African Mango Seed Extract Effects and Safety

African mango seed extract is commonly marketed as a weight loss supplement. It became particularly popular after being profiled by Dr. Mehmet Oz on The Dr. Oz Show.

African mango is a common name for Irvingia gabonensis, a tree that can reach a height of nearly 40 feet. The tree produces yellow-orange fruits that are often referred to as African mangos.

The seeds of these fruits contain healthy fats, fiber, volatile essential oils, minerals and various other plant chemicals. African mango does not have a history of medicinal use, but it is commonly consumed as a food source in regions of Africa.

African mango seed extract is used for obesity, weight loss, diabetes, high blood lipid levels and pain. [1] There has been little research conducted on the therapeutic effects of African mango.

Consequently, the Natural Medicines Therapeutic Database notes that there is insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of African mango supplements as diet pills or for other users.

Small-scale preclinical trials have reported a positive effect on weight loss and blood lipid levels, but these studies have been discounted for methodological flaws and possible bias. [2] Additional, well-organized and clearly reported human research is required to determine any specific therapeutic benefits of African mango seed extract.

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* ❯

African Mango Seed Extract

In one study, an African mango supplement was observed to improve weight loss in overweight individuals on a calorie-restricted diet.

However, this study is not conclusive as it used as substandard methodology. The results of this study need to be replicated before the benefits of African mango extract can be determined.

In a placebo-controlled study, I. gabonensis supplementation combined with a low-fat, calorie-limited diet was observed to reduce body weight in overweight individuals.

Participants in the treatment group received three daily 1.05 g doses of I. gabonensis extract over a four-week period. Both placebo group and treatment group members maintained a 1,800 kCal/day diet. After 28 days, individuals in the treatment group lost an average of 8.8 lbs each. The placebo group showed no significant weight loss. [3]

African Mango Seed Extract for Detox

African mango supplements are sometimes used to detoxify the liver and blood. It is often marketed in “cleanse” formulations. In animal tests, Irvingia gabonensis has been observed to affect markers of liver function, but no similar tests have been conducted on humans.

As summarized in the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, a water extract of I. gabonensis caused time- and dose-dependent reductions of uric acid, urea and total protein in the liver. [1]

In another study, African mango seed extracts improved some symptoms of diabetes in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. This may have occurred via reductions in the distribution of several liver phospholipids.

African Mango Seed for Reducing Cholesterol

In small-scale clinical studies, African mango extract was observed to affect cholesterol levels in overweight participants. In a small study involving human participants with type II diabetes mellitus, African mango seed extract was observed to:

• Increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C);
• Decrease low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C);
• Decrease very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C);
• Decrease total cholesterol levels;
• Decrease serum and hepatic triglyceride levels. [4]

African mango seed extract has also been observed to affect blood lipid levels in other small-scale trials. However, some of these trials suffered from methodological flaws or risk of bias. Further research is necessary before African mango extract can be definitively associated with any therapeutic effect.

The effects of African mango may be caused by the fruit’s high fiber content and concentrated medium- and long-chain fatty acids. Fiber helps remove cholesterol from the body. Healthy fats may also increase fatty acid metabolism (breakdown), and inhibit the growth of individual fat cells.

African Mango Extract Side Effects

Most users experience no adverse effects from using African mango seed extract supplements. When side effects do occur, they are typically mild and temporary.

In the handful of available clinical trials, there is no significant difference in the frequency of side effects experienced by placebo and treatment group members.

According to Natural Medicines, gastrointestinal side effects of Irvingia gabonensis supplementation may include mild nausea and/or flatulence. Neurological side effects may include headaches and/or sleeplessness.

Those scheduled for surgery should stop using African mango supplements well before their procedure (be sure to inform your doctor of any supplements you are taking).

African mango seed extract may lower blood sugar levels. As a result, individuals using medicines or other herbal supplements with hypoglycemic properties should exercise caution when taking African mango supplements.

Consult with your doctor before taking African mango extracts, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or take prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Conclusions

Irvingia gabonensis is a popular dietary supplement commonly used for weight loss. There is little high-quality evidence available to support this use. Further studies are needed before the therapeutic effects of African mango seed extract can be established.

Rate This Article

(4 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5, rated)