Updated 4/8/24. I've been getting a lot of questions about African Mango, also called Irvingia gabonensis and whether this fruit can help people lose weight. African mango is similar to the mango's you've probably eaten at some point. Undoubtedly, you've seen many websites touting this fruit for obesity and weight loss. Few websites offer proof, though. In this review, let's look at the clinical studies on African mango. African Mango is sometimes called Bush Mango or Wild Mango. All of these refer to its scientific name, Irvingia gabonensis. The extract of African mango that has been used in weight loss research is called IGOB131. This name is sometimes shortened to simply OB131.
African Mango Weight Loss Research
Does African Mango help people lose weight? There is indeed research on Irvingia gabonensis. More precisely, there is research on an extract from the seeds of the African mango tree. The extract from the seeds is dubbed IGOB131. I am telling you this because if you try Irvingia gabonensis weight loss supplements, this is the ingredient that the research was conducted on.
Other African mango extracts may not have the same effect.
Study
In one 4-week study, 40 overweight people were given either 3.15 grams (3500 mg) of Irvingia gabonensis or a comparable amount of oat bran 30 minutes before meals, in conjunction with a low-fat diet. People ate about 1800 calories a day.
Results indicated that those receiving Irvingia gabonensis lost about 5.6% of body weight. Those taking the placebo lost about 1% of body weight. Body fat did not change significantly in either group.
Problem. Body fat was measured using bioelectric impedance analysis. This method, while quick and easy to administer, is less accurate than other means like hydrostatic weighing, Bod Pod etc.
Systolic blood pressure (the top number) was reduced by about 4 points. This drop in systolic blood pressure could be the result of weight loss as opposed to a direct effect of Irvingia gabonensis itself.
Study
In a 10-week study, 102 healthy overweight men and women were followed for 10 weeks. People were given either a placebo or 350 mg of Irvingia gabonensis. The supplement was supplied by Gateway Health Alliances Inc (Fairfield CA), a company that owns a US patent on IGOB131
Results showed that those receiving the Irvingia gabonensis extract had lower body weight, body fat, and waist circumference than those taking the placebo. Specifically, those taking IGOB131 extract lost 28 pounds vs. about 1 pound for those getting the placebo. Body fat was determined using bioelectric impedance analysis. This is a HUGE difference and honestly, I'm skeptical of it.
LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), total cholesterol, blood glucose, and C reactive protein were also lower in those who received the Irvingia gabonensis extract.
The weight loss observed in the African Mango group could account for the the decreases in cholesterol, blood glucose and C reactive protein. These things do change when people lose weight. The soluble fiber in the extract may also had an effect on cholesterol levels.
Study
Another study noted that mouse cells exposed to IGOB131 had increased fat cell production of adiponectin. Adiponectin has anti-inflammatory properties and that high levels of adiponectin appear to be associated with a lower risk of heart disease. This study also noted that IGOB131 inhibited fat cell development as well.
Study
In a review of previous research, the authors noted that studies published on African mango all had problems with how they were conducted. Because of this, the authors state that Irvingia gabonensis “cannot be recommended as a weight loss aid. Future research in this area should be more rigorous and better reported.”
Study
At least one group of researchers has reported that a combination of African mango and another supplement, Cissus quadrangularis, produces greater weight loss than African mango alone. This study involved 72 overweight men and women who took either the supplement combination or a placebo for 10 weeks. Those taking the blend of ingredients used 250 mg of both supplements.
African Mango And Leptin
The 10-week study published in 2009 also noted that the IGOB131 extract reduced levels of leptin. Leptin is a hormone made inside fat cells that play a role in appetite. Basically, this is what happens:
- When leptin levels rise, we stop eating
- When leptin levels fall, we get hungry
That's the simple answer. The amount of leptin we have is dependent on how much body fat we have. The more body fat, the higher the leptin levels. One problem, however, is that many overweight people (who make a lot of leptin) are insensitive to the leptin and it doesn't work to stop them from eating. In other words, they are leptin-resistant.
Irvingia gabonensis lowered leptin levels; some take this to mean it helps weight loss. But remember that as leptin levels decrease, we get hungry. I'm saying this because the decrease in leptin observed in the 10-week 2009 study appears to be a result of IGOB131 reducing fat cell growth and differentiation. In other words, as fat cell growth slows, leptin levels might also fall.
If the African mango extract does reduce leptin levels, would a continued drop in leptin cause a rebound hunger in people, causing them to eat more? I don't know? The longest study so far has only lasted 10 weeks. Leptin is not the only player in the game when it comes to obesity. If Irvingia gabonensis has any real effect on combating weight loss, its effects on leptin are probably not the answer.
Is African Mango Safe?
The company that holds the US patent on the African Mango extract IGOB131 has published a safety study in lab rats showing that the ingredient is up to 2500 mg/kg for up to 90 days of use. The ingredient caused no genetic mutations. That is good.
How much is that in people? To convert the lab rat dose to the people dosage, divide the rat dose by 6.2. If we do this, we get 2500 /6.2 = 403 mg per kilogram of body weight.
Remember there are 2.2 kg in a pound, so divide your body weight (in pounds) by 2.2 and multiply that by 403 to find the maximum safe amount in you. Use less than this to be even more conservative.
African Mango Side Effects
For healthy people, African mango food and supplements are probably safe. Here are some things to consider if you are not “healthy.” This list is not complete:
- Begin by taking less than recommended for at least the first week.
- Speak to your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Don't take if you are allergic to mangos.
- Common side effects reported include GI problems, headache, dry mouth, and sleep problems.
- Stop taking African mango supplements at least 2 weeks before having surgery.
- In theory, this supplement may lower blood sugar levels
- Speak to your doctor if you have any health problems.
At least one report exists of kidney failure after taking African mango supplements. This individual had high blood pressure and was taking medications. The person took 1000 mg of African mango daily for a couple of months.
Things To Think About
1. It is important to remember that all of the positive research on African mango (Irvingia gabonensis) has used a specific extract called IGOB131. Consumers should look for the amount of IGOB131 on supplement labels. Much of the research is sponsored by a company that owns the patent on IGOB131.
2. Obtaining good results is probably better if the African mango is combined with a low-fat / low-calorie diet.
3. Don't be swayed by the amount of Irvingia gabonensis a supplement contains. Look instead for how much of the IGOB131 extract the product has. This is what the research uses.
4. Exercise likely helps any effect the supplement has.
5. Weight loss could account for the observed changes in total cholesterol, LDL, and CRP.
Does African Mango Work?
The preliminary research is intriguing, although most studies are small and about 3 months. If Irvingia gabonensis extracts are going to work, it will probably take at least four weeks before people notice a decrease in weight.
Here's African Mango on Amazon
I am not a nutritionist or a pharmaceutical techno geek but
it would seem to me that if you follow an 1800 calorie diet (is that even possible ?), and “work out regularly”, then you just might expect to lose some weight without buying into a $33/bottle of pills to take 1/2 hr BEFORE a meal. The only time I know when it’s a half hour before a meal is at breakfast time. I was hoping for SOMETHING to come of this. Reminds me of the miracle blue green algae. Yeah, I fell for that too.
Hamishan, you can buy African Mango at any health food store. That’s why I did not include a phone number.
have fun with that Joe 🙂 I am going back to the world of cosmetic artistry and then maybe go to the club dancing tonight lol if i stay “here” much longer I will be deep in the realm of research and I can’t be a geek all the time 🙂
if this does work though….wonder if I should try one of my studies on it?hmmm
webmd:
IRVINGIA GABONENSIS DOSING
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
For obesity and lowering cholesterol levels, a dose of 1.05 grams of crude seed extract three times daily has been used. A dose of 150 mg of a standardized seed extract (IGOB131) twice daily has also been used.
found this:
Gateway Health Alliance Inc in Fairfield, CA is a private company categorized under Medicinals and Botanicals. Our records show it was established in 2005 and incorporated in California. Current estimates show this company has an annual revenue of less than $500,000 and employs a staff of approximately 1 to 4. Companies like Gateway Health Alliance Inc usually offer: Altamed Health Services, Baptist Health Services, Mobile Health Services, Behavioral Health Service and Asian Health Services.
and found this:
Gateway Health Alliance Inc Business Information
Gateway Health Alliance Inc also does business as Gateway Health Alliances, Inc .
Location Type Single Location
Annual Sales (Estimated) Less than $500,000
Employees (Estimated) 1 to 4
3 **
SIC Code 809907, Health Services
NAICS Code 621999, Misc Ambulatory Health Care Svcs
Products, Services
and Brands
Information not found
State of Incorporation California
Years in Business 5
Gateway Health Alliance Inc Gateway Health Alliances, Inc
4769 Mangels Boulevard
Fairfield, CA 94534-4175 map
Company Contacts
Shil Kothari
President
and found this:
(Reuters Health) For the current study, researchers at the University of Yaounde in Cameroon randomly assigned 102 overweight adults to take either the plant extract or a placebo twice a day for 10 weeks.
and this:
gustrength.com/supplements:cissus-quadrangularis-and-irvingia-gabonensis-5
Cissus Quadrangularis & Irvingia Gabonensis Combination Page 5
All Categories » Supplements » Cissus Quadrangularis & Irvingia Gabonensis Combination Page 5
See the herbs category for more articles related to herbals.
The use of a Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination in the management of weight loss: a double-blind placebo-controlled study- Discussion
Our results showed that the combination of CQ and IG had a synergistic effect on the reduction of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose when compared to CQ-only, thus creating a better anti-atherogenic agent.
IG seeds, on the other hand, have been shown to have hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycaemic, anti-amylase, anti-lipase, and anti-oxidant properties [18,25].
A formulation comprising a combination of these two plant materials suggests one distinct possibility in the multi-dimensional management of obesity and its related complications.
and another study :
GABONENSIS SEEDS ON STREPTOZOTOCIN DIABETIC RATS.
Judith Laure Ngondi , Emile Joachim Djiotsa, Zephyrin Fossouo, Julius Oben
Department of Biochemistry, P.O. BOX 812, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon.
Abstract
The hypoglycaemic effect of the methanol extract of Irvingia gabonensis seeds (Irvingiaceae) was examined in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. A single oral administration of the methanol extract at doses of 150 and 250mg/kg significantly (P < 0.001) lowered the plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats two hours after treatment.
Journal of Food Technology 3 (4): 592-594, 2005 (Africa)
Effect of Irvingia gabonensis Kernel Oil on Blood and Liver Lipids on Lean and Overweight Rats
Ngondi Judith L, Mbouobda Hermann D, S. Etame and Oben Julius
and this questioning the scientists capabilities by a failed attempt to reproduce oben's results.
Lou, on January 3, 2009 at 10:00 am said:
Robert C: Before you bother looking into any other product because of Oben’s work, take note of this press release from last year regarding ProAlgaZyme from HEPI Pharmaceuticals. They were trying to reproduce the great results Oben found in Cameroon.
“The trial was terminated after review of preliminary data on ten early finishing subjects . . . The lack of positive response with respect to these key prospective markers, in light of positive results in the Cameroon trials and extensive anecdotal reports, has raised concerns about the status of the ProAlgaZyme test agent . . .”
And the CEO resigned shortly thereafter.
Here is Oben’s paper, where this algae water is supposed to cut total cholesterol by 65% in 10 weeks:
http://www.lipidworld.com/content/pdf/1476-511x-6-20.pdf
Once again, it proved too good to be true."
Heather thanks for letting me know about that. Thanks for doing the work 🙂
Trying to track down which supplements list it….Joe, i have GOT to stay off your blogs…I end up working lol
On Tuesday, March 15, 2011, status on the IGOB131 trademark changed to REGISTERED.
On Thursday, April 16, 2009, a U.S. federal trademark registration was filed for IGOB131. This trademark is owned by Gateway Health Alliances, Inc., Fairfield, CA 94534. The USPTO has given the IGOB131 trademark serial number of 77715799. The current federal status of this trademark filing is REGISTERED.
The correspondent listed for IGOB131 is Steve Hassid of Silic…, Suite…, 6601 Koll Center Parkway Pleasanton CA 94566 . The IGOB131 trademark is filed in the category of Pharmaceutical Products . The description provided to the USPTO for IGOB131 is Plant extract sold in bulk as a dietary and nutritional supplement.
Hi Larua, that’s part of the confusion I ran into when I first looked at African mango. Based on the comments from people have used it, I’m skeptical as about African mango working. I would not use any product that contained other ingredients – green tea, acai berry etc – since as you are aware, the research used only African mango.
Hi I have been thinking about getting some African Mango
From what i have read up on this topic is that researchers use 1.05g of African Mango extract (IGOB131) so most of the bottles are using the mg per capsule.. so to get 1.05g u would have to have 350 mg of pure extract ~ which would be taken (3xday) I also notice that a lot of the ones that didn’t even have the right mg was saying to take just (2xday) I would think you would need the 350 mg 3x a day to equal the full amount a day , which was use in the research studies !!?? It is really hard to determine if the real pure African Mango really works because everyone is using different product with not the right mg(g) per daily total intake ? Not to include the ones that want to add extra stuff to it trying to cover up the lack of ingredient !!! I wish everyone lots of luck .. still trying to decide which one is the best one before i buy this product….
Yes, it is unfortunate. I purchased two bottles for $45 through Amazon. That was a good deal compared to purchasing one bottle but I feel I threw the money away. My boyfriend also gave it a try. He is also in good physical condition but just like myself, gained a few through the winter months. He always has an appetite but he did not lose either. I wish there was a magic pill but it looks as though it’s just going to be fewer calories and more workouts.
Nicole, so African mango increased your appetite. Amazing. Judging from your experiences and Devek, I’m starting to think African mango maybe something to save your money on.
Back to report that I have been taking the Life Extension product for a month now and just stopped. I started by taking 150mg in the morning and then one in the late afternoon. I didn’t lose any weight so I increased it to 300mg in the morning and 300mg in the afternoon but also noticed an increase in my appetite.
I always eat healthy and am at a good weight but did gain a few pounds over the holidays so I tried this for that purpose. I did not lose any weight and as soon as I stopped taking it, my appetite returned to normal. Sorry, it did not work for me. The Life Extension product contains nothing but Irvingia gabonensis extract (IGOB131) by the way.
Devek I think reducing calories is necessary when taking African Mango. That said if you are working out regularly, 1800 calories is probably ok or even a wee bit more than that if you are exercising.
I’m glad African mango has not interacted with your blood thinner meds but sorry that you didn’t see any change in weight. I wonder if anyone else has lost weight with African Mango.
Has anyone reading this lost weight with African mango?
I would ask the company to give you a refund since it didn’t work.
Joe, I started AM couple of weeks ago and so far no change in weight. I take Coumadin regularly and on the home test program. My last test showed little change in my INR reading, which is normal for me. I expect a one or two point change. my AM lists “irvingia” 1050 mg as its contents. I am almost finished with my thirty days and I am considering the refund policy, but then I must admit I do not count calories and I am sure I exceed 1800/day. Without the dieting can I expect any weight loss.??
Julia, most supplement people look at my cross eyed when I ask for IGOB13. As Karen, above, rightly pointed out, IGOB13 is name of the extract used in clinical studies. It doesn’t seem to be listed on African Mango supplement bottles. That’s too bad since the supplement industry loves to use big fancy terms to make people think something is special. IGOB13 is one of those fancy terms but, for whatever reason nobody has picked up on it.
Right now I dont recommend any African mango product because none of them yet have showed me they stand out from the rest. That said, I’d be looking for a product that had at least 350 mg per capsule.
I also would not bother with any African mango product that contained other stuff like green tea etc. Since the clinical research on African mango doesn’t use anything else, I dont feel additional stuff is needed in the supplements.
Hi Joe,
Thanks for taking the time and helping people find the right product. Did you ever find any product that mention IGOB13 in their bottle? What is the best (or closest to best) African mango extract in the market that people can buy? What would you recommend?
Thanks a lot,
Julia
Karen, I called attention to the specific extract because if African Mango turns out to be the real deal for weight loss, I know there will be African mango supplements rushed to market, using extracts that were not used in research, taken from parts of the plant that may not have any active ingredient.
Because there is research on African Mango, I am holding supplement companies to a higher standard.
Paris, thats interesting about Life Extention African Mango. I thought when I peeked at it online a while back, that it was “just african mango”. Interesting..
The “phase 3 calorie burner” you mentioned sounds a lot like the carb blocker phaseolamin, an extract from kidney beans. I reviewed it in my supplement book. Ive always been skeptical of carb blockers especially since research generally finds it doesn’t help weight loss. Studies just use African mango so I wouldn’t spend any money on supplements that contain other stuff.
Im not sure what African mano product Dr Oz talked about but if you contact the producers of the show (or find his Facebook page) somebody may be able to help. Ill see what I can find out about this.
I tried the Pure African Mango and while there where no side affects, I decided to switch to the Life Extension. I did lose a couple pounds and probably would’ve lost more had I been a little more patient with it but I needed to order another bottle and wanted to find something a little cheaper and something that at least appeared like a real product.
There are so many AM products and for the life of me I cannot find which product it was that Dr Oz recommended. I’m starting to think he never did! The Pure AM just seemed like more of a scam and not like a serious product.
However, Joe, the Life Ext product has more than just IBOBI3….it says on the site that it also contains rice and corn and some phase 3 calorie burner.
If this doesn’t work I’m done! I can say from experience though, the product SENSA works!!!! I lost 17lbs in 2 months but if you don’t use it 100% of the time on EVERYTHING you eat then it will not work. If you eat one tiny grape you need to use it. None of this “I forgot” stuff.
I do want to hear how the others using Life Ext are doing! Thanks Joe!
As a Clinical Research Coordinator, I know that most all research studies use a Scientific name, rather than the actual name of the drug during the research being conducted on patients. It isn’t until the product is put on the market that a trade name is given. I am not at all discouraged by other products stating the name Irvingia extract, rather than IGOB13, because that is common in all research studies.
Kristen, yes I’d be very glad to hear how the African Mango is helping you. I called attention to IGOB13 in my review because that is the extract that is being used in research. I’m a stickler for details and feel that if that is the Irvingia extract being used, then I feel it should be the stuff used in African mango supplements, just to be safe and have your bases covered. I’m glad the product doesn’t have any caffeine etc.
I am looking forward to hearing how it works in you 🙂