Health Benefits of Xanthones in Mangosteen: Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Therapeutic Properties

Xanthones are a class of polyphenolic compounds found abundantly in the mangosteen fruit (Garcinia mangostana), often referred to as the “queen of fruits.” These compounds are primarily located in the pericarp, or rind, of the fruit, although they are also present in smaller quantities in the pulp, leaves, and roots. The mangosteen is native to Southeast Asia, where it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its purported health benefits. The fruit’s high xanthone content plays a central role in its therapeutic reputation, making it an area of active scientific study.

The most notable xanthones in mangosteen include alpha-mangostin, beta-mangostin, and gamma-mangostin. Each of these xanthones exhibits unique biological activities that contribute to the fruit’s health benefits. Alpha-mangostin, for instance, is renowned for its potent antioxidant properties, which help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage. Oxidative stress, caused by an excess of free radicals in the body, has been linked to aging and various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and neurodegenerative disorders. By neutralizing free radicals, alpha-mangostin plays a role in mitigating these risks.

Beta-mangostin has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, making it valuable in reducing inflammation and associated conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to many diseases, and beta-mangostin’s ability to reduce inflammatory markers has made it a focus of interest for developing treatments for these ailments. Gamma-mangostin, on the other hand, has shown promise in anticancer research due to its ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Studies suggest that gamma-mangostin induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancerous cells, making it a promising candidate for future cancer therapies.

The health benefits of xanthones extend beyond their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They also possess antimicrobial activities, making them effective against various pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. Additionally, xanthones have been studied for their potential in improving cardiovascular health, supporting the immune system, and possibly regulating glucose levels, making them beneficial for diabetes management. These wide-ranging health effects contribute to mangosteen’s reputation as a superfood.

In summary, xanthones in mangosteen are powerful bioactive compounds with diverse therapeutic properties. Their presence in the fruit significantly contributes to its status as a health-promoting superfood, with potential applications in natural medicine and future drug development.
Health Benefits of Xanthones in Mangosteen: Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Therapeutic Properties

Biological compound of mangosteen

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is known as “the queen of fruits” because it is one of the best tasting tropical fruits. The edible aril of mangosteen is milky white, while the rind is dark red and composes about two times of the edible portion.

Highly valued for its juicy, delicate texture and slightly sweet and sour flavor, mangosteen has been cultivated in Java, Sumatra, Mainland Southeast Asia, and the southern Philippines since ancient times.

Mangosteen rind, as waste product, contains a lot of water-soluble antioxidant. Various kinds of xanthones in mangosteen rind had been proven to have strong antioxidant activity included α-mangostin. Oxidation reaction is a process where electrons are transferred from one atom to another, with the molecule losing an electron being oxidized.

The rind of mangosteen fruit has been reported to contain some phenolic compounds, such as tannins, flavonoids, xanthones, and other bioactive substances which support the medicinal properties.

Some chemical compounds or secondary metabolites have been isolated from mangosteen rind which includes xanthones (a class of polyphenolic compounds with a characteristic tricyclic aromatic ring system) or xanthen9H-ones. Of the 40 xanthones present in the pericarp of the fruit, the most abundant xanthones found are α-mangostin, β-mangostin, and γ-mangostin.

These isolated compounds have various biological effects such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.
Biological compound of mangosteen

Chemistry of xanthones

About 200 xanthones have been discovered. Xanthones are yellow pigments in flowers. Xanthones are flavonoids and are found in some fruit and bark of tree, but the highest concentration is found in the pericarp of the mangosteen fruit. Many are polyketide derived, although others are formed from combined shikimic acid pathways combined with acetate-malonate units.

Three units of malonate react with a hydroxybenzoic acid (C6-C1). Benzophenones may be converted by oxidative rings closure into xanthones.

Several xanthones that possess antidepressant activity inhibit monoamine oxidases. These compounds have in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo antitumor activity. Xanthones kill microbes, improve depression, stimulate the production of urine and improve the function of the heart.

Xanthones derivatives occur in a number of higher plant families and fungi. Some fungal species are well known as sources of xanthone derivatives, for example, Penicilium raistrickii G. Sm, Phomopsis sp, and Humicola sp.
Chemistry of xanthones

Garcinone E in mangosteen

Mangosteen contains more than forty biologically active, natural chemical compounds called xanthones. Garcinone E, a xanthone derivative, is useful in cases of cancers of the stomach, lungs, and liver.

Garcinone E belongs to the class of organic compounds known as 8-prenylated xanthones. These compounds containing a C5-isoprenoid group linked to a xanthone moiety at the 8-position. Xanthone is a tricyclic compound made up of two benzene rings linearly fused to each other through a pyran ring that carries a ketone group.

Studies reported that garcinone E one of six xanthones from mangosteen pericarp had potent cytotoxic effect on all hepatocellular carcinomas cells lines as well as on the other gastric and lung cancer (Ho, C., Huan, Y., Chen, C. 2002 Planta Med. 68, pp 975-979)

The researchers suggest that garcinone E may be potentially useful for the treatment of certain types of cancer.
Garcinone E in mangosteen 

The xanthones of mangosteen

Garcinia mangostana is thought to be originated in Southeast Asia. The medicinal properties of the mangosteen pericarp have been utilized by many generations of Asian.

Mangosteen fruit is the richest known source of natural xanthine compounds. 50 xanthones have been found in mangosteen.

These powerful compounds go throughout the human body destroying free radicals that can cause inflammation and disease.

The xanthones show promise in helping to strengthen human immune system. The main xanthones are beta, gamma and alpha-mangostin and garcinone.

The xanthone derivatives Garcinone B and Garcinone E has in vitro cytotoxic activity against hepatocellular carcinomas. The alpha and gamma-mangostin also block serotonin and histamine receptors.

Mangosteen xanthones have been exposed to cancer cells in laboratory studies. In every in vitro study, mangosteen xanthones killed the cancer cells.
The xanthones of mangosteen

Mangosteen and cardiovascular disease

Mangosteen are the most valued part of the plant Garcinia mangostana and is famous for the remarkably pleasant flavor. Mangosteen contains a high concentration of polyphenols called xanthones. There are 40 different xanthones on the mangosteen that may exert some antioxidant effects.

The xanthones are found in abundance in the pericarp or rind of the mangosteen fruit. Xanthones are antioxidants being researched for their ability to improve immune systems and have anti0viral, anti-bacterial, and anti fungal properties.

Xanthones and their derivatives have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. The xanthones keep the bad cholesterol from sticking to blood vessels, which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, Atherosclerosis can led to cardiovascular disease.

The xanthones from mangosteen rind can prevent clots and relax the blood vessels. Xanthones are related to flavonoids, as they share precursors, but xanthones have a single carbon bridge (C6-C1-C6) instead of the 3-carbon bridge of the flavonoids.

A biologically active yet taxonomically restricted group, xanthones demonstrates a range of effects in living organisms. Some xanthones have shown significant anti-hypercholesteromic and antihypertensive biological profiles.

Xanthones are potent antioxidants, that inhibit oxidation process during metabolism. In the process of oxidation, it releases free radical which are unstable molecules that cause damage to cell membranes and DNA leading to disease like cancer, cardiovascular disease, aging and more.
Mangosteen and cardiovascular disease

Fruit of mangosteen

Garcinia mangostana L., family Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is known as the “Queen of Fruits”. Its origin is in Southeast Asia, probably the Malay Archipelago.

It can now be found in Northern Australia, Brazil, Burma, Central America, Hawaii, Southern India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Siri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and other tropical countries.

Mangosteen is one of the most widely recognized tropical fruits and has universal appeal because of its quality in color, shape and flavor. Demand often exceeds supply. The fruit is 2-3 in ( cm) in diameter.

A thick reddish-purple rind covers the aril or pulp which is segmented like that of an orange.

The white, moist, soft and juicy flesh is sweet and aromatic, has a high sugar content, but is low in vitamins and minerals. It is usually eaten fresh, but can be stored successfully for short periods of time.

It is also canned, frozen, or made into juice, preserves, and syrup. Mangosteen is also used as a pharmaceutical.
Food Fruit

Nutritional value of mangosteen

Botanical name for mangosteen is Garcinia mangostana. Mangosteen fruit is a rich source of vitamins, carbohydrates and minerals. It has high sugar content.

Mangosteen rind, pulp and seeds contain a group of compounds called ‘xanthones’ (less than 7-8 mg/100 g). These are found in a very restricted group of plants. Their chemical structure is similar to that of the antioxidant compounds called ‘flavonoids.

Xanthones are antioxidants being researched for their ability to improve immune systems and have anti-viral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

The mangosteen is the only fruit known that contains over thirty of these xanthones. This is makes the fruit juice so potent.

Mangosteen has an energy value of about 30kcal/100g and they have a high vitamin C content.

Mangosteen fruit is said to reduce inflammation and fever. It also has neuroprotective activities.

Nutritional value of mangosteen

Vitamin in Mangosteen

Mangosteen belongs to family Clusiaceae, formerly known as Guttiferae, which includes 9 genera and 86 species.

Genus Garcinia has 68 species and the most esteemed member of this genus is Garcinia mangostana, the mangosteen.

Mangosteen ‘the finest fruit of the world’, is very important crop of warm humid tropics. It is sweet and soft delicious fruit with exciting flavour of universal appeal.

Fruit contains 14 IU vitamin A, 0.09 mg thiamin, 0.06 mg riboflavin, 0.1 mg niacin and 66 mg vitamin C per 100 g edible portion.

Mangosteen contains several types of antioxidants, consisting mainly of some vitamin C and beta-carotene, both of which are well known for their antioxidants properties.

Vitamin C is water soluble that helps quench singlet species. Beta carotene is a fat soluble vitamin that is common in all red, orange and yellow vegetables and fruits.
Vitamin in Mangosteen

The Origin of Mangosteen

The place of origin of the mangosteen is unknown but is believed to be in Malay Archipelago or the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas.

There was a suggestion that the tree may have been first domesticated was done in Thailand and Burma. It is much cultivated in Thailand–where there were 9,700 acres (4,000 ha) in 1965–also in Kampuchea, southern Vietnam and Burma, throughout Malaya and Singapore.

The mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) was named after the French explorer Laurent Garcia (1683-1751) and has been in cultivation for a considerable time in various parts of humid tropics.
The tree was planted in Ceylon about 1800 and in India in 1881. There it succeeds in 4 limited areas–the Nilgiri Hills, the Tinnevelly district of southern Madras, the Kanya-kumani district at the southernmost tip of the Madras peninsula, and in Kerala State in southwestern India.

It is rare in Queensland, where it has been tried many times since 1854, and poorly represented in tropical Africa (Zanzibar, Ghana, Gabon and Liberia). There were fruiting trees in greenhouses in England in 1855.

The mangosteen is gaining popularity in the international market and recent demands for exported fruit have prompted growers to consider this crop with renewed interest.
The Origin of Mangosteen

Fruit of Mangosteen

It is regarded as Queen of tropical fruits. Presence of sugar in the form of readily available glucose in mangosteen is a special feature of the fruit.

The fruit is so prized in Southeast Asia the people there call it Fruits of the Gods because of health benefits and delicious taste.

Mangosteen is one of the world’s best flavored fruit in Southwest Asia.

The fruit the size of a tennis ball contains a segmented, white pulp that is protected by a purple shell 6 mm thick. The pulp is sweet, subacid and agreeably flavored. It tastes good when eaten fresh. The rind of the fruit is used by some people for medicine. It is thick and hard.

The species name, Garcinia mangostana, family of Clusiaceae or alternatively Guttiferae, is derived from the Malay word ‘manggis’ and the genus is named after French botanist, Laurent Garcinia.

Like many tropical fruit tress, the mangosteen has its uses in folk medicine. The bark and skin used to treat diarrhea and in Indonesia it is used to control high fever.
Fruit of Mangosteen

The Introduction of Mangosteen to the New World

The fruit has hand a long history of use dating back thousands of years.

The mangosteen is presumed to have originated in South east Asia, possibly in the Malayan Peninsular and Indonesian region and was known in the western world as early as 1631.

The mangosteen was introduced into Trinidad from the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew, England, between 1850 and 1860 and the first fruit was borne in 1875.

It reached the Panama Canal Zone and Puerto Rico in 1903 but there are only a few trees in these areas, in Jamaica, Dominica and Cuba, and some scattered around other parts of the West Indies.

By 1906, The United States Department of Agriculture received seeds from Java. A large test block of productive trees has been maintained at the Lancetilla Experimental Station at Tela, Honduras, for many years.

In 1939, 15,000 seeds were distributed by the Canal Zone Experiment Gardens to many areas of tropical America.

Only recently has knowledge of the benefits and delicious taste of mangosteen begun to sweep North America.

As more American learn of this healing food, interest continues to grow, and so the companies selling mangosteen products.
The Introduction of Mangosteen to the New World