irvingia gabonensis

Irvingia gabonensis is a plant native to West and Central Africa whose seeds are used both as food and in traditional medicine. The seeds are high in fiber and have been studied for their potential benefits in weight loss and metabolic health. Mechanistically, the soluble fiber content may help lower cholesterol by binding bile acids and reducing absorption of dietary fats. Irvingia gabonensis seed extracts may also modulate fat cell growth and promote the breakdown of fats. Research suggests possible beneficial effects for obesity (weight loss), diabetes (antidiabetic effect), hyperlipidemia (cholesterol lowering), analgesic activity (pain reduction), antimicrobial activity (infection control), antioxidant effects (reducing oxidative stress), gastrointestinal regulation (including anti-diarrheal properties via slowed intestinal motility), as well as potential neuroprotective actions through suppression of inflammation and promotion of autophagy[1][2][3][4][5][8]. However, clinical evidence is limited by small sample sizes or methodological concerns.

Other names

african mangoafrican wild mangobush mangodikadikabread treedikanutiba-treeirvingiaodikaogbonosweet bush mango