African mango (Irvingia gabonesis) and weight loss products containing this fruit are becoming increasingly popular. African mango is claimed to promote weight loss, detoxification and the lowering of cholesterol levels.

How does African mango work?

African mango is a mango-like fruit that grows in Africa and South-East Asia and is usually harvested for its seeds/nuts. It appears to work as a fiber supplement. These have track record of both lowering cholesterol and encouraging weight loss. They expand in the stomach generating a sensation of fullness. However, they do not boost metabolism or promote thermogenesis. An extract of African mango known as IGOB131 is claimed to influence metabolic pathways including PPAR gamma, leptin, adiponectin and glycerol-3 phosphate dehydrogenase. This is believed to have the effect of preventing the body from storing dietary fat, boosting energy levels by increasing key enzyme activity and decreasing appetite by inhibiting hunger response hormones. There are clinical studies indicating that African mango does offer weight loss benefits (Lipids Health Dis. 2005;4:12; Lipids Health Dis. 2009;8:7; Lipids Health Dis. 2008;7:44). The lead author in all three of these studies is Dr J Oben, who has a patent on Irvingia gabonesis. This indicates a conflict of interest.

Research on African mango also indicates beneficial effects for diabetes as well as analgesic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Traditional medicinal treatments utilize the bark, kernels, leaves or roots for a variety of health problems.

African Mango side effects

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Limited data is available concerning drug interactions. Because African mango delays stomach emptying, prescription drugs should be taken with caution after consulting a medical professional. Side effects seen in clinical studies included headache, dry mouth, gastrointestinal complaints, sleep disturbance and flu-like symptoms.

African mango dosage

Clinical studies used have used dosage regimens of 150 mg of African mango seed extract twice daily or 1,050 mg three times daily. Powders, liquids and capsules are available from retailers.

African mango composition

Several studies have assessed the composition of the kernels and pulp of African mango. African mango seeds contain 18 amino acids. Physiochemical analysis indicates that the seeds contain 3% water, 8% crude protein, 66% crude fat, 2% mineral ash, 10% crude fiber and 11% carbohydrates. Analysis of the pulp has revealed 80% water, 1% crude protein, 1% crude fat, 1% mineral ash, 0.5% crude fiber and 11% carbohydrate. The seeds contain vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and iron. The pulp also has a high content of calcium (262 mg/100 g) and vitamin C (66.7 mg/100 mL). Myristic, lauric, and palmitic acids constitute about 95% of the total fatty acids in African mango seeds.

African mango conclusion

In a clinical study often referred to by retailers, test subjects took three 350 mg capsules of African mango before each meal (a total of 3.15 grams per day). Taking African mango at this dose would prove very expensive. However, another study indicated that African mango may be effective in promoting weight loss at a daily dose of 300 mg per day. However, independent clinical verification of African mango’s weight loss benefits is required to determine if African mango offers significant benefits over more affordable sources of fiber, such as glucomannan.