Zynamite

Most people are familiar with the sweet tropical fruit of the mango tree, but few know that the leaves of this tree are also edible. Young, green mango leaves are very tender, which is why they are cooked and eaten in some cultures. As these leaves are very rich in nutrients, they are also used to make tea and supplements. The leaves of the mango species Mangifera indica have been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine due to their healing properties (1, 2).

Although the trunk, bark, leaves, roots and fruit of this mango species are all used in traditional medicine, the leaves are considered particularly effective in the treatment of diabetes and other diseases (2).

Zynamite®

One supplement made from mango leaves is the patented extract available under the name Zynamite®. Zynamite® has been refined over years of development and is said to increase both mental and physical performance due to its nootropic effects.

Studies suggest that Zynamite® and caffeine work together synergistically and can enhance each other's effects.

Zynamite® to increase mental and physical performance

Scientific studies have shown that Zynamite® stimulates electrical activity in the brain, increasing both reaction time and speed in arithmetic tasks, while reducing fatigue (3, 5).

The effects of Zynamite® on physical performance should be of particular interest to athletes.

Human studies have investigated the effects of Zynamite® in men and women during repeated sprints and other sporting activities. The following was observed (4, 6, 8):

Increased maximum power release
An increase in average performance
An increased Vo2max value
Increased oxygen supply to the brain and muscles
Reduced lactate production

In addition, further studies have shown that Zynamite® can support and accelerate regeneration after physical and sporting exertion. This particularly concerned an accelerated recovery of the full performance capacity of the muscles, as well as a reduction in exercise-induced muscle damage and pain (7).

Further health benefits of mango leaves

Mango leaves are rich in healthy plant compounds

Mango leaves contain numerous beneficial plant compounds, including polyphenols and terpenoids (9), terpenoids are important for good vision and optimal immune system function. They also belong to the group of antioxidants that help to protect the body's cells from harmful free radicals (10). Polyphenols also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some research suggests that they may help improve gut flora and help treat conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer (11, 12). Mangiferin, a polyphenol found in many plants but in particularly high amounts in mango and mango leaves, has numerous health benefits (13, 14). Studies have found mangiferin to be an antimicrobial agent and a potential treatment for tumors, diabetes, heart disease and lipid indigestion (13).

Summary: Mango leaves are rich in terpenoids and polyphenols - plant compounds that can protect against disease and fight inflammation in the body.

Mango leaves have anti-inflammatory properties

Many of the potential benefits of mango leaves are based on the anti-inflammatory properties of mangiferin (15, 16). Although inflammation is part of the body's normal immune response, chronic inflammation can increase the risk of many diseases. Research conducted on animals suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of mangiferin may even protect the brain against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. In one study, a mango leaf extract at a dosage of 5 mg per kilogram of body weight helped to counteract artificially induced increases in oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in the brain (17).

Summary: Mango leaves have anti-inflammatory effects that may even help protect brain health.

Mango leaves could protect against an increase in body fat

Mango leaf extracts could help treat conditions such as obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome by influencing fat metabolism (18). Several animal studies have found that a mango leaf extract can inhibit fat accumulation in tissue cells. Another study conducted in mice showed that cells treated with a mango leaf extract had low levels of fat accumulation and higher levels of adiponectin (19, 20).

Adiponectin is a cell signaling protein that plays a role in fat metabolism and sugar regulation in the body. Higher levels could protect against obesity and related chronic diseases (21). In a study with obese rats, it was observed that the animals that received a mango leaf extract in combination with a high-fat diet gained less abdominal fat than the rats that only received a placebo (22). In a twelve-week study with 97 overweight adults, those who received 150 mg mangiferin daily had lower blood lipid levels and a significantly better insulin resistance index than subjects in the control group (23).

Reduced insulin resistance enables better diabetes management.

Summary: Some studies suggest that mango leaf extracts may help regulate fat metabolism and thereby protect against fat gain and obesity.

Mango leaves could help fight diabetes

Mango leaves could help fight diabetes due to their effects on fat metabolism. Elevated triglyceride levels are often associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In one study, mice were given a mango leaf extract. After 2 weeks, they had significantly lower triglyceride and blood glucose levels (2). Another study conducted with rats found that administration of 100 mg of mango leaf extract per kilogram of body weight alleviated hyperlipidemia, a disease characterized by high triglyceride and cholesterol levels (24). In a study comparing a mango leaf extract and the oral diabetes drug glibenclamide in rats with diabetes, it was observed that the animals receiving the extract had significantly lower blood glucose levels after 2 weeks than the animals receiving glibenclamide (25).

Summary: Mango leaf extracts may help control diabetes due to their effects on triglyceride and blood glucose levels.

Mango leaves may have anti-cancer effects

Several study reviews show that the mangiferin in mango leaves may have anticancer effects as it combats oxidative stress and inflammation (26, 27). In vitro studies suggest that mangiferin may be particularly effective against leukemia, lung cancer, breast cancer, brain tumors, prostate cancer and cervical cancer (28). In addition, mango leaves also show strong anti-cancer potential due to their content of lignans - another type of polyphenol (29). However, it should be kept in mind that these results are still preliminary, so mango leaves should not yet be used for cancer treatment. Summary: Early research suggests that certain compounds contained in mango leaves may fight cancer. Mango leaves may help treat stomach ulcers Mango leaves and other parts of the plant have long been used in natural medicine to treat stomach ulcers and other digestive disorders (30, 31). A study conducted with rodents, in which 250 to 1,000 mg of a mango leaf extract per kilogram of body weight was administered, was able to observe a reduced number of stomach lesions (32). Another study carried out with rodents, in which mangiferin slightly reduced damage to the digestive tract, came to similar results (33).

Summary: Animal studies suggest that mango leaves may help in the treatment of gastric ulcers and other digestive tract problems.

Mango leaves could promote skin health

Mango leaves may reduce signs of skin aging due to their antioxidant content (34). In a study with mice in which the animals were given 100 mg of mango extract per kilogram of body weight, increased collagen production and a significant reduction in the length of skin wrinkles were observed (35). However, it should be borne in mind that this was a general mango extract and not specifically a mango leaf extract. An in vitro study has also found that mango leaf extracts may have an antibacterial effect against the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, which can cause staph infections (36). Mangiferin has also been studied in psoriasis - a skin disease characterized by itchy, dry patches of skin. An in vitro study with human skin cells confirmed that this polyphenol promoted wound healing (37)

Summary: The antioxidants and polyphenols contained in mango leaves may delay some effects of skin aging and may be helpful in the treatment of certain skin conditions.

Mango leaves could support hair growth

Mango leaves are said to be able to promote hair growth and are also used in some hair care products. So far, however, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims.

However, mango leaves are rich in antioxidants that can protect hair follicles from damage, which in turn can promote hair growth (38).

Summary: As mango leaves are rich in antioxidants, they may protect hair follicles from damage.

How to use mango leaves

Although it is possible to eat fresh mango leaves, one of the most common ways to consume them is in the form of a tea. To prepare this tea, 10 to 15 fresh mango leaves are infused with 150 ml of hot water. If fresh mango leaves are not available, you can also use ready-made tea in tea bags or loose form or dried mango leaves.

Mango leaves are also available as powder, extracts and supplements. The powder can be stirred directly into water and drunk or used in skin creams or as a bath additive. Mango leaves are also available in the form of the aforementioned supplement called Zynamite®, which contains 60% or more mangiferin. The recommended dosage is 140 to 200 mg once or twice daily.

As there are not yet sufficient studies on the safety of mango leaves, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using mango supplements. However, no serious side effects have been observed in rats, even with long-term use of up to 2000 mg Zynamite per kilogram of body weight (39).

Do mango leaves have possible side effects?

Mango leaf powder and teas are considered safe for human consumption. Individual studies conducted with animals do not indicate any side effects, although human studies are still pending (40, 41).

Nevertheless, it makes sense to discuss the use of mango leaves with the attending physician in order to rule out possible interactions with medications.

Conclusion

Mango leaves are packed with antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds. Although much of the research is still preliminary in nature, there is much to suggest that mango leaves have a number of health benefits, including skin health, digestive health and possible treatment of obesity.

In some cultures, the consumption of cooked mango leaves is widespread, while in the Western world they are most commonly consumed in the form of tea or supplements.