Ephedra & Hoodia

The idea of a miracle weight-loss drug is a seductive one. Appetite-suppressing teas and calorie-burning pills, after all, would help you maintain a healthy weight without extra workouts or dieting. As seductive as it sounds, however, the promise of miracle herbs like hoodia and ephedra is questionable. Worse, they may actually be dangerous. Before taking a weight-loss supplement, make sure you understand the risks and talk to your doctor about how it can affect you.

Background

Ephedra, also called ma-huang, is a Chinese botanical that has been widely used in traditional medicine. It contains the alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which are stimulants. In the late 20th century, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine were frequently incorporated into dietary supplements and weight-loss pills.

Likewise, hoodia is a botanical which is used in weight-loss supplements. Native to southern Africa, hoodia is traditionally used as an appetite suppressant by the Kalahari Bushmen.

Scientific Research

Neither ephedra nor hoodia have been fully researched for their true effects on the body. According to the National Institutes of Health, the few studies on ephedra have shown only a modest effect on athletic performance and weight loss, but a dramatic increase in side effects such as nausea, anxiety, hyperactivity and palpitations has been noted.

Hoodia's effectiveness and safety are currently being researched. In 2007, a South African study reported that rats ate less food and lost weight while under the effects of hoodia supplements. However, as of 2011, there exists no conclusive research involving human subjects.

Controversy

Ephedra gained significant popularity during the 1990s. At the same time, the FDA began receiving consumer complaints about products containing ephedra. In 1997, a warning was issued; by 2000, any products containing ephedra were required to show a warning label. Ephedra's stimulant effects, the FDA found, posed a significant danger of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems. In 2004, the FDA banned outright all products containing ephedra, and as of 2011 it is illegal to sell these products in the United States.

The ephedra scandal caused weight-loss marketers to seek new substances, but it also resulted in stricter reactions from the federal government. In the early 2000s, hoodia began to be marketed as the active ingredient in "ephedra-free" weight-loss pills. The Federal Trade Commission responded in 2007 by penalizing several supplement manufacturers for deceptive marketing practices. The FTC found that there was no research to support manufacturers' claims of hoodia's effectiveness.

Recommendations

The little research that exists indicates that neither ephedra nor hoodia is as effective as diet pill manufacturers have claimed. Though it is likely that each has some benefit to aid in weight loss, the potential side effects may far outweigh that benefit. If you choose to take a weight-loss supplement, talk to a medical professional first to find out how it might affect your body and your health.