This fruit can be found in Southeast Asia. An exotic and delicious fruit.  It has a bitter, purple rind. It contains phyto-nutrient and the so-called xanthones. Inside the rind is the sweet, white pulp (aromatic) in several segments. Estimated size of the fruits is not more than 3 inches in diameter. It has a mouth-watering flavor of sweetness. Its purple skin can stain the clothes. It has an oval seeds. It grows abundantly and harvested 2 times a year. It grows up to 80 feet tall or more. The first harvest is less than 20 years after the planting. It has slightly acidic flavor.

Properties: xanthone, flavonoids, phytonutrients, alpha-mangostin, beta-mangostin, garcinone B, garcinone E, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, tannin, amibiasine, gartanin, 8-desoxygartamin, normangostin, mangostin – e, 6-di-o-glucoside.

The presence of xanthones gives mangosteen its high value. It has an anti-oxidant properties to prevent the proliferation of free radicals to become a cancer cells. Xanthones inhibit serotonin-receptor binding and inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO). A bark extract called amibiasine is good for the treatment of amoebic dysentery.

It can eliminate minor muscle pain. It is very supportive to the normal function of our immune system. It helps to have a flexible muscles (not stiff). It promotes a healthy body to be more functional. It maintains a better intestinal health. A prepared ointment is good for skin rashes.

It is good for the treatment of bladder infection. Has good antiseptic and astringent properties. Xanthone interferes the normal blood-clotting. It controls diarrhea. Dried fruits is good for dysentry and eczema. Used for urinary disorders. Root decoction regulates menstruation.

It was found to be good assistance in the treatment of diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and chronic diseases. The xanthone mostly found in the pericarp (rind and pulp). It has a large concentration of flavonoids. The presence of tannin is the reason why mangosteen has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties. It has the ability to control irritable bowel syndrome.

Uses: Rind were sliced and dried, grounded to powder. The powder were steeped in water overnight to serve as tea. Rind made into an ointment. It serves as lotion, for internal application, the rind was used as leather, mangosteen twigs as chopsticks.

The side effects of mangosteen are: It may interfere with normal blood-clotting. High doses may depress the central nervous system in animal and causes sedation based on the research. It should not be combined with other medication to avoid excess sedation.