The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Irvingia gabonensis on metabolic syndrome (MetS), insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed in 24 patients with MetS in accordance with the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Twelve patients received I. gabonensis (150 mg) twice a day during 90 days, and 12 patients received placebo. Glucose and insulin concentrations were measured during a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test. Also, lipid profile, creatinine, uric acid, and hepatic enzymes were determined. The area under the curve (AUC) of glucose and insulin, total insulin secretion, first phase of insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity were calculated. Data were tested using non-parametric tests. The Ethics Committee approved the protocol. After I. gabonensis administration, significant decreases in waist circumference (WC) (94.0 ± 8.0 vs. 91.0 ± 8.2 cm, P < .01), glucose 90' (10.0 ± 2.5 vs. 8.6 ± 2.7 mmol/L, P < .05), glucose 120' (8.8 ± 2.4 vs. 7.6 ± 2.7 mmol/L, P < .05), triglycerides (2.5 ± 1.2 vs. 2.0 ± 1.1 mmol/L, P < .05), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) (0.5 ± 0.2 vs. 0.4 ± 0.2 mmol/L, P < .05), and AUC of glucose (694 ± 142 vs. 629 ± 172 mmol/L/min, P < .05) were found. Seven patients (58.3%) of the I. gabonensis group showed remission of MetS and two patients (16.7%) of the placebo group (P = .045). I. gabonensis lead to remission of MetS in 58.3% of the patients and significantly decreased WC, glucose 90', glucose 120', triglycerides, VLDL, and AUC of glucose.
Keywords: African mango; insulin resistance; insulin secretion; insulin sensitivity; metabolic syndrome.