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 Mangosteen Research
ANTIOXIDANT
An antioxidant is a molecule with extra electrons it can
donate to inactivate or "mop up" free radicals. The body's immune and other
systems produce homemade antioxidants, and some vitamins such as E and C are
also powerful antioxidants. But there exist other potent antioxidants, and these
powerful protective substances are only found in certain plants such as the
mangosteen. After studying the antioxidant properties of the mangosteen's
xanthones, researchers discovered that they exhibited "potent free radical
scavenging activity". A study conducted in Singapore compared the antioxidant
properties of three major fruits from Southeast Asia ... rambutan, durian and
mangosteen. The paper concludes that, "mangosteen extract displayed the greatest
antioxidant activity." The study further states that, "garcinia mangostana
activity is nearly seven times that of durios zibethinus, (durian)" with regards
to antioxidant capacity. It is said that good research answers one question and
asks several more. If the mangosteen fruit showed strong antioxidant activity
against free radicals, could it help in treating diseases of the cardiovascular
and the immune systems?
XANTHONES
There are over 200 known xanthones in nature and over 40 are found in the
mangosteen. Xanthones are a biologically active group of molecules and possess a
six-carbon conjugated ring structure with multiple double carbon bonds that make
the xanthone molecule very stable. It has been stated that, "xanthones show
considerable biological activity, and it is surprising that none has so far has
an established use in medicine." The xanthones of the mangosteen have been
widely studied by researchers around the world. A few of the most studied
mangosteen xanthones are
• Alpha-mangostin.
• Gamma-mangostin.
• Garcinone E.
Mangosteen (Garcina mangostana L)
It has a smooth thick, firm rind that is pale green when immature and dark
purple or red-purple when ripe. Enclosed by the rind is the edible pulp in 4 - 8
white segments. Each fruit has 1 to 2 seeds. The mangosteen fruit contains a
compound called xanthones, which is thought to have antioxidant properties. The
plant is also a rich source of other bioactive molecules including flavenoids,
benzophenones, lactones, and phenolic acids.
Benefits
· Antioxidant protection against free radicals
· Maintains immune system health
· Promotes joint flexibility
· Provides positive mental support
· Reduces allergies
· Reduces joint inflammation
The human body produces free radicals during everyday life. Free radicals are
atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of (unpaired) electrons. Free
radicals are very unstable and react quickly with other compounds. Once formed,
free radicals can start a chain reaction of cell damage finally resulting in
death of the cell. Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, and selenium, are
chemicals found in whole foods (especially fruits and vegetables) that help to
protect the body's cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. Xanthone is
a compound found in mangosteen fruit that provide's strong antioxidant
properties.
VITAMINS
Vitamins have been proven to protect us from a number of different diseases.
Many of the beneficial effects of vitamins on our health have been linked to
their antioxidant properties. Much research has recently focused on how
antioxidant vitamins may reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Antioxidant
vitamins — E, C and beta carotene (a form of vitamin A) — have potential
health-promoting properties. Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad")
cholesterol is important in the development of fatty buildups in the arteries.
This process, called atherosclerosis, can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Until recently, it was thought that LDL cholesterol lipoprotein oxidation and
its biological effects could be prevented by using antioxidant supplements.
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