Mangosteen

http://www.dweckdata.com/Published_papers/Garcinia_mangostana.pdf

A review of Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) Linn.

Anthony C. Dweck FLS FRSH FRSC

Latin name: Garcinia mangostana

Family: Guttiferae.

Common names: Mangosteen (the English derived from olden Malay, manggusta or manggistanl).

In Portuguese it is called mangostao (Feijao) [Burkill]. Sinhalese: Mangus; Tamil: Sulambali; Hindi: Mangustan [Jayaweera]. Manggis (Sul.), mangostan (Tag.) [Quisumbing]. German: Maogostane; Hind & Ben: Mangustan; Bom., Guj., and Mah.: Mangostin, Mengut, Mangastin, Mangustan; Burm: Mengkop, Mengut. Mimbu, Young-zalai; Mal.: Mangusta; Malay: Mangusta; Kon.: Tavir; French: Mangostan [Dey; Nadkarnis & Nadkarnis]. Mangostan (Tagalog, Samar-Leyte Bisaya, Bikol, Hiligaynon, Cebu Bisaya, Manobo); Mangosta (Iloko); Kadiis; Kanabla (Cebu Bisaya); Manggis (Tausug, Sulu)

Mangosteen (Chabakano). The fruit is often called the ‘Queen of Fruits’. Description: The plant was an import from Indonesia [Abbiw]. It is a tree 7-8 m high with dense heavy profusely branched crown, known only from cultivation in SE Asia and subsequently taken by man to other parts of the tropics. A constantly humid climate is required.

The leaves are leathery. The timber is dark-brown, rather hard and heavy and the inner bark yellowish. The petioles are short and thick. The flowers are 5 centimeters in diameter, 4-parted, bisexual, and borne singly or in pairs at the ends of the branchlets. The seeds are large, flattened- and embedded in snowy-white or pinkish delicious pulp, which is botanically called the aril. Dried fruits are shipped from Singapore to Calcutta and to China for medicinal use.

Distribution:

Central Provinces, Peradeniya. Indigenous to Malaya and cultivated in the west coast of India and Ceylon. It is a common fruit tree in most village gardens in Ceylon, both in the mid and wet low-country [Jayaweera]. Mangostan is usually found planted in parts of Mindanao and in the Sulu Archipelago, and occasionally in other regions, ranging at least as far as Sorsogon. It was purposely introduced into the Philippines from Malaya [Quisumbing]. It is a native of the Straights, Settlements and Singapore. Escape to British Burma, Malayan Peninsular (Malay Archipelago) and the Madras Presidency [Nadkarni and Nadkarni].

Food use: The round dark purple-brown fruit looks rather like a smooth small oddly coloured cricket ball. The juicy flesh of the Mangosteen is similar to that of a lychee [Bastyra and Canning]. Mangosteen is apple-shaped with dark leathery skin which ripens to a deep purple. Cooking kills the delicate flavour and texture. Low in vitamin C, eaten for flavour not vitamin content [Daily Mail]. The kernels can be ground to produce a vegetable butter [Burkill].

Antifungal use: The antifungal activity of several xanthones isolated from fruit hulls of G. mangostana (collected from Tamil Nadu, India) and some derivatives of mangostin against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum, Alternaria tenuis [A. alternata] and Drechslera oryzae [Cochliobolus miyabeanus] was evaluated. The natural xanthones inhibited the growth of all the fungi. Substitution in the A and C rings modified the bioactivities of the compounds [Geetha et al; Gopalakrishnan et al].

Antibacterial: Extracts of Garcinia mangostana showed inhibitory effects against the growth of Staph. aureus NIHJ 209p and some of the components had activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). One active isolate, α-mangostin, a xanthone derivative, had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.57-12.5 ug/ml. Other related xanthones were also examined to determine their anti-MRSA activity. The strong in-vitro antibacterial activity of xanthone derivatives against both methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus suggested the compounds might find wide pharmaceutical use [Iinuma et al].

Anti-inflammatory: G. mangostana fruit hulls are used as an antiinflammatory agent [Chairungsrilerd et al], astringent and to treat diarrhoea. The fruit hull of mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana has been used as a Thai indigenous medicine for many years.

The 40% ethanol extract of mangosteen has potent inhibitory activities of both histamine release and prostaglandin E2 synthesis [Nakatani et al].

Antioxidant: In the course of a search for natural antioxidants, the methanol extract of the fruit hulls of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) originating in Vietnam was found to exhibit a potent radical scavenging effect. By monitoring this radical scavenging effect, two xanthones, alpha- and gamma-mangostins, were isolated, together with (-)-epicatechin and procyanidins A-2 and B-2, as active principles. The antioxidant activity of the two xanthones was measured by the ferric thiocyanate method; gamma-mangostin was more active than butylhydroxyanisol and alpha-tocopherol [Yoshikawa]. A paper entitled “Antioxidant activities of some tropical fruits” [Guan, Tan Tze, Whiteman, Matthew] but source unknown also confirmed the benefits of Mangosteen as an antioxidant.

Cosmetic uses: The technical data and scientific studies confirm that this extract is an excellent choice for antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. These are exactly the conditions encountered in acne-prone skin where soaps, creams and washes ideally suit the use of the extract. Made into an ointment, it is applied on eczema and other skin disorders [Morton].

The traditional oral use also suggests the use of this plant in herbal toothpastes for good oral hygiene.

Medical uses: It is used to prepare astringent medicines for use in dysentery, enteritis, [Burkill]. The rind of the fruit, which contains resin, is used in diarrhoea and dysentery. The bark and young leaves are also used for the same purpose and for ailments of the genito-urinary tracts [Jayaweera]. In Cambodia, the bark and the rind of the fruit are used for diarrhoea and dysentery as astringents. The bark and young leaves are employed by the Macassars in diarrhoea., dysentery [Quisumbing]. The rind is also used as an astringent medicine for diarrhoea and dysentery. It has been found very useful in chronic diarrhoea in children. The value of the rind lies in the yellow resin which may act as a stimulant to the intestines.

A decoction of the powdered rind is used as an external astringent application [Quisumbing; Nadkarni and Nadkarni; Morton] as are the bark and young leaves. The pericarp is regarded as very efficacious in curing chronic intestinal catarrh [Quisumbing] and the fleshy pericarp is a valuable astringent [Drury] and has been successfully employed in the advanced stages of dysentery and in chronic diarrhoea as well as for a strong decoction as an external astringent application in dysentery [Drury].

A decoction of the roots is drunk in dysmenorrhoea [Quisumbing]. It is used for affections of the genito-urinary tracts [Quisumbing]. It also has anti-tubercular action with α- and β-mangostins and garcinone B which exhibited strong inhibitory effect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis with the minimum inhibitory concentration value of 6.25 μg/ml [Suksamrarn]. Filipinos employ a decoction of the leaves and bark as a febrifuge and to treat thrush, diarrhoea, dysentery and urinary disorders. In Malaya, an infusion of the leaves, combined with unripe banana and a little benzoin is applied to the wound of circumcision. A root decoction is taken to regulate menstruation.

A bark extract called "amibiasine", has been marketed for the treatment of amoebic dysentery [Morton]. comprising: (i) an antimicrobial extract having antimicrobial or antibacterial activity against periodontal pathogens, preferably from one or more of the plants Andrographis paniculata, mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) and turmeric (Curcuma longa); and (ii) a gel base containing a mixture of glyceryl monooleate and triglyceride. The composition is biodegradable, and forms a liquid crystal structure on contacting gingival fluid, which liquid crystal structure releases active ingredients gradually, to provide a sustained release dosage form.” [U.S. Patent]

Other uses: It can be used for tanning. In Malaya the shell is used to obtain a black dye [Burkill]. Pharmacology: It has been used for many years as a medicine for treatment of skin infection, wounds, and diarrhoea in Southeast Asia. The effect of γ-mangostin, a tetraoxygenated diprenylated xanthone contained in mangosteen was examined, on arachidonic acid (AA) cascade in C6 rat glioma cells. The study demonstrated that γ-mangostin, a xanthone derivative, directly inhibited COX activity.

Doses Preparations: (all of the rind): Extract, dose 3 to 10 grains; Tincture (1 in 10), dose: 1/2 to 1 drachm; Syrup (1 in 10), dose: 1/2 to 1 drachm; Decoction (1 in 10), dose: 4 ounces; Powder, dose: 10 to 60 grains and juice [Nadkarni and Nadkarni].

Local Recipes Rind and pulp or entire dried fruit are employed as specific remedies in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, usually in the form of a syrup, the drug being boiled in water, strained and the decoction evaporated to a suitable consistence and then sugar added. A decoction of the rind with a little cumin and coriander added is also useful in doses of 4 ounces twice a day with or without the addition of 5 to 10 minims of tincture of opium to each dose; sugar or syrup may also be added to it just to make it palatable. Mangosteen fruit may also be employed in powder given in doses of 10 to 15 grains in port wine, or made into a paste with a little sugar; in either form it may be unproved by the addition of aromatics, such as cardamom and cinnamon powder 5 to 10 grains to each dose. Fruit is regarded as a remedy in leucorrhoea, gonorrhoea and gleet and is stated to lessen both the irritation and the discharge of matter [confirmed Morton]. A compound powder consisting of Mangostin, cubebs, alum and gum acacia, each 10 grains, is a good sedative for gonorrhoea. For injection a strong astringent decoction 'is employed. Juice is used locally as a gargle in tonsillitis and as a lotion in prolapsus ani and vaginae. Following compound powders are very useful remedies: (1) Take of Mangosteen (the rind of the fruit) 5, Poppy seeds 4, Sugar 6, Pomegranate bark 5 and Rose petals 4 parts.; mix and make a powder; dose: 10 to 20 grains; useful in dysentery and chronic diarrhoea in children. (2) Take of Mangosteen 6, Coriander seeds 2, Chebulic myrobalans 2 & Indian sweet fennel seeds 2 parts; mix and make a powder: dose: 10 grains with sugar; useful in chronic dysentery [Nadkarni and Nadkarni]. “The rind or entire dried fruit are employed as remedies in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, usually in the form of a syrup, the drug being boiled in water, and sugar added to the strained decoction, previously evaporated to a suitable volume. It may also be employed in powder given in port wine or made into a paste with a little sugar, and in either form may be improved by the addition of aromatics.” [Dey]

References

Abbiw, D.K.: Useful plants of Ghana - West African use of wild and cultivated plants. Intermediate Technology Publications and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. 1990. ISBN No. 1-85339-043-7 or 1-85339-080-1 Hardback).

Asai, F; Tosa, H; Tanaka, T; Iinuma, M. A xanthone from pericarps of Garcinia mangostana. Phytochemistry (1995) 39(4): 943-944.

Bastyra, Judy; Canning, Julie: A gourmets book of fruit, published by Salamar Books ISBN NO. 86101-421-9.

Burkill, H.M.: The useful plants of West Tropical Africa. Edition 2. Vol. 2.

Families E-I. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. 1994. ISBN No. 0-947643-56-7.

Chairungsrilerd, N; Takeuchi, K; Ohizumi, Y; Nozoe, S; Ohta, T. Mangostanol, a prenyl xanthone from Garcinia mangostana. Phytochemistry (1996) 43(5): 1099-1102.

Daily Mail, Tuesday 6th October 1992 "Discreet Charm of the Sharon fruit.

Dey, Kanny Lall: The indigenous drugs of India - short descriptive notices of the principal medicinal plants met with in British India. 2nd edition.

Thacker, Spink & Co. 1896. Calcutta. ISBN No. not available.

Drury, Colonel Heber: The useful plants of India; with notices of their chief medicinal value in commerce, medicine and the arts. Higginbotham and Co. Madras. 1873. ISBN No. not available.

Geetha Gopalakrishnan; Banumathi, B; Suresh, G. Evaluation of the antifungal activity of natural xanthones from Garcinia mangostana and their synthetic derivatives. Journal of Natural Products (1997) 60(5): 519-524.

Gopalakrishnan G, Balaganesan B.: Two novel xanthones from Garcinia mangostana. Fitoterapia. 2000 Sep;71(5):607-9.

Gopalakrishnan G, Banumathi B, Suresh G.: Evaluation of the antifungal activity of natural xanthones from Garcinia mangostana and their synthetic derivatives. J Nat Prod. 1997 May; 60(5):519-24.

Hedrick, U.P. (editor): Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover edition. New York. 1972. ISBN No. 0-486-20459-6.

Huang YL, Chen CC, Chen YJ, Huang RL, Shieh BJ.: Three xanthones and a benzophenone from Garcinia mangostana. J Nat Prod. 2001 Jul;64(7):903-6.

Iinuma, M; Tosa, H; Tanaka, T; Asai, F; Kobayashi, Y; Shimano, R; Miyauchi, KI. Antibacterial activity of xanthones from guttiferaeous plants against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology (1996) 48(8): 861-865.

Jayaweera, D.M.A.: Medicinal Plants used in Ceylon Part 3. National Science Council of Sri Lanka. Colombo 1981.

Krajewski, D; Toth, G; Schreier, P. 2-Ethyl-3-methylmaleimide N-beta-D-glucopyranoside from the leaves of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana). Phytochemistry (1996) 43(1): 141-143.

Morton, J. 1987. Mangosteen. p. 301–304. In: Fruits of warm climates. Julia F. Morton, Miami, FL.

Nadkarni, K.M., Nadkarni, A.K.: Indian Materia Medica - with Ayurvedic, Unani-Tibbi, Siddha, Allopathic, Homeopathic, Naturopathic and Home remedies. Vol.1. 1999. Popular Prakashan Private Ltd., Bombay, India. ISBN No. 81-7154-142-9.

Nakatani, K.; Atsumi, M.; Arakawa, T.; Oosawa, K.; Shimura, S.; Nakahata, N.; Ohizumi, Y.: Inhibitions of histamine release and prostaglandin E2 synthesis by mangosteen, a Thai medicinal plant. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2002, 25, 9, p.1137-1141

Nakatani, K.; Nakahata, N.; Arakawa, T.; Yasuda, H.; Ohizumi, Y.: Inhibition of cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin E2 synthesis by gamma-mangostin, a xanthone derivative in mangosteen, in C6 rat glioma cells. Biochemical Pharmacology, 2002, 63, 1, p.73-79

Nilar, Harrison LJ.: Xanthones from the heartwood of Garcinia mangostana. Phytochemistry. 2002 Jul;60(5):541-8.

Quisumbing, Eduardo: Medicinal Plants of the Philippines. Katha Publishing Company. JMC PRESS, Quezon City, Philippines. 1978. ISBN No. unknown.

Suksamrarn S, Suwannapoch N, Ratananukul P, Aroonlerk N, Suksamrarn A.: Xanthones from the green fruit hulls of Garcinia mangostana. J Nat Prod. 2002 May;65(5):761-3.

Suksamrarn, S.; Suwannapoch, N.; Phakhodee, W.; Thanuhiranlert, J.; Ratananukul, P.; Chimnoi, N.; Suksamrarn, A.: Antimycobacterial activity of prenylated xanthones from the fruits of Garcinia mangostana. U.S. Patent No. 20030091517

Yoshikawa, M; Harada, E; Miki, A; Tsukamoto, K; Liang, SQ; Yamahara, J; Murakami, N. Antioxidant constituents from the fruit hulls of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) originating in Vietnam. Yakugaku Zasshi = Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan (1994) 114(2): 129-133.