African Bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis) - Herbal Benefits and Uses

Bush Mango (Irvingia gabonensis) Ogbono

Irvingia gabonensis, commonly known as bush mango, is a species of African tree native to tropical West African forests. their local names namely, dikka, dika nut, dika bread tree, odika, ogbono, or iba-tree. The bush mango plant has been used for traditional medicine and as food.

Indigenous Range: Irvingia gabonensis is found in the humid forest zone across several African countries, including Angola, Congo, DR Congo, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and southwestern Uganda.
Climate and Altitude: It thrives in the tropical wet and dry climate zone, growing naturally in canopied jungles, gallery forests, and semi-deciduous forests. The tree prefers altitudes between 200–500 meters (660–1,640 feet) and annual rainfall ranging from 1,200–1,500 mm (47–59 inches).
Soil Requirements: Deep soils (more than 150 cm or 59 inches) with moderate fertility and good drainage are necessary. The pH can range from 4.5 to 7.5

Health benefits of bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis)

Irvingia gabonensis, commonly known as bush mango or African mango, is an underutilized indigenous edible wild fruit found in many parts of Africa. This multifaceted tree offers a range of traditional and medicinal uses. Let’s explore some of its remarkable properties:

Traditional Uses:
- Food: The fruit is consumed as food and resembles mango in taste.
- Bark and Seeds: Indigenous people use the bark and seeds for various purposes, including relieving pain and addressing gastrointestinal ailments.
Medicinal Benefits:
- Weight Loss: The seed extract from Irvingia gabonensis is marketed as a dietary supplement for weight loss. It is believed to affect fat cells, potentially reducing fat cell growth and promoting fat breakdown.
- Insulin Sensitivity: Studies suggest that Irvingia gabonensis may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fasting blood sugar levels.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: This fruit has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
Nutritional Importance:
- Antioxidant Potential: The overall antioxidant potential of fruits, including Irvingia gabonensis, is attributed to their innate phytochemicals, especially phenolic compounds. These compounds contribute to the fruit’s free radical scavenging ability and potential health benefits.
- Dietary Antioxidants: Indigenous edible fruits, like bush mango, are rich in dietary antioxidants, making their enhanced intake important for overall health.
Challenges and Opportunities:
- Despite its potential for the export market, Irvingia gabonensis is still not widely cultivated. Efforts are underway to domesticate and explore its utilization and health benefits.
- This fruit tree represents a valuable resource for addressing malnutrition and related health problems in African populations

Chemical composition of bush mango or African mango

This fascinating fruit offers a variety of components with potential health benefits:

Almond Oil Composition:
- Extraction Methods: The oil is extracted from the almonds using both soxhlet extraction and hot-pressing techniques.
- Oleosomes: Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-MEB) analyses reveal the presence of oleosomes in which the triglycerides of almonds are located.
- Triglycerides: The almond oil consists of 98.4% triglycerides, with a fat content of 63.8%.
- Fatty Acid Profile:
  - Lauric Acid: Constitutes 38.5% of the main triglycerides.
  - Myristic Acid: Makes up 51.9% of the main triglycerides.
- Thermal Properties: The oil melts at 43.4°C and decomposes at 415.2°C.
- Application: Given its high lauric acid content, I. gabonensis butter may serve as a valuable source of food and nutrition.
Phytochemical Constituents:
- Bioactive Compounds: Irvingia gabonensis contains various bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds.
- Antioxidant Potential: These phytochemicals contribute to the fruit’s overall antioxidant potential, which is essential for health and disease prevention.
Traditional and Medicinal Uses:
- Indigenous Fruit: Irvingia gabonensis is an underutilized indigenous edible wild fruit found in many parts of Africa.
- Multifaceted Tree: Every part of the tree has a possible use, and it is traditionally utilized by indigenous people.
- Health Benefits: Efforts are underway to explore its utilization and health benefits, especially in addressing nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition

How to use the bush mango Irvingia gabonensis as medicine to treat various sicknesses

African bush mango seeds (ogbono) — African bush mango seeds (Ogbono)

While it is primarily consumed as food, various parts of the plant have been utilized for their potential health benefits. Here’s how you can use this multifaceted tree to address different health concerns:

Weight Management:
- Seed Extract: The seed extract from Irvingia gabonensis is marketed as a dietary supplement for weight loss. It is believed to affect fat cells, potentially reducing fat cell growth and promoting fat breakdown.
Insulin Sensitivity and Blood Sugar Levels:
- Studies indicate that Irvingia gabonensis may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fasting blood sugar levels.
- Regular consumption may be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
- Irvingia gabonensis has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. This can help reduce inflammation in the body and potentially alleviate symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis.
Traditional Uses:
- The fruit is consumed as food, resembling mango in taste.
- The bark and seeds are used in folk medicine to relieve pain and address gastrointestinal ailments.
Phytochemical Constituents:
- The overall antioxidant potential of fruits, including Irvingia gabonensis, is attributed to the added and synergistic properties of innate phytochemicals, especially those belonging to phenolic compounds.
- These compounds not only scavenge free radicals but also confer other beneficial toxicological or pharmacological properties in humans.
Domestication and Exploration:
- Although Irvingia gabonensis has huge potential for the export market, it is still not widely cultivated.
- Efforts are underway to domesticate and explore its utilization and health benefits.

Side effects of the African mango (Irvingia gabonensis)

While African mango (Irvingia gabonensis) is known for its potential health benefits, particularly in weight management and nutritional value, it’s important to be aware of its possible side effects. Here are some reported side effects associated with the consumption of African mango or its extract:

Gastrointestinal Issues: Some individuals may experience flatulence, headaches, insomnia, and nausea when taking Irvingia gabonensis seed extract.
Blood Sugar Impact: Irvingia gabonensis might affect blood sugar levels, which could be a concern for individuals with diabetes or those taking antidiabetic medications.
Surgery Precautions: It’s advised to stop taking Irvingia gabonensis at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery due to its potential impact on blood sugar control during and after the procedure.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if Irvingia gabonensis is safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s recommended to stay on the safe side and avoid use.

It’s usually well-tolerated, but as with any supplement, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before using African mango, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.