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Are African mango diet pills effective for weight loss or is this product more hype than fact? This natural extract was recently promoted on the Dr. Oz show to support fat loss and appetite suppression when dieting. This article profiles both consumer and scientific reviews of African mango supplements.
African mango is the common name for Irvingia gabonensis, a tree native to West and Central Africa. The tree produces fruits (sometimes called African mangos or bush mangos) that contain a single seed or nut. The fruit’s flesh is commonly eaten by local populations.
Dietary supplements are now being made from the seed of Irvingia gabonensis, which is high in fiber and medium- and long-chain fatty acids. African mango supplements are used for weight loss, obesity, hyperlipidemia (high blood lipid levels) and diabetes. [1]
While some research suggests positive effects for appetite control and losing weight, more studies are needed to replicate these results. Some consumers reviews of African Mango extract say that it has helped them, while others have said they experienced little therapeutic benefit.
Weight Loss
Appetite
Carb Blocker- Helps control the appetite
- Increases leptin sensitivity & adiponectin
- Improves blood sugar & cholesterol
Top African Mango Products* ❯African Mango Reviews
African mango supplements often combine Irvingia gabonensis seed extract with other high-fiber ingredients or herbs used for weight loss. Because the formulation of each supplement can vary, consumer reviews and opinions are diverse.
In general, African mango supplements are reasonably well rated on Amazon and other online review sites. Consumers report reduced appetite and weight loss success when the supplement is combined with a healthy diet and exercise program.
However, there are some individuals who say they felt no effects when taking this product. Certain formulations of African mango diet pills have also received negative reviews because they contain excessive dosages of caffeine or other stimulants designed to increase the metabolism.
Scientific Review of Irvingia Gabonensis
In preliminary studies, African mango has been observed to support weight loss, appetite suppression as well as lowered cholesterol and blood sugar levels. These studies are discussed in this article.
It is important to note that while some results have been positive, more research must be done to rate the efficacy of African mango for therapeutic use. The existing studies have been criticized for employing substandard methodology and reporting.
African Mango Ratings for Weight Loss
Scientific review articles collect and assess the available research on a given topic. Authors of these articles comb through published material and include studies that meet their inclusion criteria. The authors then assess the state of evidence to provide a review or overview of the available scientific research.
In a 2013 review, three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) profiling African mango and weight loss were assessed.
All three trials reported significant body weight and waist circumference reductions in overweight participants who received I. gabonensis instead of a placebo. In all three trials, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were reduced in the treatment group.
Despite the positive results, authors of the review concluded the available trials used substandard reporting and methodology. Thus, the effects of Irvingia supplements on weight loss and related obesity markers remain undefined.
More rigorous and better reported trials are necessary before the effectiveness of African mango supplements can be rated based on scientific evidence. [5]
How African Mango May Promote Fat Loss
The effect of African mango on weight loss is still the subject of investigation.
Any weight-loss effects may be due, at least in part, to the fiber content of African mango supplements. Fiber is known to bind cholesterol and help remove fats from the body. It is also known to decrease appetite by increasing feelings of satiation or fullness.
African Mango extract has also been shown to improve leptin sensitivity in obese individuals. Persons who are overweight are often resistant to the effects of this hormone, which is responsible for shutting off hunger cravings in the brain.
By increasing the sensitivity to this hormone, African mango diet pills may help users feel more full after eating and reduce appetite signals. This could improve compliance with a diet program and make it easier to achieve a negative caloric deficit.
African Mango Cardioprotective Effects
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, preliminary clinical evidence suggests Irvingia gabonensis may affect cholesterol levels in overweight individuals. [2]
Participants involved in studies on the effect of African mango on weight loss were observed to have lower cholesterol levels by the end of the study.
In a four-week study, 1.05 g of African mango seed extract was given to overweight participants three times a day. Participants in both the treatment and placebo groups also adhered to a low-fat, calorie restricted diet (participants consumed 1,800 kCal/day).
The following results were recorded at the end of the study (results are averages amongst treatment group participants compared to baseline):
- 45 % reduction in serum triglyceride levels;
- 46 % reduction in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C-) levels;
- 39 % reduction in total cholesterol levels.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, so-called “good” cholesterol) was also increased. [3]
No scientific reviews have been published on African mango’s affect on cholesterol levels in humans. However, because this data was generated in the same studies criticized for their methodology and reporting, it is likely that further research is necessary before any therapeutic use can be assigned to African mango supplements.
African Mango and Diabetes
I. gabonensis seed fiber has been observed to help manage the symptoms of type II diabetes. In one study, participants with type II diabetes consumed 4 g of African mango fiber dissolved in 100 mL of water once a day.
Over the course of the one-month study, several markers associated with type II diabetes improved: LDL-C, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglycerides and fasting blood glucose concentrations all decreased. HDL-cholesterol levels were also increased. [4]
Review of African Mango Adverse Effects
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates African mango as “Possibly Safe” when taken orally and appropriately. Crude seed extracts have been used in 1.05 g doses three times a day for four weeks with no significant reported side effects.
IGOB131, a standardized seed extract, has been used safely in 150 mg doses, twice daily, for 10 weeks. [2]
In rare cases, mild and temporary side effects have been reported in user reviews and research studies; these include mild nausea, flatulence, sleeplessness and headaches.
Health & Safety Warnings
African mango supplements may affect blood sugar and blood pressure. Speak with your doctor before using African mango supplements in conjunction with anti-diabetic and/or antihypertensive prescription medications.
Also, exercise caution if combining African mango with other herbal products that are known to lower blood sugar, including devil’s claw, fenugreek, Asian ginseng, American ginseng, Siberian ginseng, guar gum and others.
Women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding should not use African mango supplements because there is not enough evidence to establish their safety. Stop using Irvingia supplements at least two weeks before any scheduled surgeries.
Speak with your doctor before taking African mango supplements to review the available scientific evidence and decide if this supplement is right for you.
- 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.
- Irvingia gabonensis: Professional Monograph. Natural Medicines Therapeutic Research. Reviewed 2013 May 3, Updated 2015 Feb 15.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Adamson I, Okafor C, Abu-Bakare A Erythrocyte membrane ATPases in diabetes: effect of dikanut (Irvingia gabonensis). Enzyme. 1986;36(3):212-5.
- Oben JE, Ngondi JL, Momo CN, Agbor GA, Sobgui CS. The use of a Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination in the management of weight loss: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Lipids Health Dis. 2008 Mar 31;7:12. doi: 10.1186/1476-511X-7-12.
- Egras, Amy M. et al. An Evidence-Based Review of Fat Modifying Supplemental Weight Loss Products. J Obes. 2011; 2011: 297315.
- 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.
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment