Biological activities and bioavailability of mangosteen xanthones: a critical review of the current evidence

Abstract

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia that produces a fruit whose pericarp contains a family of tricyclic isoprenylated polyphenols referred to as xanthones. Numerous in vitro studies have shown that these xanthones possess anti-oxidant, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic activities. Aggressive marketing of such health promoting benefits has resulted in mangosteen's classification as a "superfruit". This has led to sales of mangosteen containing beverages in USA alone exceeding $200 million in 2008 despite very limited animal and human studies. This review will (a) critically address recent reports of in vivo studies on the bioavailability and metabolism of mangosteen xanthones, (b) update the in vitro and in vivo data on anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities of mangosteen xanthones, and (c) suggest needed areas of inquiry regarding the absorption, metabolism and efficacy of mangosteen xanthones.

Figure 1

Chemical structures of two most abundant xanthones in mangosteen.

Figure 2

Number of publications related to mangosteen and their xanthones from 1980 to 2013. Search words: mangosteen, xanthones. Search performed on April 24 2013, including ahead of print publications. Databases: Pubmed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scirus.

Figure 3

Transport and metabolism of mangosteen xanthones across intestinal epithelium. MG: xanthones; MG-X: xanthone phase II metabolites; MG_Y,Z: bioconversion products of xanthones.