Although hoodia is marketed as an appetite suppressant that aids in weight loss, there’s no solid evidence that hoodia is effective.

Hoodia — whose scientific name is Hoodia gordonii — is a succulent plant that grows in the Kalahari [...]]]> Brent A. Bauer of the Mayo Clinic had the following to say about appetite suppressants, Hoodia in particular:

Although hoodia is marketed as an appetite suppressant that aids in weight loss, there’s no solid evidence that hoodia is effective.

Hoodia — whose scientific name is Hoodia gordonii — is a succulent plant that grows in the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. Interest in its use for possible appetite control and weight loss was piqued because of reports that native Africans use hoodia to reduce hunger during long hunts. However, there’s no solid evidence from scientifically sound clinical trials that hoodia is an effective tool for weight loss.

Still, some dietary supplement manufacturers market products containing hoodia as a way to suppress appetite and aid in weight loss. Herbal and dietary supplements don’t require approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before going on the market. But the FDA has warned some manufacturers of hoodia products to stop making unsubstantiated and misleading claims about weight loss. Evidence about the safety of hoodia is also lacking. And there have been past reports that products promoted and sold as hoodia supplements don’t actually contain any hoodia.

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