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Mangosteen Fruit Juice

Q: Is mangosteen juice effective for inflammation?

Yes, evidence shows a significant 46% reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, in healthy adults after 30 days of consumption, though effects in obese populations are less consistent.

Q: Does mangosteen juice improve blood sugar?

Animal studies suggest potential benefits for blood sugar control, but human randomized controlled trials specifically on mangosteen juice for glycemic control are currently lacking.

Q: Is mangosteen juice safe for long-term use?

Short-term use (up to 30 days) appears safe with no reported adverse effects on liver or kidney function. However, long-term safety has not been established and requires further research.

Q: Are there any side effects from mangosteen juice?

No significant side effects have been reported in controlled human trials. It appears to be well-tolerated, but data for special populations like pregnant women are insufficient.

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

Overview

Mangosteen fruit juice is derived from the tropical fruit *Garcinia mangostana*, native to Southeast Asia. It is recognized as a fruit-derived botanical supplement, primarily valued for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The juice is rich in polyphenols, particularly xanthones like α-mangostin, which are believed to be the main active compounds. It is commonly consumed as a dietary supplement to enhance the body's antioxidant capacity, reduce systemic inflammation, and potentially support metabolic health. While several randomized controlled trials and animal studies have investigated mangosteen, comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses specifically on mangosteen fruit juice are still limited, indicating an emerging but not yet fully mature evidence base.

Benefits

Mangosteen fruit juice offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily due to its rich xanthone content: - **Antioxidant capacity:** A 30-day randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 60 healthy adults demonstrated that daily consumption of a mangosteen-based drink significantly increased plasma antioxidant capacity by 15% compared to a placebo group (p < 0.05). This suggests its potential to combat oxidative stress. - **Anti-inflammatory effects:** The same RCT reported a substantial 46% reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), a key marker of systemic inflammation, after mangosteen juice consumption in healthy adults. While another RCT in obese participants with elevated CRP showed a non-significant trend towards CRP reduction, a significant difference was observed at the highest dose (18 oz/day), indicating a dose-dependent effect. - **Metabolic effects:** Animal studies have indicated that mangosteen extracts can reduce fasting blood glucose levels, improve lipid profiles, and enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes in diabetic and obese rodent models. However, human data specifically on glycemic control and lipid metabolism from mangosteen juice are currently lacking, requiring further research.

How it works

The primary mechanism of action for mangosteen fruit juice is attributed to its high concentration of xanthones, such as α-mangostin. These compounds act as potent antioxidants by directly scavenging free radicals and upregulating the body's endogenous antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The anti-inflammatory effects are believed to be mediated by the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-12p70, and a reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Animal studies suggest that mangosteen may also modulate glucose metabolism and lipid profiles, likely through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. The bioavailability of xanthones is moderate, and their absorption and metabolic pathways in humans are still areas of ongoing research.

Side effects

Mangosteen fruit juice generally appears safe for short-term consumption. In a 30-day human trial, no adverse effects on liver or kidney function were reported in healthy adults. Common side effects are not well-documented in controlled trials, suggesting they are minimal or infrequent. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications reported in the reviewed literature. However, it is important to note that safety data for special populations, such as pregnant or lactating women and children, are insufficient, and therefore, use in these groups is not recommended without medical supervision. While short-term use seems safe, the long-term safety profile of mangosteen fruit juice has not been established through extensive research, and caution is advised for prolonged use.

Dosage

Effective dosages of mangosteen fruit juice observed in human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have ranged from approximately 6 to 18 ounces (oz) per day. For instance, one 30-day trial that demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits utilized a mangosteen-based beverage, though the exact concentration of active compounds was not specified. Another study in obese individuals noted a significant reduction in CRP only at the highest dose of 18 oz/day. Optimal dosing for specific health benefits and long-term safety profiles still require further investigation. There is currently no systematic research on the ideal timing of consumption (e.g., with or without food) or how different forms of mangosteen (e.g., juice vs. extract) might affect absorption and efficacy. Upper limits and safety thresholds for mangosteen juice have not been definitively established.

FAQs

Is mangosteen juice effective for inflammation?

Yes, evidence shows a significant 46% reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, in healthy adults after 30 days of consumption, though effects in obese populations are less consistent.

Does mangosteen juice improve blood sugar?

Animal studies suggest potential benefits for blood sugar control, but human randomized controlled trials specifically on mangosteen juice for glycemic control are currently lacking.

Is mangosteen juice safe for long-term use?

Short-term use (up to 30 days) appears safe with no reported adverse effects on liver or kidney function. However, long-term safety has not been established and requires further research.

Are there any side effects from mangosteen juice?

No significant side effects have been reported in controlled human trials. It appears to be well-tolerated, but data for special populations like pregnant women are insufficient.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4534161/ – This high-quality, double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT with 60 healthy adults showed that a mangosteen-based drink significantly increased plasma antioxidant capacity by 15% and decreased C-reactive protein (CRP) by 46% over 30 days, with no adverse effects on liver or kidney function. The study highlights mangosteen's potential as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00115/full – This moderate-quality pilot RCT involving 40 obese adults with elevated CRP investigated a mangosteen-containing juice. It found a non-significant trend toward CRP reduction, with a significant decrease only at the highest dose (18 oz/day). The study also noted reductions in BMI and body fat at a 6 oz dose and a decrease in IL-12p70, suggesting some anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects.
https://japsonline.com/abstract.php?article_id=3250&sts=2 – This systematic review synthesized findings from animal and clinical studies on mangosteen. It concluded that mangosteen increases antioxidant enzymes in animals and that clinical trials show increased plasma antioxidant capacity, though effects on other oxidative stress markers are inconsistent. The review emphasizes the need for more robust clinical trials, particularly for mixed products.