Mangifera Indica: Nootropic Benefits of Mango & Its Extracts

Mangifera indica (mango) isn’t just a delicious tropical fruit.

Research shows it has potential nootropic properties, enhancing cognitive function through its rich nutrient profile and bioactive compounds.

Mango’s key components, including mangiferin, quercetin, and vitamins, offer improved memory, better sleep, anxiolytic effects, and protection against cognitive decline.

Whole fruits offer essential nutrients and fiber, while standardized mango extract supplements provide specific benefits and fewer side effects.

What Is Mangifera Indica and Is It Really a Nootropic?

Mangifera indica is the scientific name for the mango tree, a tropical fruit-bearing plant native to South Asia.

Mango trees can grow up to 30 meters tall and produce oval-shaped fruits ranging from 4-8 inches. The fruit’s color varies from yellow to orange to red, depending on the variety.

Traditionally, mango has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for its digestive properties and as a remedy for heatstroke.

While mangoes are primarily known for their delicious taste, research has pointed out how their bio-components contribute to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Its antioxidant content protects brain cells from oxidative stress, aiding memory and focus.

With its anti-inflammatory properties, mango helps reduce anxiety and depression and offers neuroprotection.

Moreover, mango also supports overall health by promoting skin health and immune function.

What Are the Key Active Compounds in Mangifera Indica?

The key active compounds in mango include:

1. Mangiferin: A polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
2. Quercetin: A flavonoid known for its neuroprotective effects
3. Vitamin C & B6: Essential nutrients for brain health
4. Beta-carotene: A precursor to vitamin A, which supports cognitive function
5. Gallic acid: A phenolic compound with antioxidant properties
6. Tryptophan: An essential amino acid

Does Mango Enhance Cognitive Function?

Definitely! Mango enhances cognitive function through various mechanisms.

The fruit’s rich nutrient profile and bioactive compounds positively impact brain health and performance in several studies.

Can Mangifera Indica Improve Memory and Learning?

Yes. Mango can improve memory and learning through mangiferin.

Studies demonstrate that mangiferin improves spatial memory and learning, through its antioxidant properties and the ability to modulate neurotransmitter systems.⁽¹⁾

Also, the high vitamin C levels in mango are essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which are crucial for memory formation and recall.⁽²⁾

How Does Mangifera Indica Promote Better Sleep?

Mango promotes better sleep through vitamin B6 and the amino acid tryptophan.

Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Tryptophan, on the other hand, is a precursor to serotonin, which can be converted to melatonin in the body.

A study suggested that consuming foods rich in tryptophan, like mangoes, helps improve sleep quality.⁽³⁾

Can Mangifera Indica Help with Anxiety and Depression?

Yes. Mango helps with anxiety and depression by its neurotransmitter regulation and anti-inflammatory effects.

The phytophenolic composition of mangiferin has anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

A study found that mangiferin exhibited antidepressive symptoms by modulating the serotonergic system.⁽⁴⁾

Moreover, the vitamin C content in mangoes modulates neurotransmitters, which reduces anxiety and depression symptoms.

A study suggested that vitamin C supplementation balances dopamine levels in the brain, which helped reduce anxiety levels in high school students.⁽⁵⁾

Does Mangifera Indica Play a Role in Neuroprotection?

Yes. Mango consumption helps in neuroprotection through its antioxidant properties.

The mangiferin and quercetin found in mangoes protect neurons from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in neurodegenerative diseases.

A study demonstrated that mangiferin exhibited neuroprotective effects against cognitive dysfunction, because of its antioxidant and cholinergic functions.⁽⁶⁾

Along with that, the high vitamin C content is also a powerful antioxidant that can protect brain cells from oxidative damage.

A study suggests that higher vitamin C protects dopamine-producing neurons from oxidative stress, which ultimately reduces the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.⁽⁷⁾

How Should One Consume Mango for Cognitive Benefits?

Mango should be taken in moderate amounts for optimal cognitive benefits.

The leaves, peel and seed kernel contain higher concentrations of its bio-components compared to the pulp.

What Quantity of Mango is Effective for Enhancing Cognitive Abilities?

Here are the dosage recommendations for different forms of mango:

It’s worth noting that whole fruits are preferred over supplements when you need a broader range of nutrients and fiber.

Conversely, supplements offer specific benefits, allow consistent consumption, and have fewer side effects.

Can Mangifera Indica Be Combined With Other Nootropics?

Mango extracts can be combined with other nootropics to enhance their cognitive benefits.

Some promising combinations include:

1. Green tea: L-theanine from green tea provides synergistic effects on stress reduction
2. Turmeric: Both contain powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that enhance neuroprotection
3. Omega-3 fatty acids: Enhances overall brain health and cognitive function
4. Adaptogens: Herbs like bacopa monnieri or rhodiola rosea improve stress resilience and cognitive performance

How Quickly Can One Expect to See the Benefits From Mangifera Indica Supplementation?

The timeline for experiencing benefits from mangifera indica supplementation can vary depending on individual factors such as diet, lifestyle, and overall health.

Research shows the following expected onset times for intended benefits:

Do Mangoes Have Any Potential Side Effects?

While mangoes are considered safe for consumption, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects:

• Allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching, anaphylaxis (in rare cases)
• Gastrointestinal issues e.g. diarrhea, abdominal cramps, gas
• Blood sugar levels may be affected by the high natural sugar content in mango

Note: Using a standardized mango extract supplement can help mitigate some side effects of regular fruit consumption, such as high sugar content and allergic reactions.

Are There Any Known Contradictions of Mango Consumption?

There are several known contraindications of mango consumption:

1. Latex allergy: Cross-reactivity due to similar proteins present in both
2. Urushiol sensitivity: May develop contact dermatitis from mango skin consumption
3. Diabetes: Should be consumed in moderation and with careful blood sugar monitoring
4. Kidney stones: High in oxalates, may contribute to kidney stone
5. Medication interactions: Those affecting blood sugar levels or anticoagulants

Is Mangifera Indica Supplementation Safe for Long-Term Use?

Mangoes are safe to consume as part of a balanced diet.

However, excessive consumption over extended periods may lead to potential issues:

• Weight gain – high in calories and natural sugars
• Dental problems – tooth decay if oral hygiene is poor
• Digestive issues – diarrhea or other gastrointestinal discomfort

Who Should Avoid Consuming Mangifera Indica?

Certain individuals should avoid or limit their consumption of mangoes:

1. People with latex allergies, due to the risk of cross-reactivity
2. Individuals with urushiol sensitivity, to avoid potential skin reactions
3. Those with uncontrolled diabetes, due to the fruit’s high sugar content
4. People prone to kidney stones because of the high oxalate content
5. Individuals taking medications related to blood sugar or blood clotting mechanisms
6. Those with a known mango allergy

Can Mangifera Indica Interact With Other Medications?

Mangifera indica can potentially interact with certain medications:

• Diabetes medications (e.g. insulin or oral hypoglycemics)
• Anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin) may interact with vitamin K content in mangoes.
• Antibiotic absorption may be hindered.
• MAO inhibitors can interact with tyramine (hindering depression treatment).
• Antacids could increase the disbursement of aluminum in the body.

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3. Peuhkuri, Katri, Nora Sihvola, and Riitta Korpela. “Diet promotes sleep duration and quality.” Nutrition research 32.5 (2012): 309-319.↩
4. Jangra, Ashok, et al. “Protective effect of mangiferin against lipopolysaccharide-induced depressive and anxiety-like behaviour in mice.” European journal of pharmacology 740 (2014): 337-345.↩
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7. Kangisser, Lauren, et al. “Neuroprotective properties of vitamin C: a scoping review of pre-clinical and clinical studies.” Journal of Neurotrauma 38.16 (2021): 2194-2205.↩