Daun Mangga (Mango Leaves, Mangifera indica)

 

Daun Mangga (Mangifera indica L.): A Traditional and Modern Therapeutic Leaf

Mango (Mangifera indica L.), belonging to the family Anacardiaceae, is one of the most widely cultivated fruit trees across tropical and subtropical regions. While the fruit is globally cherished, the leaves (daun mangga) hold a long history of medicinal use in both Traditional Malay Medicine (TMM) and other Asian medical systems. Scientific studies in recent decades have validated many of these traditional claims, highlighting the therapeutic potential of mango leaves.

Botanical Information

The mango tree is a large evergreen species, reaching up to 30–40 meters in height. The leaves are simple, lanceolate, and leathery, turning reddish-purple when young before maturing into deep green. Traditionally, mature and young leaves are both used in herbal medicine.

TCM Perspective

Although mango leaves are not a classical herb in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pharmacopeia, their properties can be interpreted in TCM theory:

• Nature: Cool

• Taste: Sweet, slightly bitter, astringent

• Meridian Tropism: Lung, Spleen, Stomach

Functions in TCM framework:

• Clears Heat and resolves Toxin (for inflammatory and infectious conditions)

• Regulates Qi and stops cough (respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic cough)

• Invigorates the Spleen and harmonizes digestion

• Promotes urination and clears Damp-Heat (useful for urinary tract complaints)

TMM Perspective

In Traditional Malay Medicine, daun mangga is used both preventively and curatively:

• Diabetes management – decoction of young leaves for lowering blood sugar

• Hypertension – leaf infusion taken to regulate blood pressure

• Respiratory health – used to relieve asthma, cough, and bronchitis

• Digestive health – aids in diarrhea and stomach upset

• Wound healing – applied topically for cuts and inflammation

Decoctions, infusions, and powdered leaf extracts are the most common forms of use.

Phytochemical Composition

Mango leaves are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and bioactive compounds, including:

• Mangiferin – a xanthone glycoside with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity

• Quercetin and Kaempferol – flavonoids with cardioprotective and anticancer potential

• Gallic acid, Caffeic acid – phenolic acids with antimicrobial and antioxidant effects

• Tannins – contributing to astringent and anti-diarrheal activity

• Terpenoids and alkaloids – supporting antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory roles

Nutritional Value

Though primarily medicinal, mango leaves also contain nutritional compounds:

• Vitamins: Vitamin C, provitamin A (carotenoids)

• Minerals: Potassium, calcium, magnesium

• Dietary fiber

• Polyphenolic antioxidants

These compounds enhance the leaves’ therapeutic role in cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Clinical Potential

1. Anti-diabetic Activity

   • Mangiferin improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood glucose, and protects pancreatic β-cells (Ojewole, 2005).

   • Clinical studies show significant hypoglycemic effects in pre-diabetic subjects.

2. Cardiovascular Protection

   • Mango leaf extracts reduce blood pressure and improve lipid metabolism (Akinmoladun et al., 2019).

   • Antioxidants prevent atherosclerotic plaque formation.

3. Respiratory Benefits

   • Traditionally used for asthma and bronchitis; mangiferin shows bronchodilatory effects.

4. Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant Effects

   • High polyphenol content reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, beneficial in arthritis and chronic inflammatory diseases.

5. Antimicrobial Properties

   • Extracts show activity against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Candida albicans (Shah et al., 2010).

6. Neuroprotective Potential

• Mangiferin exhibits protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Safety Considerations

Mango leaves are generally safe when consumed in traditional doses. However:

• Excessive use may cause gastrointestinal discomfort due to tannins.

• Allergic reactions (rare) have been reported in sensitive individuals.

• Should be used with caution alongside anti-diabetic or anti-hypertensive drugs to avoid additive effects.

Conclusion

Daun Mangga (Mangifera indica) represents a remarkable example of how a common plant part can hold significant medicinal value. Rooted in Traditional Malay Medicine and increasingly validated by modern science, mango leaves demonstrate potential in managing diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory conditions, and inflammatory diseases. Their rich phytochemical profile, dominated by mangiferin and flavonoids, supports their role as a therapeutic food and herbal medicine, bridging tradition with modern integrative healthcare.

References - Data compile by Chat GPT 

• Akinmoladun, F. O., Komolafe, T. R., Farombi, E. O., & Oyedapo, O. O. (2019). Cardioprotective and antihypertensive effects of Mangifera indica leaf extracts. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 16(2), 1–9.

• Ojewole, J. A. O. (2005). Hypoglycemic and hypotensive effects of Mangifera indica Linn. (Anacardiaceae) stem-bark aqueous extract. Phytotherapy Research, 19(8), 706–709.

• Shah, K. A., Patel, M. B., Patel, R. J., & Parmar, P. K. (2010). Mangifera indica (mango). Pharmacognosy Reviews, 4(7), 42–48.