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Don't get hoodwinked by hoodia scams
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In the never ending quest to lose weight many people have begun to look at hoodia as the new miracle formula, replacing ephedra, which was taken off the market several years ago. Unlike ephedra, hoodia does not seem to have any real adverse side effects, although little long term testing has been done to date. Still, there are some issues you should be aware of before you spend your hard earned money.
Hoodia gordonii is a South African succulent plant originally used by the San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert to ward off hunger and thirst during prolonged hunting trips, as well as for medicinal purposes in treating ailments such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, diabetes, severe cramps, hemorroids, and even tuberculosis. It's main purpose here, however, is for its properties that help suppress appetite by tricking cells within the hypothalamus part of the brain into thinking that you are full. This is caused by a molecule known as p57.
Hoodia is currently available in the U.S. as an over-the-counter dietary supplement in liquid (the most effective only because it is the most concenterated and enters the blood stream faster), powder and gel cap forms. Again, while it has been deemed safe for consumption, an April 26, 2005 letter written to the New York Times by Jasjit Binda Ph.d, a former researcher for hoodia at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals hinted that there were might be some possible effects on the liver caused by components of the plant other than p57, "which could not be separated during processing." As a result, women who are pregnant or nursing, as well as people with liver or kidney disease are warned to consult their doctors before taking any kind of hoodia .
So far, however, the greatest warnings regarding hoodia have been against the vast amount of counterfeit and low dose hoodia products being sold in stores and online. Consumers should be aware that authentic hoodia comes only from South Africa, and stay clear of any packages that state it is from China or North America. In addition, they should check to see if the product comes with a C.I.T.E.S permit issued by Cape Nature of South Africa verifying the source, as well as any independent lab tests conducted in th United States attesting to its quality and origin. Authentic hoodia is also rare and expensive. Any product being sold too cheaply is most likely a sign that it is either low dose or counterfeit and, therefore, useless and a waste of money. Consumers should also take a good look at the expiration date on any package of hoodia and make sure it is not more than six months old.
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