Medical Benefits of Mangosteen

For hundreds of years, the medical benefits of mangosteen have been recognized and applied traditionally in South East Asia, China, Africa to treat various health problems. This amazing tropical fruit, also known as “Queen of Fruits” is native to Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. This little known wisdom of folk used remedies has come to attention and now we have over 3 decades of scientific research study on why it works and how it works.

The benefits of the mangosteen fruit are said to reach far beyond the nutritional value of the fruit alone. Like other fruits, the mangosteen attributes important nutrients such as vitamin C, fiber, potassium and even some biologically active compounds like Catechins and Proanthocyanidins. What sets it apart is the unique antioxidant content mostly found in pericarp, or rind. This unique antioxidant content is called xanthones. In laboratory vitro study (test tube), mangosteen xanthones possess anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant properties. However, there is no proof that these xanthones have the same effect when taken orally as when tested in a laboratory setting so far.

Benefits of Mangosteen Fruit

By combining some of the testimonials, personal experience with the scientific study, here are the summaries of the health benefits of mangosteen:

*Help to combat pain (anti-inflammatory property which may decrease inflammation, pain and joint damage linked with arthritis, or pain caused by sports workout and minor injuries)

*Decrease free radical damage and inflammatory build up - help to maintain the blood vessel health, cholesterol level, protect heart muscle, lower high blood pressure

*Boost energy without stimulants

*Maintain intestinal health - relieve diarrhea, constipation, stimulate normal bowel health

*Help in skin condition - can be applied on the skin for eczema, fight against bacteria which causes most acne, assist in wound healing

*Help to combat infection - viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, fevers

*May decrease blood sugar in Type II diabetes by making insulin more effective

*Help to combat free radical damage that resulting in cell mutations (cancer and tumor growth)

*Protect brain and nerve health - help to combat Parkinson, Alzheimer disease

*Relieve depression and anxiety

*Help in vision health - may prevent protein cross linking associated with glaucoma

*Help to combat allergies (anti-histamine), support immune system

*Help to manage weight - reduce body fat

In summary, the scientific study on the medical | health care benefits of mangosteen is still at its early stage. Ironically, there are tremendous health claims, testimonials regarding the use of mangosteen health supplements and it sounds convincing while lacking scientific proof on human. This has made the benefits of mangosteen become a controversial issue and sometimes we do not know if those claims are “too good to be true” or is it just the commercial marketing strategies?