Hoodia gordonii is a rare herb that is only known to grow naturally in South Africa's Kalahari Desert. Though it has been touted as a revolutionary appetite suppressant by commercial herbal supplement marketers, clinical research into hoodia's effectiveness and safety has been minimal as of June 2010. And although its benefits remain scientifically unverified, the compelling anecdotal evidence of its effects has helped create a market for hoodia supplements.
Appetite Suppressant
Hoodia is primarily sold as an active ingredient in herbal blends designed to suppress the appetite. According to the Mayo Clinic, there have been no valid clinical trials that have established its effectiveness for this purpose. The herb's reputation has been largely fueled by news reports about the way it is used by tribal hunters in the region where it grows naturally. The book "Indigenous Peoples, Consent and Benefit Sharing: Lessons from the San-Hoodia Case" by Rachel Wynberg, Doris Schroeder and Roger Chennells, explains that hoodia stems are chewed by hunters from the San tribe of South Africa when they are on long hunts, helping them avoid the distractions of hunger in areas with few sources of nutrition. However, according to Holly Phaneuf's "Herbs Demystified," there have been studies into the herb's effectiveness that have produced intriguing results. The book explains that studies conducted in the 1960s by South African scientists found that hoodia dramatically reduced the appetite of lab rats, and more recent studies found similar effects in humans, but the results were not published. According to MedicineNet, Phytopharm, the British company holding a patent application for what is believed to be the active molecule in hoodia, claims that hoodia works by sending a false signal to the brain that you are full.
Quench Thirst
As with the purported appetite-suppressant qualities of hoodia, the herb's ability to stave off thirst is also scientifically unsubstantiated, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. On the other hand, anecdotal evidence about hoodia's use by San hunters suggests that the desire to drink is also suppressed after consuming the herb, according to "Indigenous Peoples, Consent and Benefit Sharing."
Increased Energy
"Indigenous Peoples, Consent and Benefit Sharing" and academic writings from Vanderbilt University's Health Psychology Department state that hoodia is also considered to be an energy booster by the San tribe, adding another benefit to its use on hunting trips. Unfortunately, as with hoodia's other claims, the only evidence of its energy-increasing properties is anecdotal. Although science has not yet proven hoodia's benefits, it also has not disproven them, and clinical research into the herb continues at Phytopharm as of June 2010. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that hoodia be avoided until additional research can be completed; at the very least, you should consult your physician before beginning a hoodia regimen.
References
- "Indigenous Peoples, Consent and Benefit Sharing: Lessons from the San-Hoodia Case"; Rachel Wynberg, Doris Schroeder, Roger Chennells; 2009
- "Herbs Demystified: A Scientist Explains How the Most Common Herbal Remedies Really Work"; Holly Phaneuf; 2005
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Hoodia
- Mayo Clinic: Is Hoodia an Effective Appetite Suppressant?
- MedicineNet: Hoodia, the New Weight Loss Miracle?
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