Mangosteen is a fruit enjoyed around the world as a juice and food supplement. Like other plant foods, mangosteen contains a variety of nutrients and antioxidants. Despite its rich nutritional content, mangosteen has not been shown to prevent or cure disease in humans. Learning about the nutritional value of mangosteen allows consumers to enjoy the fruit while maintaining realistic expectations about its healing properties.
Identification
Mangosteen --- scientifically known as Garcinia mangostana --- is an evergreen tree ranging in height from seven to 80 feet. Its fruit is consumed as a food and nutritional supplement in the United States and is often marketed as a health tonic or preventive treatment for conditions like bacterial infection and cancer.
Mangosteen may be pureed, drunk as a juice or taken in supplement form for its nutritional benefits. Some products also include the rind, which contains additional phytochemicals.
Nutritional Benefits
Mangosteen contains a variety of healthful compounds, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. According to Purdue University, mangosteen contains 5 g of fiber in every 100 g of edible fruit as well as iron, B vitamins, calcium and vitamin C. The rind, which is rich in polyphenols and pectin, is sometimes added to pureed mangosteen products to enhance their nutritional value. A number of studies have been conducted to determine the potential health benefits of mangosteen. According to the American Cancer Society, mangosteen rind may lower the risk of cancer cell proliferation in the bowels of rats. Because it has antibacterial properties, mangosteen extract may also be useful for reducing the growth of acne-causing bacteria, though no human research exists to support this hypothesis.
Limitations
Despite its impressive nutritional profile, mangosteen's effects on human health conditions aren't well understood. Studies are often inconclusive or focus on animal subjects, making it difficult to discern mangosteen's true potential. To date, mangosteen has not been shown to prevent, treat or cure disease and should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatments or a healthy lifestyle.
Side Effects and Risks
Mangosteen can cause unwanted side effects in some people. According to the National Institutes of Health, mangosteen juice has been linked to a case of severe lactic acidosis in one man who consumed it daily. While rare, consumers should be aware of this risk to prevent similar outcomes. Like other plant-based foods, mangosteen may trigger allergic reactions in a minority of users. When sold as a supplement, mangosteen may contain contaminants or unreliable amounts of active compounds due to a lack of FDA regulation of dietary supplements.
Prevention/Solution
Using mangosteen infrequently may help prevent side effects such as lactic acidosis. The American Cancer Society warns that the antioxidants in mangosteen may interfere with chemotherapy medications and urges cancer patients to ask a doctor before using mangosteen in therapeutic doses. The potential for drug interactions with mangosteen products is not well known. To prevent dangerous interactions, consult your doctor before using mangosteen supplements if you take a prescription medication.
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