The mysterious mangosteen

The scientific name for the mangosteen fruit is Garcinia mangostana and it has been used as a folk medicine for thousands of years.

Some hear the name and think, "Oh, I've tasted mango before." But this remarkable fruit is not related to the mango. Instead, the mangosteen is an exotic fruit found mainly in the fertile tropics of southeast Asia. It has been called "The Queen of Fruits" because Queen Victoria desired its exquisite taste so much, she knighted anyone who would refresh her supply.

While the queen revered the taste of the meaty white center of the fruit, scientists have since discovered that the real treasure is found in the outer rind. Scientific research has revealed that the rind of the mangosteen fruit contains biologically active compounds named Xanthones.

This new class of vigorous phytonutrients has attracted scientists' attention because of their beneficial properties. Specifically, the Xanthones found in the mangosteen offer powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects among others.

Studies have proven that Xanthones promote healthy bodily function; maintain intestinal health, strengthen the immune system, neutralize existing free radicals, fight minor muscle pain following exercise, support cartilage and joint function and promote a healthy respiratory system.*

In his booklet, Xanthones, The Road to Health, Dr. Albert Miller writes,

Of the forty or so xanthones found in this fruit, only eight have been studied fairly extensively. The following studies on these eight xanthones were all done in scientific labs—that is in test tubes, Petri dishes, or other lab culture devices. These studies have shown that xanthones have many health benefits. For one, they are potent anti-oxidants. Other studies have shown anti-inflammatory actions, including COX-2 inhibition. There are a number of studies showing anti-cancer activity in several different tissue types, including breast, colon, lymphoid, and hepatocellular (liver). Not only have the studies shown inhibition in cancer growth, but they have been shown to induce apoptosis (tumor shrinking, or cancer cell death).**