Conclusions

So is Hoodia gordonii the magic bullet, the ultimate way to lose weight, cure obesity, and maybe even make the world a better place?

Not yet, and maybe not ever.  Here's why:

• We don't know exactly how it works

• We don't even know if it really does work-there have been no published trials in humans!

• We don't know if it is safe, in the short or long term

• We aren't sure of the safest and most efficacious dose

•  The supply of real Hoodia gordonii is limited. Until it is can be produced synthetically, it will continue to be expensive, and therefore not a feasible option for many people.

•  Hoodia gordonii is regulated as an herbal supplement in the United States, which means that the safety standards it must meet are lower than those of food or medications.  Furthermore, this type of regulation means that there is no guarantee that the ingredients listed on the label are actually in the bottle. 

However,

• The scant clinical evidence suggests that Hoodia gordonii does lead to a much lower daily caloric intake, and weight loss.

• No adverse effects have been reported to date. 

• Ultimately, only time will tell if Hoodia gordonii lives up to its much hyped potential.