Mangosteen fruit scientifically known as (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical evergreen tree, believed to have been originated in Indonesia and is widely available in several South East Asian regions like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and is only grown in other tropical latitudes, since they require humid and regulated temperatures.
It is an evergreen tree reaching about 20- 60 ft in height. It is commonly found in tropical rainforests of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines as well as in some cultivated lands in Sri Lanka, and India, where annual precipitation and relative humidity are favorable for its growth. Fresh purple fruits are available in the markets from June until October.
Each tree bears several deep purple colored round shaped fruits, capped with light green calyx at the stem end. Fully matured fruit measures about 3-7 cm in diameter. Its outer tough rind is about 7-12 mm thick, and contains bitter yellow latex that stains clothes black.
Mangosteen is a dark purple fruit (white on the inside). Internally; the fruit features 4 to 10 juicy, snow-white color, soft, fleshy triangular segments as in oranges. Each segment may contain 1-4 off white colored seeds. Seeds are inedible and bitter in taste. The flavor of fruit is sweet, fragrant, and delicious, offering numerous health benefits in the form of antioxidants. Both the fruit and the skin are incredibly potent disease fighters.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF MANGOSTEEN
This exotic fruit, used in traditional medicine for centuries, contains some of the most potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal compounds in nature.
- Helps to combat PAIN it contains anti-inflammatory property which may decrease inflammation, and joint damage linked with arthritis, or pain caused by sports workout and minor injuries.
- Decreases free radical damage and inflammatory build up – helps to maintain the BLOOD VESSEL HEALTH, CHOLESTEROL LEVEL, PROTECTS HEART MUSCLE and LOWERS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
- Boosts ENERGY without stimulants.
- Maintain INTESTINAL HEALTH – relieve diarrhea, constipation and stimulates normal bowel health.
- Helps in SKIN CONDITION – can be applied on the skin for eczema, fights against bacteria which causes most acne, assist in wound healing.
- Helps to COMBAT INFECTION – viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and fever.
- May decrease BLOOD SUGAR in Type II diabetes by making insulin more effective.
- Helps to combat FREE RADICAL DAMAGE that results in cell mutations (cancer and tumor growth).
- Protects BRAIN AND NERVE HEALTH – help to combat Parkinson and Alzheimer disease.
- Relieves DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY.
- Helps in VISION HEALTH – may prevent protein cross linking associated with glaucoma.
- Helps to combat ALLERGIES (anti-histamine) and support immune system.
- Helps to MANAGE WEIGHT – reduce body fat.
Here we see how Mangosteen is used in certain coutries:
THAILAND: Mangosteen is used to treat infected wounds, tuberculosis, malaria, urinary tract infections, and other diseases.
INDIA: Natives used dried rind (pericarp) of the mangosteen for chronic dysentery, diarrhea, other gastrointestinal problems, gout and fevers.
PHILIPPINES: Used for fevers, thrush, diarrhea, dysentery and urinary disorders.
CARIBBEAN: A tea made from mangosteen is used as a tonic for fatigue and low energy.
BRAZIL: Tea made from mangosteen to help in digestion.
VENEZUELA: The fruit rind is used to treat skin infection.
In conclusion, independent scientific research studies and clinical experience all show the remarkable health benefits of Mangosteen.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF MANGOSTEEN
- Mangosteen has been found to contain many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin (B12), and niacin (B3). It has also been found to contain substances that have antihistamine and chemoprotective effects.
- It also contains a class of naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds called xanthones. Polyphenolic compounds are found in edible and inedible plants, and have been found to have multiple biological effects including antioxidant activity thought to be approximately five times stronger than vitamins C and E.
- Mangosteen contains 50 of the 200 known xanthones, the source of its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants have been shown to neutralize destructive free radicals in the body which cause oxidative stress at the cellular level, a root cause of degenerative and chronic disease.
- Xanthones are antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiplasmodial, cytotoxic, and antihepatoxic (prevent liver disease).
- Ongoing studies are researching their beneficial effects on a variety of diseases, including: arthritis, asthma, Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s, stroke, ulcers, and urinary tract infections.
- Both the white fruit and the purple skin are suffused with disease-fighting antioxidants, anti-radicals, anti-aging agents and cancer-fighting agents.
Studies Done on Mangosteen
Mangosteens have been used in numerous anti-cancer studies, with positive results. One study showed how mangosteens can significantly slow the growth of cancerous colorectal tumors.
Another indicated the potential to successfully slow prostate cancer. The growth of skin cancer cells was inhibited using mangosteen extracts, proving that this relatively unknown tropical fruit may have future significance in the fight against cancer. Importantly, one study concluded that mangosteen could eventually prove “chemopreventive,” or prevent the need for chemotherapy.
Anti-cancer properties: Health benefits of mangosteen include anti-cancer properties. The pericarps of mangosteen contain xanthones which exhibitanti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. The xanthones inhibit the cell growth in human colon cancer and as per a research studyconducted by Akao Y et al. they exhibit the potential to be developed as agents to prevent cancer or can be used in combination with anti-cancer drugs for beneficial effects.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Mangosteen has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent since many years in Southeast Asian countries. Scientific research study also showed that the extracts of mangosteen have anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory properties and they inhibit the release of histamine and prostaglandin which are associated with inflammation in the human body.
Healthy skin: Mangosteen helps in maintaining healthy skin. The anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-allergy and anti-oxidant properties help in reducing risk of various conditions such as skin inflammation, skin aging, eczema, allergies and bacterial infections. Research studies have been carried out to ascertain the various benefits of mangosteen for skin and one such study suggests that mangosteen has anti-skin cancer properties and has the potential of being an anti-skin cancer agent.
Anti – Ageing: Aging comes about due to oxidation. Mangosteen is filled with antioxidants such as catechin (the antioxidant found in green tea). This helps in fighting free radicals. Hence, start consuming mangosteen to look younger forever.
Healthy immune system: Mangosteen is rich in various nutrients, minerals, vitamins and xanthone which help in boosting the immune system. These nutrients protect the body from various health ailments that weaken the immune system.
Boosts your energy: This fruit can help you feel refreshed and energized all day long. Its nutrients will help you look more refreshed and youthful. It provides a boost of energy.
Antioxidant properties: Mangosteen is among the fruits that are known to contain powerful antioxidants that are useful to the immune system and the entire body. These antioxidants contain cell boosters that are referred to as xanthones which contain various properties that have medicinal value. This is why mangosteen is termed as a healing fruit which can be used to reverse to the effects of diseases that are associated with common man.
Medicinal use: Mangosteen with its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties is beneficial as a medicinal drink and for quick healing of wounds. The leaves and bark of the tree can be mixed with other medicinal herbs and applied to the wounds for a faster recovery. The medicinal drink can be prepared by boiling the leaves and the bark of the tree.
Alzheimer’s: One of the major health benefits of mangosteen is its effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s disease. This disease is accompanied by symptoms like confusion and perplexity and difficulty in remembering things.
Diarrhea and dysentery: Use of mangosteen is beneficial in stomach disorders as well. The mangosteen pericarp and peel are effective in providing relief from stomach disorders such as diarrhea and dysentery.
Menstrual problems: The roots of mangosteen also provide health benefits. Mangosteen root helps in regulating menstrual cycle in women.
Gum disease: Mangosteen acts as a weapon to fight against the gum disease known as periodontitis. The gel of mangosteen helps to cure gum problems.
Astringent properties: The bark and leaves of the mangosteen tree exhibit astringent properties and are beneficial in curing thrush or aphtha.
Cardioprotective effect: Mangosteen may also be helpful in reducing risk of stroke or myocardial infarction. Findings of a study indicate the cardio protective effect of mangosteen on antioxidant tissue defense system and lipid peroxidation during stroke.
Diabetes: Diabetes is a medical condition that is also common in the modern society. Though it is manageable using prescribed medication it can be a health risk especially if adequate precautions are not taken. Mangosteen one natural remedy which is effective in managing and maintaining blood sugar levels in the body
Tuberculosis: Mangosteen fruit contains strong antibacterial and antifungal properties besides being highly effective in boosting weak immune systems. Its inhibitory action against harmful bacteria is effective for patients suffering from tuberculosis.
Weight loss: Incorporating mangosteen in diet may be effective in weight loss. The various nutrients found in mangosteen also ensure good health and well-being.
Long List of Mangosteen Healing Properties
To sum it all up, here’s a partial list of the 200-plus, mind-boggling Mangosteen medicinal benefits and properties from the catalog of prominent ethnobotanist, Dr. James Duke.
Anti-aging – helps prevent aging
Anti-allergenic – helps prevent allergic reactions
Anti-arthritic – helps prevent arthritis
Anti-atherosclerotic – helps prevent the hardening of the arteries
Antibiotic – prevents or modulates bacterial infections
Anti-calculitic – helps prevent kidney stones
Anti-cataract – helps prevent cataracts
Antidepressant – helps with depression
Anti-diarrheal – helps with diarrhea
Anti-fatigue – helps relieve fatigue
Antifungal – prevents or modulates fungal infections
Anti-glaucomic – helps prevent glaucoma
Anti-Inflammatory – helps with inflammation
Anti-lipidemic – helps lower blood fat
Anti-neuralgic – helps in nerve pain
Anti-obesity – helps in weight loss
Anti-osteoporosis – helps prevent the loss of bone mass
Antioxidant-rich – rich in antioxidants
Anti-oxolytic – anti-anxiety
Anti-Parkinson – helps with Parkinson’s disease
Anti-periodontic – helps prevent gum disease
Antipyretic – helps lower fever
Anti-tumor and cancer-preventive
Anti-vertigo – helps prevent dizziness
Antiviral – prevents or modulates viral infections
Cardio-protective – helps in the protection of the heart
Hypoglycemic – helps stabilize blood sugar
Hypotensive – helps lower blood pressure
Immunostimulant – helps the immune system fight infection
This exotic fruit, used in traditional medicine for centuries, contains some of the most potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal compounds in nature.
Independent scientific research studies and clinical experience all show the remarkable health benefits of Mangosteen.