Mangosteen Extract (Garcinia mangostana L.)(fruit)
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.), often hailed as the “Queen of Fruits,” is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, cultivated in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines [4]. The fruit is distinguished by its deep purple rind (pericarp) and a sweet, tangy, and juicy white flesh. While the fruit itself is a delicacy, the pericarp—which is not typically consumed—has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including skin infections, wounds, and diarrhea [4].
Modern science has focused on the pericarp as the primary source of the fruit’s potent health benefits, which are attributed to a unique class of polyphenol compounds called xanthones [3, 4].
Chemical Composition and Key Bioactive Compounds
The vast majority of Mangosteen’s therapeutic properties are linked to its rich concentration of xanthones, which are found most abundantly in the pericarp.
| Nutrient Category | Specific Nutrients & Compounds |
|---|---|
| Key Bioactive Compounds | Xanthones (alpha-mangostin, beta-mangostin, gamma-mangostin, garcinone E), other Polyphenols |
| Vitamins | Vitamin C, Folate |
| Minerals | Manganese, Copper, Magnesium |
| Other | Fiber |
Sources: Healthline (2024) [1], Pedraza-Chaverri et al. (2008) [4]
Xanthones: The Powerhouse Compound
Xanthones are a class of plant-derived polyphenols that are responsible for most of Mangosteen’s medicinal properties. Over 60 different xanthones have been identified in the mangosteen fruit, with the highest concentration located in the pericarp [4]. The most studied of these are alpha-mangostin, beta-mangostin, and gamma-mangostin [4].
These compounds have demonstrated a wide range of powerful biological activities in experimental studies, including:
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anticancer
- Antiallergic
- Antibacterial
- Antiviral [4]
One specific xanthone, mangostanin, has been shown in laboratory studies not only to protect human skin cells from oxidative damage but also to help repair existing damage, highlighting its potential in both nutraceutical and cosmeceutical applications [3].
Health Benefits
While traditional medicine has long revered Mangosteen, modern research is still in the early stages, with most studies being conducted in test tubes or on animals. Human research is limited but promising.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
The rich xanthone content gives Mangosteen powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. These properties may help protect the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes [1, 4].
Other Potential Benefits
- Gum Health (Possibly Effective): The most promising human evidence for Mangosteen is in treating serious gum infections (periodontitis). Applying a gel containing mangosteen extract to the gums or taking it orally appears to improve gum health [2].
- Anticancer Potential: Test-tube and animal studies suggest that xanthones can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and may slow the progression of certain cancers. However, this has not been confirmed in human studies [1].
- Skin Health: Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, mangosteen extract is increasingly used in topical products to protect the skin from sun damage and aging [3].
It is important to note that for many popular claims, such as for obesity and diarrhea, there is no good scientific evidence to support its use [2].
Dosage and Usage
There is no standard dose for mangosteen extract. However, clinical studies have used the following dosages:
- Adults have used doses of up to 560 mg by mouth daily for up to 12 weeks [2].
As with any supplement, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine an appropriate dose for your specific needs.
Safety and Precautions
Mangosteen is considered Possibly Safe for most people when taken by mouth for up to 12 weeks. Potential side effects are generally mild and may include constipation, bloating, nausea, and fatigue [2].
IMPORTANT WARNINGS
- Bleeding Disorders: Mangosteen might slow blood clotting. Individuals with bleeding disorders should use it with caution as it could increase the risk of bleeding [2].
- Surgery: Due to its effect on blood clotting, you should stop taking mangosteen at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery to reduce the risk of excess bleeding [2].
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information on the safety of using mangosteen during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is best to avoid use [2].
Major Drug Interactions
Mangosteen has a moderate potential to interact with medications that affect blood clotting.
MODERATE Interaction – Be Cautious:
- Medications that Slow Blood Clotting (Anticoagulants / Antiplatelet drugs): Taking mangosteen with medications such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin could increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Consult your healthcare provider before combining them [2].
References
[1] Hill, A. (2024, February 6). 11 Health Benefits of Mangosteen (And How to Eat It). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mangosteen [2] WebMD. (n.d.). Mangosteen – Uses, Side Effects, and More. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1081/mangosteen [3] Abate, M., Pagano, C., Masullo, M., Citro, M., Pisanti, S., & Piacente, S. (2022). Mangostanin, a Xanthone Derived from Garcinia mangostana Fruit, Exerts Protective and Reparative Effects on Oxidative Damage in Human Keratinocytes. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 15(1), 84. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8780152/ [4] Pedraza-Chaverri, J., Cárdenas-Rodríguez, N., Orozco-Ibarra, M., & Pérez-Rojas, J. M. (2008). Medicinal properties of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana). Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 46(10), 3227–3239. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18725264/“”
