Chicago mangosteen

Seedlings take eight to 15 years to bear fruit, and the trees usually produce good crops only in alternate years. What are the illnesses that mangosteen can cure? Can mangosteen treat cancer? Mangosteens have been the focus of many anticancer studies, and results have been very positive to date support their standing as cancer-fighting foods.

The mangosteen fruit itself is said to contain at least 20 known xanthones, and the majority of those are found in the fruit wall or pericarp. Findings from research conducted in by the Gifu International Institute of Biotechnology in Japan showed that one xanthone from mangosteen in particular, known as alpha-Mangostin, was found to have a cancer-preventive effect on animal subjects.

This study concluded that xanthones should be used as an agent for cancer prevention and as cancer treatment in combination with other therapies. A study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine also showed that the xanthone extracts had anti-colon cancer effects in vitro and in vivo , while another study conducted by the Department of Pharmacy Practice at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy indicated the mangosteen can successfully slow the progress of prostate cancer.

Skin cancers are often resistant to conventional chemotherapy, but mangosteen has shown ability to naturally fight cancers of the skin. One study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology examined the anti-skin cancer properties of crude ethanol extract of mangosteen pericarp on human squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The mangosteen extract showed strong anti-skin cancer effects on both skin cancer cell lines, showing its potential as skin cancer natural treatment.

Research has also shown that xanthones from mangosteen extracts are natural chemopreventive agents and have potential as anticancer drugs. Xanthones from the pericarp, whole fruit, heartwood and leaf of mangosteen are known to possess a wide spectrum of pharmacologic properties, including antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities.

The ability of xanthones to both prevent and treat cancer have been demonstrated in different stages of cancer formation, including initiation, promotion and progression. The xanthones have also shown their ability to control cancer cell division and growth, programmed cell death, inflammation, and cancer metastasis. Scientific research has shown that extracts of mangosteen have both anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory properties.

One study specifically showed that these extracts worked better at inhibiting pro-allergy prostaglandin than an anti-allergy drug used in Japan. The extracts proved to be potent and successful inhibitors of the release of histamine and prostaglandin, which are both associated with inflammation in the human body as well as allergies.

Research reveals that alpha- and gamma-mangostins are two specific bioactive substances of the fruit that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Is mangosteen good for diabetes? It can be a helpful way to prevent and keep diabetes under control because it helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.

It has been shown to act as an alpha-amylase inhibitor, which means that it inhibits enzymes that cause starches to break down into glucose. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows that the fruit contains compounds that are comparable to that of acarbose , a prescription drug used for type 2 diabetes symptoms. OPCs are naturally occurring plant metabolites that are widely available in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, flowers and bark.

In addition to being good for blood sugar, OPCs are primarily known for their antioxidant activity. Mangosteen has been shown to be an effective home remedy for acne. One study out of Thailand compared the fruit to other plants and determined that it possessed the most significant antioxidant activity and reduced the production of reactive oxygen species, two factors that affect the growth of acne.

Mangosteen Garcinia mangostana was not only highly effective at scavenging free radicals, but it was also able to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to acne formation.

Increased oxidative stress and a deficit in antioxidants are two factors that are believed to play a role in heart attack occurrence. Oxidative stress is essentially an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. A study conducted by the Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany at the University of Madras in India on animal subjects showed the cardioprotective effect of alpha-mangostin, a xanthone derivative from mangosteen.

The fact that mangosteen is high in xanthones, which are extremely powerful antioxidants, may be helpful in reducing heart attack risk. Looking to fend off colds and flus or just generally boost your immune system?

Then mangosteen is definitely a fruit to start eating. Mangosteen nutrition is packed with xanthones, which support many of vital functions of the body, including immune health.

Vitamin C benefits also have been shown to stimulate both the production and function of leukocytes, the white blood cells that protect the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders.

In the test tubes the researchers looked at how methanol and chloroform extracts of mangosteen reacted with aromatase, and they did the same with separate mangosteen xanthones. Aromatase is the enzyme that converts testosterone into estradiol. The researchers discovered that the anti-oestrogenic effect of mangosteen approaches that of letrozole.

In fact, gamma-mangostin even has a greater anti-oestrogen effect than letrozole. The figure above is based on tests with SK-BR-3 cells. These produce aromatase themselves.

The concentration of extracts tested was 20 micrograms per litre; the concentration of xanthones was 50 micrograms per litre, and the concentration of letrozole was 10 nanomoles. Mangosteen is relatively low in calories yet provides many essential nutrients 1. A 1-cup gram serving of canned, drained mangosteen offers 1 :. The vitamins and minerals in mangosteen are important for maintaining many bodily functions, including DNA production, muscle contraction, wound healing, immunity, and nerve signaling 2 , 3 , 4 , 5.

Mangosteen provides a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber while being low in calories. These nutrients are important for maintaining many functions in your body. Antioxidants are compounds that can neutralize the damaging effects of potentially harmful molecules called free radicals, which are linked to various chronic diseases 7. Mangosteen contains several nutrients with antioxidant capacity, such as vitamin C and folate.

Plus, it provides xanthones — a unique type of plant compound known to have strong antioxidant properties 8. In several studies, the antioxidant activity of xanthones has resulted in anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-aging, and antidiabetic effects 9. Thus, xanthones in mangosteen may be responsible for many of its potential health benefits. Still, more human research is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Mangosteen contains vitamins with antioxidant capacity, as well as a unique class of antioxidant compounds known as xanthones. The xanthones found in mangosteen may play a role in reducing inflammation.

Test-tube and animal studies suggest that xanthones have an anti-inflammatory effect and may reduce your risk of inflammatory diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes 9. Mangosteen is also rich in fiber, which offers various benefits.

Though this data is encouraging, more research is needed to better understand how mangosteen affects inflammation and disease progression in humans. Plant compounds and fiber in mangosteen may have anti-inflammatory effects according to animal research. More studies are needed to understand how this fruit may reduce inflammation in humans. Population studies show that diets rich in vegetables and fruits like mangosteen are associated with reduced incidences of cancer Specific plant compounds in mangosteen — including xanthones — have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help fight the development and spread of cancerous cells 9 , Multiple test-tube studies reveal that xanthones can inhibit cancer cell growth, including in breast, stomach, and lung tissue Similarly, a small number of studies observed that this compound may slow the progression of colon and breast cancer in mice Test-tube and animal research indicates that xanthones in mangosteen may protect against cancer.

However, high-quality human research on this topic is lacking. One study found that mice on a high-fat diet who received supplemental doses of mangosteen gained significantly less weight than mice in the control group Similarly, in a small, 8-week study, people who supplemented their diets with 3, 6 or 9 ounces 90, , or ml of mangosteen juice twice daily tended to have a lower body mass index BMI than the control group Ultimately, more studies are needed to better understand how mangosteen may fit into an effective weight loss plan.

Some animal and human research suggests that mangosteen may play a role in weight loss and obesity prevention. Still, more studies are needed. Both test-tube and animal studies show that xanthone compounds in mangosteen may help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels A recent week study in obese women found that those receiving mg of supplemental mangosteen extract daily had significant reductions in insulin resistance — a risk factor for diabetes — compared to the control group The fruit is also a good source of fiber, a nutrient that can help stabilize blood sugar and improve diabetes control The combination of the xanthone and fiber contents in mangosteen may help balance blood sugar.

However, more research is needed. Plant compounds and fiber in mangosteen may contribute to reduced blood sugar. Still, current research is insufficient. Fiber and vitamin C — both of which can be found in mangosteen — are important for a healthy immune system 1. Fiber supports your healthy gut bacteria — an essential component of immunity. On the other hand, vitamin C is needed for the function of various immune cells and has antioxidant properties 17 , Additionally, some research suggests that certain plant compounds in mangosteen may have antibacterial properties — which could benefit your immune health by combating potentially harmful bacteria In a day study in 59 people, those taking a mangosteen-containing supplement experienced reduced markers of inflammation and significantly greater increases in healthy immune cell numbers compared to those taking a placebo Your immune system requires many different nutrients to function optimally.