According to a a new study published in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease, the African mango (Irvingia gabonensis) has potential as a weight loss aid, and may help lower cholesterol levels.

For the study, 102 overweight or obese adults were assigned to receive either 150 milligrams of the African mango seed extract or placebo. Participants received the were told to maintain their normal dietary and exercise habits.

According to researchers, “Significant improvements in body weight, body fat, and waist circumference as well as plasma total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, blood glucose, C-reactive protein, adiponectin and leptin levels” were observed in the group that received the African mango extract.

“Irvingia gabonensis administered 150 mg twice daily before meals to overweight and/or obese human volunteers favorably impacts body weight and a variety of parameters characteristic of the metabolic syndrome.” concluded researchers, adding, “This is the first double blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial regarding the anti-obesity and lipid profile modulating effects of an Irvingia gabonensis extract.”

Researchers also noted that while the results are promising, additional research is needed.

Source
Lipids in Health and Disease