Mangosteen Facts

Before using mangosteen medicinally, it is important to understand all the facts. Mangosteen is a type of tropical fruit. It can be consumed in the form of a fruit, juice, or dietary supplement. Mangosteen has become increasingly popular in the United States, and is claimed to have several potential health benefits.
 
Mangosteen is known to contain several medicinally active compounds. These various compounds have several different medicinal properties, such as:
 
  • Astringent properties
  • Antioxidant activity
  • Cancer-fighting properties
  • Anti-tuberculosis properties
  • Antihistamine effects
  • Serotonin-blocking effects (serotonin is an important chemical messenger in the brain and other areas of the body).
     
However, it should not be assumed that mangosteen (which is a complex mixture of many different substances and compounds) has the same medicinal properties as its isolated compounds. In general, there is little scientific evidence to suggest conclusively that mangosteen really is effective for most uses.
 
(Click Mangosteen for a more in-depth look at mangosteen facts, including information on how this substance works, its effects on the body, and potential safety concerns.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;