My Personal Experience with Hoodia as an Appetite Suppressant

Every person on a restricted diet looks for ways to ward off hunger. Is it possible that the Hoodia gordonii plant grown in Africa is the answer? Here's what I found out.

What is Hoodia?

Hoodia is a species in the flowering plant family Apocynaceae. Wikipedia describes it as a "cactiform" because of its succulent characteristics that make it similar to varieties of the cactus family (although not botanically related). Most Hoodia species are protected, and have been used over the years for medicinal purposes. It grows naturally in South Africa and Namibia, and has garnered wide interest over the years for its possible benefit as an appetite suppressant.

Uses of Hoodia gordonii

The South African populations have used Hoodia for many years to treat indigestion and infections. But it is their use of the plant for centuries as an appetite suppressant that has companies around the world taking notice. The claim is that during times of famine or when African Bushmen set out on long hunting trips in the Kalahari Desert, they chewed on the meat of the succulent plant to stave off hunger.

Hoodia gordonii: Dieting Hype?

According to Wikipedia, it was in 1977 that the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) isolated the ingredient in Hoodia, known as P57, which is credited with suppressing appetite. The Sans tribespeople retain the rights to Hoodia, and will share in all profits from the sale of Hoodia products across the planet.

What should you know about Hoodia?

1. U.K.-based Phytopharm and Pfizer collaborated to synthesize Hoodia for use as an appetite suppressant. However, Pfizer eventually released its interest, because of the difficulty of synthesis, and possible effects on the liver by related components they had difficulty removing.

2. A scientific study on rats using a purified extract of Hoodia was found inconclusive because the P57 was too easily broken down by the rats' livers, and didn't provide enough of the active ingredient to determine adequate results.

3. Sales of fake Hoodia is rampant over the internet. The experts say that more Hoodia is sold in North American than can possibly be produced in South Africa! They recommend buying from reputable retailers and manufacturers to ensure getting a product that actually contains Hoodia.

Hoodia gordonii: Can it Really Help Weight Loss?

While many weight loss experts are skeptical of the actual effects of Hoodia, there have been studies that support its effectiveness. WebMD's article, "Hoodia: Lots of Hoopla, Little Science" by Kathleen Doheny, states that the American Botanical Council in Austin, Texas conducted a study on Hoodi gordonii that indicates promise.

Doheny warns that the evidence is not conclusive at this point, but quotes Mark Blumenthal, Executive Director, as saying, "We can only say the evidence available to us right now, which is considered inadequate, suggests that there is some type of appetite-suppressing mechanism in some of the naturally occurring chemicals in Hoodia,". Their research indicates that the P57 seems to affect the brain's hypothalamus, which regulates appetite. They also claimed they had not received any reports of safety problems associated with Hoodia use.

Richard M. Goldfarb, a Morrisville, PA doctor, also conducted a small study of the effects of Hoodia on 7 individuals and found it to be effective. His study showed that the participants lost approximately 3.3% of their body weight during the 28 day study (10 pounds was the average), with the participants reporting that their intake of food decreased by more than half.

My Personal Experience with Hoodia

Wanting to lose ten pounds and hearing about Hoodia, I researched it online. I was intrigued, so in spite of conflicting opinions, I decided to try Hoodia myself and test its effectiveness. I realized my main challenge was to find a product that actually contained Hoodia, and applied a "buyer beware" attitude.

I found products containing Hoodia at my Hi-Health store, which I believe to be a reputable retailer. I purchased a product distributed by Applied Nutrition, called 10-Day Hoodia Plus Green Tea Extract. It contained 30 liquid soft-gel caps, each containing 200 mg of Hoodia gordinii powder and other ingredients claimed to be effective for weight loss. The cost was around $8.00. (I could not find it at HiHealth.com.)

I take one tablet at mealtime, (you can take two), and can honestly say that I feel full quicker and stay satisfied longer after meals. I do get hungry, but this Hoodia supplement seems to take the edge off my hunger for long periods of time effectively.

I also purchased a canister of their Dreamy Vanilla Bean Ultimate Meal protein drink (recommended by the store manager) which contains 145 calories, 250 mg of Hoodia, 21g protein, 5g carbs and 4 g of fat per serving. It is delicious, just like the manager promised! I blend one scoop of the powder, 10 ounces of water and ice, and a packet of Splenda to create a decadent tasting treat that tastes much like a milkshake!

The results of my personal Hoodia test? I believe it works! I suppose it is possible that the combination of ingredients in the products I purchased is the secret, but all I know is that I am eating less and losing weight.

If you are considering Hoodia to help you lose weight, I would echo what the experts recommend: Buy a Hoodia product from a reputable source! Maybe in time, the researchers will have conclusive evidence of the power of Hoodia gordinii, and it will earn FDA approval. Until then, if you decide to try it, check with your doctor, be smart what you buy and, just like any other appetite suppressant, don't rely on it for an extended period of time.

Resources:

Wikipedia: Hoodia
WebMD.com
Hihealth.com