African mango diet pills are popular weight loss supplements, said to promote appetite suppression and inhibit weight gain. These diet pills are also used to prevent obesity-related complications, diabetes, hyperlipidemia (high blood lipid levels) and pain.
African mango dietary supplements are produced from seeds of Irvingia gabonensis, a tree native to tropical regions in Central and West Africa. I. gabonensis produces fruits (referred to as African mangos or bush mangos) that contain a single seed or nut that is high in fiber and contains medium- and long-chain fatty acids.
Irvingia seed extracts are gaining popularity in the West as supplements to help achieve and maintain a healthy weight. African mango diet pills are also used to encourage hepatic (liver) detoxification and help with the symptoms of diabetes.
More research is needed to rate the effectiveness of African mango supplements for weight loss or any other therapeutic use. User reviews are largely positive, but there is not enough scientific evidence to definitively tie the use of African mango to weight loss.



- Helps control the appetite
- Increases leptin sensitivity & adiponectin
- Improves blood sugar & cholesterol
African Mango Diet Pills
Millions of Americans are classified as overweight or obese. Excess bodyweight significantly increases the risks of developing a number of pro-inflammatory conditions (that is, diseases associated with chronic inflammation).
In two human studies, African mango supplements were observed to help overweight individuals lose weight. These studies have been critiqued for using substandard methodology and further research is necessary to verify their results.
African Mango for Weight Loss Studies
In a four-week study, overweight participants were assigned to either a treatment or placebo group. Individuals in the treatment group received three doses of 1.05 g I. gabonensis each day. [2]
Participants in both the treatment and placebo group ate a low-fat diet and consumed only 1,800 kCal/day.
At the study’s conclusion, participants in the treatment group who received African mango diet pills and maintained a calorie-restricted diet lost an average of 8.8 lbs. The placebo group experienced no statistically significant weight reductions.
In another study, overweight participants were given a specific Irvingia gabonensis extract called IGOB13. This supplement was tested against a placebo agent over the course of a 10-week trial. Individuals in the treatment group received two daily 150 mg doses of IGOB13. No dietary restrictions or guidelines were implemented. [3]
Placebo group subjects lost an average of less than 2 lbs each. Treatment group members lost an average of 28 lbs. Those receiving IGOB131 also reported feeling less hungry, and feeling more satiated after consuming less food.
Reports indicate the treatment group consumed approximately 400 fewer calories per person, per day than members of the placebo group. This may indicate that African mango pills can help with appetite control and feelings of being full or satiated. [4]
How Do African Mango Diet Pills Work?
African mango has does not contain any bioactive ingredients that are not found in other plants. The weight-loss effects of African mango may be primarily due to the supplement’s high fiber content.
These supplements also contain medium- and long-chain fatty acids that may help metabolize unhealthy fats and limit the growth of individual fat cells.
Research also suggests that this supplement may improve leptin sensitivity. Obese individuals are often resistant to the effects of the leptin hormone. This hormone controls appetite and satiety.
When it is present in high levels, it signals the brain that food is widely available and supresses hunger cravings. However, in obese individuals the hypothalamus in the brain may become desensitized to the effects of leptin.
African mango products have been shown to improve sensitivity to this hormone. This could have a positive effect for weight loss by inhibiting hunger signals and helping users feel full after eating a meal.
African Mango Pills for Detoxification
African mango supplements are sometimes used to support detoxification, but this has not been scientifically studied.
The high fiber and medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) content on Irvingia gabonensis seeds may help support metabolism, decrease fatigue and improve digestion.
Several studies indicate MCFAs may enhance athletic and physical performance. Other MCFA/fiber benefits include improved immune system functioning, cell regeneration and wound healing.
In animal studies, African mango extracts have also been observed to affect a number of liver markers, but its effect on liver function is still being investigated.
African Mango and Cholesterol
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the main causes of death in North America and around the world. Over time, poor diet, lack of exercise and other detrimental lifestyle habits (such as smoking) may degrade the blood vessels and heart muscle.
The primary cause of cardiovascular disease is coronary artery disease, which is largely caused by the accumulation of fatty acids in the circulatory system. In particular, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) can build up in arteries, restricting blood flow and producing a condition called atherosclerosis.
By improving blood lipid levels, African mango diet pills may help decrease some risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.
In the studies examining the effect of African mango on overweight individuals (discussed above in the weight-loss section), treatment group participants also experienced a reduction in cholesterol levels.
In the discussed four-week study, overweight participants receiving 1.05 g of I. gabonensis three times a day experienced a reduction in cholesterol levels. On average, treatment group participants experienced a:
- 46% reduction in LDL-C levels;
- 39% reduction in total cholesterol levels;
- 45% reduction in serum triglycerides;
- 47% increase in HDL-C (high density lipoprotein cholesterol, so-called “good” cholesterol). [2]
In the study involving IGOB131, members of the treatment group also experienced significant reductions in LDL-C, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
More research is needed to rate the efficacy of African mango supplements for high blood lipid levels and to verify the discussed studies.
African Mango and Type II Diabetes
African mango diet pills may affect blood glucose levels and other markers involved in diabetes.
In a 10-week human study, individuals with type II diabetes were assigned to either a treatment or placebo group. Members of the treatment group received 150 mg doses of I. gabonensis twice daily before meals. Another group received placebo preparations. [6]
At the study’s conclusion, treatment group subjects demonstrated a 22.5% average reduction in fasting blood-glucose compared to baseline levels. In comparison, the placebo group experienced a 5.3% reduction in fasting blood glucose.
In a separate study, using 3.15 g of I. gabonensis for 28 days was associated with a 32.36% reduction in fasting blood sugar levels. [1]
Other Benefits of African Mango Diet Pills
African mango has not been used in traditional medicine. Laboratory and animal research indicates African mango possesses anti-obesity, cardioprotective, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, insecticidal, hormonal, hypoglycemic and analgesic properties.
Further research is needed to establish what, if any, therapeutic benefits are conferred by the properties of African mango diet pills.
Negative African Mango Effects
African mango pills are rated “Possibly Safe” by the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Reported side effects include mild nausea, flatulence, headaches and sleeplessness. [1]
African mango may affect blood glucose levels. Speak with your doctor before combining Irvingia supplements with other agents that have hypoglycemic properties. For instance, using African mango with insulin, Avandia, Actos, Amaryl, Prandin and other prescription drugs used to treat diabetes may increase risks of hypoglycemia.
Likewise, using African mango diet pills with herbal supplements like ginseng, Coptis chinensis (huanglian), yerba mate, devil’s claw, guar gum, fenugreek and Momordica charantia (bitter melon) or other supplements that affect blood glucose levels may increase risks of hypoglycemia.
Discontinue use of African mango supplements at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery and provide your physician with a full list of the supplements you are taking prior to any operation.
Consult with your doctor before taking African mango supplements as diet pills.
- Irvingia gabonensis: Professional Monograph. Natural Medicines Therapeutic Research. Reviewed 2013 May 3, Updated 2015 Feb 15.
- Ngondi JL et al. IGOB131, a Novel Seed Extract of the West African Plant Irvingia Gabonensis, Significantly Reduces Body Weight and Improves Metabolic Parameters in Overweight Humans in a Randomized Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Investigation. Lipids Health Dis. 2009; 8: 7.
- Ngondi JL, Oben JE, Minka SR. The Effect of Irvingia Gabonensis seeds on Body Weight and Blood Lipids of Obese Subjects in Cameroon. Lipids Health Dis. 2005; 4: 12
- Egras AM, et al. An Evidence-Based Review of Fat Modifying Supplemental Weight Loss Products. J Obes. 2011; 2011: 297315.
- Adamson I, Okafor C, Abu-Bakare A. A supplement of Dikanut (Irvingia gabonesis) improves treatment of type II diabetics. West Afr J Med. 1990 Apr-Jun;9(2):108-15.
- Egras AM, et al. An Evidence-Based Review of Fat Modifying Supplemental Weight Loss Products. J Obes. 2011; 2011: 297315.
- Marí M, Fernández-Checa JC. Sphingolipid signalling and liver diseases. Liver Int. 2007 May;27(4):440-50.
- Hui H, Tang G, Liang V Hypoglycemic herbs and their action mechanisms. Chin Med. 2009; 4: 11.
- Ogaji I J, Nan A, Hoag SW. A Novel Extraction Method and Some Physicochemical Properties of Extractives of Irvingia Gabonensis Seeds. Journal of Young Pharmacists?: JYP 4.2 (2012): 66–72.
- Ngondi JL, et al. IGOB131, a novel seed extract of the West African plant Irvingia gabonensis, significantly reduces body weight and improves metabolic parameters in overweight humans in a randomized double-blind placebo controlled investigation. Lipids in Health and Disease 8 (2009): 7.PMC. Web. 4 Aug 2015.
- Oben J E, Ngondi JL, Blum K. Inhibition of Irvingia gabonensis seed extract (OB131) on adipogenesis as mediated via down regulation of the PPARgamma and leptin Genes and up-regulation of the adiponectin gene. Lipids in Health and Disease 7 (2008): 44. PMC. Web. 4 Aug. 2015.
- Sun J, Chen P. UHPLC/HRMS Analysis of African Mango (Irvingia Gabonensis) Seeds, Extract and Related Dietary Supplements. J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Sep 5; 60(35): 8703–8709.
- Takeuchi H, Sekine S, Kojima K, Aoyama T. The application of medium-chain fatty acids: edible oil with a suppressing effect on body fat accumulation. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:320-3.
- Ross SM. African mango (IGOB131): a proprietary seed extract of Irvingia gabonensis is found to be effective in reducing body weight and improving metabolic parameters in overweight humans. Holist Nurs Pract. 2011 Jul-Aug;25(4):215-7.
- Onakpoya I, Davies L, Posadzki P, Ernst E. The efficacy of Irvingia gabonensis supplementation in the management of overweight and obesity: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Diet Suppl. 2013 Mar;10(1):29-38.
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment