For ages, people have used African mangoes to aid in weight loss and maintain overall health. Researchers suggest that this specific type of mango may have special properties that may help fight various infections in the body. However, you can also find African mango extract supplements that may produce similar properties. While there is no medical evidence that proves African mango extract can completely cure, treat or heal any underlying diseases or infections completely, research does support its potential.

What is African Mango?

How does African mango differ from the mangoes you see in your local grocery store? African mangoes come from a species of tree called Irvingia gabonensis. They’re also called wild mango, bush mango, dika and ogbono (x). African mangoes contain a variety of amino acids, vitamins and minerals. They’re rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.

Where Does African Mango Come from?

Many people in West African countries reportedly eat African mango seeds as part of their regular diet (x). The fruit is recognizable for its ability to provide dietary aid because they carry a ton of fiber that may help rid the body of unneeded waste and toxicities. African mangoes are native to central and West Africa, including Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Cameroon.

Studies state that there may be natural healing effects in the fruit’s leaves, fruit, bark, seed kernels and roots. Recently, African mango based dietary supplements started to appear in the United States. Most of them claim to have African mango seed extract as a key ingredient (x).

Does African Mango Really Work?

According to Dr. Richard E. Harris II, M.D., Pharm.D., African mango may “help with diabetes by lowering blood sugar.” Dr. Harris is founder of Great Health and Wellness, a site dedicated to improving health, and a board-certified pharmacist and internal medicine physician. Dr. Harris says, “There are several studies that show African mango combined with other supplements can have a synergistic effect on anthropometric measurements (waist circumference, body weight) and blood measurements (glucose, cholesterol, leptin, adiponectin).”

Before you take dietary supplements, make sure to consult a doctor to make sure it’s the right supplement for you. There is no medical evidence that African mango supplements can cure, treat or prevent any illness or health condition. However, research suggests that it may have health benefits.

Weight Loss Benefits

Does African mango help with weight loss? While there is no medical evidence, research states that African mango may have dietary effects to help. “Components of African Mango may help weight loss by increasing adiponectin, the main hormone that inhibits adipogenesis and decreasing leptin levels thus improving leptin sensitivity,” says Dr. Harris.

The seeds also contain phytosterols, which may help reduce cholesterol. “Overall, this would help prevent accumulation and overeating. The fruit also contains… [antioxidants called] polyphenols. The seeds have high fiber content and this may be responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effect.” Dr. Harris says that the process can help the body release stored sugar for fuel instead of using ingested sugar.

In one study, researchers found that African mango seed extract seemed to result in significant reductions in body weight, fat, weight size and overall cholesterol (x). Another study showed that the extract seemed to have positive effects on body weight and a number of characteristics related to metabolic syndrome. African mango suppresses fat production by reducing protein PPARy, which causes weight gain. Additionally it increased adiponectin, the protein involved in fat breakdown and aids in leptin resistance (x, x, x).

Heart Health

African Mango extract may also help support heart health. The extract contains beta-carotene, which helps lower blood pressure. It also contains healthy fats, such as myristic, lauric, stearic and oleic acids, which help with overall heart health. In a study analyzing its effects on weight loss and cardiovascular health, researchers found that the active extract seemed to significantly reduce the subjects’ systolic blood pressure (x).

Blood Sugar

There aren’t as many studies that support African mango extract’s benefits on overall blood sugar, according to Dr. Harris. But there are studies that suggest its benefits, nonetheless, and it is a common component in traditional medicine. African mango is a soluble fiber, which means it may help delay excretion and slow absorption. Slower absorption can help blood sugar after eating and help with insulin resistance. Studies show that Irvingia gabonensis seeds delay stomach emptying, which causes the body to absorb dietary sugar more gradually (x).

Infections

African mango’s bark and root extracts have antifungal and antibacterial properties. The extract may help destroy bacterial and fungal cell membranes, prevent the cells from binding and disrupt microbial enzymes to reduce the risk for infection. In one study, researchers tested the effects of its bark and noted that it may help treat bacterial and fungal infections (x).

How to Use African Mango Extract

As a dietary supplement, take 1,200 mg of African mango seed extract with at least 8 oz. of water daily, or as directed by a physician. Be sure to consult a doctor before taking African mango extract supplements to make sure they are the right choice for you.

Potential Side Effects of African Mango Extract

The supplement is generally safe to take. However, there are some potential side effects to taking African mango seed extract. They are reportedly mild, but it’s important to consult a physician first to potentially reduce the risk of side effects. The supplement can cause (x):

Flatulence

Headaches

Difficulty sleeping

Warnings & Safety Precautions

There is not enough information or research available to determine whether or not the supplement is safe for pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it’s best to avoid it to be safe. If you have a scheduled surgery, avoid taking African mango supplements at least two weeks before the operation. The supplement may also interfere with blood pressure control and lower blood pressure too much, causing hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes (x). Again, make sure to consult a doctor before you take African mango or any other supplement.

Where to Buy African Mango Extract

You can purchase African mango extract supplements at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.

Are you interested in trying African mango extract as a dietary supplement for its potential antioxidant properties and heart-healthy benefits? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.

Bottom Line

African mangoes come from a species of tree called Irvingia gabonensis that grows natively in West African countries. According to research, the fruit has natural components that may help control blood sugar, manage weight and support heart health. It may also have antifungal and antibacterial properties to prevent infections.

Be sure to consult a physician before you take African mango extract supplements to make sure the supplement is right for you. Do your research and understand where you stand medically before you add African mango extract to your diet. You want to be sure that the supplement can help you meet your health goals instead of hurting them.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.