Know what you're putting in your body.

158 herbs, nutrients, and compounds. What the science says, what tradition knew, and what to watch for. Founding members keep this running.

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HORMONE BALANCE

Hoodia

Hoodia gordonii

also known as hoodia cactus

Weak — and supply chain is unreliable

A cactus-like succulent from the Kalahari Desert, traditionally chewed by the San people during long hunts to suppress hunger. Marketed heavily as a weight-loss aid in the 2000s, hoodia has run into two problems: clinical trials have been disappointing, and most products on the market do not actually contain real hoodia.

Traditional use by the San people to suppress hunger and thirst on long desert journeys
May contain compounds (P57) that affect appetite signaling
Real-world evidence in modern clinical trials has been limited and underwhelming

Most hoodia supplements on the market have been shown to contain little or no actual hoodia — supply chain authenticity is a serious problem

Genuine hoodia is CITES-protected and slow-growing — wild harvest threatens the species

One small clinical trial showed gastrointestinal side effects, blood pressure changes, and elevated bilirubin

Skip with high blood pressure or heart conditions

Skip with diabetes — hoodia may affect blood sugar regulation

Skip during pregnancy and nursing

Stop two weeks before surgery

NCCIH — Hoodia · MedlinePlus Herbs & Supplements · NIH NCCIH Herbs at a Glance

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