What is Mangosteen?

By: Roberto G. Guerrero, TX, Lic.Ac., Dipl.O.M.,MAOM

Alternate names: Garcinia mangostana L., mangostan, manggis, mangis, mang cut.

Mangosteen is a fruit native of Southeast Asia. Mangosteen has been used for thousands of years in Chinese, Ayurvedic, and folk medicine throughout Asia. Since the “Materia Medica of Traditional Chinese Medicine” only includes herbs that were used in Central China, Mangosteen is not included in it. But it is found in other Materia Medicas, such as the “Indian Materia Medica”, “A Compend of a New Materia Medica”, and “A Manual of Organic Materia Medica and Pharmacognosy” to name a few.

In “A Compend of a New Materia Medica” published in 1896 the mangosteen fruit is described as:

“A tree of medium size, native to the Malay archipelago and adjacent lands, bearing a delicate edible fruit about the size of an apple. The pericarp of this fruit is medicinal. Medical Properties.-Mangosteen is a tonic of the astringent class, and imparts firmness and vigor to mucous membranes without constipating, in which it resembles the tonic astringency of gum kino. It seems to possess a fair measure of stimulation. For chronic diarrhea it is good; but for uterine hemorrhages, profuse menstruation, and the excessive wastes that often follow miscarriage, it is valuable. Upon the uterus it exerts a most excellent effect, closely resembling that of viburnum prunifolium but stronger.”

In “A Manual of Organic Materia Medica and Pharmacognosy”, by Lucius E. Sayre, B.S. Ph. M., 1917. The mangosteen fruit is described as:

“MANGOSTANA.—MANGO FRUIT. MANGOSTEEN. The pericarp of the fruit of Garcin'ia mangosta'na Linné, of India. Astringent; used in various diseases of the mucous membrane, in injections, etc. Mangostin has been isolated from the pericarp. It is golden-yellow in color, crystallizes in scales, soluble in alcohol and ether. The fruit yields a fatty oil, concrete oil of mangosteen, called kokum butter, used in soap making. It is well adapted for pharmaceutical preparations and candle making. Dose: 15 to 60 gr.”

What makes Mangosteen different?

Mangosteen is similar to other exotic fruits in that it has been traditionally used as a health supplement. But the ultimate greatness of Mangosteen lies in its broad spectrum adaptogenic quality. It has double direction activity, and has the ability to bring balance to the body under a wide range of stressful circumstances. Constant consumption of Mangosteen tends to have a highly protective quality because it strengthens the adaptive capacity of the person at every level of their life.

Based on the published research, my own observations and experiences, I believe the following statements to be an accurate description of the energetics of the entire mangosteen fruit.

Nature: Cold, bitter, sweet, astringent

Primary Functions: Adaptogenic, antioxidant, immune modulating, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, respiratory tonic, platelet regulator, anti-hyperlipidemic, cholesterol regulator, anti-obesity, liver protecting, triglyceride lowering, cardiovascular protectant, anti-thrombic, anti-aging agent.

Actions: Benefits skin and overall body, rejuvenates, strengthens spleen, tonifies Qi, stimulates appetite, stops dysentery and diarrhea, constipation, quenches thirst, regenerates fluids, prolongs life, nourishes and tonifies blood, tonifies kidney and liver yin, drains dampness, resolves phlegm, clears heat, eliminates toxins, stops bleeding, prevents miscarriage, clears lung heat, harmonizes spleen and stomach, sedates liver yang.

Meridians: Lung, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Bladder, Liver, Kidney,

Mangosteen is supplement not a drug, therefore no one can say that the mangosteen can will cure, treat, or prevent any condition or symptom.

However modern research confirms, what we as practitioner of this ancient art already new. But you don't have to take my word for it, you can do your own research by going to PubMed.gov and typing in "Mangosteen" and/or "Xanthones."

What my research yield?

I have found 65 scientific papers to date written about the mangosteen fruit that cover a wide range of areas including anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-histamine, Cox2-inhibitor.

Including the papers on mangosteen, there are 266 scientific papers on xanthones, catechins and other phytonutrients contained in the mangosteen fruit (82 cancer; 49 heart & circulation; 66 antioxidant & inflammation; 25 bacterial infections; 6 viral infections/illnesses; 8 weight loss; 4 allergy; 5 immune system; 3 anti-parasitic; 3 anti-fungal; 7 diabetes and 6 miscellaneous)

Today people in with conditions such as, skin disorders, eczema, diabetes, diarrhea, urinary disorders, joint pain, obesity and more, use a Mangosteen supplement in their daily regimen. In the United States and Europe, mangosteen is thought to alleviate everything from depression to Parkinson's, cancer to heart disease.

Have you ever heard the phrase " Doctor cure thy self"?

I believe in prevention, and I take mangosteen to stay healthy. I give it to my family members, and it is what I recomend to my friends and patients.

What does your doctor take?

If you are a someone that is tired of drugs, and suffers with chronic pain, bad digestion, skin problems, insomnia, fatigue, or you are simply interested in good health, and prevention through supplementation give Mangosteen a try.If you are not completely satified just ask for you money back, you have nothing to loss and a lot to gain.

Remember invest in your health today to enjoy a disease free tomorrow.

Roberto G. Guerrero is a Texas licensed acupuncturist, a Chinese herbalist and a National Board Certified Practitioner of Oriental Medicine with a practice located in San Antonio, Texas.