Scientific Name
Hoodia gordonii
Common Name
Xhoba, P57, Carrion plant, Queen of the Namib, African Hats
Clinical Summary
Hoodia gordonii is a cactus prevalent in southeastern Africa. The local tribesmen are known to consume Hoodia to ease hunger during periods of starvation. A compound isolated from Hoodia was shown to reduce food intake in rats (1). However, evidence of such an effect in humans is lacking.
Currently, supplements containing Hoodia are being promoted for weight loss and some cancer patients use these for weight control.
Research is underway to determine its effectiveness but there are no data yet on its safety or efficacy.
Purported Uses
- Weight loss
Constituents
Mechanism of Action
Hoodia extracts are thought to have an appetite suppressant effect, but it is not clear what causes such an effect. In an experiment done in rats, intracerebroventricular administration of P57 resulted in an increase in ATP level in hypothalamic neurons. It is hypothesized that neurons in the basal hypothalamus may be sensitive to changes in ATP levels and thereby, regulate food intake (1). P57 also inhibited CYP 3A4 activity (5) (6).
Warnings
The FDA has warned the manufacturer and distributors of a Hoodia product against making unsubstantiated and misleading claims about weight loss (2).
Contraindications
None known.
Adverse Reactions
No adverse reactions have been reported.
Herb-Drug Interactions
Cytochrome P450 3A4 substrates: A compound isolated from Hoodia inhibits CYP3A4 and can affect the intracellular concentration of drugs metabolized by this enzyme (6).
Literature Summary and Critique
No clinical studies have been conducted to study the effectiveness of Hoodia in humans.
References
- MacLean DB and Luo LG. Increased ATP content/production in the hypothalamus may be a signal for energy-sensing of satiety: studies of the anorectic mechanism of a plant steroidal glycoside. Brain Res 2004; 1020(1-2):1-11.
- Baca JR. Warning Letter for Weight Loss Products. C.F.S.A.N Office of Compliance, US Food and Drug Administration, 2004. Accessed September 26, 2011.
- Dall’Acqua S, Innocenti G. Steroidal glycosides from Hoodia gordonii. Steroids. 2007;72(6-7):559-68.
- Pawar RS, Shukla YJ, Khan IA. New calogenin glycosides from Hoodia gordonii. Steroids. 2007;72(13):881-91.
- Madgula VL, Avula B, Pawar RS, et al. In Vitro Metabolic Stability and Intestinal Transport of P57AS3 (P57) from Hoodia gordonii and its Interaction with Drug Metabolizing Enzymes. Planta Med. 2008;74(10):1269-75.
- Madgula VL, Avula B, Pawar RS, et al. Characterization of in vitro pharmacokinetic properties of hoodigogenin A from Hoodia gordonii. Planta Med. 2010 Jan;76(1):62-9.
How It Works
Bottom Line: Hoodia’s appetite suppressant effect is based on experiments in rats. No human trials have been conducted.
Hoodia gordonii is a cactus found in the Kalahari desert and in Namibia. The local tribesmen consume Hoodia to survive long periods of starvation. Supplements containing Hoodia are being promoted for weight loss and some cancer patients use them for weight control. But there is no clinical data to support this use.
Purported Uses
Weight Loss
A single study performed on rats showed that Hoodia can decrease appetite.
Patient Warnings
The FDA has warned the manufacturer and distributors of a Hoodia product against making unsubstantiated and misleading claims about weight loss.
Do Not Take If
- You are taking drugs that are substrates of Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Hoodia may increase the risk of side effects of these drugs).
Side Effects
None known
Aliases
P57
Last updated: September 26, 2011
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