Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Hoodia Liquid Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Source Naturals

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

Hoodia Liquid Extract is a dietary supplement by Source Naturals 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 Hoodia gordonii stem extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Hoodia Liquid Extract by Source Naturals

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

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: hoodia gordonii stem extract, a botanical extract that comes from a plant native to southern Africa. It also contains grain alcohol, purified water, vegetable glycerin, and peppermint oil as inactive ingredients to preserve and flavor the liquid.

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 management.
  • We looked for evidence on: Obesity, overweight, weight loss, food cravings.
  • The closest evidence on file: Hoodia is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Obesity (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for hoodia in weight management is insufficient to rate. While it's marketed for obesity, reliable clinical data supporting its effectiveness isn't available in our data.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the evidence supports trying it for your goals.

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. Minor side effects reported include headache, dizziness, giddiness, nausea, and abnormal skin sensations.

There's also concern that it may raise blood pressure and heart rate. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding—there isn't enough information to know either way, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

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 this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood pressure medications, beta-blockers, diabetes drugs, or insulin. Hoodia may lower blood sugar further and reduce how well blood pressure pills work, so your medications may need adjustment or closer monitoring.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Hoodia Liquid Extract is marketed for weight, but the evidence for it isn't well established. More importantly, it can interact with blood pressure medications, heart medications, and diabetes drugs—especially a risk of low blood sugar if you're on insulin or diabetes pills.

If you take any of those medications or have high blood pressure or diabetes, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting. They can tell you whether it's right for you.

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 Jan 25, 2018.

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 Liquid Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Source Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 021078019237
Net contents 1 fl. Oz.; 29.57 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 25, 2018
DSLD ID 82204
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
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 Liquid Extract by Source Naturals, 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:
2 mL
Servings per container
14
UPC/BARCODE
021078019237
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Hoodia gordonii stem extract2 mL--

Other ingredients: Grain Alcohol, purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Peppermint Oil

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.
General Statements

Lab Tested: Contains P57

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

(Hoodia gordonii)

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon one hour before a meal. May be taken with an 8 ounce glass of water.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

Caution: If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any prescription drug, consult your health care professional before using this product.

Do not use if tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

General

SN1923 REV F121-A

See for yourself

Hoodia Liquid Extract by Source Naturals label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Hoodia Liquid Extract by Source Naturals

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 container14 Amounts shown are per serving.

Hoodia gordonii stem extract

Interacts with
262 drugs
2 mL 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...

Hoodia gordonii stem extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Hoodia Liquid Extract by Source Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Hoodia Liquid Extract?

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

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Hoodia Liquid Extract 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.

Hoodia gordonii stem extract4 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 Liquid Extract, from the product label.

Source Naturals

Name
Source Naturals, Inc.
Street Address
P. O. Box 2118
City
Santa Cruz
State
CA
ZipCode
95062
Web Address
www.sourcenaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Hoodia Liquid Extract by Source Naturals: Common Questions

Does Hoodia Liquid Extract by Source Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Hoodia Liquid Extract 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 Liquid Extract 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 on blood pressure medication?
Not without checking first. Hoodia can raise blood pressure and may make your blood pressure medications less effective. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting—they may need to monitor you more closely or adjust your dose.
What side effects might I experience?
The most common reported side effects are headache, dizziness, giddiness, and nausea. Some people have also reported unusual skin sensations. There's also concern that hoodia might raise your blood pressure and heart rate.
Is this safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No—the safety data advises against it during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your options.
Does hoodia actually work for weight management?
The evidence isn't reliable enough to rate. While it's marketed for weight, we don't have solid clinical data showing it works. Your doctor or pharmacist can discuss other options with better evidence behind them.
What exactly is in this product?
It's a liquid extract of hoodia gordonii stem, mixed with grain alcohol, purified water, vegetable glycerin, and peppermint oil. The alcohol and glycerin help preserve the extract and give it a better taste.

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

Not sure if Hoodia Liquid Extract is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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 Liquid Extract label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Hoodia Liquid Extract’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Hoodia Liquid Extract'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

Keep exploring