Hoodia Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Hoodia diet pills contain extracts or concentrates of hoodia, a natural ingredient thought by some to reduce hunger. Proponents of the dietary supplement claim that hoodia helps users to consume fewer calories, and thus lose weight. Hoodia has not been widely studied, although it has been used in Kalahari Desert regions for years. However, the Bush people of this region eat the plant in its natural, whole form, whereas Americans do not have access to the plants and instead take pills containing unregulated, processed hoodia.^[1]

Side effects of hoodia are largely unknown, as substantial research has not been conducted. However, some research has suggested that there may be a link between hoodia and liver problems.^[2] In addition, many formulations of hoodia diet pills contain other ingredients that may be harmful to the health.

Contents 1 Common Hoodia Side Effects 2 Hoodia Allergic Reactions 3 Hoodia Precautions and Warnings 4 About Medication Side Effects 5 About Hoodia 6 References

Common Hoodia Side Effects

There are no well-documented side effects of Hoodia, and some claim that there are none. In fact, one of the selling points of hoodia products is that they do not cause the jitteriness and sleeplessness that other diet pills do.^[3]

However, this does not mean that no side effects exist. Thus far, there have been no conclusive scientific studies on hoodia, and therefore it is unknown whether or not these products are safe to take, or even that they work. In addition, the hoodia market is largely unregulated by the FDA. Fake hoodia pills have been found on the market, and in many cases it is impossible to tell what the true ingredients are in these products.^[1]

In addition, many brands of hoodia diet pills also contain other active ingredients, particularly caffeine. Caffeine acts on the central nervous system, and can provide a boost of energy while affecting the metabolism. Caffeine can have mild to severe side effects, ranging from anxiety, headaches, restlessness and irritability to insomnia and abnormal heart rhythms. Pregnant and nursing women are advised to monitor caffeine consumption, and caffeine dependency can result in withdrawal symptoms among those who use it often and then stop.^[4]

Hoodia Allergic Reactions

Although there is little documentation regarding hoodia and allergies, it is possible that some users will have allergic reactions to hoodia or any other ingredients contained in the supplements. Signs of an allergic reactions to hoodia may include itching skin and hives. In severe cases, users may experience swelling which may create breathing difficulty. Other signs of serious allergies, known as anaphylaxis, include throwing up, confusion and pain or cramping in the abdominal region. These may be preceded by itching of the eyes. Medical attention is required if these symptoms occur.^[5]

Hoodia Precautions and Warnings

• Hoodia gordoni may possibly contain toxic ingredients that can cause harm to the liver.^[2]
• Studies have shown unpredictability in the quality of hoodia supplements. Some products that claim to have hoodia were found to contain none at all.
• Hoodia may interact with other medications. Insufficient research has been conducted on potential interactions.^[6]
• Experts recommend informing a physician about any use of supplements like hoodia.^[6]
• There is no solid evidence that taking hoodia supplements will reduce appetite or cause weight loss.^[6]

About Medication Side Effects

About Hoodia

Hoodia is a succulent plant native to the Kalahari Desert region of Southern Africa. The plant has traditionally been used by the Bush men to stave off hunger when out on long treks, since food may be scarce. Americans have discovered this plant, and now import it from its native region to use in diet pills. The manufacturers of these pills claim that hoodia extract will suppress the appetite, allowing dieters to suppress their hunger and thus more easily stick with a sensible eating plan. Hoodia does not stimulate the central nervous system as other diet pills typically do, but instead is said to release a chemical compound comparable to glucose that "fools" the brain into thinking that the stomach is full.^[7]

Most hoodia supplements come in pill form, but other varieties are on the market as well. Consumers have the option to buy hoodia liquid extract, as well as food products such as chocolate-flavored "candy" chews.

Minimal research does suggest that hoodia may have some potential for weight loss. In one study conducted by a Brown University associate, animals treated with P57, a molecule in hoodia, probably had some effect on the hypothalamus of laboratory animals. The hypothalamus helps to control hunger.^[7]

Also See: Hoodia Diet Pills, Acai Diet Pills, Alli, Diet Pill Side Effects, Green Tea Diet Pills, Quick Trim, Slimquick, Drug Side Effects, Qnexa Side Effects, Phentermine Side Effects

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hoodia/AN01182
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} http://www.drugdigest.org/wps/portal/!ut/p/c1/dY3bEkJQGIWfxQM0_xaJy51xSqI2kRsjyRCbTE49fTyAte6-mfUtCGEujfs8i795TeMSAgiFiEMaQppseEg1OGSIuiWe8HWmLPjLQojQSjCCs15XKdwh3K96xC3caN1Wy1-fpwO4ECA-IsXU2C4ZzV-WdWbSWkRKHckqHFcsLRan5nGKg9B-UMF7yjtFyUfiNwdX3hC20l4fQU0IjzspizrMMNC86TBcMPMHvmKr7g!!/dl2/d1/L0lDU0dZcHBpZ3BSQ2dwUkNncFJBL29Ob2dBRUlZSWdHRUFJUkFNSWhSaEVBd2dGT1FZRGdwQ2tyQ0FZUUxSdEdWcXpyT1ZZQSEvNEEwYWNVWEpNbTRvZVNaTHhSOGt5ZmlnRUEhIS83XzMwRzAwR0NJVTBGSTMwSThITThMQVIzMDgyL2hlcmJzL2R2aG5hbWUvSG9vZGlhL2R2aGlkLzkwODAvbWV0aG9kL3NpZGVFZmZlY3Rz/
3. ↑ http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/11/18/60minutes/main656458.shtml
4. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/caffeine.html
5. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/allergy-symptoms
6. ↑ ^{6.0 6.1 6.2} http://nccam.nih.gov/health/hoodia/#cautions
7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1} http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/hoodia-lots-of-hoopla-little-science?page=2