Mangosteen Fruit Concentrate & Pericarp Extract
Also known as: Mangosteen, mangosteen fruit concentrate, mangosteen pericarp extract, Garcinia mangostana L.
Overview
Garcinia mangostana L., commonly known as Mangosteen, is a tropical fruit from which concentrate and pericarp (rind) extracts are derived. The pericarp is particularly rich in bioactive compounds called xanthones, with alpha- and gamma-mangostin being the most prominent. These extracts are primarily investigated for their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, metabolic, and potential antidepressant properties. While preclinical research, including animal models, shows promising results across these areas, high-quality human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are still limited. The current evidence base suggests a role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, improving metabolic markers, and offering neuroprotection, but more robust clinical data are needed to confirm these benefits in humans. Mangosteen extracts are typically consumed as botanical supplements, with the pericarp extract being the most studied form due to its higher concentration of active compounds.
Benefits
Mangosteen pericarp extract exhibits several evidence-based benefits, primarily demonstrated in preclinical studies. Its strong antioxidant effects are consistently observed, reducing oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) in both animal models and some human trials. This suggests an enhanced capacity to combat cellular damage. For neuroprotection and antidepressant effects, rodent models show that mangosteen pericarp extract (50 mg/kg oral) can produce antidepressant-like effects comparable to imipramine, improving memory and reducing hippocampal oxidative damage. Metabolic benefits are significant in diabetic and obese rodent models, where the extract has been shown to lower fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), while improving insulin secretion and pancreatic islet morphology. These metabolic improvements are linked to the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Sirtuin 1 pathways. Additionally, the extract demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties by reducing pro-inflammatory markers like NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α in various tissues. While human clinical trials are limited, they support the antioxidant benefits, but robust RCTs for metabolic or neuropsychiatric endpoints are still needed to confirm efficacy in humans.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of mangosteen pericarp extract are primarily attributed to its high concentration of xanthones, particularly alpha- and gamma-mangostin. These compounds exert antioxidant effects by directly scavenging free radicals and upregulating the body's endogenous antioxidant enzyme systems, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD). Their anti-inflammatory actions involve the downregulation of key inflammatory pathways, including the NF-κB signaling pathway, which reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α. Neuroprotective effects are thought to stem from the modulation of brain monoamines, particularly serotonergic pathways, and the reduction of lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus. Metabolic improvements are mediated through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Sirtuin 1, which play crucial roles in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. While the oral bioavailability of xanthones is moderate, their absorption and metabolism are sufficient to elicit systemic effects observed in animal models.
Side effects
Overall, mangosteen pericarp extract appears to have a favorable safety profile in animal studies, with no significant toxicity reported at effective doses (up to 400 mg/kg in rats). However, human clinical data on side effects are very limited, making it difficult to fully characterize common or rare adverse reactions. Due to the lack of comprehensive human safety data, potential drug interactions or contraindications are not well established. Caution is advised when using mangosteen extract concurrently with other antioxidant supplements or metabolic medications, as potential additive effects or interactions have not been thoroughly investigated. Specific safety data for vulnerable populations, such as pregnant or lactating women and children, are currently unavailable, and therefore, its use in these groups is not recommended without further research. While animal studies suggest safety, the absence of extensive human trials means that long-term safety and potential adverse effects in humans remain largely unknown.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established clinical dosing guidelines for mangosteen pericarp extract in humans due to limited high-quality human trials. Effective doses observed in animal models typically range from 50 to 400 mg/kg/day when administered orally. Translating these doses directly to humans is complex and would generally result in significantly lower human equivalent doses. For consistency and to ensure the presence of active compounds, extracts standardized for their alpha- and gamma-mangostin content are preferred. In animal studies, chronic administration, often for 14 days or more, appears necessary for the manifestation of sustained benefits, particularly for neuropsychiatric and metabolic effects. While no specific cofactors have been identified to enhance absorption, it is generally suggested that absorption of fat-soluble compounds like xanthones may be improved when consumed with dietary fats. Upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption have not been determined.
FAQs
Is mangosteen pericarp extract effective for depression?
Preclinical evidence in rodent models suggests antidepressant-like effects comparable to imipramine, improving mood and memory. However, human randomized controlled trials are currently lacking to confirm this benefit in people.
Can it help with diabetes?
Animal studies indicate that mangosteen pericarp extract can improve glucose and lipid metabolism, reducing blood sugar and cholesterol. Clinical confirmation in humans with diabetes is still needed.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Animal data suggest safety at tested doses, but comprehensive human safety data, especially for long-term use, are insufficient. More research is required to determine its safety profile over extended periods in humans.
How soon do effects appear?
In animal models, benefits generally require at least 2 weeks of continuous administration to manifest, particularly for neuropsychiatric and metabolic effects. Acute effects are less documented.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6424889/ – This narrative review, incorporating preclinical RCTs, found that mangosteen pericarp extract (50 mg/kg) exhibited antidepressant and memory-enhancing effects in rodent depression models, comparable to imipramine, while also reducing hippocampal oxidative stress. The study highlights promising animal data but notes the absence of human clinical trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11479905/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies demonstrated that mangosteen pericarp extract significantly decreased glucose, lipids, and inflammatory cytokines in rodent models of diabetes and obesity. The research indicated activation of AMPK and Sirtuin 1 pathways as key mechanisms, providing strong preclinical evidence for metabolic benefits.
- https://japsonline.com/abstract.php?article_id=3250&sts=2 – This systematic evaluation, encompassing 6 human and 41 animal studies, consistently showed that mangosteen pericarp extract reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), indicating robust antioxidant activity. The study concluded that the pericarp possesses the highest antioxidant capacity compared to other parts of the fruit, despite limited human clinical trials.
- https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/br.2021.1439 – This randomized controlled trial in diabetic Wistar rats found that mangosteen pericarp extract reduced hippocampal NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α, increased SOD, and improved body weight and metabolic parameters over 7 weeks. The study provides high-quality animal evidence for anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits in a diabetic model.
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