| Scientific research into the health benefits of | | | | 2004; 90(1):161-166) on the effect of mangosteen |
| xanthones from mangosteen has been conducted | | | | pericarp extract on human breast cancer cells found |
| since the 1970s and, although there is still much more | | | | that it had "potential for cancer chemoprevention. |
| work to be done, the results thus far are very | | | | The antioxidative ability of the xanthone mangostin |
| promising. Mangosteen is a complex research subject | | | | was shown by Williams and others (Free Radic Res |
| because it contains over 40 xanthones. Choices, | | | | 1995; 23(2):175-184) to lower "bad" cholesterol levels. |
| therefore, need to be made regarding which | | | | This helps prevent the buildup of plaque within blood |
| particular xanthone should be the focus of any given | | | | vessels and lowers the risk of heart disease. |
| study. Two of the most studied xanthones are | | | | Several research studies have verified the traditional |
| alpha-mangostin and gamma-mangostin. | | | | use of mangosteen as an antibacterial agent. For |
| Both of these compounds have been shown to be | | | | example, a study by Iinuma and others, published in |
| very effective anti-inflammatory agents. Several | | | | the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology in 1996, |
| studies led by Nakatani, published in Biochemical | | | | showed that alpha-mangostin exhibited strong |
| Pharmacology in 2002 and Molecular Pharmacology in | | | | antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. |
| 2004, confirmed that gamma-mangostin is a potent | | | | The authors concluded that "the compounds might |
| COX-2 inhibitor. This means that it is a factor in | | | | find wide pharmaceutical use." Another study involving |
| reducing inflammation and its associated pain. The | | | | alpha-mangostin showed that it was effective against |
| authors conclude that gamma-mangostin "is a new | | | | Mycobacterium tuberculosis. |
| useful lead compound for anti-inflammatory drug | | | | Gamma-mangostin has also been shown to be |
| development." | | | | effective against some viruses. One study (Planta |
| Several xanthones have been studied for their | | | | Med 1996; 62(4):381-382) showed that it was able to |
| efficacy in treating cancer. A paper published in the | | | | cause the HIV-1 virus to remain immature and |
| Journal of Natural Products in 2003 showed that a | | | | incapable of infection. |
| variety of xanthones from mangosteen were all able | | | | It should be noted that all the above research results |
| to inhibit the growth of human leukemia cells. The | | | | were obtained in laboratory studies. To be more |
| same authors in a follow up study (Bioorg Med Chem. | | | | meaningful, follow up clinical trials using human |
| 2004 Nov 15;12(22):5799-806) concluded that | | | | subjects need to be carried out. However, the results |
| alpha-mangostin would be a candidate for preventive | | | | to date indicate that xanthones from mangosteen |
| and therapeutic application for cancer treatment. A | | | | may have a major role to play in the treatment of a |
| study by Moongkarndi and others (J Ethnopharmacol | | | | wide range of health problems. |