Irvingia gabonensis is sometimes referred to as African Mango, but it is not related to the common mango fruit. This tree produces fruits which are a source of healthy fats and protein-rich seeds.
Irvingia gabonensis reviews cite the benefits for weight loss, appetite control and fat burning. Effects may be attributed to improved insulin and leptin sensitivity. Research shows there is some evidence for these claims, but more study is needed to verify initial results.
User reviews say that taking Irvingia gabonensis (African Mango Extract) can support a healthy diet and promote weight loss and weight management. It may be effective at reducing fat accumulations throughout the body, reducing hunger cravings and contributing to overall health.
Irvingia gabonensis research suggests that it may be more effective when stacked with Cissus quadrangularis. This is another natural supplement that can support weight loss goals as part of a healthy diet and exercise program.



- Helps control the appetite
- Increases leptin sensitivity & adiponectin
- Improves blood sugar & cholesterol
Irvingia Reviews for Weight Loss
Irvingia extract may support weight loss goals, but it should be used as one component of an overall weight loss plan that includes a nutritious diet with sensible portions and an active lifestyle
According to Irvingia reviews, this supplement may moderately reduce appetite sensations and help users naturally eat less.
This supplement has been shown in a small number of studies to reduce the number of calories that participants eat compared to a placebo group.
In one study, an extract of Irvingia Gabonensis seed was administered at 150 mg twice a day for 10 weeks. Participants given Irvingia in this study consumed an average of 2,767 calories per day compared to 3,156 calories per day for those given a placebo.
This supplement resulted in a total weight reduction of 12.8 kg compared to a weight reduction of 0.7 kg in the placebo group over the 10 week trial. However, this study was sponsored by the manufacturer of an African Mango extract supplement. Results need to be replicated by an independent research organization to be verified.
Irvingia Extract for Appetite Suppression
Some Irvingia reviews posted by users online indicate that this supplement helps them control their appetite and naturally feel full after eating a meal. This can support weight loss results by making it easier to achieve a negative calorie deficit so your body is burning more calories than you are consuming.
Irvingia Gabonensis seems to work by increasing sensitivity to leptin in obese individuals. Leptin is a hormone produced within the adipocytes, which is where fat is stored in the body. Levels of leptin are connected to how much fat is stored by the body.
Leptin is involved in the regulation of appetite within the brain. It is used to signal the lateral hypothalamus regarding the availability of stored energy resources in the body.
When the body has limited stored fat, leptin levels are low and the brain is signaled to look for food to ensure that there is enough energy to meet output needs. When the body has sufficient fat stores, adipocytes produce and release leptin into the bloodstream which blocks some appetite sensations.
How Irvingia Gabonensis Works
But in some cases, leptin resistance can occur where the hypothalamus becomes desensitized to the effects of leptin.
In this situation, even though leptin levels are high, an individual may continue to feel hungry when there is no real need for more food.
This may cause the individual to over-eat as they consume more and more food, without ever feeling full. This can lead to weight gain over time or make it difficult to stick to a weight loss plan. Over time, being overweight or obese can increase risk factors for a number of diseases and conditions.
Irvingia research and reviews suggest that this supplement may help by improving the sensitivity of leptin receptors. There are several mechanisms of action that may mediate this effect, but it is not clear how exactly leptin resistance is reversed.
According to user reviews of Irvingia diet pills, this supplement can help restore the feeling of “fullness” after eating a large meal. It can also naturally reduce hunger cravings, particularly for calorie-dense foods. This can have a positive effect on weight loss goals when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Irvingia Reviews for Insulin Resistance
Some user reviews online cite benefits for Irvingia Gabonensis in the management of Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes. While this supplement has not been approved for the treatment of Diabetes by the FDA, some natural health practitioners may recommend it to support normal blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that is involved in the way glucose is absorbed and utilized by the body. Insulin is required so that glucose can enter our cells and then be utilized for energy.
In addition, insulin acts in the fat, muscles and liver to hold and release glucose when it is required for various metabolic purposes. If the cells are unable to respond to the presence of insulin properly, then glucose builds up in the blood and tissues.
A small number of Irvingia Gabonensis reviews show this supplement may have a positive effect on decreasing insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance results when cells become desensitized to the effects of insulin, due to prolonged high levels of this hormone in the blood. This means that glucose is not absorbed into cells as efficiently and it can lead to a number of negative effects linked to high blood sugar levels.
Although there is a small percentage of people who do have genetic predispositions to insulin resistance or whose bodies do not make enough insulin, many cases are not genetically based. These cases are preventable, treatable, and in many cases, completely reversible through diet and lifestyle interventions.
In one research study, taking 4 grams of Irvingia gabonensis seed fiber for one month was found to reduce fasting blood glucose levels. Participants given Irvingia extract also saw significant reductions in total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
More research is needed to determine the clinical efficacy of Irvingia extract for the treatment of Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes. However, the pre-clinical results reported above do suggest a positive effect on insulin sensitivity and potential benefits for individuals with Metabolic Syndrome.
Review of Irvingia Side Effects
Irvingia gabonensis is rated as Possibly Safe by Natural Medicines when taken at appropriate dosages. It is generally well tolerated, but gastrointestinal side effects may occur in some individuals. Flatulence and headaches have been reported.
Consult with a doctor before starting to use this supplement. While Irvingia reviews online do show promising benefits for weight loss, leptin sensitivity and insulin sensitivity, more research needs to be conducted to verify these results. Not all users may experience the same benefits from taking Irvingia Gabonensis supplements for weight loss or general health.
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- Ngondi, Judith L 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 in Health and Disease 8 (2009): 7.PMC. Web. 4 Aug 2015.
- Ngondi, Judith L, Julius E Oben, and Samuel R Minka. "The Effect of Irvingia Gabonensis seeds on Body Weight and Blood Lipids of Obese Subjects in Cameroon." Lipids in Health and Disease 4 (2005): 12. PMC. Web. 4 Aug. 2015.
- Oben, Julius E, Judith L Ngondi, and Kenneth Blum. "Inhibition of Irvingia Gabonensis seed Extract (OB131) on Adipogenesis as Mediated via down Regulation of the PPARgamma and Leptin Genes and up-Regulation of the Adiponectin Gene." Lipids in Health and Disease 7 (2008): 44. PMC. Web. 4 Aug. 2015.
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- Nangue, Thierry Joël et al. "Irvingia Gabonensis fat: Nutritional Properties and Effect of Increasing Amounts on the Growth and Lipid Metabolism of Young Rats wistar sp." Lipids in Health and Disease 10 (2011): 43. PMC. Web. 4 Aug. 2015.
- Egras, Amy M. et al. "An Evidence-Based Review of Fat Modifying Supplemental Weight Loss Products." Journal of Obesity 2011 (2011): 297315.PMC. Web. 4 Aug. 2015.
- Ogaji, Ikoni J, Anjan Nan, and Stephen W Hoag. "A Novel Extraction Method and Some Physicochemical Properties of Extractives of Irvingia Gabonensis Seeds." Journal of Young Pharmacists?: JYP 4.2 (2012): 66–72. PMC. Web. 5 Aug. 2015.
Article last updated on: April 1st, 2018 by Nootriment