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.

After this study was completed, reports were made that this plant actually helped suppress appetites in lab animals. The active component that works in this way is the steroidal glycoside, which has the P57 enzyme in it.

The scientists who were in charge of these studies worked with the British Phytopharm Company. Then, in 1995 Phytopharm received a license to obtain this P57 source after spending more than $20 million on research.

The popularity of 60 minutes heightened after it was introduced on 60 minutes. This was after a media crew made a trip to South Africa to try this plant. Leslie Stahl is one of the person’s who became a spokesperson for the benefits of this plant.

This was all done in an effort to provide more evidence of the validity of the claims that this plant is actually helpful for suppressing appetite. It in fact has helped many people, and not just the animals who were tested in lab-even if there is not yet any very much scientific evidence yet of its affect on humans.

Products

Today hoodia is found in capsule, power, liquid, or tea forms. It sometimes is sold as is, and in its purest form it seems to work the best. It also sometimes is mixed with other quality ingredients such as green tea that helps build metabolism.