Mangosteen Juice and Supplements Review Article

What Are the Benefits of Mangosteen Juice and Supplements? Find Out What Mangosteen Can and Cannot Do For Your Health.

Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D. Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Initially Posted: 02/03/2009

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Table of Contents

What It Is:

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical tree. It is unrelated to the mango. Ripe mangosteen fruit consists of a bitter rind which is reddish purple and a center of sweet, edible, white flesh.

What It Contains:

An entire mangosteen fruit consists of about 81% water and 15% sugar. Although sometimes referred to as a "superfruit," it actually contains very low amounts (generally under 10% of the RDA) of most vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, folic acid, thiamin (vitamin B1), manganese and potassium. (See Review Articles about Noni Juice and Pomegranate Juice and Supplements).

The rind of the mangosteen fruit, however, contains antioxidant xanthones called mangostins, xanthone derivatives called garcinones, and tannins, to which health claims are attributed. For this reason, commercial mangosteen fruit products often include the rind — which also provides color. The overall antioxidant capacity of the mangosteen juice (with rind) is believed to be relatively low compared to fruits such as pomegranate and acai. 

What It Does:

Mangosteen bark, leaf, root and rind have been traditionally used as remedies for diarrhea, dysentery, fever, gonorrhea, menstrual irregularities, urinary tract infections, eczema, itching and other skin conditions. Fresh or canned mangosteen fruit is enjoyed as a food. More recently, mangosteen fruit juice (including the rind) has been promoted as a health tonic. Current usage of mangosteen juice does not reflect the traditional usage of mangosteen. Current Use — The Evidence:
Test tube studies have shown antioxidant, anti-histamine, anti-serotonin, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective actions of mangosteen — particularly due to the xanthone and tannin content of its rind. Laboratory studies with these compounds have also shown activity against the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, as well as isolated leukemia, breast, colon and liver cancer cells. While these studies suggest possible therapeutic uses, such applications have not been clinically studied. 

One study found that rinsing twice daily with a mouthwash containing mangosteen fruit rind extract was no different than placebo for improving gum health in a group of 60 people with gingivitis, although the mangosteen mouthwash was better than placebo for reducing bad breath.

Another study found that using a face cream containing an extract of mangosteen, green and white teas and pomegranate twice daily for two months improved the texture of face skin in a group of 20 women with facial wrinkles.

Quality Concerns:

Although many compounds in mangosteen have been identified, the specific compounds (and amounts of those compounds) that represent a mangosteen product of high quality have not yet been defined. Currently, there is no way to definitively judge whether one product is more authentic than another — let alone more effective.

How Manogsteen is Sold:

Mangosteen is generally sold as a bottled juice, fruit extract, powdered fruit rind, and fruit rind extract. The juices can offer the full spectrum of plant compounds found in the fruit. However, as they are not fresh, some of the compounds may have degraded and lost antioxidant strength. With an extract you may be getting a higher amount of specific compounds, but generally not with the full spectrum of compounds found in mangosteen juice or rind. An important advantage with a fruit extract, however, is that you can avoid the calories normally found in a cup of juice. When comparing products, keep in mind that 1 fluid ounce of liquid equals 2 tablespoons or 30 mL, and that 8 fluid ounces of liquid equal 1 cup or 240 mL. Some products list the amount of antioxidants in a serving. Some list specific xanthones, such as mangostin. Others, particularly juices, may not list any information about these compounds. It is advisable to look for products that list amounts of total or specific xanthones. While there is not enough information to know what amount, if any, of mangosteen or its compounds are most desirable, it is better to see that a product holds itself to specific standard from batch to batch. The antioxidant activity of some mangosteen products has been reported in terms of the value obtained from a laboratory test known as ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). For example, the manufacturer of one juice product, Mango.xan, claimed in a 2006 news release that its product has a higher ORAC value than its competitors, publishing the following values per one fluid ounce: Mango.xan (2466), Thai-Go (1708), Xango (1599), Naturally Thai Mangosteen (363), and Dynamic Health Mangosteen Juice (201). Bear in mind that many mangosteen products, such as Mango.xan, are blends of multiple fruit juices, so the ORAC values may reflect contributions from other fruits. Debate remains as to the benefits of antioxidants, and possible negative effects of large amounts of antioxidants. The FDA does not permit "antioxidant" claims to be made on supplements unless specifically referring to the antioxidant activity from select vitamins, such as vitamin C, or the mineral selenium. The antioxidant activity of xanthones, such as those in mangosteen, can not be legally promoted on labeling. At some point in the future, when mangosteen has been better chemically characterized, ConsumerLab.com hopes to test these products against quality standards and product label claims.

Serving Size:

Manufacturers' recommendations on products range widely, as do the concentrations of mangosteen juice products. Clinical trials have yet to establish the dose or form of mangosteen juice that is effective in the treatment or prevention of any disease.

Concerns and Cautions:

Mangosteen fruit is generally considered to be safe as a food. However, little is known about the safety of mangosteen root, bark, leaves, and fruit rind. Excessive amounts, or long-term use, of mangosteen juice might cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis. One case was reported of a man who drank mangosteen juice daily for more than a year and experienced lactic acidosis that could not be otherwise explained. (Symptoms of lactic acidosis may include deep and rapid breathing, vomiting, and abdominal pain.) If you are counting calories or watching sugar intake, be aware that mangosteen juice, like other juices, contributes calories and sugar to your diet. One cup of mangosteen juice provides about 140 to 170 calories — the vast majority of which is from sugar.

Conclusion:

Current usage of mangosteen juice does not reflect mangosteen's traditional usage and is driven predominantly by preliminary research findings. Laboratory research suggests possible biological effects of mangosteen juice, however, well-designed human studies are needed to substantiate preliminary findings. Until more is known, it seems generally safe to use mangosteen juice, but its benefits remain largely unproven. The composition of mangosteen products on the market may vary significantly due to a lack of standards and an optimal serving size for specific benefits has not been well established.

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not an endorsement of any product nor is it meant to substitute for the advice provided by physicians or other healthcare professionals. The information contained herein should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Consumers should inform their healthcare providers of the dietary supplements they take.

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