Ravensong Poetry And Writing Blog by Donovan Baldwin

African mango, also known as Irvingia gabonensis, is a fruit native to tropical Africa. While the fruit itself is consumed, the seeds (also called "dika nuts") and their extracts have garnered attention for their potential health benefits, particularly in the realm of weight management and metabolic health.

Here's a breakdown of the reported health benefits, along with important considerations:

Weight Management:

Reduced Body Weight, Body Fat, and Waist Circumference: Several studies suggest that African mango seed extract may help reduce body weight, body fat percentage, and waist circumference in overweight individuals. This is thought to be partly due to its high soluble fiber content, which can promote feelings of fullness and slow gastric emptying, leading to reduced calorie intake.

Appetite Regulation:

Some research indicates that African mango may influence hormones like leptin and adiponectin, which play roles in appetite and metabolism. It may also help regulate glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in fat cell storage.

Improved Metabolic Health:

Lower Cholesterol Levels: African mango has been associated with beneficial effects on blood lipid profiles, including reductions in total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and triglycerides, while potentially increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol. This is believed to be related to its fiber content, which can bind to bile acids and help remove them from the body, prompting the body to use more cholesterol to produce new bile acids.

Blood Sugar Regulation:

Studies suggest African mango may help lower blood glucose levels, potentially making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. This effect might be linked to its ability to slow glucose absorption in the intestines and possibly increase glucose uptake into muscle cells.

Antioxidant Properties:

The seeds of African mango are rich in antioxidants, including phenolic compounds like flavonols, tannins, and ellagic acid. These compounds help combat oxidative stress in the body, which is linked to various chronic diseases.

Digestive Health: 

The high fiber content of African mango supports digestive health, promoting regularity and helping to prevent constipation.

Traditional Uses:

Historically, various parts of the African mango tree (bark, kernels, leaves, roots) have been used in traditional African medicine for a range of ailments, including:

Research Limitations:

While promising, many of the studies on African mango, particularly those supporting its weight loss claims, have been small, of low quality, or sponsored by supplement manufacturers. More large-scale, high-quality human trials are needed to fully confirm its efficacy and safety.

Side Effects:

Some mild side effects have been reported, including headache, dry mouth, flatulence, sleep disturbances, and flu-like symptoms. There has been a rare case report of renal failure associated with its use.

Drug Interactions: 

African mango may interact with certain medications, particularly those for diabetes, potentially causing blood sugar to drop too low. It might also increase testosterone levels.

Pregnancy and Lactation: 

There is insufficient reliable information about the safety and efficacy of African mango during pregnancy and lactation, so it's best to avoid use in these periods.

Consult a Healthcare Professional: 

Before taking African mango supplements, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription drugs, and their quality and purity can vary.

In summary, African mango shows potential for supporting weight loss and improving metabolic markers like cholesterol and blood sugar. However, more robust scientific research is needed to fully establish its benefits and safety.