Originally from Southeast Asia, mangosteen is used as both an edible fruit and a health supplement. Enjoyed across Asia and South America as a healthy snack, fresh mangosteen is rarely found in the United States. While wild health claims are sometimes made to promote mangosteen products, the evidence for major health benefits is lacking.
Mangosteen Fruit and Supplements
Mangosteen fruits have a thick purple rind and pure white flesh inside, which is divided into segments. This tropical fruit is difficult to grow and due import restrictions, it is difficult find it in the United States. It is prized in other countries for its slightly acidic, sweet flavor. The fruit can also be juiced, dried or canned. Supplements containing mangosteen are available in tablet and capsule form. Creams containing mangosteen are also available for topical use to treat dermatological conditions.
Nutrition
Mangosteens contain a wide array of healthy nutrients, including calcium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, phosphorus, potassium and vitamin C. A single cup of canned, drained mangosteen sections has 143 calories and 1 g of fat. Canned mangosteen has 3.5 g of fiber per cup. Mangosteens are high in antioxidants, some of which are not found in other fruits. The primary antioxidants in mangosteen belong to a group called xanthones. Some of these xanthones have only been identified in mangosteen including alpha-mangostin, beta-mangostin, gamma-mangostin, and methoxy-beta-mangostin.
Health Claims
Mangosteen juice and supplements are often touted as potential anti-cancer agents because of the high antioxidant content in the fruit. Other claims for mangosteen include the ability to improve flexibility in joints, regulate the immune system and prevent infections. In laboratory studies, xanthones have been shown to inhibit microbial growth, disrupt tumors, block antihistamines, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit HIV. In traditional cultures in Southeast Asia, mangosteen is used as a treatment for dysentery, diarrhea, urinary disorders and skin conditions. The health benefits attributed to mangosteen have not been tested in human clinical trials, so its effectiveness for these conditions is unknown.
Considerations
Many companies sell and distribute mangosteen products as health supplements. Some manufacturers exaggerate the purported health benefits of mangosteen, implying that the fruit can heal or cure a number of conditions, claims for which there are little scientific evidence. As a healthy fruit, mangosteen can make a delicious addition to an otherwise healthy diet, but high-priced mangosteen products based on limited evidence are unlikely to produce any major health benefits or cure diseases.
References
- Fruits of warm climates: Mangosteen Julia F. Morton
- American Cancer Society: Mangosteen Juice
- Drugs.com: Mangosteen Information
- United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service: Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases.
- United States Department of Agriculture Nutrient Reference Database
Member Comments