Mangosteen is a tropical tree native to Asia. In southeast Asian traditional medicine, such as Thai indigenous medicine, the fruit hulls (pericarp) or rinds of mangosteen are used for many different conditions, including skin infections, wounds, and diarrhea. Other plant parts, such as the leaves, bark, and fruit pulp, are also used in traditional medicine.
Mangosteen contains many active phytochemicals. One set of compounds, the prenylated xanthones, has been well-researched; there are several laboratory studies showing antibacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects, and studies in animals showing anti-inflammatory effects. However, currently there are no high-quality human trials supporting the effectiveness of mangosteen for any indication.
Evidence
DISCLAIMER:
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Tradition
WARNING:
DISCLAIMER:
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below. Abdominal pain, anaphylaxis, anthelminthic (expels worms), antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-viral, cancer, cardiotonic, CNS stimulant, cystitis, depression, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, eczema, gonorrhea, immune system stimulant, leukorrhea (vaginal discharge), liver health (hydrocholeretic), osteoarthritis, skin infections, tuberculosis, ulcers, urinary tract infections, wound healing (infections).
Dosing
Adults (18 years and older):
There is no proven safe or effective dose for mangosteen.
Children (younger than 18 years):
There is no proven safe or effective dose for mangosteen, and use in children is not recommended.
Safety
DISCLAIMER:
Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.
Allergies
Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to mangosteen.
Side Effects and Warnings
No studies on the short or long-term safety of mangosteen are currently available. When used as a food source, mangosteen seems to be well tolerated. However, laboratory study indicates that some mangosteen extracts and constituents may cause cardiovascular, central nervous system, and musculoskeletal adverse effects. Based on this preliminary study, use cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, clotting disorders, or using anticoagulation medicine. Also, use cautiously in patients using chemotherapeutic agents, as mangosteen may interact with chemotherapeutic agents (i.e., anthracyclines, platinum compounds, and alkylating agents) whose mechanism of action involves oxidation.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Mangosteen is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.
Based on laboratory studies, mangosteen may have an anti-histamine effect. Caution is advised in patients taking anti-histamine medication.
Due to anti-oxidant effects, mangosteen may interact with chemotherapeutic agents (i.e., anthracyclines, platinum compounds, and alkylating agents) whose mechanism of action involves oxidation.
Based on laboratory study, mangosteen may inhibit phosphodiesterase. Caution is advised in patients taking phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining therapies.
Based on laboratory studies, mangosteen may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.
Attribution
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature, and was peer-reviewed and edited by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): Thomas Brendler (PlantaPhile); Nicole Giese, MS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); David Kiefer, MD (Bastyr University, University of Washington, University of Arizona); Catherine DeFranco Kirkwood, MPH (MD Anderson Cancer Center); Adrianne Rogers, MD (Boston University School of Medicine); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).
Bibliography
DISCLAIMER:
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.
Chomnawang MT, Surassmo S, Nukoolkarn VS, et al. Antimicrobial effects of Thai medicinal plants against acne-inducing bacteria. J Ethnopharmacol. 10-3-2005;101(1-3):330-333.
Ho CK, Huang YL, Chen CC. Garcinone E, a xanthone derivative, has potent cytotoxic effect against hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Planta Med 2002;68(11):975-979.
Jung HA, Su BN, Keller WJ, et al. Antioxidant xanthones from the pericarp of Garcinia mangostana (Mangosteen). J Agric.Food Chem 3-22-2006;54(6):2077-2082.
Matsumoto K, Akao Y, Kobayashi E, et al. Induction of apoptosis by xanthones from mangosteen in human leukemia cell lines. J Nat Prod 2003;66(8):1124-1127.
Matsumoto K, Akao Y, Yi H, et al. Preferential target is mitochondria in alpha-mangostin-induced apoptosis in human leukemia HL60 cells. Bioorg.Med Chem 11-15-2004;12(22):5799-5806.
Moongkarndi P, Kosem N, Kaslungka S, et al. Antiproliferation, antioxidation and induction of apoptosis by Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen) on SKBR3 human breast cancer cell line. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004;90(1):161-166.
Moongkarndi P, Kosem N, Luanratana O, et al. Antiproliferative activity of Thai medicinal plant extracts on human breast adenocarcinoma cell line. Fitoterapia 2004;75(3-4):375-377.
Nakatani K, Atsumi M, Arakawa T, et al. Inhibitions of histamine release and prostaglandin E2 synthesis by mangosteen, a Thai medicinal plant. Biol Pharm Bull. 2002;25(9):1137-1141.
Nakatani K, Yamakuni T, Kondo N, et al. gamma-Mangostin inhibits inhibitor-kappaB kinase activity and decreases lipopolysaccharide-induced cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression in C6 rat glioma cells. Mol.Pharmacol. 2004;66(3):667-674.
Nguyen LH, Venkatraman G, Sim KY, et al. Xanthones and benzophenones from Garcinia griffithii and Garcinia mangostana. Phytochemistry 2005;66(14):1718-1723.
Sakagami Y, Iinuma M, Piyasena KG, et al. Antibacterial activity of alpha-mangostin against vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE) and synergism with antibiotics. Phytomedicine. 2005;12(3):203-208.
Sato A, Fujiwara H, Oku H, et al. Alpha-mangostin induces Ca2+-ATPase-dependent apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway in PC12 cells. J Pharmacol.Sci 2004;95(1):33-40.
Suksamrarn S, Komutiban O, Ratananukul P, et al. Cytotoxic prenylated xanthones from the young fruit of Garcinia mangostana. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2006;54(3):301-305.
Suksamrarn S, Suwannapoch N, Phakhodee W, et al. Antimycobacterial activity of prenylated xanthones from the fruits of Garcinia mangostana. Chem.Pharm Bull.(Tokyo) 2003;51(7):857-859.
Voravuthikunchai SP, Kitpipit L. Activity of medicinal plant extracts against hospital isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Clin Microbiol.Infect. 2005;11(6):510-512.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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