Many people are familiar with the delicious flavor of mangoes and their numerous health benefits, but few are aware of the medicinal properties of mango leaves.
Proven Health Benefits of Mango Leaves
The trunk, bark, leaves, roots, and fruit of the mango tree can be used in traditional medicine, but the leaves are particularly noted for their potential in supporting the treatment of diabetes and other health conditions.
1. Rich in Plant Compounds Beneficial for Health
Mango leaves contain several beneficial plant compounds, including polyphenols and terpenoids.
Terpenoids play a crucial role in enhancing vision and immune health. They are antioxidants that help protect your cells from harmful molecules known as free radicals.
Meanwhile, polyphenols exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest they improve gut bacteria and assist in treating or preventing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Notably, Mangiferin—a type of polyphenol found in many plants but in particularly high concentrations in mangoes and their leaves—is believed to offer various health benefits, including the potential to treat tumors, diabetes, heart disease, and fat metabolism abnormalities.
Mango leaves contain several plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (Image: Internet)
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Mango leaves contain Mangiferin, which is effective in reducing inflammation. Animal studies show that the anti-inflammatory properties of mango leaves may even protect the human brain from diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
3. Prevents Obesity
Mango leaf extracts contain mangiferin, a compound that helps activate higher levels of adiponectin. Adiponectin is a signaling protein that plays a role in fat metabolism and regulates blood sugar levels. Higher adiponectin levels can help prevent obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases.
Many animal studies have reported that mango leaf extracts inhibit fat accumulation in tissue cells, thereby helping to control obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Mango leaf extracts containing mangiferin may prevent obesity and related chronic diseases (Image: Internet)
4. Prevents and Controls Diabetes
Mango leaves can help manage diabetes by playing a significant role in fat metabolism.
According to a study on mice, those administered mango leaf extract showed significantly lower triglyceride levels and blood sugar levels after two weeks. Elevated triglyceride levels are often associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
5. Anti-Cancer Properties
Several reviews indicate that the compound mangiferin in mango leaves possesses anticancer properties due to its ability to combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
However, these are preliminary reviews, and mango leaves should not be considered a method for preventing or treating cancer.
Mangiferin in mango leaves has anticancer properties due to its ability to combat oxidative stress and inflammation (Image: Internet)
6. Aids in Treating Stomach Ulcers
Mango leaves and other parts of the mango tree have previously been used to support the treatment of stomach ulcers and other digestive conditions.
Some animal studies have shown promising results, with indications that stomach and digestive tract damage is improving. However, there is still a lack of human studies.
7. Good for Skin Health
Mango leaf extracts can reduce signs of skin aging due to their antioxidant content.
Additionally, a test-tube study found that mango leaf extracts may have antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that can cause staph infections.
The compound mangiferin in mango leaves has also been researched for its effectiveness in treating psoriasis and wound healing.
Mango leaf extracts can reduce signs of skin aging due to their antioxidant content (Image: Internet)
8. May Stimulate Hair Growth
Mango leaves are believed to stimulate hair growth, and mango leaf extracts may be used in some hair care products. Notably, mango leaves are rich in antioxidants that can protect your hair follicles from damage.
However, there is limited evidence supporting this benefit of mango leaves, so it remains a potential benefit.
How to Use Mango Leaves
To enhance health and support diabetes management, as well as weight control, people can consume young mango leaves directly or use them to make tea.
The method for brewing mango leaf tea is simple: you can pick about 5 to 10 young mango leaves, wash them thoroughly, and boil them in about 150 to 200 ml of water.
Note: Research on the benefits of mango leaves is primarily conducted on animals, and there are few human studies. Therefore, to ensure safety, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using and not to use mango leaves as a substitute for medical recommendations.
