Benefits of Mango Leaves to Humans are so Wonderful

Many people are familiar with the sweet, tropical fruit that comes from mango trees, but you may not realize that the leaves of mango trees are edible as well.Young green mango leaves are very tender, so they are cooked and eaten in some cultures. Because the leaves are considered very nutritious, they are also used to make tea and supplements.

The leaves of Mangifera indica, a particular species of mango, have been used in healing practices like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years Although the stem, bark, leaves, roots, and fruit are likewise used in traditional medicine, the leaves in particular are believed to help treat diabetes and other health conditions.

Here are 8 emerging benefits and uses of mango leaves, backed by science.

1. Rich in plant compounds

Mango leaves contain several beneficial plant compounds, including polyphenols and terpenoids.Terpenoids are important for optimal vision and immune health. They are also antioxidants, which protect your cells from harmful molecules called free radicals.

Mango leaves are rich in terpenoids and polyphenols, which are plant compounds that may protect against disease and fight inflammation in your body.

2. May have anti-inflammatory properties

Many of the potential benefits of mango leaves result from mangiferin’s anti-inflammatory properties.While inflammation is part of your body’s normal immune response, chronic inflammation can increase your risk of various diseases.

Animal studies suggest that mango leaves’ anti-inflammatory properties may even protect your brain from conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.Mango leaves may have anti-inflammatory effects, which may even protect brain health. Still, research in humans is lacking.

3. May protect against fat gain

Mango leaf extract may help manage obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome by interfering with fat metabolism.Multiple animal studies have found that mango leaf extract inhibits fat accumulation in tissue cells. Another study in mice shows that cells treated with a mango leaf extract had lower levels of fat deposits and higher levels of adiponectin.

Adiponectin is a cell signaling protein that plays a role in fat metabolism and sugar regulation in your body. Higher levels may protect against obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases.Some research suggests that mango leaf extract may help regulate fat metabolism, thus protecting against fat gain and obesity.

4. May help combat diabetes

Mango leaf may help manage diabetes due to its effects on fat metabolism.Elevated triglycerides levels are often associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.One study gave mango leaf extract to mice. After 2 weeks, they showed significantly lower triglyceride and blood sugar levels.

Mango leaf extract may help manage diabetes due to its effects on blood sugar and triglycerides, but more research is necessary.

5. May have anticancer properties

Multiple reviews demonstrate that the mangiferin in mango leaves may have anticancer potential, as it combats oxidative stress and fights inflammation.Test-tube studies suggest specific effects against leukemia and lung, brain, breast, cervix, and prostate cancers.

Emerging research suggests that certain mango leaf compounds may combat cancer. However, more studies are needed.

6. May treat stomach ulcers

Mango leaf and other parts of the plant have historically been used to aid stomach ulcers and other digestive conditions.

A study in rodents found that orally administering mango leaf extract at 113–454 mg per pound (250–1,000 mg per kg) of body weight decreased the number of stomach lesions.Animal research indicates that mango leaf may treat stomach ulcers and other digestive conditions, but more studies are needed.

7. May support healthy skin

Mango leaf extract may reduce signs of skin aging due to its antioxidant content.Keep in mind that this extract was a general mango extract, not one specific to mango leaves.

Meanwhile, a test-tube study determined that mango leaf extract may have antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that can cause staph infections.The antioxidants and polyphenols in mango leaves may delay some of the effects of skin aging and treat certain skin conditions, though more studies are needed.

8. May benefit your hair

Mango leaves are said to promote hair growth, and mango leaf extract may be used in some hair products.Still, mango leaves are rich in antioxidants, which may protect your hair follicles from damage. In turn, this may aid hair growth.

Because mango leaves are packed with antioxidants, they may safeguard your hair follicles from harm.