Health Benefits of Mango Tree

Mango, the “King of Fruits,” is celebrated globally. Rich in vitamins A and C, it boasts extensive health benefits, including diabetes control and anti-inflammatory effects. Originating from the Indian sub-continent, it is now a worldwide culinary favorite, symbolizing both taste and nutrition.

What is Mango? Mango belongs to the tropical fruit family and is indigenous to the Indian Sub-continent. It is cultivated in low areas and is widely distributed worldwide. It is famous as a fruit for its juice, flavor, and fragrance. The mango tree leaves are used for various ceremonies, such as weddings.

It is a delicious and fattening fruit called the “King of Fruits.” It is available in 100 varieties. The mango leaves are green, and when they are young, they are orange-pink. The fruit’s ripe form is available in various sizes and colors, such as yellow, red, green, orange, etc.

Mangoes have been otherwise cultivated in the Indian subcontinent and reached East Asia’s shores between the 5th and 4th centuries. By about the 10th century, they had been transported to East Africa. They have been introduced in Brazil, the West Indies, and Mexico, where the climate is conducive to their growth. Now, nearly half of the world’s mangoes are cultivated in India.

Mango fruit contains vitamins A and C and minerals like calcium, phosphorous, and iron. The bark of the mango tree has styptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. Leaves have anti-bacterial, styptic, refrigerant, and astringent properties. Flowers of the Mango tree are used medicinally as haematinic and styptic. The delicious part is an antifungal, digestive, carminative, and refrigerant. The seed kernel for the fruit is not thrown away as it works for constipation, is used as a uterine tonic, and has anthelmintic properties.

Health Benefits of Mango Tree – Bark, Leaves, Flowers, Seed Kernel

1. Diabetes

Mango peel is rich in dietary fiber, polyphenols, and carotenoids. In the study, it was found that peel can be included as a therapeutic food. Mangoes fruit are also suitable for diabetes patients as they are low in fat and sodium and have a low glycemic index. [1]

The tree leaves also have diabetes-fighting capabilities. The tree leaves should be dried, powdered, and stored in a dry place. One can take half a tsp of this powder two times a day. This remedy is effective for mild cases of diabetes. People who take insulin injections should test their effectiveness before continuing it for the long term. The tender leaves of the tree are best, but fresh leaves could also be taken. These leaves should be adequately dried, powdered, and stored in an airtight container.

In another study done by Oklahoma State University, it was found that mango had a positive effect on blood glucose when consumed by obese people. [2]

2. Diarrhea

Collect the mango seeds while it is in season, dry them in the shade, and make a fine powder out of them. Store it in a dry place. Make small balls of this powder with jaggery and take it three times daily. In case of piles, do not mix jaggery and take only 1/2 tsp of seed powder.

M. R. Govt Arts College, Thiruvarur, study found that M. indica seed kernel effectively treats diarrhea. The seed kernel reduced fecal score and intestinal motility in Swiss albino mice. [3]

As per another study, the aqueous extract of young leaves of mango was tested against pathogens like E. coli and S. typhi. Higher doses of it showed greater anti-diarrheal activity. Thus, it can be said that mango leaf extract can effectively treat diarrhea and is a very important remedy for developing countries where the treatment is not readily available. [4]

3. Boils

Make a paste out of the tree’s bark and apply it on boils that have not come up entirely, which would help suppress it. Due to the high vitamin C and ascorbic acid content, raw mango helps quickly heal boils when taken internally. Raw pulp squeezed out acts as an astringent.

4. Cholesterol

M. Indica leaves’ methanol extract reduces cholesterol levels. The study published had these findings – [5]

Key Findings:

• Cholesterol reduction was significant with a dose of 90 mg/kg rat body weight.
• The extract is safe for the rat for a dose of up to 5000 mg/kg rat body weight.
• Iriflophenone 3-C-β-D-glucoside, mangiferin, and 3 β taraxerol in the extract are responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effect.
• The leaf extract’s high phytosterol content shows immense potential as a nutraceutical ingredient. More research is needed for it to be scientifically used on humans to manage cholesterol levels.

5. Nausea

Nausea and vomiting are common and can happen to every person for various reasons. These reasons might include digestive issues, pregnancy, or illness. An infusion made from Jamun, tender leaves of the mango tree, and honey are used in herbal medicine to eliminate these symptoms.

Make an infusion of Jamun, tender leaves of the mango tree. You can do so by boiling it in water. Then, remove the leaves and strain the liquid into a cup. Add 1 tsp of honey for flavor and medicinal benefits. Consume the infusion while it’s warm to cure vomiting and nausea.

How It Works:

• Digestive Aid: Jamun and mango leaves both have digestive benefits. Jamum, in particular, has bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. [6]
• Natural Sugar: Honey acts as a sweetener that soothes the stomach.
• Antioxidants: Mangiferin in mango leaves and anthocyanins in Jamun both have antioxidant properties that help in soothing the digestive system.

6. Motion Blood

A few mango tree bark pieces should be boiled in milk and taken with honey twice daily until the blood in motion stops. You might want to see a doctor if it does not stop in 2-3 days.

7. Insect Bites – Mango Leaves

Mango leaves have been used for ages as a home remedy for insect bites. The leaves of mango trees have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiseptic properties. It can help make the symptoms less severe, such as redness, swelling, and itching. Extract the juice of the leaf and apply it to the stung area to prevent further inflammation.

Procedure

Get Fresh Leaves: Pick few fresh mango leaves. Ensure that they are free from pesticides or any other chemicals.

Wash and Clean: Clean the leaves thoroughly under running water.

Crush or Grind: Use a grinder to crush the leaves. Extract the juice.

Strain: Remove the solid leaf particles.

Apply: With a clean cotton ball, gently apply it to the affected area.

How It Works

• Anti-Inflammatory: Mangiferin found in mango leaves has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing swelling and redness. [7] In addition, the essential oils in the mango leaves possess antimicrobial properties. [8]
• Analgesic Effects: The juice gives a soothing effect and helps in reducing pain.
• Antiseptic Properties: The juice from mango leaves prevents bacterial infection in the stung area. This helps in reducing the risk of complications.

8. Sunstroke

One of the most common uses of raw mango is its ability to help or prevent sunstroke. A drink of boiled raw mango mixed with sugar or salt helps and keeps the body hydrated on a hot summer day. This is because of the high water content in raw mango and the presence of vitamin C and potassium. Due to this, mango helps when there are electrolyte imbalances in the body or can help alleviate symptoms of heat stroke. It helps restore balance in the body affected by excessive heat exposure. [9]

9. Fever

A study was done on Mangifera indica aqueous-methanolic leaf extract for its antioxidant, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It was found that M. indica leaf extract has antioxidant anti-inflammatory. It further has fever-reducing properties. These benefits come from the compounds present in it, like mangiferin, quercetin, and isoquercetin. This research is pathbreaking and suggests the use of extract usage in curing inflammation and fever. [10]

More about Mango

Parts of Mango Tree Used for Medicinal Properties

Root & Bark: The roots and bark of the plant are primarily used for their anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used as a styptic and astringent.

Leaves: Leaves are refrigerant, styptic, and an astringent.

Flowers: The plant’s flowers again have astringent, haematinic, and refrigerant properties.

Seed Kernel: The mango seed kernel is used as a uterine tonic. It is also used for its anthelmintic properties.

Uses of Mango Root, Bark, Leaves, Flowers, and Seed Kernel

Part of Tree	Use
Root	Treats diarrhea Remedies for dysentery
Bark	Has astringent properties Antibacterial properties Used for skin issues Treats infections
Leaves	Regulates blood sugar levels Supports respiratory health Aids digestion Lowers blood pressure
Flowers	Remedies for diarrhea Treats chronic dysentery Helps with digestive issues
Seed Kernel	Beneficial for dental health Treats dental problems Acts as an anthelmintic (expels parasitic worms)

Mango Nutritional Value(per 100g)

Mango consists of a total of 20% of soluble solids i.e sugar(13.7g) and 1.6g of dietary fiber. It also has a rich source of vitamin C(36.4 mg) and vitamin A. It contains minerals like –

Nutrient	Amount per 100g	Daily Value (%)
Calories	60	3%
Carbohydrates	15g	5%
Fiber	1.6g	6%
Protein	0.8g	2%
Fat	0.4g	1%
Vitamin C	36.4mg	41%
Vitamin A	54μg	6%
Folate	14μg	4%
Potassium	168mg	4%
Magnesium	10mg	2%
Calcium	10mg	1%
Iron	0.2mg	1%

Mangoes are also rich in antioxidants (beta-carotene and polyphenols). Amylases and proteases are two enzymes present in mango and aid in digestion.

Also Known As

Latin	Mangifera Indica
English	Mango
Gujarati	Aambo
Hindi	Aam
Sanskrit	Amrah
Kannada	Mavu
Malayalam	Mavu
Telugu	Mamidi
Marathi	Amba
Tamil	Mamaram

Mangoes are indeed delicious but also consist of many health benefits. One enjoys the taste of a mango, but they are also gaining much nutritionally.

Mango Tree FAQs

Is mango acidic or alkaline?

Mango is acidic but more of a mild acidic. The PH value for the fruit is between 5.8 and 6, which is more toward the neutral phase. A value of more than 7.0 is alkaline. Remember not to eat more than 2-3 slices of mangoes at one go if you suffer from acid reflux symptoms.

Is mango high in sugar?

Yes, mango contains natural sugar that can increase the body’s blood sugar level and might be of concern to a diabetic person. However, it can be taken in smaller quantities as the antioxidants and fiber help minimize its effect. Therefore, people with diabetes can take 1/2 cup of sliced mangoes, check if it affects their blood sugar level, and adjust their intake accordingly.

Can mangoes make you gain weight?

Eating mangoes might not aid in gaining weight, but drinking them might. Taking mangoes like juices, pies, ice cream, milkshakes, etc., will increase your body weight due to the added sugar. However, the fruit is rich in fiber, minerals, antioxidants, etc. Enjoy the fruit without worries in the season.

Do mangoes cause gas?

Yes, mangoes might cause gas in a few people. Mango is rich in fructose, a natural sugar. Many people cannot digest fructose, due to which gas is formed. Their body is not able to break down sugar properly.

Is it reasonable to eat mango at night?

Yes, mangoes are safe to eat at night. However, people struggling to digest natural sugar(fructose) might want to avoid it at night as it can cause gas problems.

How many calories are in a mango?

One hundred grams of mangoes contain 60 calories.

What are the top benefits of Mango tree and its parts?

Mango Tree Part	Benefits
Leaves	Treat diabetes, high blood pressure.
Bark	Treat diarrhea, rheumatism.
Fruit	Boost immunity, digestion, eye health.
Seed	Antioxidant in beauty products, various ailments.
Flower	Treat diarrhea, dysentery.
Root	Treat asthma, bronchitis, antiseptic.

Conclusion

Mangoes, often hailed as the “King of Fruits,” offer a wealth of health benefits, ranging from diabetes control to anti-inflammatory properties. This fruit, rich in vitamins A and C, minerals, and antioxidants, not only delights the palate but also contributes to overall health. Its versatility extends beyond the fruit itself, with every part of the mango tree serving medicinal purposes. As we appreciate mangoes for their flavor, let’s also embrace them for their nutritional value and healing capabilities.

References

1. Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, CSIR – Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, – 570020, India. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24917522/
2. Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4155986/
3. Chemical and Biochemical Processing Division, ICAR—Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai 400019, India – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7920260/
4. Department of Microbiology, M. R. Govt Arts College, Mannargudi-614 001, Thiruvarur District, Tamilnadu, India. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22840451/
5. Research Scholar, Manipal University, Manipal, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India; Natural Remedies R and D Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28250649/
6. Research Institute of Integrative Life Sciences, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang-si 10326, Republic of Korea – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10057433
7. Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, 90 Cumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5804368
8. Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613 Egypt – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8249502/
9. Department of Pharmacognosy, K. B. Raval College of Pharmacy, Shertha – 382 324, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249901/
10. Ali-Ul-Murtaza, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Muhammad Institute of Medical and Allied Sciences, Multan – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10408527/