How Does African Mango Work to Help you Lose Weight?

Does African mango work for weight loss and obesity? Some clinical evidence suggests it does, but the small amount of available data is not considered rigorous enough to rate effectiveness.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database notes there is insufficient evidence to rate the use of African mango for diet or weight management. [4]

User reviews do suggest that there are a significant number of individuals who have seen positive results with this product. According to some user reviews, it helps individuals eat less and control appetite.

This supplement may also have a positive effect on conditions related to obesity. However, more research is needed to determine how well African Mango works in large-scale human trials.

African mango is a common name for the tree Irvingia gabonensis, which is indigenous to West and Central Africa. It is a wild forest tree that produces fruit containing one seed that is high in fiber healthy fats. The seed contains medium- and long-chain fatty acids, similar to the lipids found in coconut oil.

Irvingia gabonensis has not been used in traditional medicine, but is common in the diet of some African communities. African mango is now a popular weight-loss supplement, largely thanks to Dr. Mehmet Oz from The Doctor Oz Show. It is usually marketed as part of a diet cleanse and mixed with other high-fiber ingredients, such as flax seed and bran fiber.

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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Does African Mango Work for Weight Loss?

Research into the physiological effects of African mango supplements is preliminary and insufficient to identify its therapeutic value. [1]

A small number of human studies conducted in Africa reported that African mango supplements were correlated with weight loss as well as reduced cholesterol and blood sugar levels. I. gabonensis is a source of fiber and healthy fatty acids which may support weight loss as part of a comprehensive diet and exercise plan.

Two human studies indicate that African mango may be helpful for supporting weight loss in already overweight individuals. However, the quality of these studies is low due to poor methodology.

In the first trial, a specific derivative of I. gabonensis called IGOB131 was tested over the course of ten weeks. Study participants were overweight individuals who were separated into treatment and placebo groups. The treatment group received 150 mg doses of IGOB131 twice a day. No dietary restrictions were applied to either group. This study was placebo-controlled.

During the trial, African mango supplementation appeared to affect how much food the participants opted to consume: The group receiving I. gabonensis ate an average of 2,767 kCal/day while the placebo group averaged 3,156 kCal/day. Treatment group members lost an average of 28.22 lbs (12.8 kg) compared to the placebo group’s average loss of 1.8 lbs (0.7 kg). [2]

In the second study, which lasted four weeks (28 days), a 1.05 g dose of I. gabonensis was given three times a day to treatment group participants. Treatment and placebo group members were classified as overweight and had normal or mildly elevated cholesterol. All participants followed a daily diet plan limited to 1,800 kCal.

The average treatment group member lost 8.8 lbs (4 kg). Placebo group members experienced no clinically significant weight loss. [3]

Although these two studies yielded promising results, a review published in 2013 concluded that there was insufficient evidence to determine whether taking African mango for weight loss works. The review author noted that more rigorous studies are necessary before the therapeutic effects of African mango can be rated. [1]

African Mango for Heart Health

In the same studies discussed above, Irvingia gabonensis was observed to improve overall blood lipid levels by reducing the quantity of harmful fatty acids found in the blood.

In the 28-day study, individuals taking 1.05 g doses of African mango had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels that were 46 % lower than baseline levels.

Total cholesterol levels were reduced by an average of 39 %. Serum triglyceride levels were reduced by 45 % and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (HDL-C, so-called “good” cholesterol) increased by 47%. [3]

During the 10 week study, treatment group members experienced a 27 % reduction in LDL-C and a 26 % reduction in total cholesterol levels. In comparison, the placebo group experienced a 2 % reduction in total cholesterol and a 5 % reduction in LDL-C levels. [2]

In one 1990 study, Irvingia gabonensis was observed to lower blood glucose levels. Over the course of 30 days, participants with type II diabetes consumed a single daily dose of 4 g I. gabonensis seed fiber dissolved in 100 mL of water.

At the conclusion of the study, LDL-C, triglycerides, total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose levels were all significantly reduced in comparison to baseline levels. Increases in HDL-C were also noted. [6]

Should you Take African Mango Extract?

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates African mango as “Possibly Safe” for periods of up to four weeks. IGOB131 is rated “Possibly Safe” for up to ten weeks when limited to two daily doses of 150 mg or less. [4] African mango side effects are usually mild and temporary. Reported side effects include nausea, headache and sleeplessness.

The safety of African mango has not yet been established for developing or breastfeeding babies. As a result, pregnant and/or nursing women should not take African mango pills. Do not use this supplement without getting pre-approval from your doctor if you have an upcoming surgery booked.

Do not mix Irvingia gabonensis extract with medications that target diabetes mellitus. African mango may affect blood glucose levels and could induce hypoglycemia if combined with other anti-diabetic agents.

Although the mechanism of action is unclear, African mango has been observed to elevate testosterone levels in animal research. Using I. gabonensis with testosterone replacement therapies is not recommended and should be discussed with a physician.

In all cases, consult with your physician to determine if African mango will work for your particular needs.

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