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 read somewhere that you should only take African Mango for four weeks and then get off them for 1 week. I have been taking them for 2 years -steady. Lately my blood pressure is a little high. Could this be why?
Veronica, I’ve never seen any research showing that people have to go off of African mango every few weeks so I’m not sure about that. I’ve never heard of African mango raising blood pressure. Blood pressure does vary during the day. Also, some blood pressure machines may not be accurate (I’m usually skeptical of the blood pressure machines in super markets for example). Since this has you concerned, I’d say get your BP checked by your doctor and see if the results are the same.
Hi Joe, what a great website! I found the information from your followers really helpful!! I live in Australia and I am trying to source a supplier of IGOB131… easy to find African Mango but nobody states the amount of IGOB31 in the products! Thank goodness I read your site first!
Also, 2 responses on here have suggested combined use of the African Mango and Cissus quadrangularis. I found the products really well priced on a recommended US site but the postage bumped up the cost. Does anyone out there know where I can source this in Australia?
thanks so much. Sophie
Sophie, glad you found me and hello from the US! I think that the ” IGOB31″ designation may be the code name that the scientists used when they were testing it. Id imagine that if that name ever became popular with people that supplement companies would indeed then start putting IGOB31 on their labels.
Im not aware of any research that combined african mango and Cissus but that doesnt necessarily mean something wont work. is there ann Australian version of Amazon that might have these?
Trying African Mango with Green Tea. Seems to help
Hello,
Just wondering if IAN has ever found a supplement to help him lose weight. I would like to get down to 130lbs from 140. I jog every day and eat about 1500 calories a day.
Have you had your thyroid checked? also read this http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
What happens if you stop taking it after 10wks. Wont your body be used to the mango extract then compensate
ie you will gain weight fast?
Liz, I dont know if you will gain weight “fast” but its possible people will gain weight if they go back to eating the way they used to.
hi i’m taking one 4000mg African mango pill it has no other ingredients in it ,i am noticing a change in my bowel habits some days i don’t go for 2 ,3 days during that time i am sometimes a little constipated, then i have a soft bowel movement followed by some looseness as well.i take this pill as directed with my morning meal.
Hi,
Does anyone know if irvinga gabonesis is ok to take with anti-depressants?
Thanks,
Amanda
Australia
Amanda, I have no idea. have you tried to ask your doctor or a pharmacist about this?
Hi Cheryl
you might be experiencing the bloating, My stomach is proper swollen all of the time im pretty confident this is just my body getting used to the high fibre as its not as severe as it first was.
Ive been on the supplements for 2 weeks not much weight loss but i have more energy now and dont eat as much as feel full which is great, this has just kicked in the last few days so hoping to see a drop on the scales soon.
I have been on AFRICAN MANGO MELTDOWN supplements for three weeks , i have been walking every day , i seem to have got bigger as my clothes are tighter.What am i doing wrong.Please help.
Cheryl
Australia
I am over 60, in good health, am active, still working at a demanding career, and not a supplement freak. After the dreaded menopause, I could not control weight as I had all my life and the problem was strictly in the core area.
I tried African Mango supplements and–I must say–during that time was the only time I lost–and lost in the right places. (I should add that I kept a good diet and exercised, as I always had.)
I became concerned because I started having pain in my chest area, so I stopped. I suspect now that was not a cardiological pain, but more or less local reaction to the substance. I bought a cheap product.
Thank you for this article. I’m going to try a better brand (more money, but probably worth it) and start again. What can I say, it worked!
I actually lost another 8 lbs and my cholesterol went up. The only change in my diet since June was adding oatmeal and whole grain bread. This is why I think the african mango helped.
Nancy, that’s interesting. well try it again and see if you cholesterol goes back down.
I purchased the Life Extension Integra-lean irvingia 150 mg and it helped me lose 25 lbs. It also brought my cholesterol down significantly. I stopped taking the pills in June and last week had my blood work done and my cholesterol is back up. So I just purchased another bottle. Is it safe to be on these pills a long time?
Nancy, did your weight go up between june and now or have you kept the weight off? weight loss can reduce cholesterol levels, so if your weight went back up, that might explain why your cholesterol rose also. Long term use? If its just african mango, Im inclined to say probably yes even though Im not aware of any “long term” studies. If there is anything else in the product, Im not sure.
i love it .. its soo good just eat healthy not junk no mc donald .. no crap’s like that and maintain it with clean food and exercise and you be good to go !! dont be hard on yourself .. buy some fitness equipment’s and go to gym .. do hot yoga .. cardio .. run for 20 minutes .. and i guarantee you will see the result’s in 2 months 🙂 good luck
i been trying african mango for a week now and its working for me .. i have less appetite and i don’t get hungry as much .. i eat very small amount of food 2 portion a day and its just great before trying this i wasn’t sure but i recommend this to whoever that wants to be fit and healthy ..
i have been taking african mango for approx. to weeks. i can definitely tell you that it does work to a certain extend. my appetite isn’t as strong as it used to be and i have not gained any weight. considering my diet, that is a big shocker. i am not restricting my calories and not following a harsh exercise regime. there is no change in diet and exercise. i bought african mango 300 mg caps. from ihealth. i am giving it two months. will update on my progress.
Hi Joe,
This is one of the only reviews I’ve seen that actually supports the product by siting the published studies. You have provided a very informative and unbiased article here. It is nice to see a fresh approach.
As with any diet supplement, users really need to remember it is not a miracle cure and still requires some effort. Exercise and a healthy diet combined with the supplement is likely going to produce the best results.
A common theme is the increase in energy. For those who find they are lacking energy, you may want to check out the B vitamin supplements.
i purchased my african mango at gnc (it is the proper IGOB131) for $30. I went in looking for something to help supress my appetite as I tend to be starving at night. It was the only supplement they had. I have been taking it for about a week now and for supressing hunger its amazing!! I am unsure if i am loosing any weight but it does give me some extra energy through the day and really helps with my night time cravings
Even with a background in nutrition I have managed to gain 30 lbs over the past 10 years. I eat a balanced diet of healthy and sometimes organic foods, never binge, consume fewer calories than 10 years ago, but have an increasing difficulty metabolizing.
I tried African Mango a couple of months ago and found that it DID quite surprisingly suppress my appetite and yes, I lost a few pounds, mostly water. After I finished the bottle and stopped using African Mango, my appetite once again increased. I am now trying the South Beach Diet (end of week 1 of Phase 1) and soon will combine this with African Mango to curb my appetite. My goal is to lose 30 lbs and maintain my new weight without relying on products like African Mango for the rest of my life.
I’m exercising and feeling very committed to my weight loss regime. I understand why losing 1 – 2 lbs a week is often recommended but personally, I find it discouraging and simply not enough of an incentive to continue with any diet. I hope to kick start my weight loss with a combined South Beach and African Mango approach and hope to shed a bit more weight a tiny bit faster.
I found a brand of Irvingia Gaboneensis that offers a 100% money back guarantee. You just return it to the store you purchased it from within 30 days if you don’t like it (with your receipt of course) and they will give you your $ back. The brand is NV, and I purchased them from Walgreens for $29.99 for 60 caplets. Inside the box is a certificate of authenticity guaranteeing that whats in the box is what the label says…which is 150 mg of IGOB131 (seed) No results yet for me….just started
I must say I found all these posts really interesting I just started taking African mango and It has certainly suppressed my appetite,I just hope it continues to do so.
I just love food and although I only want to lose about 12Ibs I usually feel as though I am constantly depriving myself(although I am not in comparison to what most people eat) so it was a joy today not to keep wanting to go to the fridge.
I was bad though and finished off some chocolate biscuits that I had bought as a pressie and opened for myself a couple of days ago, as you do.But they have gone now and I think the African Mango will help big time to keep me away from temptation.
I had not heard of Cissus Quadrangularis before so I am going to look it up now and try that too.Many thanks