This commentary represents a short narrative review of the provenance and chemical composition of Invingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O’Rorke) Baill, as well as of the currently available knowledge concerning its action with focus on anti-obesity effects. The data listed in this review demonstrate that Irvingia can be an efficient drug in both traditional and modern medicine for treatment of a number of illnesses. An important medicinal effect of Invingia gabonensis it its ability to promote weight loss in animals and humans via several mechanisms - inducing sensation of satiety, reduction of absorption of nutrients and generation and accumulation of body fat. Therefore, the use of Irvingia gabonensis extract might be recommended as safe food additive to manage obesity and body weight of humans.