Researchers from the University of Yaounde in Cameroon have determined that the extract of Irvingia gabonensis stops the production of body fat through the effect it has on certain genes and enzymes that regulate metabolism, according to Reuters Health.

The study: Led by Dr. Julius E. Oben, the team randomly assigned 102 overweight adults to take either the plant extract or a placebo twice a day for 10 weeks. None of the participants followed a special diet, and all were instructed to maintain their normal level of exercise. At the end of the study period, those taking the African mango extract had lost a significant amount of weight, an average of 28 pounds, while those in the placebo group showed almost no change, reports Reuters. In addition, those taking the extract showed declines in "bad" LDL cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

While a few of the extract patients reported such side effects as headaches, sleep problems and gas, the rates of the same complaints were similar with the placebo group.The study authors said this research should pave the way for larger clinical trials.

The findings were reported in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease.

--From the Editors at Netscape