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Hoodia Gordonii
A succulent traditionally chewed by the San people of southern Africa to blunt hunger on long hunts, heavily marketed as a 'natural appetite suppressant.' The one rigorous human RCT found NO effect on appetite or body weight — and MORE adverse effects (raised blood pressure, heart rate, nausea) than placebo.
What the evidence says
Most Hoodia studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality randomised trials published 2011–2026 with a typical study size of 60 participants.
Based on 5 studies · 3 RCTs · 109 total participants
Confidence
Moderate confidenceBy outcome
The single rigorous RCT found no effect on appetite or body weight versus placebo and more adverse effects, while a review judged human efficacy and safety data insufficient — leaving almost no credible evidence of benefit.
No trials currently enrolling · 3 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
Registered trials show research momentum for Hoodia, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Sep 2026
Hoodia gordonii is a spiny succulent from the Kalahari, traditionally used by the San people to suppress hunger and thirst during long hunting trips.
Its purported active ingredient is the steroidal glycoside P57, and animal studies once suggested appetite suppression — which fueled an intense, controversial wave of weight-loss marketing.
The honest reality is unfavorable: when Hoodia gordonii purified extract was finally tested in a rigorous randomized controlled trial in overweight women, it produced NO significant effect on ad libitum energy intake or body weight versus placebo, and it was LESS well tolerated — causing nausea, vomiting, skin-sensation disturbances, and significant increases in blood pressure, pulse, heart rate, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase.
A follow-up study of the bitter taste component likewise found no meaningful effect on intake. There is no credible human evidence that Hoodia helps with weight or appetite, and there are real safety signals (cardiovascular, GI, liver enzymes).
This is a traditional remedy whose modern weight-loss claims are not supported and may carry risk.
The steroidal glycoside P57 was hypothesized to act on hypothalamic satiety pathways — but oral bioavailability is limited, P57 was not detected in brain after oral dosing in mice, and the proposed mechanism did not translate to appetite suppression in the human trial.
How Hoodia works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
Avoid — extract raised blood pressure and heart rate in trial subjects.
Avoid — extract raised bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase.
Avoid — no safety data and adverse-effect signals.
Hoodia extract significantly raised blood pressure, pulse, and heart rate in trial subjects — may oppose blood-pressure-lowering therapy or stress the cardiovascular system.
Effects on appetite and metabolism are unproven and could complicate glycemic management; monitor if used.
Tip: Discontinue use
Tip: Avoid use, especially with cardiovascular conditions
Tip: Discontinue use
Tip: Avoid if liver markers are abnormal; discontinue use
The current evidence for Hoodia is insufficient to assign an evidence score, based on 4 indexed studies. A succulent traditionally chewed by the San people of southern Africa to blunt hunger on long hunts, heavily marketed as a 'natural appetite suppressant.' The one rigorous human RCT found NO effect on appetite or body weight — and MORE adverse effects (raised blood pressure, heart rate, nausea) than placebo. Representative study: PMID 21993434.
The commonly studied dose of Hoodia is No recommended dose — there is no credible evidence of benefit; the trial used 2x 1110mg purified extract daily and saw no efficacy but adverse effects. Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
Timing is flexible for Hoodia — consistent daily use matters more than the time of day. No effective dose exists; the studied dose produced adverse effects without benefit, so no dosing recommendation is given.
Hoodia should be used with caution — talk to a healthcare provider before taking it. The most commonly reported side effects are nausea and vomiting, increased blood pressure, pulse, and heart rate, disturbances of skin sensation. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Hypertension or cardiovascular disease; Liver disease or abnormal liver enzymes; Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Green Tea Extract
Likely helpsConcentrated catechins from green tea that support metabolism, fat oxidation, brain health, and antioxidant defense.
Glucomannan
Likely helpsAbsorbs up to 50x its weight in water, creating strong satiety — supports weight loss, blood sugar regulation, and cholesterol reduction.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Mostly mechanism / observationalAn Ayurvedic herb studied for supporting blood-sugar control and for temporarily blunting sweet taste and sugar cravings.
Artichoke Extract
Likely helpsCynarin and chlorogenic acid stimulate bile production, support liver function, and modestly lower cholesterol levels.
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 5 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
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