The hugest criticism of all is that very little science supposedly backs up the usage of hoodia gordonii and supplements that are made from this plant. It may be a good idea to explore for a second why so much controversy surrounds the usage of this plant or parts of this plant as a weight loss aid.

This controversy could be for one or more of the following reasons:

• Rash judgments based on inconclusive research either showing evidence for or against hoodia usage
• Imbalance of research emphasis: Scientific studies taking prevalence over historical usage evidence
• Discounting of individual consumer experience
• A general skepticism either by the consumer or by health experts
• Generalized fears stemming from past uses of fatal or harmful weight loss herbs/plants
• Bad experiences stemming from improper or excessive use
• Inadequate education about possible contraindications of health conditions when hoodia is used
• Difficulty and expense of researching a plant source that does not mature for five years
• Lack of information about benefits vs. drawbacks

There are so many reasons why the usage of hoodia gordonii as a weight loss aid is such a controversy. One thing people have to remember is the scare that took place before this particular plant source became popular.

To make matters worse, there does not seem to be very much information in medical journals indicates that hoodia is able to suppress appetite in humans. This probably is because not many human studies have been conducted.

Most of the studies pertaining to appetite suppression and hoodia are administered on lab rats. Now, these are animals that often have been used as subjects of studies to find out what the affect would be on humans.

However, there is no way to predict that activity that takes place on a small lab animal would be the same as on a human. This is sometimes what makes studying herbs and medicines very difficult.

Side Effects Info

Does hoodia have side effects? That is a huge question being asked today. Long-term positive and negative side effects are not yet fully understood. There is one concern that remains at the forefront today.

That is the possibility that using a hoodia supplement could cause a diabetic’s blood sugar to fluctuate or skyrocket. It also is suggested that supplements made from this plant source are not meant for people with severe liver problems.

One of the main concerns is regarding how well or how not well this substance mixed with other herbs and plants. Occasionally, when not combine right it could cause very serious side effects such as shortness of breath or even death.

How do you avoid all of this trouble? The answers are here…

Try to take the purest form of hoodia gordonii as possible. It should be no more than between 1,500 to 3,000 mg a day, generally.

It would be better to use supplements that do not have in them other additives or large amounts of other herbs and plants. One of the main areas of concerns is mixing Kava with hoodia gordonii.

Be very careful about using supposed “synthetic” mixtures of hoodia that supposedly replicate the real thing. You should be very cautious about this.

The appetite suppressant supplements that have stimulant ingredients such as caffeine or ginseng in them can be of a concern. Mostly pregnant women should be aware of this.

Speaking of pregnant women, the safety of this product used with a woman carrying an unborn child has not yet been established. Furthermore, there is a concern about nursing women. You should talk to your doctor about this.

Other dangers

People who have diabetes should be concerned about taking this product. Their blood sugar level could drop profusely. Dehydration also could be a problem because it not only suppresses appetite but thirst.

There is the possibility of liver problems being associated with the use of hoodia. However, further information is needed to confirm this.

Conclusion

More conclusive evidence is needed to determine what the side effects of hoodia are when this product is used in its purest form. You should use supplements made with this plant as well as other ingredients very sparingly.