5 Health Benefits of Mango Leaves

Mango leaves can help with inflammation, diabetes, digestion, weight management, and skin health.

Health Benefits of Mango Leaves: Although the sweet fruit of the mango tree is well-known, many are unaware that the leaves are also edible and possess a range of health benefits. Mango leaves (Mangifera indica), from the Anacardiaceae family, are reddish-green or purplish-green when young, maturing to a darker green.

Traditional medicine has long utilized mango leaf extracts to treat various conditions such as diabetes, bronchitis, diarrhea, asthma, scabies, respiratory problems, syphilis, and urinary disorders. Originating in Southeast Asia, where mango trees thrive in tropical to subtropical climates, the leaves have been a staple in both medicinal and culinary practices for centuries.

Harvested while tender, mango leaves are valued for their nutritional content and versatility. They can be eaten raw, incorporated into vegetables, or cooked in various savory dishes. Drying the leaves allows for their use as a nutritional tea or health supplement.

5 Amazing Health Benefits of Mango Leaves

Following are some of the impressive health benefits of mango leaves.

1. Prevent Inflammation: Some studies suggest that mango leaf extract possesses anti-inflammatory effects, potentially counteracting oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers associated with chronic inflammation in the brain. Chronic inflammation is linked to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

2. Manage Diabetes: Research suggests that mango leaves contain phytochemicals and tannins, including anthocyanidins, which may aid in managing high blood sugar levels. Additionally, the leaves contain compounds like 3-beta-taraxerol and ethyl acetate extract, which work synergistically with insulin to activate glucose transporter type 4 and stimulate glycogen synthesis. These properties suggest potential benefits for treating diabetic angiopathy and retinopathy.

3. Support Digestive Health: Mango leaves may act as a stomach tonic, flushing out toxins and aiding in preventing stomach ulcers and digestive disorders.

4. Prevent Weight Gain: Mango leaf extract contains a compound called mangiferin, which has been linked to increased levels of adiponectin, a cell-signaling protein involved in fat metabolism and sugar regulation. Studies suggest that this extract may inhibit fat accumulation in tissue cells, potentially playing a role in managing obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

5. Enhance Skin Health: Mango leaves possess antioxidant properties that may combat signs of skin aging, boost collagen production, and promote wound healing. The compound mangiferin may also prove beneficial in treating psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by itchy, dry patches.

(Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated by AI and published after the content was editorially modified and verified by a human based on their own judgement and expertise. The Quint does not publish AI-generated content without direct human involvement and oversight).