Mango is appreciated as a fruit, but it is little known as a botanical medicine. This new study on cognition may change that.
Though not talked about much, mango has actually been used traditionally in the Ayurvedic system of India, not just as a food, but as a botanical medicine. Components found in the leaves and stem have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
This one week double-blind study is the first to look at mango extract and cognition. The study gave a placebo or 300mg of mango leaf extract standardized for mangiferin to 60 healthy people between the ages of 18 and 45 who were e-gamers.
Excitingly, compared to the placebo, the mango extract significantly improved mental speed, focused attention and sustained, response inhibition, and both immediate and delayed recall.
Compared to placebo, the mango extract also helped the people in the study manage psychological stress better.
Importantly, the mango extract was safe.
This study introduces a new botanical medicine to the West. Mango extract proved itself able to enhance learning, while improving mental speed, attention and working memory.
Cureus. July 2024;16(7):e65751.