Bushman's Hat (Hoodia gordonii) Research Summary

Hoodia gordonii, commonly known as Bushman's Hat, is a succulent plant from Southern Africa, traditionally used by the San people for its appetite suppressant properties. Recent studies have focused on its potential for weight loss and appetite suppression in modern contexts.

Botanical and Ethnopharmacological Review

Research has investigated the botany, ethnopharmacology, and phytochemistry of Hoodia gordonii, highlighting its use as a natural appetite suppressant and its commercial potential. The chemical structure of its steroid glycosides has been detailed, suggesting benefits for indigenous communities through the combination of traditional knowledge and scientific research.

Appetite-Suppressing Qualities

South African researchers discovered that extracts from Hoodia species, particularly H. pilifera and H. gordonii, suppress appetite. The isolated compounds were tested on rats and demonstrated to reduce food intake and body mass, being more effective than known appetite suppressants.

Quality and Safety of Hoodia Products

Due to concerns about the quality and safety of Hoodia products, studies have utilized NMR fingerprinting and multivariate analysis for species identification and assessment of dietary supplements. These techniques have demonstrated potential as tools for authenticating botanical supplements.

DNA Barcoding for Identification

DNA barcoding has been assessed for molecular identification of Hoodia, proving to be an effective and robust tool for detecting and identifying this CITES-protected species, potentially aiding in curbing illegal trade.

Synthesis and Phytochemical Analysis

Research has focused on the synthesis of appetite-suppressing compounds from Hoodia gordonii, such as Hoodigogenin A and pregnane glycoside P57, to facilitate biological studies due to the plant's protected status and low extraction yield. Additionally, phytochemical analysis has led to the discovery of new steroidal derivatives and oxypregnane glycosides with appetite suppressant properties.

Pharmacokinetics and Safety

Various studies have examined the pharmacokinetics, safety, and effectiveness of Hoodia gordonii extracts and compounds. Efforts include investigating metabolic stability, genotoxic effects, pharmacokinetic properties, and the safety of consumption in overweight women, concluding that while some properties are favorable, adverse effects and safety concerns have been noted.

Appetite-Suppressing Mechanisms and Regulatory Concerns

Further research has probed into the mechanisms of appetite suppression, such as the role of taste receptors and hormone production in reducing food intake. Concerns have been raised about the efficacy and safety of Hoodia products, highlighting the need for evidence-based weight loss recommendations and regulatory compliance.

References:

1. Indigenous use of Hoodia gordonii and appetite suppression
2. Hoodia gordonii: a natural appetite suppressant
3. An appetite suppressant from Hoodia species
4. NMR fingerprinting for analysis of hoodia species and hoodia dietary products
5. Forensic identification of CITES protected slimming cactus (Hoodia) using DNA barcoding
6. Synthesis of Hoodigogenin A, aglycone of natural appetite suppressant glycosteroids extracted from Hoodia gordonii
7. Expeditious synthesis of saponin P57, an appetite suppressant from Hoodia plants
8. Steroidal glycosides from Hoodia gordonii
9. New oxypregnane glycosides from appetite suppressant herbal supplement Hoodia gordonii
10. Hoodigogenin A from Hoodia gordonii
11. Quantification of appetite suppressing steroid glycosides from Hoodia gordonii in dried plant material, purified extracts and food products using HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS methods
12. Pregnane glycosides from Hoodia gordonii
13. New calogenin glycosides from Hoodia gordonii
14. Genotoxicity testing of a Hoodia gordonii extract
15. Chemical characterisation of Hoodia gordonii extract
16. The steroid glycoside H.g.-12 from Hoodia gordonii activates the human bitter receptor TAS2R14 and induces CCK release from HuTu-80 cells
17. Bitter taste receptors influence glucose homeostasis
18. Bitter stimuli induce Ca2+ signaling and CCK release in enteroendocrine STC-1 cells: role of L-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels
19. In vitro metabolic stability and intestinal transport of P57AS3 (P57) from Hoodia gordonii and its interaction with drug metabolizing enzymes
20. The use of intravesical oxybutynin chloride in children with neurogenic bladder
21. In vitro transport of the steroidal glycoside P57 from Hoodia gordonii across excised porcine intestinal and buccal tissue
22. Characterization of in vitro pharmacokinetic properties of hoodigogenin A from Hoodia gordonii
23. Bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and tissue distribution of the oxypregnane steroidal glycoside P57AS3 (P57) from Hoodia gordonii in mouse model
24. 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
25. Increased ATP content/production in the hypothalamus may be a signal for energy-sensing of satiety: studies of the anorectic mechanism of a plant steroidal glycoside
26. Case report. Efficacy of Hoodia for weight loss: is there evidence to support the efficacy claims?
27. Pregnane glycosides interfere with steroidogenic enzymes to down-regulate corticosteroid production in human adrenocortical H295R cells
28. Safety profile of Hoodia gordonii extract: rabbit prenatal developmental toxicity study
29. Safety profile of Hoodia gordonii extract: mouse prenatal developmental toxicity study