African Mango for Weight Loss Results and Research

The use of African mango for weight loss is growing in popularity. This dietary supplement has been found to promote weight reduction in a small number of research trials, but more research is needed to rate efficacy.

The supplement may also help to control hunger cravings and inhibit over-eating.

African mango is a common name for the tree Irvingia gabonensis, which is indigenous to Central and West Africa. The tree produces fruit commonly referred to as African mangos, which are a staple of regional diets.

African mango supplements are generally made from the seeds of the fruit, which are ground or decocted to produce the final supplement ingredient.

Some small-scale studies have reported that African mango may be effective for weight loss in overweight individuals. The supplement became popular when it was profiled by Dr. Mehmet Oz from The Doctor Oz Show.

African mango supplements are often advertised for cleanses and combined with other high-fiber products like oat bran and flax. In general, user reviews of these cleanse products are often quite positive, but there is little scientific evidence to support the use of African mango for weight loss. In addition, the effects of this supplement may be achieved by consuming other high-fiber supplements or foods.

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

Top African Mango Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Scientific Studies of African Mango for Weight Loss

In two small-scale clinical studies (see note on study quality above), African mango seed supplements were observed to help overweight individuals lose weight.

However, the results of these studies are not sufficient to conclusively demonstrate the effectiveness of African mango extract for weight loss.

The few available studies that point to the use of African mango for weight loss were small (few participants), had methodological flaws and a risk of bias as these studies were funded by manufacturers of an African mango supplement.

The seeds of the African mango fruit contain high levels of fiber and a number of fats. This supplement has also been shown to help control blood sugar levels and to support feelings of fullness. This suggests a possible mechanism for weight maintenance, but more research is needed to determine how effective this supplement is for promoting weight loss.

How Does African Mango Support Weight Loss?

In general, supplements may be able to support weight loss by either increasing metabolism (that is, the amount of energy your body uses) or reducing appetite. This is often achieved by increasing the feeling of being satiated or “full”, sometimes with the use of high-fiber products.

Another mechanism that is linked to weight loss is by helping to control blood sugar spikes following meals that are rich in carbohydrates. When blood sugar levels increase, insulin is released to help transport the sugar into cells.

Insulin also activates lipogenesis, which is the process of storing lipids or fatty acid as adipose tissue (fat). By keeping blood sugar levels low and reducing insulin secretion, it may be possible to inhibit or reduce lipogenesis and prevent the storage of more fat in the body.

This is the theory that many low-carb or ketogenic diets are based on. Supplements like African Mango extract pills are purported to help control insulin levels by preventing blood sugar levels from spiking too high. Theoretically, this could promote weight loss or at least help to prevent weight gain.

However, it is important to note that more research is needed to determine whether African Mango extract is effective for weight loss. Regardless, best results will be achieved when using this supplement in combination with a healthy diet and exercise program.

Results of Clinical Studies

In one clinical study, overweight individuals were given 1.05 g of crude African mango seed extract for four weeks. Participants (in both the placebo and treatment group) adhered to a low-fat, calorie-restricted diet (1,800 kCal/day).

After 28 days participants in the treatment group lost an average of 8.8 pounds (4 kg). No weight loss was reported for the placebo group. [3]

In a different study, which lasted 10 weeks, a standardized African mango extract called IGOB131 was used. Doses of 150 mg were administered twice a day to participants. There were no dietary restrictions reported.

Subjects receiving I. gabonensis chose to eat roughly 400 kCal less each day than members of the placebo group. After 70 days, treatment group members lost an average of 28.22 lbs. Placebo group members lost an average of less than 2 lbs. [4]

As noted, the above studies were funded by supplement manufacturers and conducted by the same research group. A 2013 review of the available literature profiling the use of African mango for weight loss was published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements.

The authors reported that African mango cannot be recommended for weight loss based on currently available evidence and that more rigorous and better reported studies are needed before the therapeutic effects of I. gabonensis can be established. [2]

African Mango and Cholesterol

In the same studies, African mango was also observed to reduce cholesterol levels in overweight participants.

In the four week study involving overweight individuals with slightly elevated cholesterol levels, those taking 1.05 g African mango powder were observed to have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

During the study, total cholesterol was reduced by 39 %, LDL-C was reduced by 46 % and triglycerides were reduced by 45 %. HDL-C (so-called “good” cholesterol) levels rose by 47%. [3]

In the study involving the supplement IGOB131, LDL cholesterol levels in the treatment group were reduced by 27 % and total cholesterol was reduced by 27 %. [4]

Anti-Diabetic Effects of African Mango

In a single study focused on the effects of African mango supplements on individuals with type II diabetes, 150 mg doses of I. Gabonensis (taken three times a day before meals) was observed to reduce blood glucose levels.

After 70 days, blood glucose levels in the treatment group dropped and average of 22.5 %. Placebo group members experienced a 5.3% average decrease in blood sugar levels. [5]

African Mango Extract Adverse Effects

Irvingia gabonensis is rated “Possibly Safe” by the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. There are few side effects associated with its use. Mild side effects may include headache, flatulence, mild nausea and sleeplessness. The available studies have generally reported no significant difference in side effects frequency or severity when comparing treatment and placebo subjects. [1]

I. gabonensis may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications. Pregnant and/or nursing women should not use African mango supplements because of insufficient evidence to establish the supplement’s safety.

Also, discontinue use of I. gabonensis at least two weeks prior to any surgery and tell your attending physician if you are taking any supplements.

In all cases, speak with your doctor before taking African mango for weight loss or any other purpose to avoid side effects and possible drug interactions.

Conclusions

Although Irvingia gabonensis remains a popular weight loss supplement, there is insufficient quality evidence to rate its effective. No bioactive constituents have been isolated from I. gabonensis that are not present in other plants. Consequently, there may be less expensive options for increasing your intake of fiber and healthy fats, such as glucomannan and konjac roots.

Rate This Article

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5, rated)