Adam Winners asked:


Scientific research into the health benefits of xanthones from mangosteen has been conducted since the 1970s and, although there is still much more work to be done, the results thus far are very promising. Mangosteen is a complex research subject because it contains over 40 xanthones. Choices, therefore, need to be made regarding which particular xanthone should be the focus of any given study. Two of the most studied xanthones are alpha-mangostin and gamma-mangostin.

Both of these compounds have been shown to be very effective anti-inflammatory agents. Several studies led by Nakatani, published in Biochemical Pharmacology in 2002 and Molecular Pharmacology in 2004, confirmed that gamma-mangostin is a potent COX-2 inhibitor. This means that it is a factor in reducing inflammation and its associated pain. The authors conclude that gamma-mangostin “is a new useful lead compound for anti-inflammatory drug development.”

Several xanthones have been studied for their efficacy in treating cancer. A paper published in the Journal of Natural Products in 2003 showed that a variety of xanthones from mangosteen were all able to inhibit the growth of human leukemia cells. The same authors in a follow up study (Bioorg Med Chem. 2004 Nov 15;12(22):5799-806) concluded that alpha-mangostin would be a candidate for preventive and therapeutic application for cancer treatment. A study by Moongkarndi and others (J Ethnopharmacol 2004; 90(1):161-166) on the effect of mangosteen pericarp extract on human breast cancer cells found that it had “potential for cancer chemoprevention.

The antioxidative ability of the xanthone mangostin was shown by Williams and others (Free Radic Res 1995; 23(2):175-184) to lower “bad” cholesterol levels. This helps prevent the buildup of plaque within blood vessels and lowers the risk of heart disease.

Several research studies have verified the traditional use of mangosteen as an antibacterial agent. For example, a study by Iinuma and others, published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology in 1996, showed that alpha-mangostin exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The authors concluded that “the compounds might find wide pharmaceutical use.” Another study involving alpha-mangostin showed that it was effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Gamma-mangostin has also been shown to be effective against some viruses. One study (Planta Med 1996; 62(4):381-382) showed that it was able to cause the HIV-1 virus to remain immature and incapable of infection.

It should be noted that all the above research results were obtained in laboratory studies. To be more meaningful, follow up clinical trials using human subjects need to be carried out. However, the results to date indicate that xanthones from mangosteen may have a major role to play in the treatment of a wide range of health problems.



Bert

D Fraser asked:


Xanthones (form of antioxidant) which are found in high quantities in the mangosteen fruit have been found to offer numerous benefits. One of the most recent discoveries is they’re been linked to helping with Fibromyalgia. What exactly have they been found to do for Fibromyalgia patients? Xanthones have been found to act as pain relievers.

It’s no secret that the mangosteen fruit offers numerous medical benefits, while they are medicinal in nature, the people of Southeast Asia have been consuming the fruit for hundreds of years and reaping the herbal benefits of the fruit. There’s little doubt that as time progresses we’ll discover more and more healthy benefits this fruit has to offer.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Just a brief overview of what is Fibromyalgia. A very frustrating and debilitating disease that is characterized (but not limited to) joint, muscle, and bone pain combined with fatigue. Of course those can be th symptoms of other similar chronic syndromes such as lupus or chronic fatigue syndrome. This makes it very difficult for doctors to diagnose properly and in a timely fashion.

The main symptom of Fibromyalgia is that of widespread pain through out the body. The pain is often accompanied by increased sensitivity in the skin, along with aches and pain in muscle tissue and a weakness in limbs.

Other symptoms that are often associated with Fibromyalgia include chronic paresthesia, physical fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, genitourinary symptoms such as those associated with chronic interstitial cystitis, as well as dermatological disorders, headaches, myoclonic twitches, and symptomatic hypoglycemia.

While there isn’t an actual cure for the disease the best treatment is to seek out options to help relieve suffering from symptoms. This is where the relations of mangosteen and Fibromyalgia comes into play.

Fibromyalgia and Mangosteens

There aren’t any scientific claims that there is a hardened fast relationship between Fibromyalgia and mangosteens, those suffering from the disease who have tried mangosteen to help with pain relief seem to have nothing but positive results to speak of.

The mystery disease that is Fibromyalgia is constantly leaving doctors guessing, so patients often get fed up with “Western medicine” and opt to see out other options to help relieve pain and symptoms. Quite often prescribed meds from doctors just don’t do the job. Many who suffer have noted that incorporating Mangosteen into their daily regime helps with relief from Fibromyalgia symptoms.

More then just relief from symptoms those consuming mangosteen also reported feeling better over all, which is likely contributed to the massive effect that Xanthones can have on our body. As each case is different your relationship of Fibromyalgia and mangosteens may not be the same as the next, but even without huge relief from symptoms this fruit is sure to have a positive effect on your overall health.



Conrad

Adam Winners asked:


In 600 AD, scribes in Southeast Asia first recorded the use of the Mangosteen fruit as a general remedy and healing agent. More than a thousand years later (1673), Laurens Garcin (the base of the name Garcinia mangostana), studied the fruit, provided detailed diagrams, and determined that the mangosteen was helpful in treating various intestinal inflammations. In the following centuries, scattered research and documentation continued. Then suddenly, in the late 20th century, the research multiplied. Today, you can visit the National Library of Medicine website and simply type the word “mangosteen.” You’ll get more than 20 documented results from the last 13 years alone. And each entry provides detailed research on the medicinal properties and health benefits of the mangosteen.

As you read through the research and talk to people who know about XanGo Juice, they’ll mention the word “xanthones.” So let me take a minute to explain what they’re talking about. You’ve heard of antioxidants; they’re a common health-conscious buzzword. So let’s define xanthones this way: xanthones are some of the most powerful antioxidants ever found. And the whole mangosteen fruit bursts with more than 40 known xanthones, all fighting hard to:

- Support microbiological balance

- Maintain immune system health

- Promote joint flexibility

- Provide positive mental support

And XanGo’s whole mangosteen fruit puree–formulated specifically for your overall wellbeing—represents the next generation of powerful phytonutrients. What are phytonutrients? All-natural plant compounds offering health-protecting benefits that will change the future of dietary supplements. Now you can search far and wide for xanthones. But chances are, you’ll only find trace amounts in certain fruits and vegetables. However, the pericarp of the mangosteen is the premier source of these nutrients in concentrated amounts.

Most scientific studies actually name the Mangosteen pericarp as the quintessential source of xanthones. And, until recently, the xanthone-packed power of the mangosteen has been one of nature’s best-kept secrets. Dr. David Morton has spent the past 3 years researching the power of the mangosteen fruit. Immediately compiling more than “a foot and a half” of research, Dr. Morton has become one of the primary experts on the properties of mangosteen. After all of his work, I think this statement sums up the way most people feel about XanGo Juice’s whole-fruit mangosteen supplement: “People want to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to herbal supplements, and the mangosteen fruit really rises above that, because the mangosteen fruit can back up its claims with science journals from around the world.” Dr. David Morton, Exploration DVD



Joseph

Tom K. asked:


Last summer I visit Thailand and tried mangosteen fruit for the first time. I absolutely found it to be one of the best food items I ever tasted. In Thailand you can get bag fulls for pennies, but in the U.S. I can not find one store which sells the fruit. Could someone let me know if it is sold in the U.S. and if so where? I live in the Philadelphia area.

Driscoll