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

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