African Bush Mango Supplement Review & Side Effects

African bush mango is a common name for Irvingia gabonensis, a tree indigenous to Central and West Africa. The tree can reach a height of up to forty feet and produces edible fruits called African mangos. These fruits contain seeds with healthy fats, fiber and other beneficial phytonutrients.

African bush mango is often promoted as a weight loss supplement. In clinical trials, extracts from I. gabonensis seeds have demonstrated antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-diabetic and cholesterol-lowering properties.

More research is needed to rate the effects of African bush mango capsules in humans. In two human studies, African mango has been observed to promote appetite control and lower cholesterol levels.

However, these studies are not definitive because they used substandard methodologies. Large-scale, well-organized human trials are needed to determine the therapeutic effects of African mango.

African Mango

Appetite Suppressant

Weight Loss

Appetite

Carb Blocker

How It Works:

• Helps control the appetite
• Increases leptin sensitivity & adiponectin
• Improves blood sugar & cholesterol

Dosage:

Between 500 - 1,000 mg per day

Safety:

Generally well tolerated

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African Bush Mango Supplements

African bush mango is used for weight loss, obesity, hyperlipidemia (high concentration of lipids in the blood), diabetes and pain. [1] It is also used for modulating blood sugar levels.

The fruits of the African mango tree are commonly consumed as food. Most of the crop is now pickled or made into juice, but the fresh mango is often consumed by local populations.

African bush mango does not have a history of traditional medicinal use. The increasing popularity of African mango supplements has spurned some research into the effectiveness of the supplement.

Some results have been promising, but more research is needed to establish the effectiveness of African mango supplements.

The following is a brief summary of some of the research available on the uses of African bush mango supplements.

African Bush Mango and Diabetes

In a 1990 study African mango seed fiber was observed to lower blood sugar levels and improve lipid profiles in individuals with type II diabetes.

In the study, 4 g of seed fiber was ground and dissolved in 100 mL of water. This mixture was administered once a day for 30 days to individuals diagnosed with type II diabetes.

At the end of the 30-day trial, participants’ plasma glucose levels were reduced in comparison to baseline levels. Significant reductions in triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C or so-called “bad” cholesterol), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and total cholesterol levels were also observed. [2]

African Bush Mango and Hypercholesterolemia

African bush mango supplements have been observed to reduce blood lipid levels in overweight individuals.

In one four-week human study, 1.05 g of I. gabonensis seed extract was administered three times a day for four weeks. Participants also followed a calorie-restricted diet. At the end of the trial, the following results were reported (averages relative to baseline levels taken before the study began):

• 46 % reduction in LDL cholesterol levels;
• 39 % decrease in total cholesterol levels;
• 45 % decrease in serum triglyceride levels;
• 47 % increase in HDL cholesterol (so-called “good” cholesterol) levels. [3]

In a separate study conducted by the same research team, a standardized African bush mango seed extract (IGOB131) was given to overweight individuals for 10 weeks. Participants were placed in either a treatment or placebo group.

Individuals in the treatment group received two daily doses of 150 mg IGOB131. Participants had normal cholesterol levels at the start of the study. After 10 weeks, the total cholesterol levels in the treatment group dropped by 26 % and LDL cholesterol levels were reduced by 27 %. [4]

African Bush Mango and Obesity

In preliminary trials I. gabonensis has been observed to help reduce body weight in overweight individuals when combined with a low-calorie diet.

In the same two studies discussed above in relation to cholesterol levels, overweight individuals were observed to lose weight during the course of African mango supplementation.

For instance, in the first study discussed above, overweight individuals who took 1.05 g of African bush mango extract three times a day lost an average of 8.8 lbs. [3]

In this study, overweight participants were assigned to either the treatment or placebo group. Both groups adhered to a 1,800 kCal/day, low-fat diet.

After four weeks, those receiving the treatment doses lost an average of 8.8 lbs. Those receiving the placebo in conjunction with the low-calorie diet experienced no statistically significant weight loss.

IGOB131 (tested in the second study discussed above) was also tested for its anti-obesity effects in overweight patients. Individuals in the treatment group received two daily doses of 150 mg IGOB131 while individuals in the placebo group did not.

Placebo group subjects lost an average of 0.7 kg (less than 2 lbs). The average weight loss reported for treatment group subjects was 12.8 kg (over 28 lbs).

Additionally, treatment group subjects electively consumed nearly 400 fewer calories per day than placebo group members. This may indicate African mango can help support weight loss by controlling appetite. [4]

African Bush Mango Studies

African mango has been connected to weight reduction, appetite control and modulated cholesterol levels in overweight individuals.

Some of the studies discussed above have been critiqued for substandard methodology and are not definitive. Further research is necessary to establish the therapeutic effects of African mango.

African Bush Mango Side Effects

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates African bush mango extract as “Possibly Safe” when taken orally and used appropriately. [1]

In the studies discussed above, similar side effects were reported by both treatment and placebo group members. Reported side effects include sleeplessness, headaches, nausea and/or flatulence.

African Bush Mango Safety

There is not enough reliable evidence to determine the safety of I. gabonensis supplements for women who are pregnant and/or nursing.

African mango supplements have been observed to affect blood sugar levels. Stop taking African bush mango supplements at least two weeks before any scheduled surgical procedure. In addition, be sure to tell your physician about any dietary supplements you are taking.

Do not combine Irvingia gabonensis supplements with anti-diabetic prescription medications without getting the approval of your doctor. Anti-diabetic medications include medications such as insulin, Avandia, Actos and Amaryl.

Likewise, use extra caution when combining I. gabonensis with other herbal products may affect glucose levels, including guar gum, ginseng, devil’s claw and fenugreek.

Conclusions

No unique bioactive constituents of Irvingia gabonensis have been identified. The beneficial fiber and fatty acids contained in African mango may be available from other, less expensive sources.

Medium-chain fatty acids, similar to those in coconut oil, and soluble fiber are thought to be responsible for the beneficial effects of African bush mango supplements.

The appetite-suppressing, weight loss, lipid-lowering, glucose-modulating and other therapeutic potentials of Irvingia gabonensis continue to be investigated.

Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking African bush mango supplements.

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