Natural Health Products

Hoodia

Common Name(s): Hoodia
Scientific Name(s):

Hoodia gordonii

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General Information

Hoodia is a flowering, cactus-like plant native to the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. Its harvest is protected by conservation laws.

How is this product usually used?

Hoodia is used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss and obesity, though, there is insufficient evidence to show that it is effective for this purpose.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What is this product used for?

Hoodia is used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss and obesity, though, there is insufficient evidence to show that it is effective for this purpose.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

Commonly reported side effects of hoodia use include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and odd skin sensations. Hoodia may also increase your blood pressure and heart rate.

Hoodia may interact with the following medications:

  • diabetes medications (e.g., glyburide, insulin)
  • blood pressure drugs (e.g., amlodipine, furosemide, valsartan)
  • beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol)

Hoodia may worsen hypertension and disrupt glucose levels for those with diabetes. You should avoid the use of hoodia if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

The quality of hoodia products varies widely. News reports suggest that some products sold as hoodia do not contain any hoodia.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.

Source(s)

  1. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database – Hoodia.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2020. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.