African Mango (Irvingia gabonensis)
African Mango (Irvingia gabonensis)
Snapshot
African Mango extract, derived from the seeds of Irvingia gabonensis, is a metabolic support supplement known to promote weight loss, reduce appetite, balance blood sugar, and improve lipid profiles.
What is African Mango (Irvingia gabonensis)?
African Mango is a tropical fruit native to West and Central Africa. Unlike common mangoes, the extract used in supplements comes from its seed (also called dika nut). Standardized African Mango seed extract has gained popularity for its effects on fat metabolism, weight loss, and metabolic health. It works by modulating hormones and enzymes involved in appetite and fat storage.
Where It Comes From
African Mango trees grow in humid forest regions of Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon. The fruit is edible, but its therapeutic properties are concentrated in the seed. These seeds are harvested, dried, and processed into standardized extracts used in dietary supplements.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
The active components of African Mango extract include soluble fiber, ellagic acid, leptin-regulating compounds, and plant-derived polyphenols. The fiber helps with satiety and digestive health, while bioactive compounds influence hormones involved in appetite regulation (such as leptin and adiponectin) and improve metabolic function.
Health Benefits
African Mango extract supports weight loss by promoting satiety, reducing fat cell growth, and improving leptin sensitivity. It may lower total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides while increasing HDL levels. Some studies also show improved fasting blood glucose and insulin sensitivity, making it a potential aid for those managing metabolic syndrome or prediabetes. Its high fiber content also promotes bowel regularity and digestive health.
Recommended Dosage
The typical dose of African Mango extract ranges from 150 mg to 300 mg, taken twice daily before meals. Most studies use a standardized extract providing 300 mg/day, often divided into morning and evening doses for best results.
How to Use It
African Mango extract is most commonly found in capsule form. It should be taken 30–60 minutes before meals with water. Consistent use over 8 to 12 weeks may be required to see optimal effects, especially when paired with a calorie-conscious diet and regular exercise.
Who Should Use It?
Individuals looking to support weight loss, balance blood sugar, or improve cholesterol may benefit from African Mango extract. It may be especially useful for people dealing with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or appetite dysregulation. It’s also a good option for those seeking a stimulant-free fat-burning aid.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
African Mango is generally well-tolerated but may cause mild side effects like flatulence, headache, or sleep disruption in sensitive individuals. Because it may influence blood sugar and cholesterol levels, individuals on related medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid supplementation due to lack of safety data.
Final Thoughts
African Mango extract is a promising natural supplement for supporting weight management and metabolic balance. With its blend of soluble fiber, hormone-modulating effects, and cholesterol-lowering potential, it offers a stimulant-free approach to fat loss backed by growing clinical interest.
Scientific Studies
Ngondi, J. L., Oben, J., & Minka, S. R. (2005). The effect of Irvingia gabonensis seeds on body weight and blood lipids of obese subjects in Cameroon. Lipids in Health and Disease, 4(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-511X-4-12
Oben, J., Ngondi, J., & Blum, K. (2008). Inhibition of adipogenesis and glucose uptake by African Mango seed extract in human adipocytes. Lipids in Health and Disease, 7(1), 44. https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-511X-7-44
Dell’Agli, M., Canavesi, M., Galli, G. V., Gilardi, F., & Mitro, N. (2015). Plant extracts modulating lipid metabolism and gene expression in hepatocytes: African Mango as a candidate. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 174, 526–533. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.08.038