Garcinia mangostana

The mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia that produces dark purple or red fruits with a distinctive taste, often called the "queen of fruits." The fruit, particularly its pericarp (rind) and seeds, has been used in traditional medicine for treating various conditions including skin infections, wounds, diarrhea, and dysentery[3][5]. ## Chemical Composition Mangosteen contains several bioactive compounds, with xanthones being the most significant. These include: - Alpha-mangostin - Beta-mangostin - Gamma-mangostin - Garcinone B, D, and E - Gartanin - Isogarcinol These compounds have demonstrated various biological activities in laboratory and animal studies[1][2][5]. ## Medicinal Properties and Biological Activities Research has shown that mangosteen extracts and isolated compounds exhibit multiple pharmacological effects: **Anti-inflammatory effects**: Xanthones like gamma-mangostin inhibit cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin E2 synthesis[6]. **Antioxidant properties**: The pericarp extract has strong antioxidant activity that may protect against oxidative stress[4][5]. **Antimicrobial activity**: Various extracts show antibacterial and antifungal properties[6]. **Anticancer potential**: Multiple studies demonstrate cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines, including leukemia, breast, gastric, pancreatic, liver, and urinary bladder cancer cells[2][4][6]. **Periodontal health**: Clinical studies suggest benefits as an adjunct to periodontal treatment and for controlling halitosis[6]. **Neuroprotective effects**: Some compounds may provide protection against neurotoxicity caused by chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin[4]. **Metabolic effects**: Research indicates potential antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties[3][5]. ## Clinical Applications While mangosteen has shown promising results in laboratory and animal studies, clinical evidence in humans remains limited. It's currently used in: - Dietary supplements marketed for antioxidant benefits - Health drinks containing mangosteen juice - Topical applications for gum health (periodontitis)[1] ## Safety Considerations **Side Effects**: When taken orally, mangosteen may cause constipation, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness[1]. **Precautions**: - May slow blood clotting, increasing bleeding risk in people with bleeding disorders - Should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data - Long-term use of mangosteen juice has been associated with lactic acidosis[6] **Drug Interactions**: - May interact with anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications - Potential interactions with donepezil - May inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes, affecting drug metabolism - Contains compounds that may interfere with calcineurin inhibitors like cyclosporine and tacrolimus[4]

Other names

mangosteen