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
Joe,
I have been reading all of the letters and wonder if this product can be bought at a health food store or vitamin shop instead of by mail. It seems that when people get the bottle then they find out it has extra stuff in it. Please tell me how many mg and what exactly should it state on the bottle. Is this something that you need to stay on forever once the weight has been lost? ALL forms of diet on supplements seem to add on more weight when stopped.
Wendy, I did not see any mention of Irvingia gabonensis and liver or kidney problems. It doesn’t look like they measured it in the study. If you are having these problems I recommend you stop taking African Mango and see your doctor regularly for updates on how you are doing
I was wondering if, after the 10 week study, did any of the subjects experience a change in liver or kidney function?
Samm, good question. I’m not sure. if it works for you, let me know.
what would happen if i took the seed out and cut them up into little squares and ate one before each meal? and or dried them out and ate one before each meal. thats the same thing as the pills.
Tracy, if African Mango works for you, please let me know 🙂
The 10 week study published in 2009 showed a significant weight loss when 150 mg IGOB131 Irvingia gabonensis was given twice a day 30 to 60 minutes before meals. I haven’t tried it yet, but this was a pretty convincing and well done study. I intend on starting with this dose. In their graph, the weight initially comes off slow but then speeds up over the second month.
hey natalie,
So, I have pre-diabetes and hypothyroidism. so first thing I did was search and see if it would intervene with my medication ( 1 whole month before i tried the product). I have taken (without research and doctor permission) other things that have made me feel bad and have not work so i don’t do that anymore.
So far this has worked fine. I’m in week 4 i think.. I bought integra-lean 2 bottles ( life extension..150mg pills 60 caps each bottle.. $14ea) did nothing as I searched different sites on studies and so on I noticed that the studies where all done on higher amounts of the seed extraction. not the 150mg.
you would need to take like 21 pills a day (of 150mg)!! to consume the 3.15g a day..I had a whole new bottle unopened and decided to take the dosage up a notch, started to take 7 pills a day half of the 21 and kept adding on.. right now I’m obviously running out of pills and I am on the search of the 350mg capsules.
so far I have found one that I dont like because it has green tea.. ( have taken green tea before nothing wrong with it just dont like taking green tea because of caffeine but this one says decaffeinated which I hope is a true statement. I am going to try these pills they cost a lil more round $30 for 60 of 350mg but they are eventually cheaper than buying 150mg pills to take 21 a day i only will have to take 9 pills… 3 pills 3 times daily. ) if you find em cheaper and pure let me know! please!
This is the 350mg I found so far will be ordering this week ( I just realized ran out of pills!)
“Genceutic Naturals African Mango Extra Strength With Green Tea” _search it on Google you will find different prices cheaper I found is 29.99
I hope this truly works and i just didn’t loose that inch out of no where.. also had to exercise.. food regimen and so on. its almost impossible because of hormone disorders for me to loose weight. I currently take pills for it (prescribed meds) but it just helps to stabilize not loose, so the Dr told me i had to look for a natural weight loss supplement. That wouldn’t intervene with my meds.
Hope this info helps!
WHERE CAN I BUY THE IGOB131?
Hi Andrea,
Where did you buy your Irvingia? Does it say it has the IGOB131 compound in it or just Irvingia Gabonensis? I’ve noticed it’s sold in mostly 150mg pills so what quantities are needed to ingest the 3.15g a day as you are doing?
Thx!
Nat
so far been taking it for a few (3)weeks i have noticed inches loss.. like 1 inch off my belly.. but that is taking the 3.15g a day.. not the 150mg 3 times daily.. that is a scam!.. take the amount that the test was performed by if you want to see results.
I just bought the African Mango supplement offered by pureafricanmango.com. This is the first time I’ve ever bought any sort of weight loss supplement because I worry about side effects. I decided to try it because it’s all natural and I’ve plateaued in my weight loss, and could use some assistance reaching my goal weight.
I just got the pills in the mail today, and the ingredients are: 1050 mg of Irvingia (it literally just says “Irvingia”); Other ingredients: gelatin, magnesium stearate, and rice flour.
“Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one (1) capsule three (3) times daily, 30 minutes before meals, or as directed by a health care professional. Use in conjunction with a low-fat, 1,800 calorie per day diet.”
I plan to use it as suggested, and will update once I see any marked changes. In case it matters: I’m about 114 pounds, hoping to go down to 105 (I’m 5’1, so 105 is within the healthy range for me). It’s mostly belly fat I’m hoping to lose. I work out four days a week and eat fairly healthy, except for dinners and weekends, when I’m lazy and/or want to spoil myself. I’m going to try to be healthier about my diet while taking the pill, but I’m pretty sure I stay within the 1,800 calorie per day limit on normal days.
Rams, my opinion is to stop taking the supplement. I dot like that your heart was racing. See if it calms down after you stop taking pure african mango.
A lot of African mango supplements add other things like glucomannan hoodia etc but I keep asking myself if African mango (irvinga gabonensis) was so effective for weight loss, then why do you need any of that other stuff?
Since writing my review of African mango I’ve become skeptical about how good it is for weight loss. That said, I would much rather you reduced calories a little bit and focused on eating healthy (and calories) rather than taking a weight loss supplement. I know that will work. I don’t think African mango is the answer.
Since I don’t know your health history, go see your doctor is my best advice.
Hi Joe,
Thanks for the article! I am glad I can read some after effects and discussions on the Pure African Mango dietary supplement.
It is 2 days since i regularly started taking the pills and today is my 3rd day. I HAVE ONE BIG CONCERN: I have low blood pressure, and since I read that these pills reduce Blood pressure I am sort of scared what would be its effects on me- a low blood pressure person.
I don’t know clearly if it is my imagination, fear or anxiety on this, but yesterday night, could hear my heart beats so loud for no reason! In fact, I had forgotten about the pills and had just lied down on my back to sleep, when this happened. I immediately thought if this was due to these pills i am now taking!
My supplement ingredients are:
African mango(4:1 extract)
400mg Pure Irvingia Gabonensis extract
proprietary blend 950 mg
contains: Glucomannan, Hoodia extract, banaba leaf and Gymnema sylvestre extract.
thank you for giving me your opinion for me!
Btw…you dont need complicated scales and things…
a serving of fish or meat (3-4oz) is the average palm size of your hand (without fingers).
for berries and things? 1/2 cup is your hand cupped 1 time filled (not overflowing) and 1 cup is 2 of these….
small juice glasses are usually around 4oz..tall 8oz
if your concerned about cooking? a “fix it quick” or similar cookbook that lists nutrition and gives well detailed instructions will have you cooking like a pro in no time …
Yes it would be nice if a pill did all this….and if only needing 5-10 pounds to lose for the dress for a wedding…okay. BUT no matter what you take…you will need to maintain it. there is no pill that will make people change their lifestyle habits. if you dont do that…you gain it back and in pills like this? your losing mainly water and fecal weight unless your adding diet and exercise in….
ok enough preachiness 😀 anyone want more ideas on diet plans or healthier ways…let me know
Joe you dont get told enough (but almost afraid i will over inflate the ego)…your doing fantastic at letting people know whats in everything….hopefully they use the knowledge to look elsewhere for better ways to lose weight (like the diet plans websites or just stay on outer edge of grocery store…its that inner realm that contains all the garbage foods)
sample of a DECENT 1800 calorie day. you can eat all day long…its NOT how much you eat but WHAT you are eating that needs considered….also look at the glycemic index for things…do some research…limiting yourself to 1600-1800 calories and doing leg lifts or squats while watching tv is a lot healthier then taking a pill that says in its warning you need proper diet and exercise anyway….Just my opinion…if anyone wants 1800 calorie diet…google it…there are a ton of menu suggestions that pop up for free and here is one of them that i have used…
1,800 Calorie Diet Plan #1:
Breakfast:
2 packs of Quaker instant oatmeal
½ cup fresh blueberries
½ cup skim milk
1 teaspoon of brown sugar
2 slices of whole wheat toast
1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter
1 cup of coffee, no sugar
Snack:
8 ounces of nonfat yogurt
1 medium apple
Lunch:
1 cup of mixed greens topped with ¼ cup of diced red and yellow peppers, ¼ cup of diced red onion, 6 cherry tomatoes, 5 slices of cucumber, ½ cup of garbanzo beans, 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
1 cup of vegetable soup
1 medium pear
Snack:
1 granola bar
Dinner:
3 ounces of broiled Atlantic salmon fillet
1 cup of brown rice
1 cup of steamed broccoli
2 tablespoons of butter
1 whole wheat roll
4 ounces of non-fat chocolate-vanilla swirl pudding
lhc, I’d save your money. One of the things I look at as “red flags” when I review a product is how many big fancy words are used. I see a lot of big fancy words here – leptin, adiponectin, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, etc. The more big words I see, the more suspicious I get.
I also noticed at the bottom of what you sent me that they still say (rightly so) that it all boils down to calories. If that’s so (and it is) whats so special about African Mango?
joe, what do you think? this is what “T” just said. is it worth buying? thank you for your time!!!
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Integra-Lean® Irvingia
30 vegetarian capsules
Item Catalog Number: 01294
Scientists have identified specific biological mechanisms that cause aging people to gain weight… no matter how little they eat. The problem was that there was no way to circumvent the underlying factors that cause excess body fat… until now! As you are about to learn, gaining control over your body’s command signals is critical to maintaining a healthy weight.
Leptin is a hormone that tells our brain that we have consumed enough calories and can stop eating. Leptin also induces a process whereby fat stored in cells is broken down. As we age, our cells (including the appetite control center in our brains) become “leptin resistant.” This means that leptin is unable to effectively regulate body weight.
Adult-onset weight gain is characterized by the enlargement of existing adipocytes (fat cells) that store too much fat. The size of fat cells is controlled by gene transcription factors. Fat cell size is closely related with adiponectin expression — with reduced adiponectin expression in larger fat cells. In addition, gene transcription factors help regulate adiponectin, and this crucial hormone is critical for supporting insulin sensitivity.
Weight Loss Supplements
An enzyme called glycerol-3-phosphatedehydrogenase is critical for synthesizing fatty acids in our bodies. Suppressing this enzyme helps reduce the amount of glucose (sugar) in our bloodstream from being converted into fatty acids.
Weight loss utilizing diet modification, supplements, hormones or drugs usually functions via a single mechanism. Adipocytes (fat cells), on the other hand, possess numerous means to ensure their survival. An extract from a West African plant called Irvingia has been shown to help maintain healthy body weight in four ways:*
Weight Management: Reversing Leptin Resistance
Fat cells produce C-reactive protein, a pro-inflammatory compound that leads to “leptin resistance.” Overweight people given Irvingia have lower levels of CRP, and therefore less CRP is able to block the activity of leptin. Leptin is important in weight management because it promotes the breakdown of fat in adipocytes and tells the brain to turn off chronic hunger messages.
Hormones: Increasing Adiponectin
Large fat cells secrete less adiponectin, and adiponectin is a crucial hormone that helps support insulin sensitivity as well as cardiovascular health. Overweight people given Irvingia show markedly increased adiponectin levels.
Body Fat: Inhibiting the Fat Converting Enzyme
An enzyme called glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase facilitates the conversion of glucose into triglycerides that increase adipocyte size. Irvingia inhibits glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, thus reducing the amount of glucose (sugar) that is converted to fat in the body.
Diet: Reducing Carbohydrate Absorption
In order for carbohydrates to be fully absorbed, they must be broken down in the digestive tract by the amylase enzyme. Irvingia inhibits amylase, and thus reduces the amount of ingested starches that will be absorbed as sugar.
Several studies demonstrate the weight loss properties of Irvingia.1 In the largest placebo controlled human study, those taking Irvingia lost 28 pounds over a 10-week period compared to only up to 3 pounds in the placebo group.2 The study participants did not alter their diet.*
Based on impressive human data, a dose of 150 mg of Integra-Lean® Irvingia taken twice a day is all that was needed to achieve unprecedented clinical results.
This supplement should be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise program. Results may vary.
References
1. Lipids Health Dis. 2005 May 25;4:12.
2. Lipids Health Dis. 2008 Mar 31;7:12.
Supplement Facts
Serving Size 1 capsule
Servings Per Container 30
Amount Per Serving
Integra-Lean™ Irvingia gabonensis proprietary extract (seed)
150 mg
Other ingredients: rice flour, stearic acid, silica, vegetable stearate, maltodextrin, vegetable cellulose (capsule).
Contains tree nuts. Contains corn and rice.
This product contains NO milk, egg, fish, peanuts, crustacean shellfish (lobster, crab, shrimp), soybeans, wheat, yeast, or gluten. Contains NO sugar and no artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives
Integra-LeanTM Irvingia is protected by U.S. Patent No. 7,537,790. Other patents pending.
Dosage and Use
Take one capsule twice daily with or without food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.
Please Note
This product is designed to target several critical factors involved in age-related weight gain. Those who ingest more calories than what their body has the metabolic capacity to utilize will not see results. This is because some people are ingesting so many excess calories that no matter how much their metabolic rate is increased, or how much improvement occurs in their post-meal blood sugar and serum triglyceride levels, or by how much youthful insulin sensitivity and other body fat-regulating systems are restored, they are overwhelming the metabolic capacity to utilize these calories. This will result in excess calories being stored in adipocytes. One cannot consume limitless calories and expect to shed fat pounds by taking drugs, nutrients, and/or hormones that demonstrate weight-loss effects in clinical studies.
Warnings
T thanks for your comments. how much weight do you have to lose? how often do you have your leptin levels checked?
I was reading through the posts and someone commented that Life Extension’s Irvingia did in fact have other ingredients. The one supplement that was talked about is called Optimized Irvingia and does have added ingredients. However, you can purchase just Irvingia Integra Lean which is strictly just the irvingia extract and it contains 150 mg per capsule.
I recently purchased this one after speaking with their consultant and getting more information. I wanted to just take the irvingia and no other added ingredients so this was what was recommended. I am on week 2 and have lost 2 lbs. so far.
I am eating the same as I did before and am exercising about 3-4 days a week as before. I have thyroid issues and have a great deal of trouble losing weight. My leptin levels keep testing high and I simply have been unable to get it under control. I did some research and came across this product and wanted to try it out. I will keep you posted as to my weight loss and leptin levels after I have been taking it for a month. I have noticed that I do actually feel full now as where before I never did. No sleeplessness but did experience gas and loose bowels the first week.
That has since subsided and I continue to feel full now in the middle of a meal and actually will stop eating at that point. I am hopeful and will continue taking the supplement. Life Extension is having an overstock sale and is selling the Integra Lean for $13.60 a bottle/60 capsules. Great deal and if all goes well I plan to order additional bottles!