Although many individuals are familiar with the delicious tropical fruit that mango trees produce, fewer people know that the leaves of these trees are also edible. People use these leaves in teas and health supplements because of their nutritional richness.
Traditional healing systems, including Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, have utilized the leaves from the Mangifera indica species for thousands of years.
Traditional medicine particularly esteems the leaves of the mango tree for their potential benefits in treating diabetes and other ailments, while also employing various other parts of the tree, such as the stem, bark, leaves, roots, and fruit.
The following are eight emerging benefits and uses of mango leaves, supported by scientific research.
1. Rich in plant compounds
Mango leaves are rich in various advantageous plant compounds, notably polyphenols and terpenoids. Terpenoids play a crucial role in maintaining optimal vision and supporting immune health.
Additionally, they function as antioxidants, safeguarding cells from detrimental molecules known as free radicals. On the other hand, polyphenols exhibit both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Research indicates that these compounds may enhance gut microbiota and assist in the treatment or prevention of ailments such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
Mangiferin, a polyphenolic compound present in various plants, is particularly abundant in mangoes and their leaves. It is associated with a wide range of health benefits.
Investigations have examined its role as an antimicrobial substance and its possible applications in the treatment of tumors, diabetes, heart ailments, and irregularities in fat digestion.
2. Protect against fat gain
Mango leaf extract may play a significant role in managing obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome by modulating fat metabolism.
Research involving various animal models has indicated that this extract can prevent the buildup of fat in tissue cells.
Moreover, a study on mice demonstrated that those treated with mango leaf extract had lower fat deposits and higher adiponectin levels.
Adiponectin is a signaling protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of fat metabolism and blood sugar levels. Increased concentrations of adiponectin may help safeguard against obesity and its associated chronic diseases.
A study focused on obese rats indicated that the administration of mango leaf tea in combination with a high-fat diet, resulted in a lower gain of abdominal fat compared to rats that were subjected solely to the high-fat diet.
Furthermore, a 12-week study involving 97 adults with excess weight demonstrated that participants who took 150 mg of mangiferin daily had lower blood fat levels and achieved significantly better scores on an insulin resistance index than those who received a placebo.
A reduction in insulin resistance implies a potential improvement in diabetes management.
3. Anti-inflammatory properties
The potential benefits associated with mango leaves largely stem from the anti-inflammatory properties of mangiferin.
Although inflammation is a natural component of the immune response, persistent inflammation may elevate the risk of several diseases.
Research conducted on animals indicates that the anti-inflammatory effects of mango leaves could offer protection to the brain against disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
In a particular study, administering mango leaf extract to rats at a dosage of 2.3 mg per pound of body weight (5 mg per kg) demonstrated a capacity to mitigate artificially induced oxidative and inflammatory markers in the brain.
4. Help combat diabetes
The potential benefits of mango leaves in managing diabetes are related to their impact on the metabolism of fats.
Elevated triglyceride levels are commonly associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
A study involving mice demonstrated that after two weeks of receiving mango leaf extract, there was a significant decrease in both triglyceride and blood sugar levels.
Another investigation on rats showed that administering 45 mg per pound of body weight (or 100 mg per kg) of mango leaf extract led to a reduction in hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by high triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Additionally, a study comparing the effects of mango leaf extract with the diabetes medication glibenclamide in diabetic rats found that those treated with the extract had considerably lower blood sugar levels after two weeks compared to the glibenclamide group.
5. Provide treatment for stomach ulcers
The use of mango leaves and other parts of the mango plant has a long-standing tradition in addressing stomach ulcers and various digestive ailments.
A study on rodents demonstrated that the oral intake of mango leaf extract, at levels of 113 to 454 mg per pound (250 to 1,000 mg per kg) of body weight, resulted in a reduction in stomach lesions.
In addition, another study on rodents found that mangiferin had a significant positive effect on alleviating digestive damage.
6. Support healthy skin
Mango leaf extract is believed to have the ability to lessen the visible signs of skin aging, primarily due to its antioxidant content.
A study involving mice showed that an oral administration of mango extract at a dosage of 45 mg per pound (100 mg per kg) led to an increase in collagen production and a significant decrease in the length of skin wrinkles.
It is essential to clarify that this extract was a general mango extract, not specifically derived from mango leaves.
In addition, a test-tube investigation found that mango leaf extract may possess antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium linked to staph infections.
Researchers have studied the polyphenol mangiferin in relation to psoriasis, a skin condition that causes itchy and dry patches. A test-tube study involving human skin confirmed that this compound facilitated wound healing.
7. Improve of your hair
People often associate mango leaves with promoting hair growth, and various hair care formulations utilize mango leaf extract.
Despite this, there is insufficient scientific backing for these claims. Nevertheless, the high antioxidant content in mango leaves may help protect hair follicles from damage, which could, in turn, facilitate hair growth.
How to use mango leaves
You can consume mango leaves in their fresh state, but a common way to enjoy them is by making tea. To make mango leaf tea at home, simply boil 10 to 15 fresh mango leaves in 150 mL (approximately 2/3 cup) of water.
In the absence of fresh leaves, mango leaf tea bags and loose leaf options are readily available for purchase.
Additionally, people can find mango leaves in powdered form, as an extract, or as a dietary supplement. They can mix the powder with water for drinking, incorporate it into topical ointments, or add it to bathwater.
Does mango leaf have any side effects?
The consumption of mango leaf powder and tea is generally considered safe for humans. Although preliminary studies in animals show no significant side effects, there is a lack of extensive research on human safety.
Therefore, it is prudent to seek guidance from a healthcare provider regarding dosage and any possible interactions with other medications before using mango leaf products.
The bottom line
Rich in a variety of antioxidants and plant-based compounds, mango leaves hold potential health benefits. Although current research is at an initial stage, these leaves may contribute positively to skin health, digestive wellness, and the management of obesity.
In various regions, people commonly consume cooked mango leaves, whereas in Western contexts, they predominantly take them as tea or supplements.
