7 Impressive Mango Leaf Tea Benefits and How They Work

mango leaf tea in a clea cup

While Mango leaf tea holds a prominent place in traditional medicine, it’s often overshadowed by the delicious fruit itself. But today, Mango tea is gaining well-deserved attention due to the wide range of potential health benefits found in Mango tree leaves.

In this article, we’ll explore seven key benefits of Mango leaf tea, how it works in the body, and any side effects to be aware of.

The benefits of Mango leaf tea stem directly from its unique concentration of bioactive mango leaves compound. Here’s are a few proven benefits of Mango leaves that contribute to Mango tea benefits:

The Power of Mango Tree Leaves

  • Mangiferin: Mango leaves superstar compound, known for its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and specific mango tea blood sugar support properties.
  • Flavonoids (Quercetin & Kaempferol): Antioxidants crucial for heart, immune, and respiratory system support.
  • Tannins: Provides astringent and antimicrobial action, which is particularly beneficial as a digestive aid.
  • Phenolic Compounds: A broad group of powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
  • Terpenoids: Contributes strong anti-inflammatory and potential antiviral effects.
  • Vitamins & Minerals: includes essential micronutrients like Vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium, supporting overall nutritional health.

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What is Mango Leaf Tea?

Mango leaf tea is made by steeping fresh or dried Mango tree leaves (Mangifera indica) in hot water. It is widely used in traditional Indian (Ayurvedic), Southeast Asian, and African folk medicine. Mango tea which has a mild, slightly bitter taste with a hint of earthiness and is packed withan array benefits.

Potential Mango Leaf Tea Benefits

What is Mango leaf tea good for? Mango leaves are rich in active compounds, particularly tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. They all unite to form the tea’s benefits. So, let’s take a closer look at what modern science has to say about Mango tea benefits.

Blood Sugar Supporter

The most well-researched of the benefits of Mango leaf tea is its ability to aid blood sugar management. Rich in mangiferin1, a key compount in Mango leaves may regulate blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and supporting healthy glucose metabolism.

Cardiovascular Health Helper

The tea’s powerful antioxidant action may help strengthen blood vessels. According to animal studies2 Mango leaf tea may help lower blood pressure and reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, promoting overall heart health. However, more robust human evidence is needed.

Digestive Aid

Traditionally used for digestive issues, Mango leaves contain tannins3 which have mild astringent effects that can help soothe the digestive tract, offering digestive benefits for gas, bloating, indigestion, and diarrhea.

Respiratory Issues Reliever

Mango tea has long been used as a soothing remedy for breathing conditions. Due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, sipping the tea help clear mucus and reduce inflammation associated with respiratory conditions4 like asthma, bronchitis, and the common cold.

Body’s Immune System Booster

Flavonoids and phenolic compounds in Mango leaf tea contains antioxidant activity5, which generally improves cellular health. Adittionaly, Mango leaves are rich in vitamin C which is important for boosting the body’s immune function making you more resiliant.

Sleep Quality Enhancer

Some Flavonoids6 in Mango leaves makes the tea a mild organic relaxant. Therefore, many people find that consuming a warm cup of Mango leaf tea at night has a gentle calming effect that can promote deeper sleep and reduce feelings of restlessness and anxiety.

Inflammation Reducer

Thanks to natural terpenoids and polyphenols, regularly drinking cup of Mango tea may help reduce systemic inflammation throughout the body. Laboratory studies.7 show its general anti-inflammatory effect may be beneficial for conditions like joint pain or skin irritation.

Mango Leaf Tea Recipe

Just follow these simple steps to make mango leaf tea at home:

  1. Gather about 4-5 fresh or dried mango leaves (for a strong brew).  
  2. Rinse the leaves to remove any dirt or impurities.  
  3. Boil 2 cups of water in a pot.  
  4. Add the leaves to the boiling water and let it steep for about 10-15 minutes.  
  5. Strain the tea into a cup and enjoy, sweeten with honey or add lemon for extra (optional).

Suggested Consumption

It is suggested that you drink one cup of mango leaf tea in the morning, up to three times per week for optiminal benefits. Because there are no standardized dosage guidelines, it’s important to listen to your body, monitor how you feel, and adjust your intake as needed.

Buy Dried Mango Leaves

You can find dried mango leaves for making tea in local grocery stores, health food shops, and various online marketplaces. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best manago leaf tea:

FormsProsCons
Dried Mango LeavesFresh taste, versatile strength.  
Requires additional equipment (teapot or infuser).
Mango Leaf Tea BagsConvenient and easy to use.  
 May contain less potent leaves compared to loose leaves.
Powdered ExtractEasily added to smoothies tea, juices or other recipes.Flavor may not be as pleasant for tea.

When purchasing, consider responsible sourcing to ensure you are getting high-quality leaves.

Mango Leaf Tea Side Effects

The tea is generally considered safe for most people, however, it’s important to be aware of possible mango tea side effects, especially if consumed in large quantities or by sensitive individuals. Here are some potential side effects of mango leaf tea:

  • Nausea:  Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea or an upset stomach, particularly if they consume a large amount of mango leaf tea at once. It’s advisable to start with a smaller serving and monitor your body’s reaction before increasing the amount.
  • Dizziness: In rare cases, high doses of mango leaf tea may lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. This could be due to its potential effects on blood pressure. If you experience these symptoms, it’s best to reduce your intake or consult a healthcare provider.
  • Allergic Reactions: People with known allergies to mangoes should avoid mango leaf tea. Although the leaves do not contain the same compounds as the fruit, they may still trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
  • Interactions with Medications: Mango leaves may interact with certain medications, particularly those for diabetes or blood pressure. The compounds in mango leaves can affect blood sugar levels, which may amplify the effects of diabetes medications.
mango tree with green leaves and fruits
Mango (Mangifera indica) tree with green leaves and fruits

Mango Leaves Nutrients

In addition to the key compounds already mentioned, Mango leaves also contain vitamin A, vitamin E, and B-complex vitamins, as well as minerals. So let’s see what Mango leaf tea does for the body:

Mango Leaves NutrientsNutritional Benefits
IronEssential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Iron is crucial for preventing anemia and supporting overall energy levels.
PotassiumHelps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals. Adequate potassium intake can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.
MagnesiumPlays a key role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation.
CalciumImportant for maintaining strong bones and teeth, calcium also plays a role in muscle function, nerve signaling, and heart health.
PhosphorusWorks with calcium to build bones and teeth. It is also involved in energy production and the formation of DNA and RNA.

Who Should Avoid Mango Tea

People on medication to regulate blood glucose: Given that mango leaves can help regulate blood sugar levels, excessive consumption may lead to hypoglycemia especially in individuals who are already taking medication to lower blood sugar levels. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and weakness.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women: These individuals should exercise caution when consuming mango leaf tea. While it has been traditionally used in some cultures, there is insufficient scientific evidence to confirm its safety during pregnancy and lactation. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider.

Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions: Some anecdotal reports suggest that excessive consumption of mango leaves might affect liver health, although scientific evidence on this is limited. Those with pre-existing liver conditions should seek medical advice before using mango leaf tea.

Mango leaf tea shows interesting potential benefits consistent with its long traditional use history. However, it is extremely important that anyone interested in it for specific health conditions consult with a healthcare provider, especially if they’re taking medications or have chronic conditions.

Becaue you’re interested in the benefits of mango leaf tea, you may like:

Final Thoughts

Mango leaf tea is a gentle, natural remedy with a long history in herbal medicine. While mango leaf tea presents intriguing potential, largely supported by traditional use and preliminary lab studies, it’s crucial to approach its use for specific health conditions with caution.

Have you tried mango leaf tea? Share your experience by leaving a comment below:

Always prioritize consulting with a healthcare provider, particularly if you are on medications or manage chronic health issues, to ensure it aligns safely with your individual health plan.

References

  1. Imran, Muhammad et al. “Mangiferin: a natural miracle bioactive compound against lifestyle related disorders.” Lipids in health and disease vol. 16,1 84. 2 May. 2017, doi:10.1186/s12944-017-0449-y ↩︎
  2. Ronchi SN, Brasil GA, do Nascimento AM, et al. Phytochemical and in vitro and in vivo biological investigation on the antihypertensive activity of mango leaves (Mangifera indica L.). Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease. 2015;9(5):244-256 ↩︎
  3. Chung, K T et al. “Tannins and human health: a review.” Critical reviews in food science and nutrition vol. 38,6 (1998): 421-64. doi:10.1080/10408699891274273 ↩︎
  4. ↩︎
  5. Martínez Sánchez, G et al. “”Mangifera indica L. extract (QF808) reduces ischaemia-induced neuronal loss and oxidative damage in the gerbil brain”.” Free radical research vol. 35,5 (2001): 465-73. doi:10.1080/10715760100301481 ↩︎
  6. Panche, A N et al. “Flavonoids: an overview.” Journal of nutritional science vol. 5 e47. 29 Dec. 2016, doi:10.1017/jns.2016.41 ↩︎
  7. Garrido, Gabino et al. “In vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Mangifera indica L. extract (VIMANG).” Pharmacological research vol. 50,2 (2004): 143-9. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2003.12.003 ↩︎

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. Nothing stated here should be viewed as medical advice. See our full medical disclaimer here.

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