What are the Benefits of Mangosteen?
Multi-level distributors of a popular brand of Mangosteen juice (with an undisclosed amount of Mangosteen) claim that Mangosteen juice is nothing less than a medical cure for just about anything that ails you. Client testimonials claim it can cure fatigue, depression, pain, obesity, and vertigo. Some claim that it improves the the immune system, and can prevent or treat serious chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
But What do the Researchers Say?
Early research studies suggest that Mangosteen has compounds (xanthones) with antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor activity. Laboratory testing indicates that extracts of Mangosteen have activity against several cancer cell lines. It also appears to have anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. However, these are very preliminary studies, and more long-term research with clinical trial on humans needs to be done before researchers will know the full benefits or risks of or Mangosteen.
Research thus far has consisted primarily of in vitro methods on xanthone extracts from the rind or pericarp of the Mangosteen. Most have not been conducted on laboratory animals. These early studies have looked at many potential benefits including: anticancer, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiulcer, antimalarial, antiviral, antifungal, antivenom, antihistamine, antiparasitic, appetite suppression, and immune stimulation.
Many of these studies have had some promising results. We've included a few here with related links to the actual research studies.
ACNE
Early studies suggests that Mangosteen may be an effective treatment for acne, but there is insufficient research to know if it will help with acne in humans.
Antimicrobial effects of Thai medicinal plants against acne-inducing bacteria
Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Oct. 2005
ALLERGIES AND INFLAMMATION
Studies using the rind of the fruit found that Mangosteen extracts inhibited histamine release. These preliminary findings suggest that Mangosteen may be beneficial in the treatment of allergies and inflammation.
Histaminergic and serotonergic receptor blocking substances from the medicinal plant Garcinia mangostana
Planta Medica, Oct. 1996
Inhibitions of histamine release and prostagland in E2 synthesis by mangosteen, a Thai medicinal plant
Biological and Pharma. Bulletin, Sep. 2002
CANCER
There is very little scientific evidence concerning Mangosteen’s anticancer activity in humans. According to the American Cancer Society, “There is no evidence that Mangosteen juice, puree, or bark is an effective treatment for cancer.” However, Mangosteen has been shown to be rich in antioxidants, especially xanthones. Very early studies conducted in labs and on rats suggest that Mangosteen MAY be beneficial in the treatment or prevention of various cancers, including breast cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, and leukemia. Again, it will take many more long-term studies and clinical trials to determine if Mangosteen can help with cancer prevention or treatment in humans.
Garcinone E, a xanthone derivative, has potent cytotoxic effect against hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines
Planta Medica, Nov. 2002
Antiproliferation, antioxidation and induction of apoptosis by Garcinia mangostana on SKBR3 human breast cancer cell line
Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Jan. 2004
Inhibitory effects of crude alpha-mangostin, a xanthone derivative, on two different categories of colon preneoplastic lesions induced by 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine in the rat.
Asian Pacific Jnl of Cancer Prev., Oct. 2004
Preferential target is mitochondria in alpha- mangostin-induced apoptosis in human leukemia HL60 cells.
Bioorganic and Medicinal Chem., Nov. 2004
HEART DISEASE
Oxidative damage is thought to play a critical role in cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. Research studies suggest that the xanthone "mangostin" can inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from oxidative damage, which may play a significant role in atherosclerosis.
Mangostin inhibits the oxidative modification of human low density lipoprotein
Free Radical Research, August 1995
Inhibition of lipoprotein oxidation by prenylated xanthones derived from mangostin
Free Radical Research, Nov. 2000
HIV
A 1996 study showed potent inhibitory activity against HIV-1 protease.
Active constituents against HIV-1 protease from Garcinia mangostana
Planta Medica, Aug. 1996
MRSA & VRE
In early studies, certain mangsteen xanthones have shown significant antibacterial activity in fighting MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) and VRE (vancomycin resistant Enterococci) infections.
Antibacterial activity of alpha-mangostin against vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE) and synergism with antibiotics.
Phytomedicine, Mar. 2005
Activity of medicinal plant extracts against hospitalisolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Clinical Microbiology & Infection, June 2005
TUBERCULOSIS
One 2003 study suggested that xanthones found in the rind and edible fruit had a strong inhibitory effect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These results can only be confirmed by additional research.
Antimycobacterial activity of prenylated xanthones from the fruits of Garcinia mangostana
Chemical and Pharma.l Bulletin (Tokyo) 2003
Conclusion
Although Mangosteen has been and continues to be the subject of numerous research studies, there are insufficient clinical studies on humans to indicate how helpful Mangosteen juice or Mangosteen extracts may be in the prevention or treatment of any disease or medical condition. Studies conducted in labs and on research animals may not have the same effect when conducted on humans. Only rigorous long-term research with human clinical trials will determine the full health potential of Mangosteen fruit. However, the lab studies are promising. No doubt Mangosteen will be the focus of intensive research for years to come.
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The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or health care provider. You should not use information from this web site for the treatment of any health problem. As with any herbal or dietary supplement, talk to a heath care professional before making Mangosteen a part of your regular diet.
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