Overview

Irvingia gabonensis is a tree native to West Africa. The fruit is similar to a mango and is used for food. The seeds are used to make medicine.

Irvingia gabonensis is sometimes used for weight loss, high cholesterol, and diabetes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How does it work ?

Irvingia gabonensis seeds might lower cholesterol because of their high fiber content. The fiber increases removal of cholesterol from the body.

Some research suggests that Irvingia gabonensis seeds might also affect fat cells, which might reduce fat cell growth and increase the breakdown of fats.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Diabetes. Early research suggests that taking Irvingia gabonensis by mouth daily for 1-3 months reduces blood sugar, total cholesterol, and triglycerides and increases "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.
  • High cholesterol. Some small studies show that Irvingia gabonensis seed extracts might reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol levels in people who are overweight. But this research is low quality.
  • A grouping of symptoms that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke (metabolic syndrome). Early studies suggest that taking Irvingia gabonensis 150 mg twice daily for 90 days might improve some, but not all, symptoms of this condition.
  • Obesity. Some small studies show that Irvingia gabonensis seed extracts might help reduce weight in people who are overweight, especially if combined with a low-calorie diet. But this research is poor quality.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate Irvingia gabonensis for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Irvingia gabonensis is POSSIBLY SAFE for adults when a crude seed extract is taken for up to 4 weeks, or when a specific standardized seed extract called IGOB131 is used for up to 10 weeks. The only side effects reported are flatulence, headaches, and sleep problems.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Irvingia gabonensis is POSSIBLY SAFE for adults when a crude seed extract is taken for up to 4 weeks, or when a specific standardized seed extract called IGOB131 is used for up to 10 weeks. The only side effects reported are flatulence, headaches, and sleep problems. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use Irvingia gabonensis when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Diabetes: Irvingia gabonensis can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of blood sugar that has become too low (hypoglycemia). Monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use Irvingia gabonensis.

Surgery: Irvingia gabonensis can affect blood sugar and might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking Irvingia gabonensis at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with IRVINGIA GABONENSIS

    Irvingia gabonensis might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking Irvingia gabonensis along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed. Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

  • Testosterone interacts with IRVINGIA GABONENSIS

    Irvingia gabonensis might increase testosterone levels. Taking Irvingia gabonensis along with a testosterone pill 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.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of Irvingia gabonensis depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Irvingia gabonensis. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.