Bush mango, also known as Ugiri, Apon, Dika, African mango, or wild mango, is grown for its seeds (ogbono) rather than the fruit.
Irvingia is the scientific name for two varieties: Irvingia Gabonensis and Irvingia Wombolu. This essay will concentrate on its nutritional worth, health benefits, and uses.
Nutritional value of the seed at 100gram serving
Nutrients | Quantity |
Carbohydrates | 15g |
Protein | 8.5g |
Calories | 697 |
Water (moisture) | 4g |
Calcium | 120mg |
Iron | 2.4mg |
Fat | 67g |
Fatty acid composition | |
Myristic acid | 33-70% |
Stearic acid | 1% |
Lauric acid | 20-59% |
Palmitic acid | 2% |
Oleic acid | 1-11% |
Nutritional value of the Irvingia Gabonensis fruit pulp at 100gram serving
Nutrients | Quantity |
Carbohydrates | 15.7g |
Protein | 0.9g |
Calories | 61 |
Water (moisture) | 81g |
Phosphorus | 40mg |
Calcium | 20mg |
Vitamin C | 7mg |
Iron | 2mg |
It also contains fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin B. In addition, it comprises of minerals such as sodium, potassium, zinc and magnesium.
1. It can help in the prevention of cell damage
Bush mango has antioxidant properties. That is, it can help avoid the harmful effects of oxidation on the organs of the body.
As a result, it can help improve liver and kidney function as well as overall well-being. The leaf and stem extract contains antioxidants and has been shown to be useful in several studies, including cancer therapy.
2. It could help in weight loss
Bush mango is high in fiber. That is, it can help you reduce your appetite, resulting in less food consumption.
Additionally, African Bush Mango is available in grocery stores as a supplement for weight loss management and other benefits.
3. Lower blood sugar levels
It has very little sugar. Consequently, it can aid in the management of insulin levels in diabetic patients. It can help non-diabetic people to minimize the risk of consuming sugary meals.
4. Improve bowel movement
The fiber content helps relieve constipation. Not only that, but the bush mango is extremely beneficial for the digestive tract.
Relieves diarrhea and helps reduce stomach acid, making it beneficial for ulcer sufferers.
5. Improve heart health
Bush’s African mango is thought to help reduce harmful cholesterol (LDL). This also makes it beneficial for weight loss.
It also includes iron, which helps blood circulation to the heart and other regions of the body.
6. Works as an analgesic
Antimicrobial properties are found in the mango bush. As a result, it can help reduce microbial activity on a wound (leaf extract).
It is also helpful in reducing pain, healing wounds, and improving blood clots to stop bleeding.
It can help in the formation of dormant hernias, lower fever such as yellow fever, and cure ear infections.
The leaves, fruits, barks, roots and seeds are used as herbal extracts to maximize the benefits. Depending on the form of use, it can be made into a decoction, tablets, powder and so on. However, further studies are needed to confirm its usefulness.
See 10 Nigerian soups with the power to save your life…
Uses of the African Bush Mango
Every component of the plant is useful, including the roots, bark, stem, seeds, leaves and fruit. From the roots through the bark, stem, seeds, leaves and fruit, every part of the plant is useful. They are combined in various combinations to produce traditional medicine.
However, Irvingia Wombolu is chosen over Irvingia Gabonensis for therapeutic reasons as it has greater medicinal potential.
- The famous ogbono seed is ground and used as a thickener for soup or as an active component of the soup in ogbono soup.
- The seeds can be roasted and eaten raw, made into supplements, or even used to make dika bread.
- The seeds can be further processed to make butter or squeezed for oil. The oil is used in cooking, cosmetics and soaps.
- In addition, the cake formed after oil extraction can be used as feed for livestock such as cattle.
- The fruit is edible and harmless. The fruit of Irvingia Gabonensis, on the other hand, is sweet, while that of Irvingia Wombolu is bitter. Plus, you can use it to make jams, juices, or even wine. The pulp of the fruit has been colored by transforming it into clothing colors.
- Wood is an excellent fuel. Since it is hardwood, it is suitable for heavy construction.
The Results of African Bush Mango Research
The use of African Bush mango seeds for weight loss has become internationally approved. A study was started to assess the safety of this supplement, and rats were fed increasing concentrations of the seed extract. “Effect of Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O’Rorke) Seeds on the Liver and Gonads of Male Albino Rats,” according to the study results published in the Journal Biology, Agriculture, and Healthcare in 2014. The results show a dose-dependent deterioration in the liver and testicular function (in particular sperm production). The study’s findings show that, while African Bush Mango seeds may have beneficial properties, you should take them with caution.
“Because it’s natural, it can’t hurt me.”
There is currently an explosion of over-the-counter supplements being marketed as beneficial for a wide range of health concerns. People often adopt the mindset that “it’s natural, so it can’t hurt me.” African Bush mango may be an example of why we should all be cautious before relying on herbal remedies with unknown side effects.
Don’t go overdosing yourself for the health benefits and because it is natural. It has its side effects if you eat it without caution just like any drug. You can consume it in fruit or food form. But as a natural remedy, do not abuse or use instead of drugs for the health benefits stated above.
What does bush mango taste like?
The African Bush mango (Irvingia Gabonensis) has a deep, robust flavor. No doubt.
However, not everyone likes the taste. It is slightly astringent and can leave a bitter aftertaste on the tongue.


Which not everyone appreciates. Some people regard the fruit as sweet as a mango.
Also, don’t be shocked if the texture of the fruit draws (slime) even while you’re eating it.
See China Weight loss Mango Seed Extract…
Conclusion
The African mango Irvingia Gabonensis has a lot more to offer than just sweetness. So, if you happen to meet him again, don’t be afraid to take a bite.
The other variety, Irvingia Wombolu, does not have the sweetness of Irvingia Gabonensis but produces a larger ogbono seed.
Citation,