Understanding the African Plant that Suppresses Appetite: Hoodia Gordonii

December 19, 2025 •

5 min read

Native to the Kalahari Desert, the spiny succulent Hoodia gordonii has been traditionally used by the indigenous San people to stave off hunger during long hunting expeditions. This unique heritage has led to its promotion as a natural dietary supplement for appetite suppression and weight loss in many Western countries. However, its effectiveness and safety are a subject of much debate in the scientific community.

Quick Summary

An exploration of Hoodia gordonii, its origins, proposed mechanism of action, and the modern-day scientific research concerning its efficacy and safety as an appetite suppressant, including potential side effects and interactions.

Key Points

Origin and Traditional Use: Hoodia gordonii, a succulent from the Kalahari Desert, was traditionally used by the San people to suppress appetite during long hunts.
Scientific Evidence is Lacking: Despite extensive marketing, there is no credible scientific evidence from human clinical trials proving Hoodia is an effective appetite suppressant for weight loss.
Significant Health Risks: Studies have revealed potential adverse side effects from Hoodia consumption, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, nausea, and liver concerns.
Product Quality is Unreliable: Many commercial Hoodia supplements have been found to be adulterated or contain no actual Hoodia gordonii extract, making them unreliable and potentially dangerous.
Regulation Concerns: As an unregulated dietary supplement, Hoodia lacks quality control from agencies like the FDA, increasing safety risks for consumers.
Safer Alternatives Exist: Effective and safer alternatives for appetite control include increasing dietary fiber, staying hydrated, and adopting proven, mindful eating habits.

What is Hoodia Gordonii?

Originating from the harsh, arid conditions of the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa, Hoodia gordonii is a succulent plant in the Apocynaceae family. It is characterized by its fleshy, spiny stems and its peculiar, rotting-meat-scented flowers, which attract flies for pollination. Historically, the San people of South Africa and Namibia consumed the plant's stems to help them endure long periods without food or water while on hunts. This traditional use spurred widespread commercial interest and marketing of Hoodia as a natural weight-loss and appetite-suppressing supplement.

The Proposed Mechanism of Action

The supposed appetite-suppressing effect of Hoodia gordonii is linked to a molecule known as P57, a type of oxypregnane steroidal glycoside. The theory suggests that P57 acts on the hypothalamus—the region of the brain that regulates hunger and metabolic processes—by increasing levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). High ATP levels in this area supposedly trick the brain into thinking the body is full, thereby reducing hunger pangs. However, this theory is based largely on animal studies, where P57 was injected directly into the brain. Oral administration has shown different results, with some animal studies suggesting stomach acid degrades P57, preventing it from reaching the brain.

Scientific Evidence for Appetite Suppression

Despite its marketing success, the scientific evidence supporting the use of Hoodia gordonii as an effective appetite suppressant in humans is scarce and largely unconvincing.

A randomized controlled trial conducted in 2011 involved 49 overweight women. Over a 15-day period, those who took a purified Hoodia extract did not lose more weight or consume fewer calories than the placebo group.
Numerous reviews and reputable health organizations, including the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), have concluded that there is no solid scientific evidence from sound clinical trials to prove Hoodia's effectiveness for weight loss.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against companies making misleading claims about Hoodia's weight-loss properties.

Risks and Safety Concerns

While marketed as a safe, natural remedy, Hoodia gordonii is not without potential risks and side effects. Because it is an herbal supplement, it is not regulated by agencies like the FDA, and its quality can vary significantly between products.

Side Effects: The clinical trial on overweight women revealed several adverse effects associated with Hoodia consumption, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and unusual skin sensations.
Cardiovascular Risks: The same study also reported concerning increases in heart rate and blood pressure in participants taking the supplement. Other research on animal models and supplement analysis has also identified a sympathomimetic effect, which impacts the cardiovascular system.
Liver Function: Some studies have noted minor changes in liver-related markers in participants, raising concerns about potential hepatotoxicity.
Drug Interactions: Hoodia may interact with medications, particularly those for diabetes and high blood pressure, due to its potential to affect blood sugar and heart rate.
Contamination and Adulteration: Analysis of some commercial Hoodia products has found them to be adulterated with unlisted ingredients, including the withdrawn weight-loss drug sibutramine, which has serious cardiovascular risks.

What African Plant Suppresses Appetite? Comparison Table

While Hoodia gordonii is the most widely publicized, other African plants and natural substances are also used for appetite management, though they also require caution.


Feature	Hoodia Gordonii	Saffron Extract	Guar Gum (from Indian Cluster Bean)
Origin	Kalahari Desert, Southern Africa	Stigma of the Crocus sativus flower	Indian cluster bean, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba
Mechanism	P57 molecule supposedly signals fullness in the hypothalamus, but evidence is weak and mechanism debated	May increase feelings of fullness and reduce snacking by boosting mood	A type of fiber that expands in the gut, creating a sense of fullness
Efficacy	Poor scientific evidence for effectiveness in humans for weight loss	Some promising small studies exist, but more larger-scale research is needed	Some studies show reduced hunger and snacking, but overall weight loss is not proven
Side Effects	Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, increased heart rate, high blood pressure	Dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and anxiety in some cases	Abdominal discomfort, gas, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea
Safety	Significant concerns regarding heart and liver effects; unregulated supplements may be contaminated	Generally considered well-tolerated, though large-scale safety data is limited	Generally safe, though may cause digestive issues; potential for supplement misuse

Other Appetite-Related Plants from Africa

While Hoodia is often the first to come to mind, other African plants are traditionally or anecdotally associated with appetite suppression, though robust scientific backing is often lacking. An ethnobotanical survey in Burkina Faso, for instance, documented several species used as appetite suppressants, such as Annona senegalensis and Parkia biglobosa, though they are also widely used as food plants during famine. Additionally, a study in Uganda explored the appetite-suppressing effects of Rumex usambarensis in rats, which showed promise but requires further human safety and efficacy studies. These examples highlight that while traditional knowledge exists, it rarely translates directly to safe, clinically proven dietary supplements without rigorous testing.

The Verdict on Hoodia

Given the lack of robust scientific evidence for its efficacy and the documented health risks, including cardiovascular issues, using Hoodia gordonii as a dietary supplement for appetite suppression is not recommended by medical experts. The widely varying quality of products, coupled with the possibility of contamination, makes it an unreliable and potentially dangerous option for weight management.

Healthier and Safer Alternatives

For those seeking to manage their appetite, safer and more proven methods exist. These include dietary fiber, such as that found in guar gum or whole foods, which promotes a feeling of fullness. Other strategies include incorporating balanced, protein-rich meals, drinking plenty of water, and practicing mindful eating. These approaches, supported by a healthy diet and regular exercise, offer a much safer and more effective path toward sustainable weight management.

Conclusion

While the narrative surrounding Hoodia gordonii—the African plant that supposedly suppresses appetite—is compelling, it is a classic example of marketing outpacing science. The initial excitement surrounding the plant's traditional use has been dampened by a lack of credible human research demonstrating its effectiveness for weight loss and significant concerns over its safety profile. Before turning to unregulated and potentially harmful herbal supplements, individuals should prioritize proven, evidence-based methods for managing weight and appetite, always consulting with a healthcare provider beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scientific evidence is scarce and does not support the claim that Hoodia gordonii effectively suppresses appetite or aids in weight loss in humans. A controlled study found no significant difference in food intake or weight loss between participants taking a Hoodia extract and those on a placebo.

Documented side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, unusual skin sensations, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. There are also concerns regarding potential adverse effects on the liver.

No, it is not considered safe due to insufficient safety data and the documented risks, especially cardiovascular side effects. The lack of regulation also means that product quality varies widely, and some have been found to contain harmful, unlisted substances.

No, you should avoid using Hoodia if you have high blood pressure or diabetes. It has been shown to increase heart rate and blood pressure, and it may interfere with blood sugar levels and interact negatively with related medications.

Yes, some other African plants have traditional uses for appetite management, such as Annona senegalensis and Rumex usambarensis. However, these also require more rigorous scientific study before they can be considered safe and effective dietary supplements.

The idea originates from the traditional use of Hoodia gordonii by the indigenous San people of Southern Africa, who would chew the plant's stems to suppress hunger and thirst during long hunting trips.

Safer and more effective alternatives include increasing dietary fiber from whole foods, drinking plenty of water, incorporating more protein into meals, and practicing mindful eating techniques.