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Other common
name(s): xango, mangostan, queen of fruits, numerous
brand names
Scientific/medical
name(s): Garcinia
mangostana
Description
Mangosteen is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia that
is touted for its antioxidants, especially xanthones, a type of
chemical in certain plants. Its fruit, including the rind and pulp, can
be pureed together and is sometimes sold as a drink. Mangosteen juice
products may also be mixed with other types of juice. Its rind may be
dried and made into a powder, and substances are also extracted from
its bark. Mangosteen products are also available in capsule and tablet
form. They are sold in health food stores, on the Internet, and through
individual independent distributors.
Despite the name, mangosteen is not related to the mango.
Overview
Although there is no reliable evidence that mangosteen juice,
puree, or bark is effective as a treatment for cancer in humans, its
fruit has been shown to be rich in anti-oxidants. Very early laboratory
studies suggest it may have promise as a topical treatment for acne.
Early small laboratory and animal studies suggest that further research
should be done to determine whether it can help to prevent cancer in
humans.
How is it promoted for use?
Mangosteen is promoted to support microbiological balance,
help the immune system, improve joint flexibility, and provide mental
support. Some proponents claim that it can help diarrhea, infections,
tuberculosis, and a host of other illnesses. In countries where the
tree grows, various parts of the plant are used by native healers.
What does it involve?
In the United States, mangosteen is consumed as a juice or
purèe or taken by mouth in capsule or tablet, often along
with other herbs, fruits, or plants. In Asia and the Philippines, the
rind may be steeped in water to make tea. Some folk healers prepare an
ointment or salve to apply to the skin for conditions such as eczema,
injuries, and infections. Others boil the leaves and bark of the tree
to make a medicinal drink or to mix with other herbs to apply to
wounds. The roots may be boiled to make a drink for women with
menstrual problems.
What is the history behind it?
Parts of the mangosteen tree, including the fruit and bark,
have been used in folk medicine in Asian countries for many years. In
the mid-1800s, a compound in mangosteen, mangostin, was identified as a
xanthone, a type of anti-oxidant. Mangostin was found to have
anti-inflammatory effects in rats in the late 1970s. Today, mangosteen
is sold in the United States mainly through a network marketing system,
in which independent distributors, rather than stores, buy and sell
mangosteen juice. Many mangosteen products are also available from
health food stores and on the Internet.
In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned
one mangosteen vendor that the product was being illegally marketed.
The FDA observed that the product was being promoted to treat illness,
for which it had not been proved safe and effective.
What is the evidence?
Like many other plants, mangosteen extracts have shown in
laboratory tests that they can stop certain bacteria and fungi from
growing. One laboratory study suggested that mangosteen extract
inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria. It has not been tested on
people to determine whether it can help acne. In the laboratory, it
also slowed the growth of certain cancer cells. A small study in rats
suggested that the rind of the mangosteen may reduce the risk of cancer
cell growth in the bowel. However, the ability of mangosteen to inhibit
cancer growth has not been tested in humans.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
This product is sold as a
dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike drugs (which must be
tested before being allowed to be sold), the companies that make
supplements are not required to prove to the Food and Drug
Administration that their supplements are safe or effective, as long as
they don't claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any
specific disease.
Some such products may not
contain the amount of the herb or substance that is written on the
label, and some may include other substances (contaminants). Actual
amounts per dose may vary between brands or even between different
batches of the same brand.
Most such
supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with
medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some
reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full
studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of
these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions
below should be considered incomplete.
Only one case of a serious adverse event possibly related to
mangosteen juice has been reported. Doctors described a daily user of
mangosteen juice who developed lactic acidosis (acidic blood due to
buildup of a byproduct of sugar metabolism). Because mangosteen juice
is quite popular and most users do not develop lactic acidosis, the
doctors suggest that this problem may have resulted from an interaction
of this supplement with other drugs he was taking.
No other ill effects have been reported to date. As with all
plants, allergies may be possible. Because of its antioxidant effects,
mangosteen supplements may make radiation therapy or chemotherapy less
effective. While this concern is based largely on theories of how
cancer treatments work, it is supported by some recent studies. For
this reason, people being treated for cancer should speak with their
doctors before taking this supplement. Other interactions are not well
described. Always talk with your doctor and pharmacist about all the
supplements and herbs you are taking.
Relying on this type of treatment alone, and avoiding or
delaying conventional medical care for cancer, may have serious health
consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Chomnawang MT, Surassmo S, Nukoolkarn VS, Gritsanapan W.
Antimicrobial effects of Thai medicinal plants against acne-inducing
bacteria. J
Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jul 8.
Lawenda BD, Kelly KM, Ladas EJ, Sagar SM, Vickers A, Blumberg
JB. Should supplemental antioxidant administration be avoided during
chemotherapy and radiation therapy? J Natl Cancer Inst.
2008;100:773-783.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Mangosteen, Clinical
Summary. Accessed at: http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69295.cfm on June
11, 2008.
Moongkarndi P, Kosem N, Luanratana O, Jongsomboonkusol S,
Pongpan N. Antiproliferative activity of Thai medicinal plant extracts
on human breast adenocarcinoma cell line. Fitoterapia. 2004;
75:375-377.
Nabandith V, Suzui M, Morioka T, et al. Inhibitory effects of
crude alpha-mangostin, a xanthone derivative, on two different
categories of colon preneoplastic lesions induced by 1,
2-dimethylhydrazine in the rat. Asian
Pac J Cancer Prev. 2004;5:433-438.
Mangosteen. Accessed at:
www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/DSH/hm.html on June 11,
2008.
US Food and Drug Administration. Cyber letters. Accessed at:
http://www.fda.gov/foi/warning_letters/g6031d.pdf. on July 13, 2007.
Content no longer available.
Wong LP, Klemmer PJ. Severe lactic acidosis associated with
juice of the mangosteen fruit Garcinia mangostana. Am J Kidney Dis.
2008;51:829-833.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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