Mangosteen Blend
Also known as: Mangosteen, Mangosteen fruit, Purple mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana Linn.
Overview
Mangosteen, scientifically known as *Garcinia mangostana Linn.*, is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is mainly recognized for its pericarp (rind), which is used for medicinal purposes and is rich in bioactive compounds, particularly xanthones. Traditionally, mangosteen has been valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Contemporary studies have linked it to potential benefits in managing various health conditions, including diabetes and mental health disorders. Despite the growing interest and emerging research backing its effects, human clinical trials are still limited, necessitating further exploration of its therapeutic potential.
Benefits
Mangosteen is noted for several evidence-backed benefits: 1. **Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects:** Studies indicate that mangosteen extracts have significant antioxidant capacity, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation[1][3]. 2. **Hypoglycemic Activity:** Mangosteen has shown promise in lowering blood glucose levels and improving lipid profiles, particularly in diabetic models[2]. 3. **Neuroprotective Properties:** The xanthones in mangosteen could provide neuroprotective effects, potentially beneficial for mood and psychotic disorders[1]. These benefits are particularly significant in populations with diabetes or chronic inflammatory conditions. Despite promising outcomes, the quality of evidence varies, as many studies are conducted on animals rather than humans.
How it works
The action of mangosteen primarily hinges on its xanthones, which exhibit strong antioxidant properties that help mitigate oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals. These compounds also contribute to reducing inflammation, possibly through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, there is evidence that xanthones interact with serotonin receptors and modulate signaling pathways such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), offering neuroprotective benefits. However, specifics regarding human absorption and bioavailability remain unclear.
Side effects
Mangosteen is generally regarded as safe when consumed at traditional rates, though long-term safety data is scarce. Known common side effects are limited and not well-documented in human studies. There have been mentions of gastrointestinal upset and potential allergic reactions in rare cases. The risk of interactions with medications is plausible due to its bioactive compounds, yet specific interactions remain underexplored. Caution is advised for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals due to a lack of safety data. Notably, individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels vigilantly when supplementing with mangosteen.
Dosage
The effective dosage of mangosteen extracts for humans is not well-established. Available studies on animals typically employ doses ranging from 18 to 400 mg/kg of body weight. Thus, while no universal recommendation exists, caution and individual consideration are advised. As for timing, there are no specifications on optimal administration times, and various preparation forms (like ethanol and methanol extracts) have been studied with no clear preference established for human applications. Notably, bioavailability can vary with extraction methods, indicating further practical research is necessary to clarify dosing guidelines.
FAQs
Is mangosteen effective for weight loss?
While some studies suggest potential benefits regarding metabolism, concrete evidence regarding its effectiveness for weight loss in humans is still lacking.
Can mangosteen supplements replace medications?
No, mangosteen should not replace conventional treatments. Consult healthcare providers before starting any supplement regime.
Are there any known drug interactions with mangosteen?
Although potential interactions exist due to its bioactive compounds, specific drug interaction studies remain limited.
What are the common side effects of mangosteen?
Common side effects are not well-documented but may include mild gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions in rare cases.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00115/full – This review discusses the therapeutic potential of mangosteen pericarp, highlighting its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties useful in treating mood and psychotic disorders, though stresses that further clinical trials are necessary.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1472419/full – A systematic review indicating that mangosteen extracts have demonstrable hypoglycemic effects in diabetic rodent models, though it notes the absence of human studies to validate these findings.
- https://oamjms.eu/index.php/mjms/article/view/8746 – This systematic review emphasizes the anti-inflammatory effects of mangosteen, presenting potential benefits for various health conditions but acknowledges the predominance of in vitro and animal studies.