African Mango Side Effects, Safety Warnings and Toxicology

Research indicates that African mango side effects are uncommon when supplements are taken orally and appropriately.

Reported side effects have generally been mild and temporary, though there is a risk of drug interactions. It is recommended to avoid using this supplement with drugs that affect blood sugar, such as certain diabetes medications.

African mango is a common name for the fruits of the tree Irvingia gabonensis. The tree grows up to 40 feet and produces edible fruits that are common in local diets.

The fruits contain seeds that have high concentrations of healthy fatty acids and fiber. It is the seed, or nut, of the tree that is commonly used to make dietary supplements.

African mango supplements are used for weight loss, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and pain. There is some evidence that the supplements may help facilitate weight loss in overweight people; however, researchers note that there is insufficient scientific evidence to establish the efficacy of African mango for weight loss or any other condition. [1]

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database also rates the available evidence as insufficient for establishing the efficacy of African mango supplements. [2]

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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African Mango Side Effects

The African mango fruit is commonly consumed in West and Central Africa where the tree is indigenous. Irvingia gabonensis has not been used in traditional medicine practices.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates African mango supplements as “Possibly Safe”, likely because there have been few human trials involving African mango.

The side effects reported during studies have generally been mild and temporary. Side effects have included headache, nausea, flatulence and difficulty sleeping.

In one 10 week study that involved the use of African mango with Cissus quadrangularis, participants reported flatulence. [5] In other studies, mild nausea was reported by individuals taking 4 g/day of Irvingia gabonensis for four weeks. Adding cow’s milk to the test preparation seemed to alleviate the reported nausea. The same gastrointestinal side effects were also noted by participants in the control group.

Headaches and sleeplessness have been reported by individuals taking African mango supplements. Participants taking African mango on its own or in combination with C. quadrangularis reported headaches. However, members of a placebo group also reported headaches. In another 10 week trial, sleeplessness was reported by both control and treatment group members. [2]

In general, the available studies show no significant difference in the side effects reported by individuals in control and treatment groups.

African Mango Drug Interactions

African mango supplements may affect blood sugar levels. As a result, it may interact with some prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Consult with your doctor before you take African mango with medications that affect blood sugar levels. Some examples of these medications include:

• Insulin
• Actos (pioglitazone)
• Avandia (rosiglitazone)
• Amaryl (glimepiride)
• Micronase, glynase and DiaBeta (glyburide)

Monitor blood sugar levels often and use caution if combining Irvingia gabonensis with these types of medications used to treat diabetes. You may need to adjust your dosage to avoid interactions. Speak with your doctor to see if supplementing with an African mango seed extract is safe for you.

Interactions with Testosterone and Herbal Supplements

Animal research suggests that African mango extract supplementation may affect testosterone synthesis. The mechanism of action remains unknown. Those using testosterone replacement therapies should exercise caution when taking Irvingia gabonensis, or may opt to avoid using it altogether.

Exercise caution if using Irvingia gabonensis in conjunction with fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), devil’s claw (Harpagophytum) and guar gum.

Irvingia gabonensis has not been observed to interact with any food products of laboratory tests.

Contraindications and Toxicology

Stop taking African mango supplements well before (at least two weeks prior to) any scheduled surgery. African mango’s possible affect on blood sugar may cause complications during the procedure.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplements or medications you are taking well before your scheduled surgery. This will help reduce the risk of any avoidable complications.

Toxicological studies indicate that African mango seeds may contain very low concentrations of gossypol and cyanide. Gossypol has been present in oil extracts at concentrations of approximately 0.05 mg/g. Reported cyanide content is 0.002 ppm (parts per million).

Secondary sources note that 1,600 mg/kg body weight of Irvingia gabonensis did not cause death in rats after seven days of administration.

Conclusions

African mango is used for weight loss, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and pain. [2] Researchers note that available African mango research is insufficient to rate its effectiveness for weight loss. [1] Available research may have been compromised by poor methodology and risk of bias. More research is needed to validate results from studies that were funded by supplement manufacturers.

Aside from medium- and long-chain fatty acids and fiber, no unique bioactive molecules have been isolated from Irvingia gabonensis. This means that the same phytonutrients (plant nutrients) are available in other plant sources that may be easier and/or less expensive to purchase. Consult with your doctor before taking African mango to help avoid possible side effects.

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