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Mango Seed Extract

Also known as: Mango seed extract, African mango seed extract, African mango, Irvingia gabonensis

Overview

Irvingia gabonensis, commonly known as African mango, is a fruit native to West Africa. Its seeds are used to produce mango seed extract, a dietary supplement primarily utilized for weight management and improving metabolic health. The extract contains bioactive compounds, notably ellagic acid and its glycosides, which are recognized for their antioxidant properties. Research indicates that mango seed extract may help normalize carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, contributing to weight reduction. The scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is moderately mature, with several clinical trials and at least one systematic review and meta-analysis available. The quality of evidence ranges from moderate to good, with well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses supporting its benefits in weight loss and metabolic improvements.

Benefits

Mango seed extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily for weight management and metabolic health. The most significant effect is statistically and clinically significant weight loss, including reductions in body weight and waist circumference. This has been observed with daily doses ranging from 200 mg to 3150 mg over periods of 4 to 10 weeks. For instance, a meta-analysis reported significant reductions in body weight and waist circumference, with weight loss typically ranging from 2 to 5 kg over intervention periods. Additionally, the extract has been shown to improve lipid profiles and other metabolic parameters associated with obesity. Secondary benefits include antioxidant effects, attributed to its ellagic acid content, which may contribute to anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Overweight and obese adults appear to benefit most from supplementation. The positive effects are generally observed within 4 to 10 weeks of consistent supplementation.

How it works

Mango seed extract exerts its effects primarily by modulating the metabolism of saccharides and lipids. It is believed to interact with key cellular pathways such as PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB, PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2, and AMPK/SIRT-1/mTOR axes. These pathways are crucial for regulating energy homeostasis, inflammation, and cellular stress responses, thereby influencing glucose and lipid metabolism. The antioxidant compounds, particularly ellagic acid, present in the extract may also contribute to metabolic improvements by reducing oxidative stress within the body. While specific details on absorption and bioavailability are limited, ellagic acid glycosides are known to be bioactive upon oral intake, suggesting their role in the observed metabolic effects.

Side effects

Mango seed extract is generally considered safe, with clinical studies reporting no significant adverse effects at doses up to 3150 mg/day for durations up to 10 weeks. Rare and minor side effects are not well documented, and no major safety concerns have emerged from rigorous clinical trials. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been widely reported, though data in this area are limited. Specific populations, such as pregnant or lactating women and children, have not been adequately studied, and therefore, caution is advised for these groups. Overall, the safety profile appears favorable for short-term use, but more extensive research is needed to fully understand potential long-term effects and interactions.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for mango seed extract, based on clinical trials, is approximately 200 mg per day. The optimal dose range for demonstrating efficacy is between 200 mg and 3150 mg per day, typically administered for 4 to 10 weeks. The maximum safe dose reported in short-term studies, without adverse effects, is 3150 mg per day. Mango seed extract is usually taken daily, though specific timing relative to meals has not been definitively established. It is commonly available in standardized seed extract capsules or powders. While absorption might be influenced by co-ingestion with food, current data are insufficient to provide specific recommendations regarding meal timing.

FAQs

Is mango seed extract safe for long-term use?

Current evidence on mango seed extract is limited to short-term use, typically up to 10 weeks. There is insufficient data to confirm its safety for long-term supplementation.

How soon can weight loss be expected?

Benefits, including weight loss, generally begin to appear within 4 weeks of consistent supplementation and can continue to improve up to 10 weeks.

Does it work alone or with diet/exercise?

Most studies on mango seed extract include participants who maintain controlled diets. Its effects may be enhanced when combined with healthy lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.

Are there any known drug interactions?

No significant drug interactions have been documented for mango seed extract. However, due to limited data, caution is advised, especially if taking other medications.

Research Sources

https://www.jscimedcentral.com/public/assets/articles/publichealth-11-1130.pdf – This review of experimental and clinical studies validates the metabolic normalization and weight loss effects of Irvingia gabonensis. It also elucidates the molecular pathways involved, providing comprehensive mechanistic insights into how the extract influences energy homeostasis and metabolism.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31855111/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found significant reductions in body weight and waist circumference, along with improved metabolic parameters, in overweight and obese adults supplementing with Irvingia gabonensis. The study highlights the extract's efficacy despite some variability in study design.
https://www.jscimedcentral.com/jounal-article-info/Annals-of-Public-Health-and-Research/Positive-Effect-of-Irvingia-Gabonensis-on-Health-and-Weight-Loss-11774 – This clinical study review summarizes findings from human RCTs and trials, consistently reporting statistically significant weight loss with Irvingia gabonensis doses ranging from 200 mg to 3150 mg per day over 4-10 weeks. It also notes the absence of significant adverse effects, supporting its short-term safety profile.