African Mango Extract Reviews and Research for Obesity

African mango extracts are derived from the seeds of Irvingia gabonensis, a flowering, fruit-bearing tree indigenous to Central and West Africa.

The tree is also commonly called ogbono, bush mango, dika nut, odika and/or wild mango.

African mango has not been used in traditional medicine, but it is commonly consumed for food. Today, I. gabonensis has received significant attention, especially after being featured on The Dr. Oz Show. Contemporary uses of African mango extract include for addressing obesity, weight loss, high cholesterol, diabetes and pain. [1]

The Natural Medicine’s Comprehensive Database notes there is insufficient scientific evidence to rate the use of African mango for weight loss or any other therapeutic purpose. [1] Most data come from a small number of clinical trials with methodological flaws and risk of bias. This means that more research is needed to confirm or deny these results.

African mango extract is a concentrated source of healthy fats and fiber. The seeds of I. gabonensis contain medium- and long-chain (mostly saturated) fatty acids. Presently, there are no known bioactive molecules in I. gabonensis that are not found in other plants.

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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Benefits of African Mango Extract

African mango extract is a common ingredient in weight loss supplements.

The seeds of the tree do contain high levels of fiber and fatty acids, which can support weight maintenance as part of a healthy diet and exercise program.

Several small-scale studies have suggested that African mango supplements may help reduce weight, lower cholesterol and help control blood sugar levels in overweight individuals. However, questions have been raised about the quality of the studies conducted.

African Mango Extract Research

This section discusses two published studies on African mango extract that relate to cholesterol levels and weight loss.

The same research group conducted all of these studies (related to both weight loss and cholesterol). The studies were also sponsored by a manufacturer of African mango supplements. The results of these studies are questionable due to low-to-moderate quality control standards.

African Mango and Cholesterol

In a study involving overweight participants with either normal or slightly elevated cholesterol levels, African mango was observed to improve cholesterol levels and support weight loss.

Participants took 1.05 g of Irvingia gabonensis three times a day for four weeks. The authors of the study reported the crude seed extract reduced total cholesterol, increased so-called “good cholesterol” (HDL cholesterol) and lowered triglyceride levels. [3] The treatment group was observed to experience a:

• 39% decrease in total cholesterol;
• 46% decrease in LDL-C;
• 45% decrease in triglycerides;
• 47% increase in HDL-C (with low-fat diet). [1]

In another study, two daily doses of 150 mg IGOB131 (a specific Irvingia gabonensis extract) were administered to overweight participants. By the end of the 10 week, placebo-controlled study, participants in the treatment group experienced a 26 % reduction in total cholesterol levels and a 27 % reduction in LDL-C. Comparatively, total cholesterol levels in the placebo group were only reduced by 2 %. [4]

African Mango Extract for Fat Loss

African mango extract is promoted as a weight loss supplement. However, there is little clinical evidence to rate African mango for this use.

The available evidence has been criticized because the studies were sponsored by a manufacturer of the supplement. In these available trials, African mango supplementation has been observed to help with weight loss.

In the same study discussed above, 1.05 g doses of African mango were observed to help individuals on a calorie-restricted diet lose weight. In the study, African mango extract was administered three times a day for four weeks. Participants were classified as overweight and adhered to a 1,800 kCal/day diet. A placebo group was used to measure results.

After four weeks, the average weight loss in the treatment group was 4 kg (8.8 lbs). Comparatively, the placebo group experienced no statistically significant weight loss. [3]

In a separate study, 150 mg of IGOB131 was administered twice daily for 10 weeks. No dietary restrictions were implemented. The treatment group ate fewer calories (this action was unprompted) and lost weight. The following results were published:

• Treatment group members consumed an average of 2,767 kCal/day.
• Placebo group members consumed an average of 3,156 kCal/day.
• Treatment group members lost an average of 12.8 kg (28.22 lbs).
• Placebo group members lost an average of .7 kg (1.8 llbs). [4]

African Mango and Diabetes

In a study published in 1990, a single daily dose of 4 g I. gabonensis seed fiber for 30 days was observed to reduce LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in individuals with type II diabetes. Fasting blood glucose was also reduced when compared to baseline levels. [2]

Safety and Side Effects

Appropriate short-term use of crude African mango seed extract is classified as “Possibly Safe” by the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. One specific I. gabonensis extract (IGOB131) was used for 10 weeks. Reported side effects have been mild and temporary. These include flatulence, difficulty sleeping and/or headaches.

African mango supplements may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications, particularly anti-diabetic and antihypertensive medications.

Consult with your doctor before taking African mango extract to make sure the supplement is safe for you.

There are several other plants that may offer equal or superior medicinal benefits compared to African mango extract. Until more research is conducted to establish the therapeutic profile of I. gabonensis supplements, it may be wiser to supplement your diet with less expensive choices, such as konjac root and/or glucomannan.

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