Vita-Lean contains two natural plant extracts – Irvingia and Cissus.

Irvingia

Irvingia gabonensis is an extract of the bush mango, a tropical fruit endemic to West Africa. The fruit itself – which looks a little like a lime – is one of Cameroon’s most farmed products, and has a strong and sweet smell.

The fruit is cultivated for its flesh and for its nut – known as an ‘Ogbono’ seed. Both are used as a thickener in sauces and curries in West and Central Africa.

The Ibiobio tribe, from southeastern Nigeria, are proof positive of the link between diet and metabolic diseases. Research shows that the tribe, which use Irvingia on a daily basis, are slim and have a low level of obesity.

Cissus

Cissus quadrangularis is an extract of a nutritious plant found in various regions of Cameroon. Some tribes use it as a cooking vegetable, while others use its succulent stem for rehydration when working in forest areas.

In traditional Cameroon medicine, natives use the extract to treat an assortment of ailments. Back in 1993, research showed its ability to control blood glucose levels in diabetics by reducing the amount of a key enzyme known as ‘alpha amylase’. Subsequent tests carried out by the IGER in Aberystwyth, Wales, found it can also control aspects of obesity and its related complications.

Since 1996, an extract of Cissus has been marketed by Gateway Health Alliances in Fairfield, California, and used as a supplement by people with obesity related complications.