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Dietary supplement

Hoodia Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Desert Juice

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Hoodia is a dietary supplement by Desert Juice with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for appetite suppression, weight loss, reducing food cravings.Based on those ingredients, 262 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Selectively Imported and Tested South African Hoodia gordonii Aerial Parts. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Hoodia by Desert Juice

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.

Desert Juice Hoodia is a one-ingredient liquid supplement containing selectively imported and tested South African Hoodia gordonii aerial parts. The product also contains deionized water and grain alcohol as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Hoodia's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: appetite suppression and weight loss support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Obesity, overweight, food cravings.
  • The closest evidence on file: Hoodia is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Obesity (Natural Medicines).

The evidence we hold for hoodia in weight management is insufficient — we do not have reliable data to say whether it works for obesity. If you're considering it for appetite or weight support, that's a conversation to have with your doctor or pharmacist, since the science isn't yet strong enough to back a claim.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Hoodia

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Hoodia has limited safety data, and side effects have been reported. Orally, it may cause disturbances of skin sensation, headache, dizziness, giddiness, and nausea.

There is also concern that hoodia can raise blood pressure and heart rate. The safety information is not sufficient to recommend use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — avoid it in both situations.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Hoodia

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Hoodia.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 262 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take Desert Juice Hoodia, double-check if you're on blood pressure medications (antihypertensives), beta-blockers, diabetes medications, or insulin. Hoodia may reduce how well these drugs work or increase the risk of low blood sugar — all moderate-severity concerns that require your doctor's or pharmacist's input.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Hoodia may appeal to those interested in appetite support, but the evidence for weight management is not established, and safety data are limited. If you take blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, or insulin, this product is not a simple add-on — check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Talk it over with your own healthcare provider before starting.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 23, 2012.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Hoodia, straight from the product label.

Brand Desert Juice
Barcode (UPC) 837654219850
Net contents 2 fl. Oz.; 59 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 23, 2012
DSLD ID 7022
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Hoodia by Desert Juice, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
59
UPC/BARCODE
837654219850
IngredientAmount% DV
Selectively Imported and Tested South African Hoodia gordonii Aerial Parts0 NP--

Other ingredients: deionized Water, Grain Alcohol

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Precautions

This product is not to be taken by pregnant or nursing mothers, children under 18 or by individuals with any known medical condition.

Do not purchase if seal is broken or missing.

Do not exceed recommended dose.

Storage

Store at 15-30 (o) C. Protect from heat, light and moisture.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Formula

100% AUTHENTIC HOODIA GORDONII

General Statements

PROFESSIONAL GRADE LIQUID

Please share your success stories with us. We'd love to hear from you!

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Formulation

Contains no milk or milk by-products.

Seals/Symbols

CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC HOODIA WWW.HOODIATESTERS.COM CERTIFIED HOODIA

DesertBurn(R) Stamp of Authenticity www.desertburn.com

(US flag)

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Place 30 drops (1 dropperful) in water and drink 15-30 minutes before each meal. Repeat more often for faster results.

Stay consistent with the regimen until you finish the bottle. For best results combine with a sensible diet low in carbohydrates and consider light exercise such as walking 30 minutes or 1 mile per day.

See for yourself

Hoodia by Desert Juice label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Hoodia by Desert Juice

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container59 Amounts shown are per serving.

0 NP per serving

Hoodia is a succulent plant from southern Africa that is marketed as an appetite suppressant for weight loss, but solid human evidence that it actuall...

Selectively Imported and Tested South African Hoodia gordonii Aerial Parts monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Deionized Water, Grain Alcohol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Hoodia by Desert Juice Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Hoodia?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
262Drugs
262 Moderate

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Hoodia with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Selectively Imported and Tested South African Hoodia gordonii Aerial Parts4 drug types · 262 drugs

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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Hoodia, from the product label.

Desert Juice

See all Desert Juice products
Name
DESERTBURN(R)
City
LAS VEGAS
State
NV
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Hoodia by Desert Juice: Common Questions

Does Hoodia by Desert Juice interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Hoodia has a known interaction with 262 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Hoodia contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety information, so the data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What side effects has hoodia reported?
Minor side effects include disturbances of skin sensation, headache, dizziness, giddiness, and nausea. There's also concern that it may raise blood pressure and heart rate.
Does this product actually help with weight loss?
The evidence we have is insufficient to say whether hoodia works for obesity. The science isn't strong enough yet to support a reliable claim.
Why is there a warning about blood sugar?
Animal research shows that hoodia may boost insulin secretion, which lowers blood glucose. If you're already on diabetes medication or insulin, combining them could drop your blood sugar too far. Blood glucose monitoring would be needed.

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

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Hoodia label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Hoodia's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 3 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Hoodia 3 references
  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

See these in context on the Hoodia monograph →

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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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