Hoodia (Herb/Suppl)

Appetite suppressant

Efficacy

Has been used traditionally by South African San Bushmen to suppress appetite

P57, a putative pharmacologically active steroidal glycoside, has been isolated & in clinical trials

In one study, large doses of P57 reduced daily caloric intake by 100 cal by Day 15 in a small number of healthy but overweight subjects

Many weight loss supplements assert they contain Hoodia, but actual amount or efficacy unverified

None reported

Cautions

Causes thirst suppression in addition to appetite suppression

Pregnancy Category: N/A

Lactation: N/A

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

Mechanism of Action

Extract of Hoodia gordonii, a South African succulent (not a cactus)

Putative active principle, a steroidal glycoside termed P57, appears to act at the hypothalamic level to shut off hunger signals