Mango

Mangifera indica

Mango (Mangifera indica) is a tropical fruit-bearing tree native to South Asia, known for its sweet, juicy fruit and a variety of traditional medicinal uses. It has been used for centuries to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and support overall health.

Mango (Mangifera indica) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference

Taxonomy

The taxonomy of Mango (Mangifera indica) is classified within the kingdom Plantae, division Magnoliophyta, class Eudicots, order Sapindales, family Anacardiaceae, genus Mangifera, and species Mangifera indica.

The following table shows the full taxonomy of this plant.

Rank Name
Kingdom Plantae
Division Magnoliophyta
Class Eudicots
Order Sapindales
Family Anacardiaceae
Genus Mangifera
Species Mangifera indica

Morphology

The mango tree is a tropical evergreen tree that typically grows 10-40 meters tall, with a broad, spreading canopy, smooth bark that is gray to brown in color, and compound leaves that are alternate, ovate to elliptic in shape, and have a glossy green upper surface.

Distribution

Mango (Mangifera indica) is native to South and Southeast Asia, with its geographic distribution spanning from the Indian subcontinent through Southeast Asia to the Pacific islands, and it is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Traditional Uses

In traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and indigenous practices, mango has been used for its digestive, anti-inflammatory, and skin-healing properties, with its pulp, leaves, and bark employed to treat ailments ranging from digestive disorders to skin infections.

Medicinal Systems

In traditional medicinal systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Indigenous Australian practices, Mango (Mangifera indica) has been utilized for its therapeutic properties to treat various ailments.

Phytochemistry

The phytochemistry of Mango (Mangifera indica) involves the presence of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which contribute to its medicinal properties and health benefits.

Pharmacology

Mango (Mangifera indica) exhibits pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects, which contribute to its therapeutic use in treating conditions such as digestive disorders, skin infections, and inflammatory diseases.

Medicinal Uses

Mango is used to alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders, reduce inflammation, support skin health, manage diabetes, enhance immunity, relieve respiratory conditions, and promote overall vitality.

Preparations

Mango is used to prepare various formulations such as decoctions, tinctures, powders, and topical applications, often incorporating its leaves, bark, and fruit in traditional herbal medicine practices.

Safety

While mango is generally safe when consumed in moderation, excessive intake may lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal discomfort due to its high fiber and natural sugar content.

Evidence

Clinical evidence for Mango (Mangifera indica) in herbal medicine primarily supports its use in improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and enhancing skin health, with some studies suggesting potential antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.

Cultivation

Mango trees are typically cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates, requiring well-drained soil, ample sunlight, and a consistent supply of water, with optimal temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C for flowering and fruiting.

Processing

Processing mango involves removing the outer skin, slicing the fruit, and separating the pulp from the fibrous core, which can then be used in various forms such as fresh fruit, dried fruit, juice, or processed into products like mango puree or jam.

Identification

Mango (Mangifera indica) can be identified by its distinctive oval-shaped fruit with a thick, smooth, yellow or orange-red skin, and a sweet, fibrous, golden-yellow flesh containing numerous edible seeds.

Sustainability

The sustainability of mango cultivation is influenced by factors such as water usage, pesticide application, soil health, and the adoption of agroforestry practices to minimize environmental impact while maintaining yield and biodiversity.

Related

The genus Mangifera includes over 50 species, with Mangifera indica being the most widely cultivated, while other species like Mangifera balanophora, Mangifera castanea, and Mangifera sylvatica are also used in traditional herbal medicine for their therapeutic properties.

Research Gap

Despite its widespread use in traditional herbal medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive benefits, there is a significant research gap regarding the standardized extraction methods, bioavailability, and long-term safety of Mangifera indica compounds in human clinical trials.

References

  1. Batool, Ilyas, Shabir, Saeed, Mazhar. "Mini-Review- A mini-review of therapeutic potential of Mangifera indica L." Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences
  2. Aderibigbe, Emudianughe, Lawal. "Antihyperglycaemic effect of Mangifera indica in rat." Phytotherapy research : PTR
  3. Kaggwa, Nakayita, Munanura, Kyeyune, Ajayi, Wangalwa, Walakira, Anywar, Bagoloire, Kakazi, Ddamulira, Kamba, Ogwang. "Chemometric Classification of Mangifera indica L. Leaf Cultivars, Based on Selected Phytochemical Parameters; Implications for Standardization of the Pharmaceutical Raw Materials." Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
  4. Aderibigbe, Emudianughe, Lawal. "Evaluation of the antidiabetic action of Mangifera indica in mice." Phytotherapy research : PTR
  5. Nagendla, Muralidharan, Raju, Mohan, Selvakumar, Bhandi, Mudiam, Ramalingam. "Comprehensive metabolomic analysis of Mangifera indica leaves using UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MSE for cell differentiation: An in vitro and in vivo study." Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)