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 repeat – why hasn’t a reputable American university attempted to duplicate the Camaroon results? Why hasn’t the patent holder paid a reputable organization to conduct a similar study?
Thanks to Ian also for your experimentation and posting your results. Finding your info prevented me from tossing out some money.
I have to wonder if part of what might be working for Ellen is the fact that you (Ellen) mentioned that you’ve been eating very healthy. As I posted earlier, I went to a mostly clean diet, lots of fruits and veggies (mostly veggies), lean meats, whole grains, etc… and as I’ve read in many different sources that, as you give your body what it needs, the appetite will recede.
Supposedly, as we fill up on junk (processed foods too) we are still not satisfied because our body is still actually crying out for the nutrients that it requires that it is not getting from that junk and/or processed foods, so it says “feed me”. I used to not really believe that statement but, it has definitely been the case with me. My appetite is much diminished since eating healthier.
As an aside, I would presume that the mango extract could still have benefits (it is still from fruit), just not necessarily the ones being claimed right now. Does it have flavonoids? Antioxidants? Then again, sometimes separating one constituent from it’s natural surroundings can be more detrimental (fructose without the fiber in many juices…apart from the fruit itself).
Ian, I really apprecaite you hanging in there and taking the stuff for all those weeks! Sometimes, because of lack of proof one way or another, the first inkling that we have that something might work (or not work) is through people like you who take the time to help others. I am glad its helping Ellen but am at a loss as to why you did not see a difference.
I agree about the “we are all different” claim. If drug companies made that claim about why an antibiotic didn’t work, there would be riots. Sometimes, its not that we are so different; its the way the supplements are made that are different (some better, some not so good). And sometimes the “research” to back up a claim (the life extension study you mentioned) may not be so reliable.
Joe
I have abandoned my test of Life Extention’s version of Irvingia on which I have been reporting my weekly progress since the first week of June.
After 6 weeks of taking the prescribed two 150mg tablets a day, my weight has not changed except for a few grams. I must say that I did notice a decrease in desire to eat. However, I have experienced nowhere near what Ellen claims to have achieved (28lbs weight loss).
I notice that you pointed out my lack of success to Ellen, who replied to you that African Mango does not work on everyone because everyone is different. Without wishing to offend, I’m afraid this is the easy, standard answer that is trotted out when something does not work out as claimed. If everyone is not the same, how come the experiment recounted by Life Extention where over 100 people were tested over 10 weeks resulted in an AVERAGE loss of 28 lbs for the WHOLE group? Was the weight loss a success because those people were ‘all the same’? All like Ellen? All 100 of them?
I’m afraid I just don’t believe it. This African Mango claim is what I should have recognized it to be from the start – the marketing of a sham to overweight people desperate to be convinced that there really is a miracle short-cut to losing 28lbs without any effort and without any exercise. It’s like believing in Santa Claus or in fairies at the bottom of the garden – except that those fictions don’t cost you any money.
In closing Joe, I thank you for your interest in my experiment. I would much rather have reported that I really had lost weight (even 10lbs would have made me ecstatic) but sadly the truth is the truth is the opposite.
Ian
Ellen, the important thing is that you are losing weight and because of that I’m happy 🙂
Of course, everyone is different. I have been in healthcare for 40+ years, and have certainly done my research on this before trying it. What I have noticed is a decreased desire to eat and a satisfaction with choosing healthy foods over more calorie-laden alternatives. Either this is working for me or it is the best placebo I have ever seen.
Ellen, that’s very interesting because if you read the comments of Ian, above hes been using the same thing as you are and has hardly lost anything. Thanks for your comments.
I have been taking Life Extension Irvingia since ~ Thanksgiving, 2010 and have lost 28 lb to date without thinking about it. I do not crave snacks as I used to, and my appetite has definitely decreased. If I want a treat, I eat it, and then cut back later. Generally I eat whole grains, lean meats, fruits, and veggies. For the first time I am satisfied with that instead of craving sweets. I buy the Integra through the 360-5.com website – it is associated with the Cleveland Clinic. Dr Roizan, who is an associate of Dr Oz is the wellness director there, and I initially bought it because of his comments on its’ efficacy. I am very pleased with the results, but realize that it would not work if I did not pair it with a sensible diet and moderate exercise.
PO, you’ll probably be ok but if you start feeling strange, go to your doctor. The research doesn’t use green tea with African mango so any product that adds additional stuff is a tip off to me that it probably wont work. If you scroll up in the comments you’ll see the results of Ian whose been taking African Mango for several weeks and its not working in him.
As a rule, when starting supplements, always start with less than they tell you to take, just to see how you will respond.
Hello,
I just bought African Mango – 1200mg (with 300 mg of green tea). The bottle stated to take 1 or 2 capsules, so I took two at once. Now I’m worried that I took too much as I see a lot of you stating to take 350mg, and I just took 2400mg (with 600 mg green tea). Does anyone think I have anything to worry about in taking this amount? Again the bottle said to take one or two and it did not say to space them out at all, and not thinking I just took two right away. Worried!!
Ian, thanks for the update. You’ve been on the stuff long enough that if you were going to see a difference with African Mango I think it would have happened by now. I won’t hold you to your commitment – especially if it means you have to buy more of it!
As an aside I mentioned your test of African Mango in my review of Apidexin which also has this ingredient
http://supplementclarity.com/apidexin-review-weight-loss/
I definitely appreciate your efforts Ian 🙂
Here’s the weekly update of my 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 5 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
Weight after 4 weeks – 90.0 kg on Tuesday July 5th
Weight after 5 weeks – 90.2 kg on Tuesday July 12th
I wish I hadn’t promised myself to keep this test going for the whole 10 weeks! Am more than ever convinced African Mango (at least the version put out by Life Extension) is complete baloney
Laura, it sounds like you’ve made fantastic progress! I think you will like your bike as much as I like mine 🙂
Well. It’s mostly due to a bad back. A lot of inflammation. I’ve been getting it checked every 6 months for about 4 yrs now. There had been some need for dental work initially also, which has been addressed.
She wanted me on a statin but we opted for high doses of purified fish oil supplements which has made a great difference. I did have another test done 2 months ago and I didn’t ask for the numbers but, since they didn’t call this time, that means it’s improved.
Background: — About 1-1/2 yrs ago I went through a series of steroids (both oral and injections) for my back. After a few weeks of oral prednisone and 37 injections (which I was told would NOT cause weight gain…HA!), I got about 3 weeks of relief, gained 30 lbs and got cushings syndrome.
Nothing I tried worked to get the weight off. I then changed my eating habits. I’ve pretty much gone to about 95% clean eating (I still have the occasional forbidden goody with the hubbit or special occasions). I eat mostly organic and avoid as much preservatives, pesticides, chemicals and refined products as possible.
I’m now down about 27 lbs without ‘dieting’, but have about 15 lbs to go. I’m feeling MUCH better for it and my VAP numbers are all improved but, I still have a good deal of inflammation. I do take certain supplements along with the fish oil and healthy eating. I was having trouble with the exercise part only because of my back/hip but have found that I can do a good deal with the wii fit+ and a lortab.. lol.
I’m purchasing a new bike this week also. I really wanted to do weight bearing exercises (I used to work with weights every day before the back issues) but found I was unable without a LOT of pain.
All in all, things are much better, but… I would still like to see my CRP decreased. Previous count was 6.9 and as I’m sure you’re aware, anything over 1.0 is undesirable.
Laura, what does your doctor say about your high CRP level? I’ve read – forget where – that CRP may be an indicator of an infection (maybe a bacteria) that may increase heart disease risk. A cardiologist would know much more about the research on this than I would.
There is some research that aerobic exercise can reduce CRP also. Not sure if your doing that or not but wanted to toss it out to you.
Thanks for giving us your updates Ian. I’m following along before making any purchase. I would love to hear from someone that knows if it has reduced their CRP levels. Mine are sky high and if Irvingia gabonensis lowers that significantly, I would take it for that alone.
Ian thanks for the update. African mango is part of another weight loss supplement I’m investigating right now (Apidexin) and your results will be of much use to those who are interested in that supplement too.
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 4 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
Weight after 4 weeks – 90.0 kg on Tuesday July 5th
This miracle diet supplement is beginning to look more and more like a scam. Still, I’ll go the whole distance of 10 weeks to mirror the 10 week test they claim made their test group lose 28 lbs on average. The way it’s looking right now, I’ll be lucky to lose 25 ounces!
I took Integra Lean for 3 months with zero effect on anything! The Cameroon study is obviously fraudulent or its astounding results would have been duplicated by now at a reputable American university.