Supplements and Herbs
Mango tree (leaves) health benefits
Science proves yet another natural jack-of-all-health-trades, incl. for cancer
by Healing Cancer Naturally, copyright © 2024
The tropical mango tree (Mangifera indica) — which can produce its delicious fruit for over 300 years — has been known since time immemorial for its therapeutic effects. Its various parts have been used (in traditional Chinese medicine, for example) to treat a wide range of ailments — and since science began to take an interest in the health benefits of the plant, it has indeed increasingly turned out to be an all-rounder!
Numerous secondary plant substances (polyphenols) have been discovered in the leaves and other parts of the mango tree, including mangiferin, phenolic acids and other antioxidants and flavonoids such as ascorbic acid, carotenoids and tocopherols.
Extracts obtained from mango leaves have numerous positive properties[1]: They have anti-cancer, blood sugar-lowering or diabetes-preventing[2] , antioxidant[3], antimicrobial[4], lipid-lowering[5] and hepatoprotective[6] effects and work against obesity[7] and diarrhea – so even with the latter, modern science has been able to provide the first confirmation of an ancient naturopathic tradition.[8]
MANGIFERIN
Particular attention should be paid to mangiferin, which is found in unusually high concentrations in mango leaves and which demonstrates exceptionally strong antioxidant effects.[9]
A review of the specialist literature on mangiferin by Pakistani researchers revealed (or confirmed) that mangiferin has antiviral[10], anticancer, antidiabetic[2], antioxidant[11], analgesic[12], hepatoprotective[13], antimicrobial[14], antiallergic[15], anti-ageing[16] and cholesterol-lowering[17] effects.
Furthermore, mangiferin (or extracts from mango leaves) protect against various types of cancer, including lung, colon, liver and breast cancer[1] as well as malignant diseases of the nervous system — among other things by triggering programmed cell death (apoptosis) and inhibiting certain enzymes and the tendency to metastasize. Mangiferin is able to prevent lipid peroxidation (i.e. the oxidative degradation of lipids) and strengthen the immune system (e.g. against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria[18]), it combats high blood pressure[19] and shows potential against acute and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases[20].
Finally, we have Indian researchers to thank for a detailed review of patent specifications on therapeutic and cosmetic applications of mangiferin and its derivatives. They came to the conclusion that mangiferin has anti-inflammatory and uric acid-lowering properties, in addition to the already established strong antioxidant, blood sugar-lowering, antiviral and anti-cancer properties.
Furthermore, thanks to its molecular structure, mangiferin has good oral bioavailability and so far there is no evidence of adverse side effects[21], which, according to the authors, makes mangiferin a promising candidate for the development of a "multipotent" drug[22].
Since there are currently (July 2022) 159 peer-reviewed studies on the diverse therapeutic effects of mango leaf extracts alone, only a few will be examined in more detail below.
MANGIFERIN AGAINST COLORECTAL CANCER
An international research group was able to show in a mouse model of colorectal cancer that mangiferin induces tumor regression, reduces lung metastasis and results in a higher survival rate in a dose-dependent manner. The anti-tumor, anti-angiogenic (curbing the vascularization of tumors) and anti-metastatic effects of mangiferin are due to the fact that mangiferin interferes with the mitochondrial energy metabolism of the tumor.[23]
MANGO LEAVES AGAINST BREAST CANCER
Malaysian researchers (in collaboration with researchers from France) have provided us with a comprehensive overview of the studies on the (in vitro and in vivo) breast cancer-fighting effects of extracts from M. indica and the substances they contain (such as mangiferin, gallotannins, gallic acid, pyrogallol and quercetin) and their underlying modes of action.
In-vitro research results indicate that extracts of M. indica and/or phytochemicals contained therein inhibit the growth, proliferation and spread of breast cancer cells and induce cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death. In vivo, the growth of breast tumor xenografts was shown to be slowed.[24]
MANGIFERIN AGAINST BRAIN TUMORS
Gliomas account for around 80 percent of all malignant brain diseases. We have Chinese researchers to thank for a study on the healing effect of mangiferin on the proliferation or death (apoptosis) of glioma cells and its exact mode of action. They were able to show that Mangiferin clearly suppressed the proliferation of glioma cells and accelerated their death. Mangiferin regulated the proliferation and apoptosis of glioma cells by inducing miR-15b expression and inhibiting MMP-9 expression.[25]
MANGO LEAVES AGAINST DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Epidemiological studies show that type 2 diabetes is an important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and dementia later in life. Researchers at the Spanish University of Cádiz administered extracts of Mangifera indica to obese laboratory animals with diabetes 2 and found that obese mice not only gained less weight, but the extract reduced the occurrence of spontaneous bleeding as well as tissue atrophy and inflammation of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The mice actually regained some of their learning and memory abilities![26]
Researchers from Taiwan and China joined forces to investigate the anti-dementia potential of mangiferin in mice. The administration of mangiferin significantly improved the animals' memory and learning ability. Mangiferin reduced damage to the nerve cells and mitochondria of the hippocampus by modulating (inhibiting) lipid peroxidation and the deposition of beta-amyloid in the brain.[27]
MANGIFERIN FIGHTS BOTH CANCER AND DIABETES
Thai scientists have been able to prove that an extract of mango leaves and its active ingredient mangiferin causes a dose-dependent inhibition of the enzyme a-glucosidase (a-glucosidase inhibitors such as acarbose are used as antidiabetics for the treatment of type 2 diabetes). At the same time, the mango leaf extract was also effective against all tested cancer cell lines. In the test tube, the extract was thus able to demonstrate both blood sugar-lowering and cancer-fighting potential.[28]
MANGIFERIN PROTECTS THE HEART
Experimentally induced heart failure in rats was significantly improved in a Chinese study with the administration of mangiferin: among other things, treatment with mangiferin led to an increased heart rate and a lower number of destroyed heart muscle fibers.[29]
Myocardial infarction often leads to the death of heart muscle cells and heart failure. Mangiferin shows anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects in cardiovascular diseases simulated in animal models. A Chinese study investigating the exact role of mangiferin in myocardial infarction in mice found that Mangiferin significantly reduced the area affected by the infarction. Additionally, it prevented the death of heart muscle cells and subsequent heart failure after the heart attack by activating the sirtuin 1 enzyme and the forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3).[30]
Cardiac fibrosis, a pathological proliferation of the connective tissue in the heart, leads to hardening and scarring, which in advanced stages results in functional impairment. Cardiac fibrosis can occur "naturally" (due to ageing), but is also triggered by certain medications (such as some drugs for Parkinson's and migraines as well as appetite suppressants). Chinese researchers injected experimental animals with high doses of D-galactose for 8 weeks (which leads to accelerated ageing including cardiac fibrosis). The administration of mangiferin improved all parameters of cardiac ageing and reduced oxidative stress as well as inflammation and fibrosis of the heart.[31]
MANGO LEAVES PROTECT THE STOMACH
A decoction of Mangifera indica leaves was administered to rodents whose stomach showed mucosal damage due to, among other things, pretreatment with ethyl alcohol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It was found that doses of up to 5g/kg live weight did not cause any signs of toxicity in the animals, but significantly reduced the severity of their gastric mucosal damage.[32]
MANGO LEAVES PROTECT TEETH AND GUMS
In India, natural herbal remedies including parts of the mango tree are traditionally used for dental hygiene. For example, Indian researchers compared the effectiveness of a mouthwash based on mango leaves with that of chlorhexidine (a powerful antiseptic used primarily in dentistry) in terms of dental plaque, gum health and Streptococcus mutans contamination of saliva (S. mutans is considered the main suspect in causing tooth decay).
Result: Both groups experienced a significant reduction in bacterial counts and had less plaque and healthier gums, with the chlorhexidine group showing even better results overall.[33]
In another Indian human study, the bacterial plaque located under the gum line (subgingival) was examined in 50 test subjects, 25 of whom used either only a toothbrush or only mango leaves for their daily oral hygiene. Sensational findings: compared to toothbrush users, the plaque of the mango leaf users showed a significantly lower bacterial load of Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis, two germs that are responsible for severe and aggressive forms of periodontitis.[34]
References
1 Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Leaves: Nutritional Composition, Phytochemical Profile, and Health-Promoting Bioactivities
2 Antidiabetic Potential of Mangifera indica L. cv. Anwar Ratol Leaves: Medicinal Application of Food Wastes
3 Metabolomic Profiling of Mango (Mangifera indica Linn) Leaf Extract and Its Intestinal Protective Effect and Antioxidant Activity in Different Biological Models
4 Comparison of the Antibacterial Activity of the Ethanol Extract vs Hydroalcoholic Extract of the Leaves of Mangifera indica L. (Mango) in Different Concentrations: An In Vitro Study
Antifungal activity of flavonoids isolated from mango (Mangifera indica L.) leaves
5 In Vitro Bioaccessibility and Effect of Mangifera indica (Ataulfo) Leaf Extract on Induced Dyslipidemia
6 Acute treatment with Mangifera indica L. leaf extract attenuates liver inflammation in rats fed a cafeteria diet
7 Mangifera indica L. Leaf Extract Induces Adiponectin and Regulates Adipogenesis
Anti-obesity effects of tea from Mangifera indica L. leaves of the Ubá variety in high-fat diet-induced obese rats
8 Antidiarrhoeal activity of aqueous extract of Mangifera indica L. leaves in female albino rats
9 Characterization and quantitation of polyphenolic compounds in bark, kernel, leaves, and peel of mango (Mangifera indica L.)
10 Antiviral activity of mangiferin against herpes simplex virus type 2 in vitro
11 Investigation on the antioxidant activity of leaves, peels, stems bark, and kernel of mango (Mangifera indica L.)
12 Analgesic and cytotoxic activity of Acorus calamus L., Kigelia pinnata L., Mangifera indica L. and Tabernaemontana divaricata L
13 Restorative activity of aqueous extract Mangifera indica leaves against CCl 4 induced hepatic damage in rats
14 Phytochemical and antimicrobial investigation of the leaves of five Egyptian mango cultivars and evaluation of their essential oils as preservatives materials
15 Mangiferin suppresses allergic asthma symptoms by decreased Th9 and Th17 responses and increased Treg response
16 A New Xanthone Glycoside from Mangifera indica L.: Physicochemical Properties and In Vitro Anti-Skin Aging Activities
17 Cholesterol esterase inhibitory activity of bioactives from leaves of Mangifera indica L
18 Mangiferin: a natural miracle bioactive compound against lifestyle related disorders
Lipid peroxidation inhibition and antiradical activities of some leaf fractions of Mangifera indica
19 Phytochemical and in vitro and in vivo biological investigation on the antihypertensive activity of mango leaves (Mangifera indica L.)
20 Mangiferin attenuates the symptoms of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice via NF-?B and MAPK signaling inactivation
21 Evaluation of the toxic potential of the aqueous extract from Mangifera indica Linn. (Anacardiaceae) in rats submitted to experimental models of acute and subacute oral toxicity
22 Therapeutic and cosmetic applications of mangiferin: a patent review
23 Julyo César Rodriguez-Gonzalez et al.: Antiproliferative, Antiangiogenic, and Antimetastatic Therapy Response by Mangiferin in a Syngeneic Immunocompetent Colorectal Cancer Mouse Model Involves Changes in Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism. In: Frontiers in Pharmacology. December 2021. PMID 34924998
24 Kah Min Yap et al.: Mangifera indica (Mango): A Promising Medicinal Plant for Breast Cancer Therapy and Understanding Its Potential Mechanisms of Action. In: Breast Cancer (Dove Medical Press). September 2021. PMC8448164
25 Jinsong Xiao et al.: Mangiferin regulates proliferation and apoptosis in glioma cells by induction of microRNA-15b and inhibition of MMP-9 expression. In: Oncology Reports. June 2015. PMID 25901555
26 Carmen Infante-Garcia et al.: Mango leaf extract improves central pathology and cognitive impairment in a type 2 diabetes mouse model. In: Brain Pathology (Zurich, Switzerland). July 2017. PMID 27537110
27 Zhengcai Du et al.: Mechanism of anti-dementia effects of mangiferin in a senescence accelerated mouse (SAMP8) model. In: Bioscience Reports. September 2019. PMID 31484797
28 Aunyachulee Ganogpichayagrai et al.: Antidiabetic and anticancer activities of Mangifera indica cv. Okrong leaves. In: Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research. January-March 2017. PMID 28217550
29 Tiechao Jiang et al.: Mangiferin exert cardioprotective and anti-apoptotic effects in heart failure induced rats. In: Life Sciences. May 2020. PMID 32119962
30 Lingli Chen et al.: Mangiferin prevents myocardial infarction-induced apoptosis and heart failure in mice by activating the Sirt1/FoxO3a pathway. In: Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. March 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33523605/
31 Jing Cheng et al.: Mangiferin ameliorates cardiac fibrosis in D-galactose-induced aging rats by inhibiting TGF-ß/p38/MK2 signaling pathway. In: Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology. March 2021. PMID 33602883
32 Julyana Aparecida Severi et al.: Polyphenols with antiulcerogenic action from aqueous decoction of mango leaves (Mangifera indica L.). In: Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). March 2009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19305363/
33 Sham S Bhat et al.: Comparative evaluation of Mangifera indica leaf mouthwash with chlorhexidine on plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, and salivary streptococcal growth. In: Indian Journal of Dental Research. March-April 2017. PMID 28611324
34 Indira Bairy et al.: Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Mangifera indica on anaerobic dental microglora based on in vivo studies. In: Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology. July 2002. PMID 12785172
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