8 Unknown Benefits of Mango Leaves

Introduction

While the mango fruit is widely appreciated and regularly consumed, the use of mango leaves remains relatively unfamiliar to many. In many Indian households, mangoes are enjoyed regularly, but the leaves are typically reserved for specific cultural purposes. 

Traditionally, the use of mango leaves is most commonly seen during festive or auspicious occasions. It is a common practice for grandmothers and mothers to create torans or garlands from fresh mango leaves to decorate the entrances of homes. Outside of this custom, the potential of mango leaves is not widely known. 

Scientifically referred to as Mangifera indica, the mango tree is celebrated for its fruit, which is both flavourful and nutritionally valued. Interestingly, mango leaves have also held a place in traditional wellness practices for centuries. In systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, mango leaves have historically been included for their noted properties¹. 

Are Mango Leaves Edible?

Yes, mango leaves are considered edible in some cultures. Young, green mango leaves are tender and may be incorporated into traditional culinary preparations in some cultures. In certain regions, they are incorporated into food or prepared as infusions such as herbal teas.

How to Make Mango Leaves Tea?

Mango leaf tea is a traditional preparation made using fresh young mango leaves. The following method outlines a general approach to preparing this herbal drink: 

• Select 10 to 15 fresh, bright mango leaves (young and tender leaves are preferred).  
• Chop the leaves into small pieces. 
• Add those pieces to the tea infuser with some honey.  
• Pour freshly boiled water to the infuser, cover it, and allow the leaves to steep for approximately 10 minutes. 
• Remove the infuser and pour the prepared infusion into a cup or glass. 

If you’re looking for a natural remedy for respiratory issues, I would recommend mango leaves as they may be beneficial for various respiratory problems, such as a cold, bronchitis, or asthma⁷. 

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Nutritional Value of Mango Leaves

Mango leaves are a natural source of various vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and certain B vitamins such as riboflavin and thiamine. They also contain a range of plant-based compounds such as steroids, alkaloids, phenolics, beta-carotene, and flavonoids. Additionally, mango leaves are rich in terpenoids and polyphenols, which are known for their antioxidant properties and may support the body’s natural response to oxidative stress and inflammation. 

Health Benefits of Mango Leaves

Mango leaves are versatile and may have properties that support general wellbeing. 

1. Supports Skin Health 

Mango leaves contain various nutrients and plant compounds that may be valuable for maintaining healthy skin. Mango leaf extract may reduce the fine lines, ageing signs and dryness of the skin. It may also help in collagen production that may reduce the wrinkles and fine lines from the face¹. 

Mango leaves may possess antibacterial properties, which could be valuable in supporting skin health. Traditional practices have used them for various skin concerns, and they are thought to have an effect on common bacterial issues such as those caused by Staphylococcus species and minor skin irritations. Mango leaves contain a variety of plant compounds and nutrients that may contribute to maintaining healthy skin. Anthocyanins found in mango leaves may have an effect on soothing the skin, potentially providing relief from burns and scalds. 

• How to use: Take some mango leaves and burn these leaves over fire. Then take the ash from the leaves and apply it to the burns. 

From what I have seen, mango leaves might provide some immediate relief in healing wounds and burns. The ash from burnt mango leaves may provide relief to a burned area, as they may have natural properties that help soothe the burn⁷. 

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

2. Excellent for Hair Problems 

Mango leaves are rich in nutrients, such as Vitamin C and A, which may support the production of collagen, an important factor for maintaining healthy hair. They may also help improve the appearance of dull hair, potentially adding shine. 

The flavonoids present in the mango leaves may even colour the hair black naturally³. 

• How to use:  Make a fine paste from fresh mango leaves. Apply the paste to the hair and leave it on for approximately 15 minutes before rinsing with water. 

3. Balance the Blood Sugar Level 

Mango leaves may possess properties that support the balancing of blood sugar levels. They contain tannins, including anthocyanidins, which might have an effect on early-stage diabetes¹. 

• How to use: Boil 10 to 15 mango leaves in a cup of water. Allow the water to sit overnight and consume it on an empty stomach the following morning. 

4. Manage High Blood Pressure 

Mango leaves may have properties to reduce blood pressure. They may also support the health and strength of blood vessels⁴.  

Mangiferin is a compound found in mango leaves that may have some amazing health benefits. It belongs to a group of substances called polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties. These antioxidants may help to reduce the harmful effects of free radicals in our bodies. These radicals might damage our DNA, but mangiferin may help by decreasing their effect⁸. 

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

5. Treat Gall and Kidney Stones 

Mango leaf powder may be used in traditional practices to support the management of gallstones and kidney stones. It helps break down the kidney stones and remove them from the body through urination. The leaves are the best form for removing harmful toxins from the body¹.

• How to use: Take a few mango leaves, dry them, and grind them into a powder. Mix the powder with water and allow it to sit overnight. Drink the infused water on an empty stomach in the morning. 

6. May Treat Stomach Ulcers and Hiccups 

Mango leaves may have properties that could be beneficial for stomach ulcers. In some cases, mango leaves may offer relief from persistent hiccups².  

• How to use: Burn a few mango leaves and inhale the smoke, as it may help in reducing stubborn hiccups. You can also drink warm water infused with mango leaves daily which may be beneficial for stomach ulcers.  

7. May Help with Weight Loss 

Studies⁵ have shown that mango leaves help with reducing obesity by reducing the level of fat deposits in the body. They may also support metabolic activity, which could be beneficial for managing blood sugar levels. 

• How to use: Prepare mango leaf tea by boiling a handful of leaves in 150 ml of water. You can also use mango leaf powder or extract if fresh leaves are not easily available. 

8. May Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties 

Studies have shown that mango leaves have anti-inflammatory properties in animals which suggest that they could protect the brain from diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s⁶.

Animal studies⁹ show that mangiferin, which is found in mango leaves, may  have some fantastic benefits for mental health. These leaves may have antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties, which may be beneficial in individuals with depressive and anxiety disorders. 

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Conclusion

Mango leaves may offer numerous health benefits, from supporting skin and hair health to helping in blood sugar regulation. Rich in antioxidants and vital nutrients, they have long been used in traditional wellness practices. Their growing recognition in modern health may make them a beneficial natural way to support health.

Also Read: Incredible Health Benefits of Guava Fruit & Its Leaves 

References

1. Kumar M, Saurabh V, Tomar M, Hasan M, Changan S, Sasi M, Maheshwari C, Prajapati U, Singh S, Prajapat RK, Dhumal S, Punia S, Amarowicz R, Mekhemar M. Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Leaves: Nutritional Composition, Phytochemical Profile, and Health-Promoting Bioactivities. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 Feb 16;10(2):299. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7920260/ 

2. Shah KA, Patel MB, Patel RJ, Parmar PK. Mangifera indica (mango). Pharmacogn Rev. 2010 Jan;4(7):42-8. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3249901/ 

3. Jung H, Jung DM, Lee SS, Kim EM, Yoon K, Kim KK. Mangifera Indica leaf extracts promote hair growth via activation of Wnt signaling pathway in human dermal papilla cells. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul). 2022 Jun 11;26(3):129-136. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9246026/ 

4. Tulp O, Rizvi S, Sciranka A. The use of natural products as an adjunct in the treatment of hypertension: a case study with mango-ginger tea. Int J Complement Integr Med. 2023;3:85-91. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366976491_The_Use_of_Natural_Products_as_an_Adjunct_in_the_Treatment_of_Hypertension_A_Case_Study_with_Mango-Ginger_Tea 

5. Zarasvand SA, Haley-Zitlin V, Oladosu O, Esobi I, Powell RR, Bruce T, Stamatikos A. Assessing Anti-Adipogenic Effects of Mango Leaf Tea and Mangiferin within Cultured Adipocytes. Diseases. 2023 May 10;11(2):70. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10204365/ 

6. Infante-Garcia C, Jose Ramos-Rodriguez J, Marin-Zambrana Y, Teresa Fernandez-Ponce M, Casas L, Mantell C, Garcia-Alloza M. Mango leaf extract improves central pathology and cognitive impairment in a type 2 diabetes mouse model. Brain Pathol. 2017 Jul;27(4):499-507. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8029052/ 
7. Ali BA, Alfa AA, Tijani KB, Idris ET, Unoyiza US, Junaidu Y. Nutritional Health Benefits and Bioactive Compounds of Mangifera indica L (Mango) Leaves Methanolic Extracts. Asian Plant Research Journal. 2020 [cited 2025 May 27]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344391072_Nutritional_Health_Benefits_and_Bioactive_Compounds_of_Mangifera_indica_L_Mango_Leaves_Methanolic_Extracts
8. Khurana RK, Kaur R, Lohan S, Singh KK, Singh B. Mangiferin: a Promising Anticancer Bioactive. Pharmaceutical Patent Analyst. 2016 [cited 2025 May 27]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27088726/
9. Jangra A, Lukhi MM, Sulakhiya K, Baruah CC, Lahkar M. Protective effect of mangiferin against lipopolysaccharide-induced depressive and anxiety-like behaviour in mice. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2014 [cited 2025 May 27]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25064341/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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