For the more than 1 billion overweight adults worldwide, no shortage of diet pills exists. Among them is hoodia, an over-the-counter supplement purported to help dieters shed excess weight by suppressing their appetite. While swallowing a pill seems an impressive option for banishing hunger, old-fashioned diet and exercise are still the best ways to lose weight.
Hoodia
Hoodia, also known as Hoodia gordonii, is a desert plant similar to the cactus and native to the Kalahari in South Africa. Although the plant's use in the Western world is much more recent, nomadic bushman have long eaten its stems to prevent hunger while hunting in scantly vegetated places. Some scientists believe certain molecules in the plant reduce hunger by mimicking glucose in the brain, which triggers a false full feeling despite a lack of food, according to Drugs.com.
Efficacy
To date, conclusive scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of hoodia does not exist, according to MayoClinic.com. However, British pharmaceutical researchers are studying the plant's active ingredient for use as a potential anti-obesity medication.
Hoodia Products
Hoodia products are seemingly everywhere: the Internet, pharmacy and grocery stores. You'll find them in various forms, including capsules, powders, teas and tablets. Not all products are equal, however. For the best chance of success with hoodia or any herb, choose a high-quality product. Some herbs contain unsafe ingredients such as fillers and contaminants, which can cause harmful side effects. Additionally, most hoodia supplements contain only negligible amounts of the herb, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. UMMC advises dieters to avoid the product until substantive evidence and medically proven products are available.
Safety and Cautions
Hoodia, like all herbal medicines, is not subject to rigorous testing by the Food and Drug Administration, so the safety of hoodia products is not guaranteed. People who have underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, bleeding disorders or heart problems should consult their doctors before taking Hoodia. If you use any other medications or herbs, consult your doctor prior to using Hoodia. You might also consider consuming healthy, high-fiber foods to diminish hunger, rather than relying on a pricey pill or other potentially harmful substance.
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