Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Garcinia Pericarp Extract

Also known as: Mangosteen pericarp extract, Garcinia pericarp extract, Mangosteen rind extract, Garcinia mangostana L. pericarp extract

Overview

Garcinia pericarp extract is derived from the rind (pericarp) of the mangosteen fruit (Garcinia mangostana L.), a tropical fruit known for its rich content of bioactive compounds, particularly xanthones like α-mangostin. It is utilized as a dietary supplement due to its purported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic properties. Emerging research also explores its potential in neuropsychiatric and antimicrobial applications. The extract is available in various supplement forms and is gaining interest for its broad spectrum of biological activities. While preclinical studies show promising results across several health domains, human clinical trials, though increasing, are still limited and sometimes yield inconsistent findings, necessitating further robust research to confirm its efficacy and establish standardized usage.

Benefits

Garcinia pericarp extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily attributed to its rich xanthone content: * **Neuropsychiatric Effects:** A large, 24-week multicenter double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) in individuals with bipolar depression demonstrated that adjunctive mangosteen pericarp extract significantly reduced anxiety symptoms and showed some improvement in depressive symptoms and psychosocial functioning. However, these effects were inconsistent across all measures and diminished after treatment cessation, suggesting a need for continuous administration. (High-quality RCT) * **Metabolic Effects:** Preclinical animal studies consistently show that mangosteen pericarp extract can significantly lower blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol in diabetic and obese rodent models. It also reduces inflammatory markers like IL-6 and TNF-α, indicating potential anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties. (Moderate quality preclinical evidence) * **Antimicrobial Activity:** A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies found that α-mangostin, a key compound in the extract, exhibited antimicrobial effects comparable to commercial antibiotics against various microbes, including the inhibition of biofilm formation. (Moderate quality systematic review) * **Antioxidant and Cardiovascular Effects:** Animal models of hypertension indicate that mangosteen pericarp extract increases endogenous antioxidant enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase), reduces lipid peroxidation (MDA levels), and improves cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure and vascular morphology. (Moderate quality preclinical evidence)

How it works

The therapeutic effects of Garcinia pericarp extract are primarily mediated by its active compounds, especially α-mangostin. Its antioxidant action involves scavenging free radicals and upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase. Anti-inflammatory effects are achieved by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Metabolic benefits are linked to the activation of hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Sirtuin 1, which improve insulin sensitivity, glucose utilization, and lipid metabolism. Antimicrobial activity stems from its ability to disrupt microbial cell membranes and inhibit biofilm formation. Oral bioavailability of α-mangostin is generally limited but can be enhanced through specific formulation strategies.

Side effects

Garcinia pericarp extract appears to be generally well tolerated. Clinical trials, including a large 24-week RCT for bipolar depression, reported no significant adverse effects, suggesting a favorable short-term safety profile. Similarly, animal studies have not indicated major toxicity at effective doses. However, comprehensive long-term safety data in humans are currently lacking, meaning potential effects from prolonged use beyond 24 weeks are not fully understood. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been definitively documented in human studies to date. It is important to note that the observed benefits in some studies diminished after cessation of treatment, implying that continuous administration might be necessary to maintain effects. Individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, especially given the limited long-term safety data.

Dosage

Optimal dosing for Garcinia pericarp extract in humans is not yet fully standardized and varies depending on the intended use and extract formulation. In clinical randomized controlled trials investigating neuropsychiatric effects, doses consistent with standardized extracts were used, but specific ranges are not broadly established. Preclinical animal studies utilize doses scaled to body weight, and direct human equivalent doses require further clarification and validation through clinical research. For metabolic or antimicrobial effects, optimal human dosing has not been definitively established. The timing of administration and the specific formulation (e.g., aqueous extract versus isolated α-mangostin) can significantly influence absorption and overall efficacy. Due to the lack of standardized guidelines and long-term safety data, it is advisable to follow manufacturer recommendations or consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosage advice. Upper limits and safety thresholds for long-term human consumption are still under investigation.

FAQs

Is Garcinia pericarp extract effective for depression?

Limited evidence suggests some benefit as an adjunctive therapy in bipolar depression, primarily reducing anxiety symptoms after prolonged use (24 weeks). Effects were inconsistent and diminished after stopping treatment.

Can it help with diabetes or obesity?

Preclinical animal data support metabolic benefits, showing reductions in glucose, lipids, and inflammation. However, robust human clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.

Is Garcinia pericarp extract safe?

It appears safe and well-tolerated in short-term human trials (up to 24 weeks). Long-term safety data and potential drug interactions are currently unknown and require further research.

How quickly do effects appear?

Neuropsychiatric benefits in clinical trials emerged after 24 weeks of continuous use. Metabolic effects observed in animal studies typically occurred over several weeks to months.

Research Sources

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/efficacy-of-adjunctive-garcinia-mangostana-linn-mangosteen-pericarp-extract-for-bipolar-depression-24week-randomised-controlled-trial/21F20F71DE41461D6D6F4F7891B54C0D – This high-quality, 24-week randomized controlled trial investigated adjunctive mangosteen pericarp extract for bipolar depression. It found significant reductions in anxiety symptoms and some improvements in depressive symptoms and psychosocial functioning, though effects were inconsistent and regressed after treatment cessation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11479905/ – This preclinical animal study, along with others, demonstrates that mangosteen pericarp extract significantly lowers blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol in diabetic and obese rodent models. It also reduces inflammatory markers, suggesting anti-diabetic and anti-obesity potential.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9219858/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies found that α-mangostin from Garcinia mangostana exhibited antimicrobial effects comparable to commercially available antibiotics against various microbes, including biofilm inhibition, highlighting its potential as an antimicrobial agent.
https://japsonline.com/abstract.php?article_id=3250&sts=2 – This animal study on hypertension models showed that mangosteen pericarp extract reduced oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzymes and decreasing lipid peroxidation. It also improved cardiovascular parameters like blood pressure and vascular morphology, indicating cardiovascular protective effects.
https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/br.2021.1439 – This preclinical animal study, consistent with others, reported significant reductions in glucose, lipids, and inflammatory markers in diabetic and obese rodent models. It also showed improved insulin secretion and antioxidant status, supporting the extract's metabolic benefits.