Does Hoodia Gordonii Have Any Side Effects?

This one is simple: Hoodia has no known side effects. Hoodia is not a drug; Hoodia is actually considered to be a food product in South Africa, where it grows in the wild. Hoodia is 100% natural, and has no stimulant properties. It does not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure; in fact, decreased blood pressure has been reported by some people. There are no reports of feeling shaky or jittery, or of insomnia.

The initial clinical studies done by Phytopharm have shown a good safety profile; further clinical trials are being done on an ongoing basis while pharmaceutical companies attempt to manufacture P57, the active ingredient in Hoodia. These studies are likely to yield more information, although there is no reason to suspect that any serious adverse reactions will occur.

There are no known drug-drug interactions with Hoodia supplements, but it is always wise to inform your healthcare provider of any vitamins, herbs, or natural products that you are taking, especially if you are also taking prescription medications. In some cases, vitamins, herbs, and natural products can interfere with the absorption and activity of prescription drugs. It is always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any diet and fitness program, especially if you have other medical conditions.

A special warning for diabetics taking Hoodia: Because Hoodia mimics the actions of glucose on the brain, and also results in a decreased intake of calories, it may be easy for diabetics to become hypoglycemic- especially if they are taking insulin or oral medications for diabetes. Diabetics must be sure to monitor their calorie intake and blood glucose levels carefully, and follow the instructions of their healthcare provider.