http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/the-mangosteen-and-xanthones.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/nutrition/the-mangosteen-and-xanthones.html Fri, 07 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500 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."

he 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.

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Adam Winners is a natural health writer. Recently, he has been writing extensively about the Mangosteen, Xanthones and XanGo. XanGo (MangosteenJuice) is the first supplement to bring the Mangosteen fruit in liquid form to the Western World.

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The Mangosteen rind was sliced and dried, then ground to a powder and administered as an herbal preparation. The mangosteen rind was steeped in water overnight and taken as a tea. The mangosteen rind was also made into an ointment and applied externally as a lotion. It was through these popular uses that the benefits of mangosteen were passed down through history and several scientists and explorers took note. The mangosteen is so revered in Thailand that the Thai government recognizes it as the country's national fruit.

The mangosteen fruit is an exceptional fruit fusing nutrition and sensational flavor. There are many elements found in the mangosteen that provide nutritional benefits. The main compounds, xanthones, are very stable and robust molecules, which show biological activity. The mangosteen fruit contains approximately 40 known xanthones and the majority of these are found in the highest concentration in the rind. Plant actives known as flavonoids offer additional benefits to the body. The two main flavonoids found in the mangosteen are catechins (found in green tea) and proanthcyandins (found in grape seeds). Many research institutions, such as The Mayo Clinic, The Linus Pauling Institute, UCLA Center for Human Nutrition and many others have studied flavonoids extensively. While science is still progressing in its attempt to validate the uses of mangosteen, the research of the mangosteens powerful phytonutrients thus far is quite promising. The mangosteen has been researched for 150 years, resulting in over 110 studies published in scientific journals, with studies touching on every system of the body. Studies on the mangosteen are exponentially increasing, with 15 up to 1980, 30 in the 90's, and already 45 since 2000.

XanGo Juice is a great tasting beverage with naturally occurring nutrients, such as xanthones and flavonoids. A healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats may reduce the risk of heart disease. XanGo Juice is free of saturated and trans fats. Xanthones (or catechins, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins) are a factor in the maintenance of good health and are a factor in normal growth and development. To help you further understand the history, terms and recent news coverage related to the mangosteen and XanGo Juice, you may click on the links below for more detailed information.

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Adam Winners is a natural health writer. Recently, he has been writing extensively about the Mangosteen and XanGo. XanGo LLC was the first company to bring the Mangosteen to the Western World.

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