Herb & supplement monograph

Irvingia Gabonensis Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Irvingia Gabonensis interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Irvingia Gabonensis is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Irvingia Gabonensis is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Irvingia Gabonensis Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Irvingia Gabonensis drug interaction appears low for most people, with the main caution falling on those who take medications for diabetes. None of the listed interactions are rated major; all are graded moderate, and nearly all trace back to this supplement's effect on blood sugar.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interaction that deserves the most attention involves diabetes medications. Human research shows Irvingia gabonensis lowers blood sugar in people already taking these drugs, so combining them could push blood sugar lower than intended, and glucose levels may need closer watching. A second, weaker concern involves testosterone, where animal research hints the supplement may raise testosterone levels and add to the drug's effect, though this has not been shown in people.

What the rest of the list means

The fairly long list of interacting medications looks bigger than it really is, because it mostly reflects the many individual diabetes drugs covered by a single shared concern. Outside of blood sugar effects, the remaining interaction rests on animal research alone, and no predicted problem here has been confirmed as harmful in humans.

Check your medications against Irvingia Gabonensis

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Irvingia Gabonensis interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Irvingia Gabonensis

94 medications have a known interaction with Irvingia Gabonensis, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Irvingia Gabonensis using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Irvingia Gabonensis interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Irvingia Gabonensis combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Irvingia Gabonensis affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Irvingia Gabonensis is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 2 drug categories Irvingia Gabonensis interacts with

Antidiabetes DrugsTestosterone

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking Irvingia gabonensis with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia in some patients.
Human research shows that Irvingia gabonensis decreases blood sugar in diabetic patients being treated with antidiabetes agents. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Testosterone

Theoretically, taking Irvingia gabonensis with testosterone products drugs might cause additive effects in some patients.
Animal research suggests that Irvingia gabonensis increases testosterone levels. The mechanism of action is unclear. Until more is known, advise patients taking testosterone to avoid using or use Irvingia gabonensis cautiously.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Irvingia Gabonensis: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Irvingia gabonensis (African mango) is a seed extract marketed mainly for weight loss and metabolic health. A few small studies suggest possible benefits, but the research is limited and low-quality, so the true effect is uncertain. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, and do not rely on it in place of proven diet and lifestyle changes.

Scientific name: Irvingia gabonensis
Family: Irvingiaceae
Part used: Seed (kernel, also called dika nut); seed extract
Common forms: Capsules, tablets, powder, standardized seed extract

People commonly use it for

Weight loss
Appetite control
Cholesterol support
Blood sugar support
Metabolism support

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Generally tolerated short-term in studies, but long-term safety and product quality are not well established.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Irvingia gabonensis is a tropical tree native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa. It is often called African mango or wild mango, and its fruit contains a large seed sometimes known as the dika nut.

For generations, the seeds have been used locally as a food and thickening agent in cooking. In the supplement world, an extract made from the seed is sold mostly as a weight-loss and "fat-burning" product. It usually comes in capsules, tablets, or powders, sometimes by itself and sometimes mixed with other ingredients.

How it works

The seed is high in soluble fiber. Fiber can slow digestion, help you feel full, and may affect how the body handles sugar and cholesterol. This is one proposed reason the extract might influence appetite and weight.

Researchers have also suggested that compounds in the seed may affect certain hormones and fat-related processes, such as leptin (a hormone linked to appetite) and enzymes involved in fat storage. Much of this is based on laboratory and animal studies, and it is not clear how strongly, if at all, these effects apply to people taking supplements.

Effectiveness

Does Irvingia Gabonensis work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 4 uses evaluated

4 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Irvingia Gabonensis, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 4 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral Irvingia gabonensis is beneficial in patients with diabetes.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypercholesterolemia

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral Irvingia gabonensis is beneficial in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Metabolic syndrome

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral Irvingia gabonensis is beneficial in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obesity

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that Irvingia gabonensis may modestly improves weight loss in overweight adults.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

In the small studies done so far, Irvingia gabonensis has generally been tolerated for a few weeks to a few months. Still, its long-term safety is unknown, and supplement products are not tightly regulated, so quality and actual content can vary between brands.

People with diabetes or those taking medicines that affect blood sugar should be cautious and monitor closely, since fiber and possible blood-sugar effects could matter. Anyone with a medical condition or taking prescription drugs should check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable safety information, so it is best to avoid Irvingia gabonensis if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side effects

Reported side effects are usually mild and digestive, which is common with high-fiber products. These can include gas, bloating, headache, trouble sleeping, and changes in bowel habits.

Serious side effects have not been clearly identified, but because the research is limited, rare reactions cannot be ruled out. If you develop signs of an allergic reaction (such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing) or any severe or unusual symptoms, stop using it and seek medical care.

Irvingia Gabonensis: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Irvingia Gabonensis from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, Irvingia gabonensis is generally well tolerated.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Flatulence, headache, insomnia, nausea.

Reports by condition

Alcohol-related liver disease Hepatic

One case of acute hepatitis secondary to Irvingia gabonensis has been reported. A 45-year old male with a ten-day history of Irvingia gabonensis supplementation, at a dose of 350 mg of seed extract twice daily for body fat reduction, was admitted with jaundice, abdominal discomfort, and new onset malaise. His complaints began four days after starting Irvingia gabonensis supplementation. Prior to supplementation, all outpatient laboratory parameters were normal. At the time of admission, liver function tests were as follows: ALT 902 U/L, AST 708 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 198 U/L, gamma-glutamyl transferase 998 U/L, total bilirubin 9.1 mg/dL, direct bilirubin 6.1 mg/dL, and serum albumin 4.2 grams/dL. Hemoglobin was 15.3 grams/dL, white blood cell count 9.2 x 103 /mm3, platelets 240 x 103/mm3, prothrombin time 16.1 seconds, and ferritin level 115 ng/mL. Urinalysis revealed 2+ bilirubin and urobilinogens. Tests for viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, hemochromatosis, alpha-1-antitypsin deficiency, and Wilson's disease were negative. Ultrasonography showed a bright liver parenchyma consistent with steatosis, 15 cm in vertical size with regular edges. A spleen 13 cm in vertical size was also seen. Acute hepatitis secondary to Irvingia gabonensis was the diagnosis. When the Irvingia gabonensis capsules were discontinued, an immediate improvement was seen. Liver enzymes and other laboratory tests were normal 3 weeks after the admission.

Kilinçalp S, Basar O, Coban S, Yüksel I. Irvingia gabonensis (African mango): innocent magic formula? Acta Gastroenterol Belg 2014;77(1):75-6.

Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Headache and insomnia have been reported in patients taking Irvingia gabonensis alone or in conjunction with Cissus quadrangularis for periods of 10 weeks. Similar events were observed in control groups.

Flatulence Gastrointestinal

Flatulence has been reported following 10 weeks of supplementation with Irvingia gabonensis alone or in combination with Cissus quadrangularis. Similar events were observed in controls. Mild nausea has also been reported following the administration of Irvingia gabonensis 0.3-4 grams daily for up to 12 weeks; however, some of these symptoms were alleviated by the addition of milk to the test preparation.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no officially established or standardized dose for Irvingia gabonensis. Studies have used different seed extracts and amounts, so it is hard to recommend one specific dose.

If you choose to try it, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed them. Because products differ widely, it is a good idea to ask your pharmacist to review the specific product and to make sure it is appropriate for you.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Irvingia Gabonensis & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Irvingia Gabonensis & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 7 references that drive our Irvingia Gabonensis monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Oben JE, Ngondi JL, Momo CN, et al. The use of Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination in the management of weight loss: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Lipids Health Dis 2008;7:12.
Ngondi JL, Etoundi BC, Nyangono CB, et al. IGOB131, a novel seed extract of the West African plant Irvingia gabonensis, significantly reduces body weight and improves metabolic parameters in overweight humans in a randomized double-blind placebo controll
Adamson, I., Okafor, C., and Abu-Bakare, A. A supplement of Dikanut (Irvingia gabonesis) improves treatment of type II diabetics. West Afr.J.Med. 1990;9(2):108-115.
Adamson, I., Okafor, C., and Abu-Bakare, A. Erythrocyte membrane ATPases in diabetes: effect of dikanut (Irvingia gabonensis). Enzyme 1986;36(3):212-215. PubMed
Wolfe OA, Ijeoma UF. Effects of aqueous extracts of Irvingia gabonensis seeds on the hormonal parameters of male guinea pigs. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. 2010;3(3):200-204. DOI
Kilinçalp S, Basar O, Coban S, Yüksel I. Irvingia gabonensis (African mango): innocent magic formula? Acta Gastroenterol Belg 2014;77(1):75-6.
Nonsa-Ard R, Aneknan P, Tong-Un T, Honsawek S, Leelayuwat N. Effects of Irvingia gabonensis Extract on Metabolism, Antioxidants, Adipocytokines, Telomere Length, and Aerobic Capacity in Overweight/Obese Individuals. Nutrients 2022;14(21):4646. PubMed

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Irvingia Gabonensis

198 brands in our database make a supplement containing Irvingia Gabonensis.

BioScience Institute 1 product BioSource Labs 12 products BioTrust 14 products BioTrust Nutrition 6 products BIOVEA 1,494 products Botanic Choice 253 products BPI Sports 191 products Bronson Laboratories 446 products BulkSupplements.com 5,595 products California Academy of Health 219 products Cellusyn Laboratories 16 products ChiroNutraceutical 11 products Choice Nutrition Supplements 12 products Cortexi 1 product Creative Bioscience 82 products Custom Health Centers 17 products Daily Health 16 products Daily Nutrition 14 products DaVinci Benefits Line 62 products DaVinci Laboratories 464 products DaVinci Laboratories Of Vermont 337 products DC 1,641 products Doakes Nutraceuticals 5 products Dr. Mercola Premium Supplements 45 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Irvingia Gabonensis

406 products in our database contain Irvingia Gabonensis. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Irvingia Gabonensis: Common Questions

What is Irvingia Gabonensis used for, and does it work?

People use Irvingia Gabonensis for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.

Does Irvingia Gabonensis interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 94 medications with a known interaction with Irvingia Gabonensis. Use the checker above to see how Irvingia Gabonensis interacts with a specific drug.

How are Irvingia Gabonensis interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Irvingia Gabonensis with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Irvingia Gabonensis interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Irvingia Gabonensis used for?

It is most often used as a weight-loss and appetite-control supplement, and sometimes for cholesterol or blood sugar support. The evidence for these uses is limited and not very strong.

Does African mango really help you lose weight?

Some small studies have suggested modest weight changes, but the research is low-quality and inconsistent. It should not be relied on instead of healthy eating, exercise, or treatments your doctor recommends.

Is Irvingia Gabonensis safe to take?

It has generally been tolerated short-term in studies, but its long-term safety is unknown and product quality varies. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting it, especially if you have a health condition.

Can I take it while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No reliable safety data exists for these situations, so it is best to avoid Irvingia Gabonensis during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Irvingia Gabonensis

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Irvingia Gabonensis — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 406 products with Irvingia Gabonensis →

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Irvingia Gabonensis Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Irvingia Gabonensis Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Irvingia Gabonensis

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Irvingia Gabonensis affects

Irvingia Gabonensis: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does Irvingia Gabonensis work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Irvingia Gabonensis: Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

Irvingia Gabonensis & Pregnancy

Irvingia Gabonensis & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Irvingia Gabonensis

Supplement products with Irvingia Gabonensis

Irvingia Gabonensis: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Irvingia Gabonensis

Have a question about Irvingia Gabonensis?