Effect of Hoodia gordonii meal supplementation at finisher stage on productivity and carcass characteristics of Ross 308 broiler chickens

Hoodia gordonii extract targets both adipose and muscle tissue to achieve weight loss in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hoodia gordonii (Masson) Sweet ex Decne (family Apocynaceae) is consumed globally as a natural appetite suppressant. While this effect-and its subsequent effect of weight loss-has been reported in the scientific literature, no information is available on the specific tissue types affected that accounts for the significant weight loss reported after consumption of the plant. Furthermore, most studies are performed on lean animals, so that the response of overweight or obese individuals to this plant supplement remains largely unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve lean and twelve obese male Wistar rats were supplemented with different doses of Hoodia gordonii extract (80 or 160 mg/kg body mass twice daily) in a placebo-controlled study, for a period of 14 days.

RESULTS

All supplemented rats exhibited significant weight loss (P<0.001). This could be ascribed to decrease in both adipose cell size and skeletal muscle fibre size.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the weight loss seen after consumption of Hoodia gordonii is due to loss of both adipose and muscle mass.

Sympathomimetic activity of a Hoodia gordonii product: a possible mechanism of cardiovascular side effects

Hoodia gordonii, a popular appetite suppressant, is widely used as an ingredient in many food supplements despite the fact that supporting scientific evidence is scarce. Recently alarming side effects of H. gordonii products (increased blood pressure and elevated pulse rate) have been reported. The aim of our study was to elucidate the underlying mechanism of these symptoms. A H. gordonii-containing product was tested for sympathomimetic activity. Isolated organ experiments on rat uterine rings revealed smooth muscle relaxant effect with a substantial component mediated through β -adrenergic receptors. Chromatographic comparison of the analyzed product and authentic plant material confirmed that the herbal product contained Hoodia spp. extract, and its cardiovascular effects may be linked to the compounds of the plant.