No research has as yet been undertaken to determine what a standard dosage of Hoodia gordonii should be. Clinical trials of hoodia gordonii are still underway.
100% real hoodia gordonii has not shown any side effects in the clinical trials that have taken place so far, but most of the hoodia products available on the market today are usually combined with other herbal supplements. Any side effects from these hoodia gordonii products, for example, headaches, dizziness, and nervousness have been attributed to other natural stimulants that have been combined with hoodia gordonii. Green tea for one, contains caffeine and may produce any of the symptoms described above.
As most of the hoodia gordonii products contain various forms of herbal supplements, it makes sense to follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Some products contain more hoodia gordonii than others do and there seems to some indication that the dosage required may be individual rather than standard. Some people require more hoodia gordonii to suppress their appetite; others find a very small amount does the job for them. As with any product that does not have substantial research behind it, make sure that you take hoodia gordonii under the guidance of your physician and that you remain monitored by him while you are on it.
Pregnant or nursing women should very definitely not take any hoodia gordonii at all. There has been no research done in this area at all and do remember that hoodia gordonii originally came to our attention as the plant that was consumed by the bushmen of Southern Africa to stave off hunger and thirst during long hunting expedition – no pregnant women possible ever joined those expeditions!
People with medical complications should consult their physicians before taking hoodia gordonii. While no side effects to 100% real Hoodia gordonii have been reported, there is evidence that it may raise one’s metabolic rate. Also, hoodia gordonii is usually sold in combination with other herbal supplements, and no clinical trials have been run on these combinations. Your physician will know your entire medical history and will be able to advice you on which combinations are safe for you, as well as the dosage that would suit you.
Hoodia gordonii is merely an appetite suppressant. As any dieter should know, this is not the only requirement to a healthy and permanent weight loss. Anyone wanting to lose weight and keep it off permanently will realize that a healthier lifestyle has to be adopted and maintained with a proper diet and exercise plan. Where hoodia gordonii will help, is in the beginning, when one is trying to overcome physical and psychological habits of wrong diet. Once past that initial hurdle, hoodia gordonii will have done its job and one will have embarked on a happier, healthier and slimmer life.