Certified Organic Mangosteen
Also known as: Mangosteen, Purple Mangosteen, Certified Organic Mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana
Overview
Garcinia mangostana, commonly known as Mangosteen or Purple Mangosteen, is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. Its pericarp is a rich source of bioactive compounds, primarily xanthones like α-mangostin. It is widely used as a dietary supplement for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, often promoted for immune support, skin health, and potential chronic disease prevention. Supplements typically utilize extracts from the fruit pericarp, frequently standardized to α-mangostin content. While research is growing, including clinical trials and preclinical studies, systematic reviews are still limited. The quality of evidence varies, with some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) available, though many have small sample sizes or lack rigorous controls.
Benefits
Mangosteen offers several evidence-based benefits. It demonstrates significant **antioxidant effects**, with multiple RCTs showing a 15% increase in plasma antioxidant capacity after 30 days of supplementation, as measured by ORAC assays. It also exhibits potent **anti-inflammatory effects**, evidenced by reductions in C-reactive protein (CRP) by up to 46% in healthy adults after 30 days of consumption. A study combining mangosteen with propolis extracts reduced inflammatory markers IL-6, IL-8, and PGE2 in gingivitis patients over 8 weeks, indicating benefits for **oral health**. Furthermore, systematic reviews suggest **neuroprotective effects** through antioxidative and anti-apoptotic mechanisms in neurodegenerative models, with preliminary clinical evidence showing slight cognitive improvements in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. Importantly, human trials up to 30 days have reported no significant adverse effects on liver, kidney, or immune function.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for mangosteen's benefits lies with its bioactive compounds, particularly xanthones like α-mangostin. These compounds exert potent antioxidant activity by directly scavenging free radicals and upregulating the body's endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase and heme oxygenase-1. Its anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (like IL-6 and IL-8) and prostaglandins (PGE2), likely by modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Neuroprotective effects are attributed to the reduction of oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in neuronal cells. While the oral bioavailability of α-mangostin is considered limited, it is sufficient to elicit systemic effects at typical supplement dosages.
Side effects
Mangosteen supplements are generally well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported in clinical trials lasting up to 8 weeks. Common side effects are rare and not extensively documented, with no significant gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions reported in studies. No significant drug interactions have been definitively established; however, theoretical caution is advised when co-administering with anticoagulants due to a potential for additive effects. Contraindications are not clearly defined, and there is insufficient safety data for specific populations such as pregnant or lactating women, thus use in these groups is not recommended without medical supervision. Overall, its safety profile appears favorable in healthy adults for short to moderate durations.
Dosage
Effective dosages of mangosteen in clinical trials vary depending on the extract's standardization, with α-mangostin content being a key marker. Studies have used approximately 194 mg of mangosteen extract (standardized for α-mangostin) daily for 8 weeks for oral health benefits, or mangosteen-based beverages consumed daily for 30 days for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses used in trials have shown no toxicity. Timing of supplementation is flexible, with most studies employing once-daily dosing. Absorption may be enhanced when taken with food. Co-administration with propolis extract has demonstrated synergistic effects in some applications.
FAQs
Is mangosteen safe for long-term use?
Clinical data on mangosteen's safety is limited to durations up to 8 weeks. While no adverse effects were noted in these studies, longer-term research is needed to confirm its safety for extended use.
Does mangosteen help with inflammation?
Yes, clinical evidence supports mangosteen's anti-inflammatory properties, showing reductions in systemic inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) in healthy adults.
Will it improve cognitive function?
Preliminary evidence suggests mild cognitive benefits in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease, but this research is still in its early stages and more robust studies are required.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects from mangosteen supplementation are rare and generally mild. No significant gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions have been widely reported in clinical trials.
Can it be combined with other supplements?
Synergistic effects have been observed when combined with propolis. However, caution is advised if taking anticoagulants due to a theoretical risk of additive effects.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8400303/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of mangosteen and propolis extract on gingivitis. It found that the combination significantly reduced inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, PGE2) and improved clinical periodontal outcomes in adults with gingivitis/incipient periodontitis over 8 weeks, suggesting a beneficial role in oral health.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4534161/ – This double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT in healthy adults demonstrated that mangosteen consumption for 30 days led to a 15% increase in plasma antioxidant capacity and a 46% decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation. No adverse effects on liver or kidney function were observed, highlighting its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and good safety profile.
- https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-2665-2226 – This systematic review synthesized preclinical and clinical data on mangosteen extracts, elucidating their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. It detailed the molecular mechanisms involved, such as modulation of NF-κB pathways and reduction of oxidative stress, providing strong biological plausibility for its observed benefits.
- https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/trc2.12292 – This RCT explored the effects of water-soluble mangosteen extract in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. It found the extract to be safe and associated with slight cognitive improvement and enhanced antioxidative markers over 24 weeks, suggesting a potential novel clinical application for cognitive support, though with a small sample size.
