Hoodia gordonii is a natural substance that causes suppression of hunger and thirst. Apart from this exciting effect to dieters, research on hoodia gordonii has not shown any other side effects. The purified extract of hoodia gordonii, known as P57 has been injected into the brains of rats and no toxicity has been noted. Volunteers that took part in the clinical trials run by Phytopharm did not suffer from any adverse side effects, and neither have doctors reported any in the patients that they monitored. No words of warning or any cautions have been issued so far, though it would certainly be prudent to wait until a more thorough and long term study is carried out on hoodia gordonii.
The dangers of Hoodia gordonii lie in other spheres. Companies using this product are combining it with other supplements, and here, no proper or formal clinical trials have been run. For example, hoodia gordonii is sold combined with green tea, and while green tea itself has long been known for its antioxidant qualities, it also contains caffeine and is a stimulant. Users of Hoodia gordonii complaining of insomnia, headaches and nervousness were found to have been taking it with green tea. Hoodia gordonii itself has no stimulant properties, but the effects of green tea and other natural stimulants containing caffeine are well documented, namely an increase in heart rate and blood pressure as well as migraines.
Anyone wishing to start a weight loss program using hoodia gordonii would be well advised to do so under the guidance of a physician. It is also necessary to check the ingredients listed on the product as well, as some companies have used a very tiny percentage of hoodia gordonii, the bulk of the medication being “other ingredients”. Hoodia gordonii used in conjunction with these “other ingredients” has not been put to the test. Hoodia gordonii is presently being marketed in pills, capsules, milk shakes, diet fruit bars, and even lollipops, to name a few of the combinations available. Before buying Hoodia gordonii, do check that the label has USDA certification. Hoodia gordonii is imported from Africa and therefore the label must have a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) certification as well. The label must also name the certified laboratory that has authenticated the presence of hoodia gordonii in the product you have purchased. This is to ensure that you are buying an authentic product from a certified source.
Early trials have shown that hoodia gordonii does indeed suppress appetite, and it may have a wonderful future for dieters around the world, but it is very necessary that prolonged research and thorough clinical trials be conducted before conclusions regarding its safety are reached. As always, before starting any weight loss regime, do consult your physician whether the program contains hoodia gordonii or not.