No, Hoodia gordonii is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a drug or treatment for any medical condition, including weight loss. While it has been marketed as a dietary supplement, the FDA does not pre-approve dietary supplements before they are sold to the public. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety and labeling of their products, and the FDA can take action if safety concerns arise .nccih.nih.gov
In 2003, a company submitted a 75-day premarket notification for Hoodia gordonii extract as a new dietary ingredient, but this does not equate to FDA approval . Additionally, pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer have discontinued research into Hoodia due to challenges in synthesizing its active compound and concerns about potential side effects .fda.goven.wikipedia.org
Therefore, while Hoodia gordonii is available as a dietary supplement, it is not FDA-approved, and consumers should exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals before use.