Hoodia gordonii is a cactus-like plant that grows in the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. Historically, the Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert used the stem of the plant to decrease hunger while hunting for long periods in areas with low vegetation and people currently use the herbal supplement as an appetite suppressant to assist with weight loss. Consult a health-care professional before taking Hoodia gordonii because of possible adverse reactions.
How Hoodia Gordonii Works
Hoodia gordonii helps to suppress the appetite, but is not a stimulant and does not have any known adverse reactions. The herbal supplement works by acting the same as glucose in the brain. After taking Hoodia gordonii, the brain thinks the stomach is full even when you did not eat.
Precautions
Although Hoodia gordonii does not appear to have any adverse reactions, some people may need to avoid taking the herbal supplement. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a health care professional before taking Hoodia gordonii because decreasing food intake may cause harm to a developing baby. Individuals with medical conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes should speak with a physician before taking hoodia to determine if the supplement is safe. Taking Hoodia gordonii may negatively affect eating disorders, such as bulimia or anorexia.
Considerations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the manufacturing or evaluate the efficacy of taking Hoodia gordonii. The quality of hoodia may vary between products and some products sold as Hoodia gordonii may not actually contain any of the plant, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Hoodia gordonii requires further studies to determine any possible safety issues.
Allergic Reaction
People with an allergy to Hoodia gordonii or to plants similar to the supplement may experience an allergic reaction when taking the herbal supplement. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, an increased heart rate, difficulty breathing and swelling of the airway, mouth or face. An allergic reaction requires emergency medical attention to prevent permanent damage or death.
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