Evidence supporting the use of: Hoodia
For the health condition: Appetite (excessive)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Hoodia, particularly Hoodia gordonii, has been traditionally used by the San people of southern Africa to suppress appetite and thirst during long hunting trips in the desert. The indigenous use is well documented in ethnobotanical literature, where Hoodia was consumed to stave off hunger and increase endurance. The active compound, believed to be P57, was later isolated and attracted interest for potential use as a weight loss and appetite-suppressing supplement. However, while traditional use is robustly established, scientific validation is limited. Few clinical trials have been conducted, and the results are inconclusive or show minimal effect compared to placebo. Additionally, concerns about the safety, standardization, and efficacy of commercial Hoodia supplements have been raised. Regulatory bodies such as the FDA have not approved Hoodia for appetite suppression due to insufficient evidence. In summary, Hoodia’s use for appetite suppression is justified primarily by traditional practices, with scientific support remaining limited and weak at this time.
