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Mangosteen Concentrate

Also known as: Mangosteen, Queen of Fruits, Garcinia mangostana L.

Overview

Mangosteen (*Garcinia mangostana L.*) is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, celebrated for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit's soft, white interior and purple rind are rich in bioactive compounds, especially xanthones like α-mangostin and γ-mangostin. As a dietary supplement, mangosteen is primarily used for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. Research suggests it may also possess neuroprotective and antimicrobial activities. Studies on mangosteen are moderately advanced, with investigations into its biochemical properties and biological effects. However, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. Available evidence, primarily from animal studies and in vitro experiments, indicates promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Mangosteen is available in various forms, including concentrate drinks and extracts, with the rind being the primary source of its beneficial compounds.

Benefits

Mangosteen offers several potential health benefits, primarily attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Animal studies show that mangosteen concentrate drink (MCD) supplementation can increase glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities, alleviating oxidative stress in muscle and enhancing lactate clearance, suggesting reduced muscle fatigue after exercise. α-mangostin has demonstrated the ability to reduce toxin-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in rat brain tissue and cancer cells. Furthermore, mangosteen pericarp extracts show potential neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative damage and modulating neuroreceptor profiles, potentially benefiting psychiatric disorders. Xanthones from mangosteen have also been found to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in certain cancer cell lines. Athletes and individuals engaging in high-intensity exercise may find MCD supplementation helpful in reducing muscle fatigue and oxidative stress after intense physical activity. These benefits were observed after 6 weeks of treatment in rat studies, showing significant increases in GPx and CAT activities and lactate clearance.

How it works

Mangosteen's beneficial effects are primarily attributed to its xanthones, which interact with several biological pathways. These compounds enhance antioxidant defense mechanisms by increasing GPx and CAT activities, modulate anti-inflammatory pathways, and influence neuroreceptor activity, such as blocking serotonin type 2A receptors. Xanthones also inhibit specific enzyme activities, including aromatase, HIV-1 protease, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) phosphodiesterase. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and modulating enzyme activities, mangosteen compounds affect the muscular, hepatic, and nervous systems. Key molecular targets include histamine H1 and 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptors, as well as various protein kinases. While the bioavailability of mangosteen xanthones in humans is not extensively studied, water-soluble extracts have demonstrated significant free-radical scavenging activity, suggesting good bioavailability of the active compounds.

Side effects

The safety profile of mangosteen supplements is still under investigation, with limited human studies available. Current data suggest that mangosteen is generally well-tolerated, but comprehensive safety data are lacking. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects have not been robustly documented in human trials. Potential drug interactions should be considered, particularly with medications metabolized by enzymes affected by mangosteen xanthones, such as aromatase inhibitors and HIV-1 protease inhibitors, although specific interactions are not well-documented. There are no clear contraindications, but caution is advised for individuals with known allergies to mangosteen or its constituents. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before using mangosteen supplements due to the lack of comprehensive safety data in these populations. Given the limited data, it is essential to approach mangosteen supplementation with caution and consult with a healthcare professional, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or taking other medications.

Dosage

Due to limited human studies, specific dosage guidelines for mangosteen supplementation are not well-established. Animal studies have shown that doses of 0.9 mL/day to 9 mL/day of mangosteen concentrate drink (MCD) were effective in increasing antioxidant activities and reducing muscle fatigue in rats. However, an optimal dosage range for humans has not been determined. The maximum safe dose is also not well-defined and requires further research. The timing of supplementation in relation to exercise or other activities is not specified in the available studies. Studies have used mangosteen concentrate drink (MCD) and extracts, but the optimal form for human supplementation is not established. The bioavailability of the active compounds may vary depending on the extraction method and form of the supplement. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for the efficacy of mangosteen supplements. Given the lack of clear guidelines, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting mangosteen supplementation to determine a safe and appropriate dosage.

FAQs

Is mangosteen supplementation safe?

While generally well-tolerated, comprehensive safety data are lacking, and caution is advised, especially in special populations like pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

When should I take mangosteen supplements?

There is no clear guidance on the timing of supplementation in relation to meals or physical activity. Consistency is key, so choose a time that fits your routine.

What results can I expect from taking mangosteen?

Based on animal studies, users may expect reduced oxidative stress and muscle fatigue, particularly after intense exercise. Individual results may vary, and human studies are needed.

Is mangosteen a cure-all for various health conditions?

No, mangosteen is not a cure-all. Its benefits are primarily related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It should be used as part of a balanced approach to health.

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

Potential interactions with medications metabolized by enzymes affected by mangosteen xanthones (e.g., aromatase inhibitors, HIV-1 protease inhibitors) need to be considered. Consult your doctor.

Research Sources

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/5/1447 – This animal study investigated the effects of mangosteen concentrate drink (MCD) supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress and muscle fatigue in rats. The findings indicated that MCD supplementation increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities, alleviated oxidative stress in muscle, and increased lactate clearance, suggesting a reduction in muscle fatigue after exercise.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32429510/ – This study explored the antioxidant properties of mangosteen pericarp and found that α-mangostin reduced toxin-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in both rat brain tissue and cancer cells. The results suggest that mangosteen has potential neuroprotective and anti-cancer effects due to its antioxidant capabilities.
https://ohiostate.elsevierpure.com/en/publications/structural-characterization-biological-effects-and-synthetic-stud – This review provides a comprehensive overview of mangosteen xanthones, highlighting their structural characteristics and diverse biological activities. It emphasizes the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential cancer chemopreventive properties of these compounds, summarizing existing literature on mangosteen's biological effects.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00115/full – This article discusses the potential of mangosteen pericarp extracts in reducing oxidative damage and modulating neuroreceptor profiles, suggesting benefits in psychiatric disorders. The study indicates that mangosteen may have neuroprotective effects by influencing various neurological pathways.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jfpp.13744 – This study investigates the impact of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of mangosteen juice. The findings suggest that HHP processing can enhance the extraction and preservation of beneficial compounds, improving the overall antioxidant capacity of mangosteen juice.