Related Terms

• Alpha-Mangostin, ambisiasin, anthocyanic glycosides, benzophenone, Best-Mangosteen®, beta-mangostin, buah manggis (Malay), cay mang cut (Vietnamese), Clusiaceae, dao nian zi (Chinese), dulxanthone D, gamma-mangostin, garcinia (Italian), Garcinia mangostana Gaertn., Garcinia mangostana L., Garcinia mangostana Linn., garciniafuran, garcinone E, Guttiferae (family), king's fruit, maclurin, mang cut (Vietnamese), mang ko seu t'in (Korean), manggis (Dutch, Javanese, Malay, Tagalog), manggistan (Dutch, Malay), manggusta (Malay), mangkhut (Thai), mangkut (Thai), mangoosutin (Japanese), mangosta (Portuguese), mangostan (English, French), mangostán (Spanish), mangostana (Italian), Mangostanbaum (German), Mangostane (German), mangostanier (French), mangostannin, mangostano (Italian), mangostão (Portuguese), mangostenone C, mangostier (French), mangostin (German), mangosuchin (Japanese), mangosutin (Japanese), mangoustan (French), mangoustanier (French), mangoutse (French), mangoxanthone, manguita, mangushtanpazam, mangusta (Portuguese), mangustan (Russian), men-gu (Burmese), mesetor (Malay), pannerale, polysaccharides, prenylated xanthone, purple mangosteen, queen of fruits, sementah (Malay), semetah (Malay), shan zhu (Taiwanese), sugars, tannins, tavir, terpenoids, Thai-Go®, xango, XanGo®, xango juice, XanoMax®, xanthones.

Background

• Mangosteen is a tropical tree native to Asia. In southeast Asian traditional medicine, such as Thai indigenous medicine, the fruit hulls (pericarp) or rinds of mangosteen are used for many different conditions, including skin infections, wounds, and diarrhea. Other plant parts, such as the leaves, bark, and fruit pulp, are also used in traditional medicine.

• Mangosteen contains many active phytochemicals. One set of compounds, the prenylated xanthones, has been well-researched; there are several laboratory studies showing antibacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects, and studies in animals showing anti-inflammatory effects. However, currently there are no high-quality human trials supporting the effectiveness of mangosteen for any indication.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Abdominal pain, anaphylaxis, anthelminthic (expels worms), antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-viral, cancer, cardiotonic, CNS stimulant, cystitis, depression, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, eczema, gonorrhea, immune system stimulant, leukorrhea (vaginal discharge), liver health (hydrocholeretic), osteoarthritis, skin infections, tuberculosis, ulcers, urinary tract infections, wound healing (infections).

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older):

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for mangosteen.

Children (younger than 18 years):

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for mangosteen, and use in children is not recommended.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to mangosteen.

Side Effects and Warnings

• No studies on the short or long-term safety of mangosteen are currently available. When used as a food source, mangosteen seems to be well tolerated. However, laboratory study indicates that some mangosteen extracts and constituents may cause cardiovascular, central nervous system, and musculoskeletal adverse effects. Based on this preliminary study, use cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, clotting disorders, or using anticoagulation medicine. Also, use cautiously in patients using chemotherapeutic agents, as mangosteen may interact with chemotherapeutic agents (i.e., anthracyclines, platinum compounds, and alkylating agents) whose mechanism of action involves oxidation.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Mangosteen is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Based on laboratory studies, mangosteen may increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).

• Based on laboratory studies, mangosteen may have an anti-histamine effect. Caution is advised in patients taking anti-histamine medication.

• Due to anti-oxidant effects, mangosteen may interact with chemotherapeutic agents (i.e., anthracyclines, platinum compounds, and alkylating agents) whose mechanism of action involves oxidation.

• Based on laboratory study, mangosteen may inhibit phosphodiesterase. Caution is advised in patients taking phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining therapies.

• Mangosteen may block serotonin receptors. Caution is advised in patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant agents. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Based on laboratory studies, mangosteen may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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2. Ho CK, Huang YL, Chen CC. Garcinone E, a xanthone derivative, has potent cytotoxic effect against hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Planta Med 2002;68(11):975-979. View Abstract

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