MANGOSTEEN: QUEEN OF FRUITS

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.

GUYABANO: FIGHTS AGAINST CANCER

Native in American tropics. It belongs to Anonaceae. The flesh of the fruit is an edible pulp high in carbohydrates. It has heart-shaped and oblong forms with dark-green skin that has many soft spikes. It has different sizes. Can weigh up to 3 kilos. It has various black brown seeds. It grows 18 feet or more. It cannot be raise in cold temperature. It will not continue to flourish in a longer time. It is advisable to plant in warm season, good humidity and plenty of water.

Uses: eaten raw, candies, shakes, ice cream, beverages, tarts, tanning, fish poison (bark).

Properties: antispasmodic, sudorific, emetic, insecticide, potassium chloride, dextrose, tannins, amorphous products, alkaloid, annonacin.

Boiled guyabano leaves is good insect repellent for the prevention of bedbugs and head lice. It can reduce fever to be taken internally. Crushed leaves can treat skin disorders or any other infections of the body by healing it fast. A poultice of young leaves reduces the pain of rheumatism. Its decoction was used as wet compress to cure swollen feet.

The juice of the fruits has healing properties to treat urethritis, liver ailments and haematuria. Guyabano has a certain compound in whole parts of the tree (leaves, fruits, bark, seed) to kill cancer cells (malignant cancer) based on initial study. It protects healthy and normal cells.

Good insecticides for the prevention and elimination of caterpillar, leafhopper and even army worms that infested our rice fields. Good tranquilizer and sedative alternatives. It protects the immune system from several infections. It is proven to revitalize energy.

It has vitamin C, B1, B2, potassium and fibers. High concentration of carbohydrates like fructose. It has low quantity of cholesterol, sodium and saturated fats. The sap of young leaves is good in the prevention of pimples. Good in the treatment of colic and convulsion (leaves, roots). A sleep inducer by drinking boiled leaves.