African Mango Extract Diet - Hip or Hype

African Mango Extract Diet: Hip or Hype?

By Julia Gullotti

A seed extract of Irvingia gabonensis, also known as African Mango, has been making some waves due to its results touting its ability to reduce body weight and improve metabolic parameters in overweight individuals. Given that over 2/3 of all Americans are overweight or obese, the search is on for ingredients and supplements that can help squash this epidemic. So does the research support the hype?

What is it?

The African Mango grows on a tree in tropical temperatures in Africa, but is also farmed in central and western Africa. The food is a rich source of nutrients; the seeds containing 18 amino acids, fiber, carbohydrates, fat and protein are good sources of calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus and iron while the pulp contains vitamin C and calcium. While the African Mango is a nutrient rich food source, the entire tree is utilized; from the timber to the seed- for uses ranging from livestock feed (leaves) to jam (pulp) to walking sticks (wood).

Though the current marketed supplement is an extract of the seed, the whole plant has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of health conditions internally and externally; ranging from diarrhea to dysentery to skin issues and tooth pain.

How is it currently used African Mango is being utilized in many applications; food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products as a binder and nutrient; however, the biggest buzz is regarding the numerous studies that have connected African Mango Extract to weight loss and other therapeutic benefits.

The Research At this time there are a good amount of animal studies with a few human clinical that have been shown to be quite promising. In a randomized double-blinded placebo controlled study

published in Lipids in Health and Disease in 2009, it was shown that an extract of African Mango affects body weight and metabolic rate. This is the first double-blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial regarding the anti-obesity and cholesterol effects of Irvingia gabonensis Extracts The conclusion of this study is that African mango extract could become a useful tool in fighting the obesity battle worldwide. This study's subjects were 102 healthy, overweight and/or obese volunteers, divided into 2 groups and administered 150 mg twice daily before lunch and dinner and results indicated positive impacts on body weight, body fat and waist circumference; as well as, plasma total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

An earlier study performed at the University of Cameroon with 40 obese subjects divided into 2 groups showed a significant difference between the Irvingia gabonensis Extract and placebo.

The findings concluded that patients treated with African Mango had lower total cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. They also had an increase of HDL cholesterol. The patients in placebo showed no changes in cholesterol levels.

Research published on the Asian Journal of Traditional Medicines, has highlighted hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the African Mango Extract, showing the benefits may extend beyond weight loss and related conditions.

Conclusion With research on African Mango Extract being so promising more clinical trials will most likely emerge to isolate African Mango Extracts' specific therapeutic applications and benefits. While the current research is beginning to highlight the potential of African Mango Extract, it is important to note that weight loss primarily consists of eating well, being mindful of caloric intake and exercising and no supplement can take the place of these healthy components of your lifestyle. Supplements can however, be a supportive dimension to weight loss and a healthy addition to your diet, but always consult with your healthcare practitioner before being any weight loss, supplement or exercise regimen, especially if being treated or monitored for any healthcare condition or on medication.

African mango extract