Herb & supplement monograph

Hoodia Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Hoodia interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Hoodia is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Hoodia is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Hoodia Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated August 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Hoodia drug interaction appears low for most people, though none of the possible interactions have been confirmed in well-controlled human studies. All of the listed interactions are rated moderate rather than major, and every one rests on animal, lab, or limited human evidence rather than solid documentation in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The strongest signal is that hoodia has been shown in clinical research to raise blood pressure and heart rate. That means people taking blood pressure medications, including beta-blockers like metoprolol or atenolol, could see those medicines work less well. Animal research also suggests hoodia may boost insulin release, so it could add to the glucose-lowering effect of diabetes medications and insulin, and blood sugar is worth watching more closely with these combinations.

What the rest of the list means

Although hoodia is listed alongside a large number of medications, that does not mean each combination is known to cause harm. Most entries come from broad drug categories flagged on theoretical grounds, based on effects seen in animals or lab studies. So far, no interaction has been proven to cause meaningful problems in people.

Check your medications against Hoodia

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Hoodia interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Hoodia

262 medications have a known interaction with Hoodia, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Hoodia using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Hoodia interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Hoodia combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Hoodia affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Hoodia is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 4 drug categories Hoodia interacts with

Antidiabetes DrugsAntihypertensive DrugsBeta-blockersInsulin

Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that a steroid glycoside of hoodia, gordonoside F, increases glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by activating GPR119. This effect enhances glucose disposal. Theoretically, concomitant use of hoodia with antidiabetes medications may enhance blood glucose-lowering effects and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Some antidiabetes medications include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Antihypertensive Drugs

Clinical research shows that hoodia can increase blood pressure. Theoretically, concomitant use of hoodia with antihypertensive drugs might decrease the effectiveness of the antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypertension. Some antihypertensive drugs include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Beta-Blockers

Evidence from in vitro research shows that hoodia may stimulate beta-adrenergic receptors. Also, clinical research shows that hoodia can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Theoretically, using hoodia with beta-blockers might decrease the effects of these medications. Some beta-blocker drugs include atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), and propranolol (Inderal).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Insulin

Animal research shows that a steroid glycoside of hoodia, gordonoside F, increases glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by activating GPR119. Theoretically, concomitant use of hoodia with insulin may enhance the blood glucose-lowering effects of insulin. Blood glucose levels should be monitored.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Hoodia: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Hoodia is a succulent plant from southern Africa that is marketed as an appetite suppressant for weight loss, but solid human evidence that it actually works is lacking. The few quality studies done have not shown meaningful weight loss, and some products on the market may not even contain real hoodia. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before trying it, and avoid it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Scientific name: Hoodia gordonii
Family: Apocynaceae
Part used: Stem (aerial parts)
Common forms: Capsules, tablets, powders, liquid extracts, teas, chews

People commonly use it for

Appetite suppression
Weight loss
Reducing food cravings
Traditional use for hunger and thirst on long journeys

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Limited safety data exist, and side effects and product quality concerns have been reported.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Hoodia (Hoodia gordonii) is a spiny, cactus-like succulent plant that grows in the Kalahari Desert region of southern Africa, including parts of South Africa and Namibia. Although it is often called a cactus, it is not a true cactus.

For generations, the San people of the Kalahari are said to have eaten pieces of the plant's stem to help stave off hunger and thirst during long hunting trips. This traditional use is the basis for hoodia's modern reputation as an appetite suppressant.

Today hoodia is sold as a dietary supplement marketed mainly for weight loss and reducing appetite. It comes in capsules, tablets, powders, teas, and liquid extracts, often advertised as a "natural" diet aid.

How it works

Hoodia contains a group of natural compounds called steroidal glycosides. The best known of these is often called P57. Other compounds, such as gordonoside F, have also been studied.

The leading theory is that these compounds may act on the brain in a way that signals "fullness," reducing the desire to eat. Some laboratory and animal research has suggested effects on appetite-related signaling.

It is important to understand that much of this is based on laboratory and animal studies, not on solid human research. How well these mechanisms translate to real appetite suppression and weight loss in people remains unproven.

Effectiveness

Does Hoodia work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated

1 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Hoodia, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 1 condition — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obesity

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Clinical evidence shows that drinking a raspberry-flavored yogurt drink containing hoodia purified extract 1110 mg twice daily for 15 days does not reduce energy intake or body weight compared to placebo in overweight women.

Sources Ref 18052

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

The long-term safety of hoodia in humans is not well established. Because quality studies are limited, we do not have a clear picture of who may be at risk or what doses are safe.

People with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, eating disorders, or liver or kidney problems should be especially cautious and should not use hoodia without talking to a healthcare provider first.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable safety information, so hoodia should be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Children should not use hoodia. Because supplements are not tightly regulated and some hoodia products have been found to be adulterated or mislabeled, choose products carefully and check with your pharmacist before starting.

Side effects

Reported side effects from hoodia studies and use have included nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, skin reactions, and changes in heart rate or blood pressure. Some studies noted increases in heart rate and blood pressure, which could be a concern for people with heart conditions.

Because hoodia can suppress appetite, there is also a theoretical risk of eating or drinking too little, which can be harmful. Stop using hoodia and seek medical care if you have a rapid heartbeat, chest discomfort, fainting, or other worrying symptoms.

Hoodia: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Hoodia from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, hoodia has been reported to cause minor adverse effects including disturbances of skin sensation, headache, dizziness, giddiness, and nausea. There is also concern that hoodia may increase blood pressure and heart rate.

Blom WAM, Abrahamse SL, Bradford R, et al. Effects of 15-d repeated consumption of Hoodia gordonii purified extract on safety, ad libitum energy intake, and body weight in healthy, overweight women: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2011;94(5)

Reports by condition

Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Orally, hoodia extract has been reported to cause headache, dizziness, and giddiness.

Blom WAM, Abrahamse SL, Bradford R, et al. Effects of 15-d repeated consumption of Hoodia gordonii purified extract on safety, ad libitum energy intake, and body weight in healthy, overweight women: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2011;94(5)

Nausea and vomiting Gastrointestinal

Orally, hoodia extract has been reported to cause nausea.

Blom WAM, Abrahamse SL, Bradford R, et al. Effects of 15-d repeated consumption of Hoodia gordonii purified extract on safety, ad libitum energy intake, and body weight in healthy, overweight women: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2011;94(5)

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no established, well-studied dose for hoodia. Products vary widely in their strength, purity, and how they are made, and some may not contain genuine hoodia at all.

If you choose to try a hoodia supplement, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Because doses are not standardized and safety is uncertain, it is best to check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you have any health conditions or take other medications.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Hoodia & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Hoodia & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 3 references that drive our Hoodia monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Blom WAM, Abrahamse SL, Bradford R, et al. Effects of 15-d repeated consumption of Hoodia gordonii purified extract on safety, ad libitum energy intake, and body weight in healthy, overweight women: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2011;94(5) PubMed
Roza O, Lovász N, Zupkó I, Hohmann J, Csupor D. Sympathomimetic activity of a Hoodia gordonii product: a possible mechanism of cardiovascular side effects. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:171059.
Zhang S, Ma Y, Li J, et al. Molecular matchmaking between the popular weight-loss herb Hoodia gordonii and GPR119, a potential drug target for metabolic disorder. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2014;111(40):14571-6.

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Hoodia

132 brands in our database make a supplement containing Hoodia.

1-800-WellMed 20 products 1ViZN 1 product 4 Organics 16 products Ab Cuts Sleek & Lean 5 products ABS Alpha Bitch Supplements 5 products Accelerated Sport Nutraceuticals 2 products Accomplix 6 products Addrena 9 products Advanced Nutrition Systems 25 products Allied Life Sciences 3 products AmazeRx 4 products AMMO American Muscle Mass Optimization 10 products Animal 139 products ANS 20 products Best Naturals 363 products BioGenesis Nutraceuticals 87 products BioRhythm 52 products Biotivia 51 products BIOVEA 1,494 products Body Fortress 110 products BodyHealth 60 products BRI Nutrition 40 products Bronson Laboratories 446 products BulkSupplements.com 5,595 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Hoodia

283 products in our database contain Hoodia. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Hoodia: Common Questions

What is Hoodia used for, and does it work?

People use Hoodia for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.

Does Hoodia interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 262 medications with a known interaction with Hoodia. Use the checker above to see how Hoodia interacts with a specific drug.

How are Hoodia interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Hoodia with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Hoodia interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Hoodia used for?

Hoodia is most commonly used as an appetite suppressant to help with weight loss and to reduce food cravings, based on its traditional use to fight hunger. However, strong human evidence that it works is lacking.

Does Hoodia actually help you lose weight?

The available human studies have not shown that Hoodia leads to meaningful weight loss, and some products may not contain real Hoodia. At this time the evidence does not support it as an effective weight-loss aid.

Is Hoodia safe to take?

Hoodia's safety has not been well studied, and reported side effects include nausea, dizziness, and increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you have heart disease, diabetes, or other health conditions.

Can I take Hoodia while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. There is not enough reliable safety information, so Hoodia should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Hoodia

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Hoodia — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 283 products with Hoodia →

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Hoodia Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Hoodia Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Hoodia

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Hoodia affects

Hoodia: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does Hoodia work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Hoodia: Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

Hoodia & Pregnancy

Hoodia & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Hoodia

Supplement products with Hoodia

Hoodia: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Hoodia

Have a question about Hoodia?