Irvingia gabonensis
Scientific names: Irvingia gabonensis, Irvingia barteri, Mangifera gabonensis
Family: Irvingiaceae
Alternate names: African Mango, Agbono, Bread Tree, Bush Mango, Dika Nut, Dikanut, Dikka, Duiker Nut, Etima, Irvingia, Kaka, Manguier Sauvage, Odika, Ogbono, Wild Mango
Actions: Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiobesity, Antioxidant, Gastrointestinal, Hormonal, Hypocholesterolemic, Hypoglycemic, Insecticidal
Background
Irvingia gabonensis is a tree found in areas of Africa. Its fruit is similar to mango and eaten as food. Its seeds are also eaten as food and used as medicine.
Irvingia gabonensis seeds are high in fiber which might help lower cholesterol. The seeds might also affect fat cells, which might reduce fat cell growth and increase the breakdown of fats.
People use Irvingia gabonensis for high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Irvingia gabonensis seeds are high in fiber which might help lower cholesterol. The seeds might also affect fat cells, which might reduce fat cell growth and increase the breakdown of fats.
People use Irvingia gabonensis for high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Irvingia gabonensis seed extract is possibly safe when used short-term. A crude seed extract has been used safely in doses up to 1.05 grams three times daily for up to 12 weeks, and a standardized seed extract (IGOB131) has been used safely in doses up to 150 mg twice daily for up to 12 weeks. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include flatulence, headache, insomnia, and nausea.
Surgery: Irvingia gabonensis might affect blood sugar. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking Irvingia gabonensis at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Irvingia gabonensis is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Surgery: Irvingia gabonensis might affect blood sugar. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking Irvingia gabonensis at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using Irvingia gabonensis for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
Irvingia gabonensis has most often been used by adults in total daily doses of 0.3-4 grams by mouth divided two to three times daily for up to 12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Irvingia gabonensis might lower blood sugar levels. Taking Irvingia gabonensis along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Testosterone
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Irvingia gabonensis might increase testosterone levels. Taking Irvingia gabonensis along with testosterone might cause too much testosterone in the body. This might increase the chance of testosterone side effects. Do not take Irvingia gabonensis if you are taking testosterone.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Irvingia gabonensis might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 17/10/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 21/05/2018 20:31:31. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
