Afriplex Launches Bush Mango Extract

The extract may be viewed against a recent drive at Afriplex to develop more African related extracts and forms part of a number of novel extracts that will be forthcoming from the Afriplex stable.

4 Aug 2009 Afriplex is now in a position to offer a powder extract of Irvingia gabonensis. As Irvingia is well-known for its weight-loss properties, interest and demand for a quality extract, produced in a HACCP accredited environment prompted the development of the product. Of importance is the fact that Afriplex has secured the supply of raw material and can therefore guarantee sustainable production of the product. The extract may be viewed against a recent drive at Afriplex to develop more African related extracts and forms part of a number of novel extracts that will be forthcoming from the Afriplex stable. Afriplex can also formulate and manufacture a range of products like tablets, capsules and fruit bars with this extract as active ingredient.

Irvingia gabonensis is the official name of the fleshy West African fruit tree commonly known as bush mango, dikanut, or African mango. Although the flesh of the fruit is frequently consumed, it is the seeds (fresh or dried) that are used in traditional Nigerian and Cameroonian cuisine to add flavoring and consistency.

The seeds of bush mango contain water-soluble dietary fiber that delays stomach emptying and allows for a more gradual absorption of dietary sugar. Initial studies suggested the high fiber content of bush mango accounted for its beneficial metabolic effects but recent animal studies suggest other factors as well. Researchers are studying bush mango for its potential use in treating diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.

Researchers at the University of Yaounde, Cameroon observed low incidences of obesity, diabetes, and related diseases in a particular region of Africa. Further research revealed the people of this region used Irvingia as a soup thickener an average of ten times per week. Eventually, this lead to the development of a bush mango Extract.

In a study of 40 obese Cameroonian patients done in 2005, significant decreases in body weight, total cholesterol, LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides were observed by the end of the 10-week study. A 2008 study indicated similar results with lower dosages of bush mango.