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
Ian, thanks for keeping on top of this because Life Extension African mango seems to be pretty popular from what people are saying. You are really helping a lot of people by doing all this work!! 🙂
Joe, here’s my weekly update.
This is a test of Life Extension’s African Mango claims of 28 lbs loss in 10 weeks by taking two 150 mg tablets a day of the IGOB131 extract. I”m into week 3 of my test – results below
Weight at start of test – 90.4 kg
Weight after 1 week – 90.0 kg on Tuesday June 14th
Weight after 2 weeks – 90.0 kg on Tuesday June 21st
Weight after 3 weeks – 90.5 kg on Tuesday June 28th
My weight has practically not changed in 3 weeks. Things aren’t looking too good for Life Extention’s wild claims.
Thanks for the continued updates! Yes, lets see what happens after a month. I think your “experiment” will be of a lot of help to many people 🙂
Joe, here’s my weekly update. This is a test of Life Extension’s African Mango claims of 28 lbs loss in 10 weeks by taking two 150 mg tablets a day of the IGOB131 extract. I started taking the African Mango supplements on June 8th 2011. Below is the record of my weight progress
Weight at start of test – 90.4 kg
Weight after 1 week – 90.0 kg on Tuesday June 14th
Weight (daily) for the week just gone:
Wed June 15th – 90.1 kg at 10.32 am
Thu June 16th – 89.8 kg at 10.55 am
Fr June 17th – 89.7 kg at 10.15 am
Sat June 18th – 89.9 kg at 11.37 am
Sun June 19th – 90.0 kg at 11.40 am
Mon June 20th – 89.9 kg at 11.47 am
Tues June 21st – 90.0 kg at 10.32 am
Not much progress I’m afraid. I hope I haven’t been sold a pup – still, I read somewhere that the dramatic weight changes take place after one month – so let’s wait and see.
I must admit however that I feel fuller quicker when eating than before, and that feeling has now lasted for 14 days. However, it hasn’t translated into real weight loss – in fact I suppose one could mirror the effect by simply forcing down three bottles of pop soda before each meal. Am trying hard not to be over-skeptical and stay the course over 10 weeks.
Sincerely
Ian
Mac, did you start weight watchers and african mango at the same time? probably the best way to see whats causing the weight loss is to stop the African mango for a week or two and see if you are still losing weight. The gelatin is probably just a filler and doesn’t contribute to anything. not all supplements list IGOB131 and that may be because most people are more familiar with African mango rather than the tehnical name of the extract (only us geeks look for that 😉 )
The important thing is that you are losing weight 🙂
Joe, I am taking African Mango 1200 made by CREATIVE it has gelatin ,calcium carbonate and magnesium stearate. I am not sure that it would be the correct one. it does not say anything about IGOB131. I have lost 9lbs in three weeks but I am also on Weight Watchers so I’m not sure if its because of the African Mango or WW. Direction is two capsules a day.
Kamila, I think if its eaten as a food its probalby pretty safe. As for the supplement, I recommend you take the supplement to an oncologist and ask about this. I am not aware of any thyroid cancer research with African mango / Irvingia gabonensis. If you ever come across any, do let me know.
Joe, if people had thyroid cancer and the thyroid has been removed, and has to take a pill supplement for the thyroid ? Can we take this IGOB131 Irvingia gabonensis, and is it safe? or will have secondary effects?
Ian, thanks much for the update. Its interesting that you say it seems to be reducing your appetite. Looking forward to next weeks results 🙂
Joe – As promised here is the first week’s results of taking the Life Ext capsules of 150mg twice a day. Each week I’ll publish what has happened to me, for 10 weeks, and we shall be able to compare my results to those claimed by the test where an average of 28 pounds was lost in 10 weeks.
I started the test on June 8th and took first tablet at 11.53 am. My weight was 90.4 kg at the start of the test.
In the week that followed, my weight has decreased to 90 kg exactly, a loss of 400 gms (no big deal really). I noticed no other side effects but I must confess that my appetite has decreased and I am eating marginally less because of feeling full, even a trifle bloated i.e I find myself now stopping before I’ve finished a meal, whereas I’d religiously finish off everything before.
The weight evolution by day was as follows:
Wed June 8th – 90.4 kg at 11.56am
Thu June 9th – 90.2 kg at 10.31am
Fri June 10th – 89.8 kg at 11.21am
Sat June 11th – 90.0 kg at 10.35 am
Sun June 12th – 90.2 kg at 10.42 am
Mon 13th June – 90.0 kg at 12.11 am
Tues June 13th – 90.0 kg at 11.37 am
Sandra I think you are right about the diet and exercise. if you try it and think it helps you let me know. I did look at the site. it looks snazzy but I think it may have been created to sell African mango. The real test is if it works for people so do let me know your thoughts 🙂
I really believe that this diet pill supplement can work if you eat sensibly and even better still, if you incorporate some exercise into your routine too. The fact that it works with the hormone Leptin to hinder you from over eating and also increase the metabolism is what got me excited. I found a site that seem dedicated to the topic and that you can read various articles about it. africanmangocoupon.com
Louise, its possible you would. just remember the fruit has calories so if you eat too much it will cause you to gain weight.
will you get the same results if you just eat the fruit?
Ian yes keep me posted and good luck. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you 🙂
Do at least try to get some exercise also as this will help you maintain your muscle tissue.
I start my 10 week test tomorrow – life ext – 150 mg twice a day. I’ll be keeping results and will let you know what happens. I think this product probably works for older and more obese people better than for younger and more metabolically active people. I’m a perfect test case – 65 years old, gradually evolved to 90 kg over 40 years, don’t do too much exercise. If it works for me I’ll get down on my knees and give thanks.
Roxanne, I’ve never heard that Irvinga caused constipation (has anyone else had this problem?). Why dont you try stopping the supplement for a week and see if things improve. If things are not any better soon, go to your doctor and get it checked out. Let me know if things improve.
I was recently watching Dr. Oz and he recommended women over 40 use irvingia. I brought the product online because it was much cheaper than the health food store was offering. I had a question maybe you can help me with. Does irvingia cause a change in bowel movements (not going as freely). I purchased the Integra-lean Irvingia and if so is there a supplement that you would recommend to regulate that problem. I also drink a lot of water thinking that would help. I have been taking it for a week now.
heeeey I’m gonna get Life Extension’s Integra-Lean Irvingia from amazon, it’s 13.50 I’ll tell you how it goes!
Hi Janet, you can get African Mango at any health food store. I listed the levels of ingredients in my review and thats what I would look for. I dont think you need a supplement that has anything else in it. The research only used African mango.
I dont think you have to take this the rest of your life. If it works and you lose weight you can stop. Just make sure you watch your calories and exercise afterward. I also recommend you do this while you take African Mango too.