What is Garcinia Mangostana

Many tropical plants have interesting biological activities with potential therapeutic applications. Garcinia mangostana Linn. (GML) belongs to the family of Guttiferae and is named “the queen of fruits”. It is cultivated in the tropical rainforest of some Southeast Asian nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Philippines, and Thailand. People in these countries have used the pericarp (peel, rind, hull or ripe) of GML as a traditional medicine for the treatment of abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, infected wound, suppuration, and chronic ulcer

Experimental studies have demonstrated that extracts of GML have antioxidant, antitumoral, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. The pericarp of GML is a source of xanthones and other bioactive substances. Prenylated xanthones isolated from GML have been extensively studied; some members of these compounds possess antioxidant, antitumoral, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Xanthones have been isolated from pericarp, whole fruit, heartwood, and leaves. The most studied xanthones are α-, β-, and γ-mangostins, garcinone E, 8-deoxygartanin, and gartanin. The aim of this review is to summarize findings of beneficial properties of GML’s extracts and xanthones isolated from this plant so far.

Health Benefits of Mangosteen

It has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent for many years in Southeast Asian countries. The scientific research also showed that the extracts of mangosteen have anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory properties and they inhibit the release of histamine and prostaglandin which are associated with inflammation in the body.

The anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-allergy, and anti-oxidant properties help in reducing the risk of various conditions such as skin inflammation, skin aging, eczema, allergies, and bacterial infections. Research has been carried out to ascertain the various benefits of this fruit on skin and study suggests that mangosteen has properties which can prevent skin cancer.

Mangosteen, with its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, is beneficial as a medicinal drink and for quick healing of wounds. The leaves and bark of the tree can be mixed with other medicinal herbs and applied to the wounds for a faster recovery. The medicinal drink can be prepared by boiling the leaves and the bark of the tree.

Antioxidant Properties

It is among the fruits that are known to contain powerful antioxidants that are useful to the immune system and the entire body. These antioxidants contain cell boosters that are referred to as xanthones, which contain various properties that have medicinal value. This is why mangosteen is termed as a healing fruit which can be used to reverse the effects of diseases.

Diabetes is a medical condition common in the modern society. Though it is manageable using prescribed medication it can be a health risk especially if adequate precautions are not taken. Mangosteen is one natural remedy which is effective in managing and maintaining blood sugar levels in the body

Doses of Mangostana Capusels

Mangosteen is available in capsule, tablet, beverage, and cream forms. The typical dose is 500 mg by mouth twice a day. The beverages are dosed as 30 mL per day.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.