Hoodia is a cactuslike plant native to South Africa that is said to suppress hunger. A compound in the prickly, flowering plant — a pregnane glycoside called p57 — is thought to be responsible for this appetite-suppressing effect. Hoodia is also reported to have euphoric effects and can boost energy levels. Various dietary supplements contain extracts from the plant and claim to promote weight loss. In one study, people taking a hoodia extract in pill form were able to eat 1,000 fewer calories a day, researchers say. But there's a catch: The hoodia used in the test was not the same as the hoodia sold in stores and online, experts warn. The hoodia supplements may contain other types of the herb, or none at all.
The hoodia in some supplements might contain additional ingredients, including green tea extract, chromium and other herbs. Hoodia might interact with some medications, especially narcotics and blood thinners. Other herbal supplements that might be harmful to take with hoodia include ephedra, which was banned by the Food and Drug Administration in 2004, and garcinia cambogia, which has been linked to liver damage.
The dietary supplement company Spring Valley manufactures the hoodia and green tea product called Green Tea plus Hoodia. The product is available in capsules, tablets and a tea bag form. Each serving (two capsules) contains 0 grams of net carbs, 0 fat, 0 protein and 0 calories. This product is free of gluten, dairy and soy.