Garcinia mangosteen, or mangosteen, is a plant that is native to Southeast Asia, where its fruit has been consumed as food and used traditionally for a variety of medicinal purposes. Mangosteen has gained popularity in North America, where it is made into a juice and sold most often under the trade name XanGo. As with any nutritional supplement, you should consult your health care practitioner before taking mangosteen.
Nutritional Content
Phytochemicals are antioxidant substances found naturally in plants that are thought to help protect against human disease. Mangosteen contains numerous phytochemicals including beta-mangosteen and tannins. The specific phytochemical thought to be responsible for mangosteen juices purported health-supporting benefits is called xanthone. Preliminary research suggests that xanthones from mangosteen exhibit antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Purported Uses
Mangosteen is used to boost the immune system, improve joint flexibility and provide mental support. It is also used to treat wounds, cystitis and other urinary disorders, diarrhea, skin infections, as well as bacterial and fungal infections. These uses are based on anecdotal evidence, however, and not solid scientific research. In addition, American Cancer Society states that more research needs to be done, but preliminary studies suggests that mangosteen may be a useful topical aid for the treatment of acne.
Mangosteen and Cancer
According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the xanthones found in mangosteen are thought to act as aromatase-inhibitors. Aromatase-inhibtors are substances that block the growth of estrogen and are therefore used in the treatment of estrogen induced breast and ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women. More research needs to be done, however, to confirm the efficacy of mangosteen juice for the prevention or treatment of cancer.
Mangosteen, Inflammation and Obesity
Mangosteen juice may also have anti-inflammatory properties, and help to prevent disease and promote weight loss in obese individuals A small, 8-week study, published in the October 2009 issue of "Nutrition Journal," noted that of the 122 obese participants, those given mangosteen juice had a decrease in body mass index and also experienced reduced C-reactive protein levels. C-reactive protein levels are indicators of inflammation and high C-reactive protein levels have been associated with an increased risk for heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. However, further studies with a larger population are required to confirm the benefits of mangosteen.
Precautions
Several mangosteen juice products are sold via a network of marketing. Although the juice is unlikely to cause you harm and it will provide you with antioxidants, there is no conclusive evidence regarding the efficacy of mangosteen juice for its purported uses. Due to the high sugar content, mangosteen juice is not recommended for diabetics and the juice may interact negatively with chemotherapy medications.
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