The Latest On Hoodia

Most current information about hoodia gordonii comes from the British pharmaceutical giant Phytopharm. Phytopharm claims that its studies have shown hoodia gordonii to be a safe and powerful appetite suppressant. However, they also note that many products currently available on the market may not be true hoodia gordonii based products, and therefore, may not be sufficient enough provide the user any weight loss benefits. 

Studies performed at Brown University Medical School in Rhode Island suggest that hoodia gordonii affects that part of the brain that's responsible for tracking glucose levels in the blood. Our glucose levels decrease when we've not eaten, and the brain interprets this as a need for food, or hunger. When our glucose levels stabilize our brain thinks that we're not hungry. What the Brown University study suggests is that hoodia gordonii essentially tricks our brain into thinking that we're not hungry even when we haven't eaten. However, these studies do not indicate whether hoodia has any effect on actual blood sugar levels.

Research performed on lab animals suggests that hoodia gordonii also increases the amount of Adenosine-5'-triphosphate, or ATP, in the bloodstream. Because the function of ATP is to supply energy to the cells for processes such as metabolism, it has been implied by some supplement manufacturers that hoodia also provides the benefit of increased metabolism and higher energy levels.

Informal reports by doctors observing their patients suggest that those people who have taken hoodia based supplements have experienced decreased appetites. Some users claim that hoodia's effects have been so powerful that they have had to consciously remind themselves to eat.  However, weight loss results have varied. As with any other weight loss tool, those who claim to have successfully lost weight with hoodia have used it as only one part of a comprehensive healthy lifestyle plan. Detailed clinical studies on the weight loss effects of hoodia gordonii are still being conducted and no formal results have been released.

Hoodia based products come in a variety of forms. Some supplement manufacturers have combined hoodia gordonii with stimulants such as ginseng, caffeine, and MaHuang.  However, stimulants are known to have hazardous side effects. 

There is no doubt that there is quite a bit of information about hoodia available. You should always consult your doctor before beginning any weight loss or exercise program. If you decide to use hoodia and experience unusual effects, talk to your doctor immediately.