Health

The mango, who would have thought, is not only a tasty fruit, but its leaves also have many health benefits

The leaves are rich in vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin B. They contain other compounds such as steroids, alkaloids, riboflavin, thiamine, phenolics, beta-carotene, flavonoids, etc. These are plant compounds that protect against diseases and fight inflammation in the body. What's more, there are studies showing results such as anti-adipogenic properties (against obesity).

The leaves of the mango plant have been studied for their health benefits, as they contain a multitude of phytochemicals such as mangiferin, followed by phenolic acids, benzophenones and other antioxidants such as flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids and tocopherols.

Although most of us are familiar with the fruit, not everyone knows that mango leaves are also edible.

Mango leaves (Mangifera indica) belong to the Anacardiaceae family. They are reddish-green or purplish-green when young and become darker green as they mature.

Mango leaf extracts have been used in traditional Chinese medicine, for example, for thousands of years (1, 2) to treat a wide range of ailments, including diabetes, bronchitis, diarrhea, asthma, respiratory problems, syphilis and urinary disorders, wow!

1. Contributes to immunity

The leaves contain beneficial plant compounds, including polyphenols and terpenoids.

Terpenoids are antioxidants that protect cells from harmful free radicals and play a key role in optimal vision and immune health.

In addition, mango leaves are a potential source of minerals such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, calcium, magnesium and vitamins such as A, B, E and C.

2. Rich in antioxidants

Polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to improve intestinal bacteria and treat or prevent diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

The free radicals generated during the metabolic process contribute to various degenerative diseases. Mango leaves contain phenolics and flavonoids - antioxidants that help reduce the adverse effects of free radicals and prevent cell damage.(4).

3. Rich in anti-inflammatory properties

Chronic inflammation (a prolonged immune response) can increase the risk of several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. According to one study, mango leaf extract has anti-inflammatory effects that can help neutralize artificially induced oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in the brain.(5, 6, 7).

4. Can help fight diabetes

The phytochemicals and tannins called anthocyanidins can help treat high blood sugar levels

The leaves contain a compound called 3beta-taraxerol and ethyl acetate extract which, in synergy with insulin, activates the type 4 glucose transporter, so mango leaves can help treat diabetic angiopathy and retinopathy. diabética.

5. Promotes digestive health

Regular intake of mango leaf infusion acts as a stomach tonic, eliminating toxins from the body and helping to prevent various stomach ailments, such as stomach ulcers and digestive disorders.(8, 9, 10,11).

6. Anti-cancer properties

The polyphenols present in mango leaves, including gallotannins, phenolic acids, quercetin and mangiferin, exert chemopreventive effects against various types of cancer due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Several reviews show that the mangiferin present in mango leaves may have anticancer potential, as it combats oxidative stress and inflammation (12, 13).

Test tube studies suggest specific effects against leukemia and cancers of the lung, brain, breast, cervix and prostate (14).

In addition, mango peel has a strong anti-cancer potential due to its lignans, which are another type of polyphenol (15).

7. As a beauty treatment

Mango leaves contain all the essential nutrients for healthy skin. Mango leaf extract can reduce fine lines, signs of aging and skin dryness due to its antioxidant content.

It also helps in the production of collagen, which can reduce wrinkles and fine lines on the face.

In a study carried out on rats, mango extract administered orally at 100 mg per kg of body weight increased collagen production and significantly reduced the length of skin wrinkles (16).

8. Supports skin health

Mango leaves have antibacterial properties that help treat bacterial skin infections, such as staph infections and skin burns.

Mango leaves contain essential properties and nutrients that help heal burns and sunburn on the skin. The anthocyanin present in the leaves provides immediate relief from burns.

A test tube study determined that mango leaf extract may have antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that can cause staph infections (17)

Mangiferin has also been studied for psoriasis. A test tube study using human skin confirmed that this polyphenol encouraged wound healing (18).

9. Excellent for hair problems

Using mango leaves for hair growth is an ancient technique for making hair grow quickly and preventing hair loss.

The leaves are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and A, which stimulate the production of collagen, important for healthy hair. (19, 20, 21)

It can add shine to dull hair. When you have chemically damaged hair, mango leaves can help.

Some claim that the flavonoids present in mango leaves can naturally color hair black, but we haven't found any studies to back this up.

10. May protect against fat gain

Mango leaf extract can help control obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome by interfering with fat metabolism (22).

Several animal studies have found that mango leaf extract inhibits the accumulation of fat in tissue cells. Another study on mice shows that cells treated with a mango leaf extract had lower levels of fat deposits and higher levels of adiponectin (23, 24, 25).

Adiponectin is a cell signaling protein that plays a role in fat metabolism and sugar regulation in the body. Higher levels can protect against obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases (26, 27).

In a study of obese rats, those fed mango leaf tea in addition to a high-fat diet gained less abdominal fat than those given only the high-fat diet (28).

11. May help control diabetes

Mango leaf extracts have shown potential in reducing blood sugar levels.

In a 12-week study of 97 overweight adults, those who took 150 mg of mangiferin daily had lower blood fat levels and obtained significantly better results on the insulin resistance index than those who took a placebo (29).

High triglyceride levels are often associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (30, 31).

One animal study found that after 2 weeks of taking mango leaf extract, animals showed significantly lower levels of triglycerides and blood sugar.

Another study in rats found that administration of100 mg per kg of body weight of mango leaf extract reduced hyperlipidemia, a condition marked by unusually high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol (32).

In a study comparing mango leaf extract and the oral diabetes drug glibenclamide in rats with diabetes, those given the extract had significantly lower blood sugar levels than the glibenclamide group after 2 weeks. (33).

12. Relieves stress and anxiety

Mango leaves have been used to relieve symptoms of anxiety and stress. Mangiferin prevents corticosterone-induced behavioral deficits by relieving stress. The results of an animal study suggest that mangiferin has an anxiolytic and antidepressant effect.

3. Possible protection against respiratory problems

Mango leaves have traditionally been used as a natural remedy for respiratory problems by various cultures.

In an animal study, mangiferin was shown to protect against lung damage and inflammatory response, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of lung damage

How to use mango leaves

You can use the leaves in the form of:

• fresh leaves

• dried leaves

• mango leaf powder

• mango leaf supplements

• Mango leaf extract

If you're buying, look for organic ones, that are free from chemicals. If you can, plant them in a pot and have your own mango tree.

How to use mango leaves (oral use)

Although mango leaves can be eaten fresh, in salads for example, one of the most common ways to consume them is as a tea.

• Tea

To make your own mango leaf tea at home, boil 10-15 fresh mango leaves in 2/3 cup (150 ml) of water.

If you don't have fresh leaves available, you can buy mango leaf tea.

• Dried mango leaf

Mango leaf is also available as a powder, extract and supplement. The powder can be diluted in water and drunk,

• Salad

Select young leaves, which are more tender, cut into thin strips (like cabbage) and combine them in the salads of your choice.

How to use for hair (topical)

Make a fine paste with fresh mango leaves. Apply the paste to the scalp and wash the hair after about 20 minutes with water.

Skin

The powder can be used in skin ointments or sprinkled in bath water.

Considerations

Toxicological levels - Research conducted on rats showed no observed adverse effects of mango leaf extract at the highest dosage tested.

If you have any sensitivity to the fruit, it is not recommended to use the leaves.

For your own safety, whenever you try a new food or product, even a natural one, do a touch test, or ingest small quantities at first.

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. Do not replace a medical opinion in any way.