Mango Leaf (Mangifera indica folium): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does mango leaf work to lower blood sugar?

Mango leaf contains bioactive compounds, particularly mangiferin and quercetin, which demonstrate antidiabetic properties through multiple mechanisms. These compounds appear to enhance insulin sensitivity, inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes such as alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, and protect pancreatic beta cells from oxidative damage. The polyphenolic content may also reduce glucose absorption in the intestines. Evidence Level C supports these mechanisms based primarily on preclinical studies, with limited human trials available.

Can mango leaf interact with diabetes medications?

Yes, mango leaf may interact with antidiabetic medications. Due to its blood glucose-lowering effects, combining mango leaf with insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents such as metformin or sulfonylureas could potentially cause additive effects, leading to hypoglycemia. Patients taking diabetes medications should monitor blood glucose levels closely and consult a healthcare provider before using mango leaf supplements. This interaction is theoretical but clinically significant.

What is the recommended dosage for mango leaf?

Traditional and commercial preparations typically recommend 3-6 grams of dried mango leaf daily, taken as an infusion or decoction. Standardized extracts are commonly dosed at 200-500mg daily. Preparations vary widely between products, so follow manufacturer instructions carefully. Clinical evidence for optimal dosing remains limited at Evidence Level C, and individual needs may differ based on health status and concurrent medications. Consult a qualified practitioner for personalized guidance.

Is mango leaf safe to take during pregnancy?

Mango leaf is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. Traditional use and limited safety data suggest potential uterine-stimulating effects, which could pose risks of miscarriage or premature labor. Breastfeeding women should also avoid mango leaf due to insufficient safety data. Pregnant individuals seeking blood sugar or respiratory support should consult qualified healthcare providers for pregnancy-safe alternatives rather than using mango leaf preparations.

What are the traditional health benefits of mango leaves?

Mango leaves have been used traditionally in Ayurvedic, African, and Southeast Asian medicine for managing diabetes, respiratory conditions, and urinary tract issues. Primary traditional applications include blood sugar regulation, treatment of coughs and bronchitis, and supporting kidney function. Modern research suggests antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties from compounds like mangiferin and gallic acid. Evidence Level C indicates promising but preliminary scientific support; more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Mango leaf (Mangifera indica folium) is used traditionally for diabetes and respiratory infections, containing bioactive compounds like mangiferin that exhibit metabolic and cognitive benefits [PMID:31257318, PMID:38137871].

Background

The mango tree (Mangifera indica L.) is a tropical, perennial, woody evergreen plant belonging to the Anacardiaceae family [PMID:31257318].

Traditional uses

Dried mango tree leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes and respiratory infections [PMID:31257318], and are used in folk medicine as health teas, remedies for exhaustion and fatigue, and as a vegetable [PMID:32473365].

Active compounds

The primary bioactive compound is the polyphenol mangiferin [PMID:31257318, PMID:32717999]. Other identified compounds include benzophenones (36 isolated), tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, coumarins [PMID:31257318, PMID:30903976], xanthones, phenolic acids, fatty acids, and procyanidins [PMID:33167456].

Mechanism of action

Mangiferin is partly converted to its active metabolite, northyariol, which activates sirtuin-1 and liver kinase B1, increases intracellular AMP levels and the AMP/ATP ratio, and triggers AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation [PMID:31257318]. Mango leaf extract (MLE) may stimulate glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion via activation of the MAPK (p-ERK1/2, p-p38, p-c-Jun) and Wnt (increased β-catenin, decreased GSK-3β and Axin1) signaling pathways [PMID:41465578]. Additionally, n-hexane fractions of MLE may increase nuclear NRF2 levels and HO-1 mRNA expression through ERK1/2 phosphorylation [PMID:39334778].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BCognitive Function and Mood

Acute administration of 300 mg MLE (≥60% mangiferin) significantly increased performance in serial 3's and seri tasks compared to placebo in healthy adults [PMID:38665302]. Another study on soluble MLE (Zynamite S) at doses of 100-150 mg improved mental performance and mood in university students [PMID:40284006].

Evidence DType 2 Diabetes (Animal Model)

MLE administration (40 mg/kg) in diabetic rats significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, body weight, cholesterol, and triglycerides [PMID:41465578].

Evidence DLiver Inflammation (Animal Model)

Acute treatment with MLE (250 mg/kg) or mangiferin (40 mg/kg) in rats fed a cafeteria diet increased SOD activity and reduced NFκB (p65) concentration in nuclear extracts [PMID:31334539].

Evidence AMetabolic Syndrome (Review)

Systematic review indicates mango leaf extract and mangiferin yield favorable effects on glycemic control and plasma lipid profiles [PMID:38137871].

Safety & adverse effects

In a 90-day repeated dose oral toxicity study in rats, the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for MLE (60% mangiferin) was determined to be 2000 mg/kg bw/day [PMID:31467524]. No evidence of genotoxicity was found in the Ames test, and an in vivo mammalian micronucleus test showed no findings up to 2000 mg/kg bw [PMID:31467524].

Evidence summary

Evidence consists of a mix of systematic reviews (A), human RCTs for cognitive function (B), and various in vitro/animal studies (D) focusing on metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 38137871 (2023) — Mangifera indica L., By-Products, and Mangiferin on Cardio-Metabolic and Other Health Conditions: A Systematic Review. · Life (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 31257318 (2019) — Effects of Benzophenones from Mango Leaves on Lipid Metabolism. · Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin
3.PMID: 41465578 (2025) — Molecular Mechanisms and Antidiabetic Effects of Mango (Mangifera indica) Leaf Extract as a GLP-1 Analogue in Type 2 Diabetic Rats. · International journal of molecular sciences
4.PMID: 24515595 (2014) — Characterization of mango (Mangifera indica L.) transcriptome and chloroplast genome. · Plant molecular biology
5.PMID: 35959428 (2022) — The effects of mango leaf extract during adolescence and adulthood in a rat model of schizophrenia.

Mango Leaf

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Mango Leaf