Red Mango Extract
Also known as: Red Mango Extract, Mango Extract, Mangifera indica Extract, Mangiferin, Mangifera indica L.
Overview
Red Mango Extract is derived from various parts of the mango tree (*Mangifera indica*), with mangiferin being its primary bioactive compound. This botanical extract is rich in polyphenols, exhibiting significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is primarily investigated for its potential benefits in metabolic health, exercise performance, and skin health. While preclinical studies show promise, the research maturity level is moderate, with most human trials being small-scale. The extract is generally considered safe, with few reported adverse effects. Its mechanism of action involves scavenging reactive oxygen species, inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways, and modulating metabolic processes. Red Mango Extract is available in various forms, with standardized extracts preferred for consistent dosing.
Benefits
Red Mango Extract offers several potential benefits, primarily due to its rich polyphenol content, especially mangiferin. It acts as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in preclinical models. While human data are limited, these properties suggest potential for mitigating conditions associated with chronic inflammation. For metabolic health, mango and its extracts may improve markers of metabolic syndrome, though human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are scarce and often involve small sample sizes, making clinical significance uncertain. In terms of exercise performance, a specific mango leaf extract (Zynamite®), when combined with other polyphenols, showed improved performance in one small RCT, but this effect was not observed with mango fruit extract alone. A meta-analysis on general fruit/fruit extract intake (not specific to mango) indicated improved skin hydration but no significant effect on minimum erythema dose. Overall, effect sizes are generally small to moderate, and more high-quality human studies are needed to confirm these benefits and establish clinical significance.
How it works
Red Mango Extract exerts its effects primarily through its rich polyphenol content, particularly mangiferin. As an antioxidant, it directly scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby reducing oxidative stress. Its anti-inflammatory action involves inhibiting key pro-inflammatory pathways, such as NF-κB. For metabolic benefits, it is thought to modulate glucose and lipid metabolism, potentially through activation of AMPK. These mechanisms collectively contribute to its observed effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic regulation. Mangiferin has moderate oral bioavailability, and its absorption may be enhanced when co-administered with other polyphenols.
Side effects
Red Mango Extract is generally regarded as safe, with few adverse events reported in human studies. Common side effects (occurring in over 5% of users) have not been consistently reported. Uncommon side effects (1–5%) may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort, though this is not consistently observed across studies. Rare side effects (less than 1%) could include allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to mango. No significant drug interactions have been reported, but there is a theoretical risk with blood thinners due to the potential antiplatelet effects of polyphenols. Contraindications are not formally established, but caution is advised for individuals with a known mango allergy. The safety of Red Mango Extract during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, and its use in these populations should be approached with caution.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Red Mango Extract is not yet well-established due to limited high-quality human data. Based on available studies, a common dosage range is 100–400 mg of mangiferin or an equivalent standardized extract daily. The minimum effective dose is also not clearly defined. There is no established maximum safe dose, as no toxicity has been reported at typical supplementation levels. For optimal absorption and to minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort, it is often recommended to take Red Mango Extract with meals. When selecting a supplement, standardized extracts, such as Zynamite®, are preferred to ensure consistent levels of active compounds. Absorption of mangiferin may be enhanced when co-administered with other polyphenols or dietary fats. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is Red Mango Extract safe to use?
Red Mango Extract is generally considered safe, with few reported side effects. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is possible, and individuals with mango allergies should exercise caution. Safety during pregnancy and lactation is not established.
How should I take Red Mango Extract?
It is generally recommended to take Red Mango Extract with meals to enhance absorption and reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal discomfort. Standardized extracts are preferred for consistent dosing.
What are the main benefits of Red Mango Extract?
The primary benefits include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also shows potential for improving metabolic health and exercise performance, though more robust human research is needed to confirm these effects.
How long does it take to see results from Red Mango Extract?
Most studies reporting benefits show effects after 4–12 weeks of consistent supplementation. Acute effects are not well-documented, suggesting it may require longer-term use for noticeable changes.
Can Red Mango Extract replace medical treatments?
No, Red Mango Extract is a supplement and should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medical treatments. Its evidence for clinical benefits is preliminary, and it should be used as an adjunct under professional guidance.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1232229/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of fruit and fruit extract intake on skin aging. It found no significant effect on minimum erythema dose (MED) but noted improved skin hydration in some studies. The review highlighted limitations due to a limited number of RCTs and heterogeneity in interventions.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/13/12/2270 – This review explored the potential of mango and its by-products for improving metabolic health. It concluded that while mango and its extracts show promise for metabolic syndrome markers, there is a significant lack of large, high-quality human trials to confirm these findings, relying mostly on preclinical evidence.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/11/2592 – This randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined the effect of mango leaf extract (Zynamite®) on exercise performance in active adults. It found that when combined with other polyphenols, the extract improved exercise performance. However, the study was limited by its small sample size and the fact that it did not test mango fruit extract alone.
Supplements Containing Red Mango Extract
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