Biological Activities and Bioavailability of Mangosteen Xanthones: A Critical Review of the Current Evidence

Abstract

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia that produces a fruit whose pericarp contains a family of tricyclic isoprenylated polyphenols referred to as xanthones. Numerous in vitro studies have shown that these xanthones possess anti-oxidant, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic activities. Aggressive marketing of such health promoting benefits has resulted in mangosteen’s classification as a “superfruit”. This has led to sales of mangosteen containing beverages in USA alone exceeding $200 million in 2008 despite very limited animal and human studies. This review will (a) critically address recent reports of in vivo studies on the bioavailability and metabolism of mangosteen xanthones, (b) update the in vitro and in vivo data on anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities of mangosteen xanthones, and (c) suggest needed areas of inquiry regarding the absorption, metabolism and efficacy of mangosteen xanthones.

Ameliorating effects of Garcinia mangostana Linn pericarp extract on hepatic antioxidants in Diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

“…GML possess phytochemicals like xanthones, phenols and other flavonoids, which have been shown to be effective in scavenging free radicals. 39,40 Therefore by acting as an alternate radical scavenger, GML can replenish these antioxidant enzymes, thereby preventing oxidative stress. These results of our investigations are in accordance with that of Weecharangsan et al, 41 who have reported the antioxidant activity of GML pericarp extract.…”

Pengaruh konsumsi suplemen ekstrak kulit manggis (Garcinia mangostana L.) terhadap inflamasi gingiva pada pasien ortodonti cekat (kajian jumlah leukosit cairan sulkus gingiva)

“…Suplemen berbahan dasar ekstrak kulit manggis (Garcinia mangostana L.) diketahui mengandung zat aktif xantone dengan konsentrasi yang tinggi yang terbukti memiliki efek antiin amasi yang kuat. 11 Berdasarkan latar belakang di atas, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh konsumsi suplemen ekstrak kulit manggis (Garcinia mangostana L.) terhadap in amasi gingiva pada pasien ortodonti cekat dengan kajian jumlah leukosit pada cairan sulkus gingiva.…”

The EFFECT OF ALPHA-MANGOSTIN IN BALANCING THE RATIO OF CYTOKINES PRO-AND ANTI-INFLAMMATION-GAMMA (IFN-γ/IL-10) AND SEVERITY OF THE DISEASE IN MICE INFECTED WITH MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT

“…The xanthones, α-and γ-mangostin, are major bioactive compounds found in fruit hulls of the mangostin [18]. α-mangostin has some pharmacological activities such as antioxidant [19], anti-TB [16,19], MTB-MDR [19,20], anti-inflammatory activities [21], pro-inflammatory activities [18], and increased the permeability of the bacterial cell membrane [22][23][24]. The compound α-mangostin is expected to contribute to the fight against and eliminate TB infection and MTB-MDR [16,19].…”