truth In Aging says paullinia cupana, often identified as guarana, is used as a weight loss supplement because of its high levels of caffeine.
About Hoodia
Hoodia is the main ingredient in the Hoodia Patch. Phytopharm, a company in the United Kingdom that manufactures hoodia extract products, says its study shows overweight males who took the extract twice daily for 15 days significantly decreased their caloric intake compared to those who took a placebo. On its website, Phytopharm says hoodia extracts and molecules are part of a global patenting program in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Japan. Phytopharm does not produce the Hoodia Patch.
Other Ingredients
The NCCAM reports that green tea may help protect against certain cancers. It can improve mental cognition because of its high levels of caffeine. Some science, according to the Wall Street Journal, backs up claims that paullinia cupana may boost energy and help with weight loss. Although citrus aurantium has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, the NCCAM reports that little scientific evidence validates manufacturer claims of weight loss properties.
The Risks
According to the NCCAM, citrus aurantium contains chemicals that speed the heart rate and raise blood pressure. Citrus aurantium is similar to ephedra, an herb that was banned by the FDA for its links to heart attacks and stroke. In 2001, the Medical Journal of Australia reported that a 25-year-old woman with a pre-existing heart condition died after consuming an energy drink containing guarana.
Where to Get It
Hoodia Patch is sold on a variety of websites, none of which indicate who manufactures the product. Dr. Katlen Zenmen, MPH, author of "Truth About Hoodia Pills and Weight Loss" writes that many Internet outlets are falsifying their claims about hoodia and many are selling products with diluted amounts of the extract or none at all.
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