Hoodia gordonii, which is also called Kalahari cactus and more commonly hoodia, is a flowering plant similar to a cactus. Found natively in extremely dry areas of the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa, the plant belongs to the botanical family Apocynaceae. Thirteen species of Hoodia gordonii have been identified, although not all produce the same medicinal results. Moreover, additional scientific research is required to prove that Hoodia gordonii is both effective and safe.
Function
Historically, hunting Kalahari Bushmen have eaten Hoodia gordonii plants to suppress their appetite and thirst for long periods of time in areas that lack sufficient food and water sources. The plant is currently marketed as a natural method of reducing hunger in order to lose weight. However, as with other dietary supplements, Hoodia gordonii has not received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the agency does not monitor products that contain it. As a result, consumers should be aware that products claiming to include Hoodia gordonii may actually have minimal amounts or none of the active ingredient, according to the Mayo Clinic and the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Effects
A Dutch anthropologist conducting research on Kalahari Bushmen first noticed the possible appetite-suppressing quality of Hoodia gordonii in 1937. The primary active ingredient in Hoodia gordonii responsible for the effect was later identified as a pregnane glycoside, which has since been patented as the molecule called P57. Researchers at Phytopharm, a pharmaceutical company based in the United Kingdom that currently holds the license for P57, suggest that the molecule decreases appetite by fooling the brain. The process makes the brain believe that you are full when you have not consumed any food, which delays the onset of hunger.
Products
The Kalahari Bushmen that the Dutch researcher studied ate the stems of Hoodia gordonii to curb their hunger. Modern medicinal forms of the plant include extracts of Hoodia gordonii roots and stems, which are dried and used in capsules, chewable tablets and powders. Some individuals also use a liquid extract of Hoodia gordonii in tea. Products made with the plant frequently include additional minerals or herbs, as well, such as the supplement chromium picolinate or green tea. Scientific research on the effectiveness of such products remains inconclusive, since insufficient studies have occurred.
Considerations
All individuals who intend to take Hoodia gordonii, including children and pregnant or breastfeeding women, should consult a trained health care professional for guidance first. People with diabetes, eating disorders, heart problems and blood clotting or bleeding disorders should remain very cautious when using the dietary supplement, which they should never do without first consulting a qualified health care provider. Preliminary health care guidance is also recommended for potential users who take other dietary supplements or medications, or who have allergies or any medical condition.
Warning
Current research has not identified any side effects of Hoodia gordonii or any adverse interactions with other medications. Because scientific study of the dietary supplement is in its early stages, the lack of known side effects and drug interactions may simply mean they have not been discovered yet. Consequently, it is imperative for users to contact a qualified health care professional before using Hoodia gordonii.
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