African Mango for Weight Loss and Side effects: Irvingia

African Mango Extract is one of the non-medical interventions used for Weight Loss at home.

Different formulations are available in the market including advanced extract formulation that is highly purified.

Since the medical and surgical treatment of weight loss is costly and associated with significant side effects, weight loss supplements, and dietary therapy are used more often.

Today, hundreds of weight loss supplements are available which are being rapidly used by consumers. African mango extract is also one of these supplements.

What is African Mango Extract?

African mango (Irvingia gabnonesis) is a deciduous tree found in Africa’s tropical forests. It differs from the common mango as it comes from a different plant family.

The fruit, bark, and leaves are all edible. The African mango extract is made from the seeds of this plant, which are used in a variety of dishes and have numerous health benefits.

African Mango Benefits:

Irvingia gabnonesis is a beneficial plant that can be used in a variety of ways such as:

• The bark of the African mango tree is used in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery in combination with palm oil.
• It is also used as a pain reliever in the form of a balm
• The active constituents of its bark have analgesic and antibiotic properties that are used to treat different skin conditions
• The seeds have a high fiber content which acts as a glucose-lowering agent.
• The tender and soft tree barks aid in toothache relief and are actively used in mouthwash preparations.
• Tea made from the leaves of the African mango tree can help treat infections.
• African mango seed extract is used as a flavoring agent in food.
• The edible oil derived from the seed serves as a nutritious cooking medium.
• African mango pulp flavors jams, jellies, and juices.

African Mango Extract for weight loss:

The main weight loss supplement is the extract derived from the seed of the African mango. Researchers have discovered that the seed contains powerful nutrients that may aid in reducing weight and melting away the extra fat.

In a double-blind, control trial 102 participants were included and they were given 150 mg of the African mango seed extract, the study results suggested that after 10 weeks there was a significant decrease in body fat, overall body weight, and waist circumference.

The study also reported a favorable effect on serum cholesterol levels and insulin resistance. [Ref]

Participants in one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial received 350 mg of the seed extract or a placebo for four weeks.

The results showed that the Irvingia gabonensis group lost weight faster than the placebo group. [Ref]

Another meta-analysis suggested that Irvingia gabonensis seed extract has beneficial effects on serum cholesterol levels and is involved in lowering LDL and triglyceride levels. [Ref]

One study concluded that Irvingia gabonensis causes significant weight loss of up to 12 kg in overweight and obese participants when consumed for ten weeks. [Ref]

How Does African Mango Extract Cause Weight Loss?

Here are some possible mechanisms due to which the African mango extract helps in weight loss and overall body fat reduction.

1. Boosts the Metabolism:

The body’s metabolism is controlled by some hormones which maintain the balance in energy input and output.

One such hormone is adiponectin which is released by the fat cells in the adipose tissue and plays a great role in regulating metabolism.

The adiponectin levels are often imbalanced in obese people. African mango extract increases the levels of adiponectin and thus aids in regulating the body’s metabolism. This way it might also aid in weight loss due to the increased metabolism of fat cells.

2. Maintains Satiety:

The seed extract is rich in soluble fibers which act as bulk-forming laxatives. This decreases the gastrointestinal transit time which means that the food stays in the intestines for a longer duration which gives you the feeling of fullness. This delayed emptying also regulates blood glucose levels.

The soluble fibers also bind to the bile acids which are then excreted from the body. This effect causes the body to utilize more cholesterol to form bile acids, which ultimately lowers serum cholesterol levels.

3. Acts as an appetite suppressant:

Leptin is another hormone that regulates energy intake and expenditure, the levels of leptin are increased in overweight individuals due to which they overeat.

Studies suggest that the African mango seed extract decreases the levels of leptin hormone.

When food consumption is balanced, there is a reduction in daily calories which is directly proportional to weight loss.

What is the required dosage of African Mango Extract?

There is no recommended or fixed dosage for this seed extract but the right amount should be known that is enough to cause weight loss and is safe to consume

Studies have reported 150-350 mg daily for a maximum of 10 weeks.

There is no specific time for its consumption. However, it is preferred to consume with a meal to reduce the chances of bloating and acidity.

The dose should not be increased and it must be discontinued if any serious side effects occur.

Side Effects of African Mango Extract

Consuming African mango for weight loss is generally considered safe because it comes from a natural source. A few side effects, however, have been reported. These are some examples:

• Dehydration:

The African mango fruit and extract can cause dehydration by leaving the mouth dry.

• Disturbed sleep:

Because the body is constantly high on energy, it is difficult to get enough sleep.

• Constipation:

The high soluble fiber content of African mango postpones stomach emptying. When combined with dehydration, this can result in severe constipation.

• • Flatulence and constipation
  • Headaches

• Drug Interactions:

It might interact with cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Conclusion:

The African mango seed extract is a supplement that aids in weight loss due to its high fiber content and other properties.

However, its use is not completely safe as it is not regulated by the FDA and also because of limited scientific evidence. However, current studies have confirmed that it aids in weight loss with minimum side effects.