Lynn Smythe
Herbs at a Glance - Hoodia (LINK)
November 24th 2007 08:07
Hoodia Bush in Bloom
This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb hoodia—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Hoodia is a flowering, cactus-like plant native to the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. Its harvest is protected by conservation laws.
Common Names—hoodia, Kalahari cactus, Xhoba
Latin Name—Hoodia gordonii
What It Is Used For
• Kalahari Bushmen have traditionally eaten hoodia stems to reduce their hunger and thirst during long hunts.
• Today, hoodia is marketed as an appetite suppressant for weight loss.
How It Is Used
• Dried extracts of hoodia stems and roots are used to make capsules, powders, and chewable tablets. Hoodia can also be used in liquid extracts and teas.
• Hoodia products often contain other herbs or minerals, such as green tea or chromium picolinate.
What the Science Says
There is no reliable scientific evidence to support hoodia’s use. No studies of the herb in people have been published.
Side Effects and Cautions
• Hoodia’s safety is unknown. Its potential risks, side effects, and interactions with medicines and other supplements have not been studied.
• The quality of hoodia products varies widely. News reports suggest that some products sold as hoodia do not contain any hoodia.
Sources
Hoodia. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on May 16, 2007.
Hoodia (Hoodia gordonii). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on May 16, 2007.
This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.
National Institutes of Health
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