Mangosteen, botanically known as Garcinia mangostana, is an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia that produces a dark purple fruit. Sometimes called "the queen of tropical fruits" for its perceived health benefits, mangosteen is marketed as a dietary supplement and a beverage. Many people take mangosteen to help treat inflammation. Although more research is needed, there is some research showing that mangosteen has anti-inflammatory effects. Discuss taking mangosteen with your doctor
Constituents
Mangosteen fruit contains polyphenolic compounds called xanthones. According to drugs.com, which provides peer-reviewed information to consumers, mangosteen contains 50 of the 200 known xanthones; these are most likely the source of its anti-inflammatory effects. Allen Chiropractic Orthopedics states that one xanthone in particular, mangostin alpha, has potent antioxidant effects, helping to scavenge destructive free radicals in the body. Mangosteen fruit also contains vitamin C, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin -- or vitamin B-2 -- and niacin, or vitamin B-3. In addition to mangosteens's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, it has antihistamine and chemoprotective effects.
History
The leaves, bark, fruit and rinds of the mangosteen have been employed in herbal remedies for thousands of years, particularly in Asian folk medicine, where mangosteen was used to treat cystitis, diarrhea, dysentary, fever, and inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The American Cancer Society states that mangostin, a xanthone in mangosteen, was identified in the mid 19th century; in the 1970s, mangostin was demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory effects on rats.
Research
According to drugs.com, a xanthone in mangosteen called gamma-mangostin inhibited the release of inflammation-causing prostaglandin E-2 -- as well as inhibiting the activities of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes -- in animal cells. Although more study is needed, there is some scientific research supporting mangosteen's anti-inflammatory qualities for humans. In a clinical study conducted by Jay K. Udani and colleagues and published in the October 20, 2009 issue of "Nutrition Journal," researchers found that mangosteen juice worked significantly better than a placebo in reducing markers of inflammation in obese patients.
Safety Considerations
Drugs,com notes that the use of mangosteen has not been well studied in pregnancy, and says that it may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications. Ask your doctor before using mangosteen. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, you shouldn't use mangosteen at all.
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