Mangosteen

Scientific Name(s): Garcinia mangostana
Common Name(s): Mangostan, Mangosteen

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 23, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

Mangosteen possesses possible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antihistamine properties, but clinical data are lacking. An herbal formulation containing extracts obtained from mangosteen and Sphaeranthus indicus has been evaluated for weight loss; however, attributing positive findings to either of the individual constituent extracts is difficult.

Dosing

Clinical data are lacking to provide dosing recommendations. Mangosteen is available in capsule, tablet, and cream doseforms, and has also been used as an ingredient in nutraceutical beverages.

Contraindications

Avoid use if hypertensive to any constituents of mangosteen.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

None well documented.

Toxicology

No data.

Scientific Family

• Guttiferae

Botany

The genus Garcinia comprises nearly 400 species of evergreen trees and shrubs. Mangosteen is a slow-growing and shallow-rooted evergreen tree reaching up to 25 m in height. The leaves are thick and leathery, while the flowers are fleshy and 4 to 5 cm in diameter. The flowers are often green on the outside and yellow to red on the inside, with 4 sepals and 4 petals. Many of the species of the Guittiferae family bear edible fruit; however, mangosteen is the most valued tropical fruit.Akao 2008, Chin 2008, Ramage 2004

The fruit is round, 2.5 to 7.5 cm in diameter, and weighs about 75 to 150 g. The rind is smooth and 0.6 to 1 cm thick. The exterior is pale green when immature and dark purple when fully ripe. The inner pulp contains 4 to 8 juicy white segments that are sweet and faintly aromatic. The fruits may or may not contain seeds.Akao 2008, Chin 2008, Ramage 2004

Mangosteen is thought to be native to Southeast Asia or Indonesia and remains largely indigenous to the Malay Peninsula, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Moluccas. During the past 2 centuries, mangosteen has been cultivated in tropical areas such as India, Honduras, Brazil, and Australia. The species thrives in warm and humid or tropical climates and has a narrow range of adaptability.Akao 2008, Chin 2008, Ramage 2004

Mangosteen species are of economic and commercial interest, with tremendous demand for the fruit in domestic and export markets. Thailand is responsible for approximately 85% of the total production of 150,000 tons per year. Malaysia and Indonesia are also major commercial producing countries. Depending on the growth cycle, a single tree may produce 500 to 800 fruits in 1 year. Other commercial uses include landscape material (the crown) and natural dye for cotton and silk yarn.Akao 2008, Chairat 2007, Chin 2008, Ramage 2004

History

The rind, leaves, fruit, and bark of mangosteen have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. The rind and leaves have been used medicinally to treat thick mucus, cystitis, diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and thrush, as well as intestinal and skin ailments such as eczema and pruritus.Akao 2008, Chin 2008, Chomnawang 2007,