Common Names: hoodia, Kalahari cactus, Xhoba, Bushman’s hat

Scientific Name: Hoodia gordonii

Background

• Hoodia is a leafless succulent native to the Kalahari Desert regions of Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. For generations, the San people traditionally chewed the plant to help curb hunger and thirst during extended hunting trips.

• Researchers have identified a compound in hoodia known as P57, classified as an oxypregnane steroidal glycoside. This substance has been suggested as a possible contributor to appetite suppression.

• In modern times, hoodia is marketed primarily as a dietary supplement promoted for reducing appetite and supporting weight loss.

How Much Do We Know?

• Scientific knowledge about hoodia in humans is very limited. Only one small clinical study has examined its effects as a supplement.

What Have We Learned?

• The single clinical trial involved 49 overweight women who took hoodia for 15 days. The findings showed no significant difference in weight loss between those who received hoodia and those who were given a placebo.

What Do We Know About Safety?

• Safety information on hoodia is sparse. In the small human study conducted, participants who took hoodia reported more side effects than those taking a placebo. These included nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and unusual skin sensations. Researchers also noted concerns related to blood pressure and heart rate measurements.

• There is not enough reliable information to determine whether hoodia is safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Keep in Mind

• Be proactive about your health by informing your health care providers about any complementary or alternative products you use. Open communication helps ensure coordinated and safe care.

• If you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, consult your health care provider before using herbal supplements, as interactions may occur.

• Herbal products are regulated differently depending on their ingredients, intended purpose, and method of use. Many products taken by mouth are sold as dietary supplements, which follow different regulatory standards than prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

• Unlike medications, dietary supplements are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being marketed. The FDA may intervene if safety concerns arise after a product is available to consumers. Manufacturers and distributors are responsible for ensuring that their supplements meet safety and labeling requirements before sale.

For More Information

• General guidance on the responsible use of dietary supplements

• Information about potential interactions between medications and supplements

• Resources for understanding and evaluating scientific research articles

NCCIH Clearinghouse

The NCCIH Clearinghouse offers information about complementary and integrative health practices, including publications and access to scientific and medical literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals.

Toll-free in the United States: 1-888-644-6226

Telecommunications relay service (TRS): 7-1-1

PubMed®

PubMed is a database maintained by the National Library of Medicine that provides citations and summaries of scientific and medical journal articles. It is a valuable resource for locating research on dietary supplements and complementary health practices.

Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The Office of Dietary Supplements supports research and provides educational resources about dietary supplements. It evaluates scientific evidence, funds studies, and shares findings with both health professionals and the public.

Key References

• Blom WAM, Abrahamse SL, Bradford R, et al. Effects of repeated consumption of purified Hoodia gordonii extract on safety, energy intake, and body weight in healthy overweight women: a randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2011;94(5):1171–1181.

• Bonetti G, Herbst KL, Donato K, et al. Dietary supplements for obesity. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene. 2022;63(3):E160–E168.

• Farrington R, Musgrave IF, Byard RW. Evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of herbal weight-loss products. Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2019;17(2):87–92.

• Hoodia. Clinical and research information on potential liver injury associated with medications and supplements. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Updated March 28, 2018.

• Hoodia. Professional monograph database entry. Accessed May 1, 2024.

This material is in the public domain and may be reproduced without restriction.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified health care provider regarding questions about medical conditions or treatment decisions. Mention of specific products or therapies does not constitute endorsement.