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
Do you suggest any brands which containeIGOB131?
Dr Paul, sorry to say, there is no product Ive seen that I trust to stand out from the rest.
Joe,
Here is the reference mentioned by Lisa 11/26/11:
Oben JE, Ngondi JL, Momo CN, Agbor GA, Sobgui CS. The use of a Cissus quadrangularis / Irvingia gabonensis combination in the management of weight loss: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Lipids Health Dis . 2008;7:12.
If you want a copy of the article, I can obtain it for you.
Jody, thanks for that! I just found the study and will update the review soon 🙂
Hi Joe,
I read about African Mango online just over a month ago. After returning from a 3 month vacation eating my way through Europe and unsuccessfully losing the added weight I was feeling the need to loose some weight.
I’m happy to say that after 1 month of taking African Mango with Green Tea extract once a day before breakfast, I have lost 5kg! With such great success and a general feeling of being more healthy I am going to continue using this for another month and hopefully get similar results and feel like my older self, the 10kg lighter version of me 🙂
Anyways that’s my experience so far
Louise, great I’m glad its working for you 🙂 Keep me posted!
Hey joe
June 16 I was 234.2 and today June 19 I got on my scale 229.4 it’s is possible ? I workout everyday
Fanny, I think its water weight you lost. thats often what happens when people lose several pounds of weight in a few days. If you just started exercising every day or cut back – even a little in carbs or calories – that is likely what happened. Ive written something that might shed some light on this
http://www.joe-cannon.com/low-carb-diets-how-they-work/
That’s anybody knows If I should use Africa rush mango (liquid)30. Min before meals or it doesn’t mater the instruction doesn’t say it. Tks
Tks for your answer joe! Today is my 1st day I I’ll definetly let you guys known in 4weeks..
Hello joe
I just bought African brush mango irvingia gabonensis (liquid) with irvingia iGOB131 and got acai,baobab,green tea,hoodia Ill this help me losing weight?
fanny, give it a shot for a few weeks and see. i think the caffeine in the green tea ,might be most likely to do something but I’m open to hearing what happens 🙂
I just bought African Mango off ebay really cheap. Which scares me as i found out the seller sells the pills in sealable bags rather then the original packaging. He says:”The 60 tablets will be supplied fully labelled with directions of use, information data, in a food grade re-sealable grip seal bag. We supply the tablets this way for easy posting – they can be delivered through most letterboxes.
Every Product is manufactured, bagged and labelled in clean room facilities by the manufacturer before we receive them and are untouched by the human hand until you receive them.
Each tablet is only produced using natural ingredients and are suitable for all vegetarians and vegans.
Certificate of Authentication is Available upon Request
The African Mango tablets are manufactured and packed in the UK exceeding GMP Code of Practice to BS: EN ISO9001: 2000 Standard and is FDA and EPA Registered”
Did i just get scammed?
Sara, Id like to see that certificate of authentication and who actually certified them. If you can get it and email me a copy that would be great. Personally I am not a fan of products that come in basically a zip lock bag. I don’t recommend you take them
I also work out a lot, so I hope to get good results.
Hi, I managed to get hold of the african mango in its raw form. i.e. ground mango kernel. I started taking it today and will get back with the results in 4 weeks. I have a feeling, if the African mango really works, then its best consumed in its original state.
Hello, I am English, living in the Uk, and receive a daily email called, HSI e alert, from an organization called Health Sciences (Agora Health) I believe it has connections in the States.
I have just received from them a comprehensive article on African Mango combined with cissus, plus an offer to buy the ‘real’ thing. It has prompted me to look further into it and came across your site. It appears that many people have many questions about the product, so I thought this may be of use to some of them!
At the bottom of the article, it says to give the following link to anyone who might be interested. As an ex nurse, I find all their stuff very interesting, and shall endeavour to copy it correctly:
http://signup.healthsciences institute.co.uk/dh1.php?x=XHDHD702
If this does not work, I am happy to forward the email to you Joe if you are the ‘boss man’
Hi Jan, I tried the link but it didn’t work. I dont know if I’m the “boss man” but thanks for the smmile 😉
why can’t we just buy the mangos in our produce isle, in the super market,if so how many would you eat to get the amount of dosage you would need in a pill.This sounds much more safe than,and kosher,than taking another pill.
Adam, Id guess the pills are supposed to be more concentrated. Im not sure how many mangos people would have to eat but overall from the comments Ive seen here, Im not too impressed with african mango and weight loss. It looks like a crap shoot at best. Id agree Mangos are healthier and more Kosher.
ECA = bronkaid/caffeine/aspirin….proven to work.
Lenny, the “E” in ECA is a reference to Ephedra, which while having some effect on airways, was more often used in weight loss products. There are clinical studies on ephedra and caffeine and while I’m aware that aspirin is commonly discussed in this mixture, I dont remember seeing any studies aspirin that used aspirin. Since ephedra is banned from wt loss supplements in the US, there are no legal supplements in the US that have it.
Here is one reason why ephedra was banned in the US http://www.joe-cannon.com/personal-trainer-recommend-supplements-ephedr/
About a month ago I took the African Mango 150mg cap. I could not see any significant weight loss. I read an article, I can’t remember what article it was, but it stated that the extract does not work, you need the whole seed or something. Those pills were $67.00. Has anyone seen this article and has tried the pills?
Rose, I think it might might also depend on exactly what extract the supplement contained. Id be interested in seeing that article also.
Hi Joe,
I have been struggling with weight for years now. Specially after having kids. I have tried excercise, eating healthy but nothing has worked for me? Do you know of something i can do/take to help me with weigh loss?
Rose, I get asked this a lot. I wish there was a product I had faith in but so far all weight loss products just seem to me to be for the most part the same ingredients in different bottles. Ive written about this and offered some advice on my personal website here is the link http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
I hope some of this helps Rose.
Hi everyone my doc prescribed me with the same prescription as Lisa, the primaFORCE, ill keep you guys posted with my results!
How do I know what African Mango pills to take if there are 100 different bottles?
Stephanie, that is the $64,000 question. While I remain skeptical about the weight loss effects of african mango, if you want to try it, I suggest you stick with a company that has a reputation. In other words, a company that you have heard about over the years. As I see it, if the company has been around long enough and has a good reputation then they dont want to damage that reputation by putting out a supplement that is sub-par in terms of containing what they say it contains. That doesn’t mean the product will “work” but rather that that product contains the ingredients that are listed on the bottle’s label. If you dont know about these companies, go to a local health food store (Vitamin Shoppe etc) and ask the general manager which brands have been around the longest and what they feel are quality names.
I checked consumerlab.com for you which lists products that have passed their testing but as of today -3/14/12 – they only provide a review of African mango and not a list of supplements that have passed their quality control testing. One point they did mention and – I think this is important – is that you should look for extracts that come from the seeds of the Irvingia gabonsis plant and not the “bark” or “fruit.” This information can usually be found on the back of the label of the supplement.
Stephanie if you try African Mango for weight loss and it works or doesn’t, I hope you will let me know how things turned out.
Gina,
I have been looking for the perfect “diet” supplement and it seems like you found a pretty good one. I myself love food also and I seem to eat a lot even if I’m not hungry. I would like to know where did you get these supplements because they seem to be working very well. Please let me know, Thanks!
I have been taking Raspberry keytones with african mango, after just one week I have lost almost 2 inches. It takes away ALL hunger and I can never finish even half of my meals. I have to mention that I have been a binge eater for over 28 years, eating plate after plate of food at a time, within two days of taking this my eating has changed due to lack of hunger, never did I think that I would be a light eater because I love food, the more the better. My calorie intake went from 3000-4000 a day to about 1700 a day. I have not yet lost any pounds, however inches for sure.
Gina, thanks for the feedback. I hope to have my review of raspberry ketones posted this week.
error in my post: I mean IGOB 131