Different options are currently available for those who truly want to lose weight. One of these options is the dietary supplement hoodia. Information on this product is relatively sparse, and most of the questions center around its effectiveness and its side effects. Weight loss can certainly be helped along by this product, and there is varying evidence that it does indeed have an effect on appetite.
A little history
The supplement we know as hoodia gordonii had its beginnings in the South African desert, where San Bushmen continually ate the succulent plant and remained slim. The British pharmaceutical company, Phytopharm, studied the plant and concluded that the active ingredient that suppressed appetite was a chemical they called P57.
Because the plant is native to South Africa, it has become scarce. In fact, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has listed it as endangered. This means that the unregulated, unlicensed trade of the plant is illegal, prompting the need to for companies involved in hoodia research to synthesize P57. There has been little success in this endeavor, as Pfizer, the pharmaceutical giant with whom Phytopharm partnered in its development, claimed difficulty in synthesizing the component and released the rights to P57 to its partner.
But does it work?
A micro-study conducted by Dr. Richard M. Goldfarb on seven people concluded that hoodia is effective. The study showed that the median weight loss was about 10 pounds after almost a month of taking 500 milligram capsules containing the extract. This is a small study, but it shows great promise for the supplement, especially if a larger, more extensive study is made.
Because of the scarcity of published, peer-reviewed studies on hoodia side effects are not very well-documented. Generally, however, people who are taking other medication are advised not to take the dietary supplement. Pregnant women and those who suffer from diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, anorexia, and other similar ailments should not take it either.
Caution
There are many products on the market advertised to contain hoodia extract. The reality, however, is that only a few of these products are genuine. Most do not contain pure hoodia, but a concoction of other substances, with only a small portion actually containing it. Because of this fact, discernment is needed when evaluating which products to buy.
Generally regarded as safe, hoodia can be a valuable resource in losing weight. Coupled with regular exercise and proper diet, its value cannot be underestimated, and it may well lead to a weight loss revolution and a change in our eating habits.
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