butterfly hope

Since the beginning of time people have been looking for the "magic potion" that cures all ills. Is there a such as thing? This section is dedicated to a layman's search of different types of homeopathic remedies.  Butterflyhope is not recommending or endorsing any of the products listed here. The purpoe of this section is to provide information. Treatment options are totally the decision of the patient and their healh care provider. 

It should be noted for patients that are on chemotherapy that these "remedies/supplements," may cause an adverse reaction to the medicine you are taking. Do not add them to your treatment plan without consulting the physican who is prescribing the chemptherapy.

The Mangosteen in XanGo Juice is not your typical fruit!

For hundreds of years, the delicious-tasting Mangosteen fruit has been used throughout Southeast Asia, India and many Pacific islands as a food and medicine staple by various cultures. Over the past thirty years, scientists have determined why the Mangosteen is so effective at fighting disease and restoring health. The complete Mangosteen (rind and pulp) contains more than forty nutritionally active components called xanthones. Xanthones are supercharged antioxidants that also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory drugs, the Mangosteen fruit is considered safe and helps protect the stomach and entire gastrointestinal system. The Mangosteen in Xango is a safe all natural alternative!

Currently there are over 3,000 papers of scientific research associated with the mangosteen fruit and I’m sure more in the years to come. The Scientific name is Garcinia Mangostana. Xanthones are known by scientists to be a very special and newly discovered class of plant nutrients. The xanthones’ mechanisms of action go well beyond their intrinsic antioxidant ability. Xanthones are able to exert many additional health benefits that are not well understood yet. Some of them are: ANTI- bacterial, microbial, tumor, anxiety, depression, fungal, viral, hepatoxic, and inflammatory. In short, xanthones are starting to be known in science as some of the most important antioxidants found in nature.

 Xanthones work on a cellular level to help support whole body health. The mangosteen in Xango has been found to be a safe alternative to many synthetic drugs. Many people have found that it will help to relieve aches and pains like joint and head aches. We are seeing results from pain, gastrointestinal health, vision, skin health, and infections to say the least. Even animals such as cats, dogs, and horses are seeing the wonderful benefits from this juice. I encourage everyone to do their research and decide if the Xango and the benefits from the mangosteen fruit are right for them!

For more information please contact your Xango Team

Mary Aldridge 352.817.4891 or 352.390.8433

mandmaldridge@cox.net

www.lovemymangosteen.net

 This article has been submitted by Mary Aldridge concerning a nutritional supplement found in the mangosteen fruit. The supplement comes in a product called XanGo. This article discusses the scientific evidence that supports this supplement.  

For more information visit Mary’s web site at:http://www.lovemymangosteen.net/

The following is a compilation of scientific studies found at the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health (NIH). These studies illustrate how the xanthones found in the mangosteen fruit could greatly impact health. Hundreds of scientific research papers can be found, but these should be enough to capture your attention.

The following studies demonstrate how the mangosteen could play a significant role in the

treatment of inflammatory conditions, cancer of all types, heart disease, allergy/asthma,

tuberculosis, central nervous system conditions, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Additional studies show the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties of the mangosteen.

At the center of attention are the biologically active compounds found in the mangosteen called

xanthones. Within the last 5 years, the xanthones have been the focus of much of the scientific

research. With over 200 xanthones identified in nature, so far 43 xanthones are identified in the mangosteen fruit. The mangosteen is simply the most abundant source of xanthones on earth. Continued study is required as only 6 of the 43 xanthones found in the mangosteen fruit, have been researched. However, their potent activity and broad-ranging indications for use may soon reveal the mangosteen’s xanthones to be one of the all-time greatest medical discoveries.

Anti-inflammatory:

Gamma-Mangostin xanthone acts as anti-inflammatory.

1: Mol Pharmacol. 2004 Jun 24 [Epub ahead of print] Related Articles, Links

Gamma-Mangostin Inhibits IkappaB Kinase Activity and Decreases Lipopolysaccharide-Induced

Cyclooxygenase-2 Gene Expression in C6 Rat Glioma Cells.

Nakatani K, Yamakuni T, Kondo N, Arakawa T, Oosawa K, Shimura S, Inoue H, Ohizumi Y.

Graduate school of Pharmaceutical Science, Tohoku University.

We here investigated the effect of gamma-mangostin purified from the fruit hull of the medicinal plant, Garcinia mangostana, on spontaneous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release and inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) gene expression in C6 rat glioma cells. An 18-h treatment with gammamangostin potently inhibited spontaneous PGE2 release in a concentration-dependent manner with the IC50 value of about 2 microM, without affecting the cell viability even at 30 microM. By immunoblotting and RT-PCR, it was shown that gamma-mangostin concentration-dependently inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of COX-2 protein and its mRNA, but not those of constitutive COX-1 cyclooxygenase. Since LPS is known to stimulate IkappaB kinase (IKK)-mediated phosphorylation of inhibitor kappaB (IkappaB) followed by its degradation which in turn induces NF-kappaB nuclear translocation leading to transcriptional activation of COX-2 gene, the effect of gamma-mangostin on the IKK/IkappaB cascade controlling the NF-kappaB activation was examined. An in vitro IKK assay using IKK protein immunoprecipitated from C6 cell extract showed that this compound inhibited IKK activity in a concentration-dependent manner  with the IC50 value of about 10 microM. Consistently gamma-mangostin was also observed to decrease the LPS-induced IkappaB degradation and phosphorylation in a concentrationdependent manner, as assayed by immunoblotting. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assays showed that gamma-mangostin reduced the LPS-inducible activation of NF-kappaB- and human COX-2 gene promoter region-dependent transcription. gamma-Mangostin also inhibited rat carrageenan-induced paw edema. These results suggest that gamma-mangostin directly inhibits IKK activity, and thereby prevents COX-2 gene transcription, an NF-kappaB target gene, probably to decrease the inflammatory agent-stimulated PGE2 production in vivo, and is a new useful lead compound for anti-inflammatory drug development.

PMID: 15218091 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Scientific Study Examples of

Garcinia Mangostana L

Anti-Inflammatory:

Study shows that gamma-mangostin competitively inhibited the activities

of both COX-1 and COX-2.

1: Biochem Pharmacol. 2002 Jan 1;63(1):73-9

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin E2 synthesis by gamma-mangostin, a xanthone

derivative in mangosteen, in C6 rat glioma cells.

Nakatani K, Nakahata N, Arakawa T, Yasuda H, Ohizumi Y.

Department of Pharmaceutical Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,

Tohoku University, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, 980-8578, Sendai, Japan.

The fruit hull of mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana L., has been used for many years as a

medicine for treatment of skin infection, wounds, and diarrhea in Southeast Asia. In the present study, we examined the effect of gamma-mangostin, a tetraoxygenated diprenylated xanthone contained in mangosteen, on arachidonic acid (AA) cascade in C6 rat glioma cells. gamma-Mangostin had a potent inhibitory activity of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release induced by A23187, a Ca2+ ionophore. The inhibition was concentration-dependent, with the IC50 value of about 5 microM. gamma-Mangostin had no inhibitory effect on A23187-induced phosphorylation of p42/p44 extracellular signal regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase or on the liberation of [14C]-AA from the cells labeled with [14C]-AA. However, gamma-mangostin concentration-dependently inhibited the conversion of AA to PGE2 in microsomal preparations, showing its possible inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX). In enzyme assay in vitro, gammamangostin inhibited the activities of both constitutive COX (COX-1) and inducible COX (COX-2) in a concentration-dependent manner, with the IC50 values of about 0.8 and 2 microM, respectively. Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis indicated that gamma-mangostin competitively inhibited the activities of both COX-1 and -2. This study is a first demonstration that gamma-mangostin, a xanthone derivative, directly inhibits COX activity.

PMID: 11754876 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Anti-Cancer:

Mangosteen xanthone, garcinone E has potent cytotoxic effect on liver cancer.

1: Planta Med. 2002 Nov;68(11):975-9.

Garcinone E, a xanthone derivative, has potent cytotoxic effect against hepatocellular carcinoma

cell lines.

Ho CK, Huang YL, Chen CC.

Department of Medical Research & Education, Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, ROC.

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) with chemotherapy has generally been

disappointing and it is most desirable to have more effective new drugs. We extracted and

purified 6 xanthone compounds from the rinds (peel) of the fruits of Garcinia mangostana L.,

using partitioned chromatography and then tested the cytotoxic effects of these compounds on a panel of 14 different human cancer cell lines including 6 hepatoma cell lines, based on the MTT method. Several commonly used chemotherapeutic agents were included in the assay to

determine the relative potency of the potential new drugs. Our results have shown that one of the xanthone derivatives which could be identified as garcinone E has potent cytotoxic effect on all HCC cell lines as well as on the other gastric and lung cancer cell lines included in the screen. We suggest that garcinone E may be potentially useful for the treatment of certain types of

cancer.

PMID: 12451486 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Scientific Study Examples of

Garcinia Mangostana L

 Study shows strong antiproliferation effect on breast cancer.

1: J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Jan;90(1):161-6.

Antiproliferation, antioxidation and induction of apoptosis by Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen) on SKBR3 human breast cancer cell line.

Moongkarndi P, Kosem N, Kaslungka S, Luanratana O, Pongpan N, Neungton N.

Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Sri Ayudthaya Road,

Rajdhevee, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. pypmk@mahidol.ac.th

This study was designed to determine the antiproliferative, apoptotic and antioxidative properties of crude methanolic extract (CME) from the pericarp of Garcinia mangostana (family Guttiferae) using human breast cancer (SKBR3) cell line as a model system. SKBR3 cells were cultured in the presence of CME at various concentrations (0-50 microg/ml) for 48 h and the percentage of cell viability was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-di phenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. CME showed a dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation with ED(50) of 9.25+/- 0.64 microg/ml. We found that antiproliferative effect of CME was associated with apoptosis on breast cancer cell line by determinations of morphological changes and oligonucleosomal DNA fragments. In addition, CME at various concentrations and incubation times were also found to inhibit ROS production. These investigations suggested that the methanolic extract from the pericarp of Garcinia mangostana had strong antiproliferation, potent antioxidation and induction of apoptosis. Thus, it indicates that this substance can show different activities and has potential for cancer chemoprevention which were dose dependent as well as exposure time dependent.

PMID: 14698525 [PubMed - in process]

Anti-Cancer:Study shows that xanthones inhibit growth of breast cancer,

kidney cancer and melanoma.

1: Bioorg Med Chem. 2002 Dec;10(12):3725-30.

Xanthones as inhibitors of growth of human cancer cell lines and their effects on the proliferation of human lymphocytes in vitro.

Pedro M, Cerqueira F, Sousa ME, Nascimento MS, Pinto M.

Centro de Estudos de Quimica Organica, Fitoquimica e Farmacologia da Universidade do Porto,

Faculdade de Farmacia, Porto, Portugal. madalena@ff.up.pt

Twenty-seven oxygenated xanthones have been assessed for their capacity to inhibit in vitro the growth of three human cancer cell lines, MCF-7 (breast cancer), TK-10 (renal cancer) and UACC- 62 (melanoma). The effect of these xanthones on the proliferation of human T-lymphocytes was also evaluated. Differences on their potency towards the effect on the growth of the human cancer cell lines as well as on the proliferation of human T-lymphocytes can be ascribed to the nature and positions of the substituents on the xanthonic nucleus.

PMID: 12413829 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Anti-Cancer: Xanthone shows complete inhibition of leukemia cell line.

1: J Nat Prod. 2003 Aug;66(8):1124-7.

Induction of apoptosis by xanthones from mangosteen in human leukemia cell lines.

Matsumoto K, Akao Y, Kobayashi E, Ohguchi K, Ito T, Tanaka T, Iinuma M, Nozawa Y.

Gifu International Institute of Biotechnology, 1-1 Naka-Fudogaoka, Kakamigahara, Gifu 504-0838, Japan. kmatsumoto@giib.or.jp

We examined the effects of six xanthones from the pericarps of mangosteen, Garcinia

mangostana, on the cell growth inhibition of human leukemia cell line HL60. All xanthones

displayed growth inhibitory effects. Among them, alpha-mangostin showed complete inhibition at 10 microM through the induction of apoptosis.

PMID: 12932141 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Scientific Study Examples of

Garcinia Mangostana L

Heart Disease:

Mangosteen shown to protect LDL from oxidative damage.

1: Free Radic Res. 1995 Aug;23(2):175-84. Related Articles, Links

Mangostin inhibits the oxidative modification of human low density lipoprotein.

Williams P, Ongsakul M, Proudfoot J, Croft K, Beilin L.

University of Western Australia, Department of Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital, Australia.

The oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) may play an important role in atherosclerosis. We investigated the possible antioxidant effects of mangostin, isolated from Garcinia mangostana, on metal ion dependent (Cu2+) and independent (aqueous peroxyl radicals) oxidation of human LDL. Mangostin prolonged the lagtime to both metal ion dependent and independent oxidation of LDL in a dose dependent manner over 5 to 50 microM as monitored by the formation of conjugated dienes at 234 nm (P < 0.001). There was no significant effect of mangostin on the rate at which conjugated dienes were formed in the uninhibited phase of oxidation. Levels of thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) generated in LDL were measured 4 and 24 hours after oxidation with 5 microM Cu2+ in the presence or absence of 50 microM or 100 microM mangostin. We observed an inhibition of TBARS formation with 100 microM mangostin at 4 hours (P = 0.027) but not at 24 hours (P = 0.163). Similar results were observed in the presence of 50microM mangostin. Mangostin, at 100 microM, retarded the relative electrophoretic mobility of LDL at both 4 and 24 hours after Cu2+ induced oxidation. Mangostin (100 microM) significantly inhibited the consumption of alpha-tocopherol in the LDL during Cu2+ initiated oxidation over a 75 minute period (P < 0.001). From these results, we conclude that mangostin is acting as a free radical scavenger to protect the LDL from oxidative damage in this in vitro system.

PMID: 7581813 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Heart Disease:

Xanthone from Mangosteen inhibits oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

1: Free Radic Res. 2000 Nov;33(5):643-59. Related Articles, Links

Inhibition of lipoprotein oxidation by prenylated xanthones derived from mangostin.

Mahabusarakam W, Proudfoot J, Taylor W, Croft K.

Chemistry Department, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand.

Oxidative damage is thought to play a critical role in cardiovascular and other chronic diseases.

This has led to considerable interest in the antioxidant activity of dietary compounds. Flavonoids have received the most attention and much is known about the structural requirements for antioxidant activity. However, little is known about the antioxidant activity of other plant derived phenolic compounds such as the xanthones. We have previously shown that the prenylated xanthone, mangostin, can inhibit the oxidation of low density lipoprotein. In order to examine the effects of structure modification on antioxidant activity of this class of compound we have prepared a number of derivatives of mangostin and tested antioxidant activity in an isolated LDL and plasma assay. The results of this study show that structural modification of mangostin can have a profound effect on antioxidant activity. Derivatisation of the C-3 and C-6 hydroxyl groups with either methyl, acetate, propane diol or nitrile substantially reduces antioxidant activity. In contrast, derivatisation of C-3 and C-6 with aminoethyl derivatives enhanced antioxidant activity, which may be related to changes in solubility. Cyclisation of the prenyl chains had little influence on antioxidant activity.

PMID: 11200095 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Scientific Study Examples of Garcinia Mangostana L

Anti-histamine: Study shows mangosteen has potent inhibitory activities of

both histamine release and prostaglandin E2 synthesis.

1: Biol Pharm Bull. 2002 Sep;25(9):1137-41. Related Articles, Links

Inhibitions of histamine release and prostaglandin E2 synthesis by mangosteen, a Thai medicinal plant.

Nakatani K, Atsumi M, Arakawa T, Oosawa K, Shimura S, Nakahata N, Ohizumi Y.

Department of Pharmaceutical Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,

Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.

The fruit hull of mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana L. has been used as a Thai indigenous

medicine for many years. However, its mechanism of action as a medicine has not been

elucidated. The present study was undertaken to examine the effects of mangosteen extracts

(100% ethanol, 70% ethanol, 40% ethanol and water) on histamine release and prostaglandin E2 synthesis. We found that the 40% ethanol extract of mangosteen inhibited IgE-mediated

histamine release from RBL-2H3 cells with greater potency than the water extract of Rubus

suavissimus that has been used as an anti-allergy crude drug in Japan. All extracts of

mangosteen potently inhibited A23187-induced prostaglandin E2 synthesis in C6 rat glioma cells, while the water extract of Rubus suavissimus had no effect. The 40% ethanol extract of

mangosteen inhibited the prostaglandin E2 synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner with relatively lower concentrations than the histamine release. In addition, passive cutaneous

anaphylaxis (PCA) reactions in rats were significantly inhibited by this ethanol extract as well as by the water extract of Rubus suavissimus. These results suggest that the 40% ethanol extract of mangosteen has potent inhibitory activities of both histamine release and prostaglandin E2 synthesis.

PMID: 12230104 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Anti-histamine: Mangosteen contains lead compounds for histamine and

serotonin receptor antagonists

1: Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi. 1997 Oct;110 Suppl 1:153P-158P. Related Articles, Links

[Novel types of receptor antagonists from the medicinal plant Garcinia mangostana] [Article in

Japanese] Furukawa K, Chairungsrilerd N, Ohta T, Nozoe S, Ohizumi Y.

Department of Pharmaceutical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku

University, Sendai, Japan.

A crude methanolic extract of the fruit hull of Garcinia mangostana L. inhibited the contraction of the isolated rabbit aorta induced by histamine and serotonin. The extract has been fractionated by silica gel chromatography, monitoring the pharmacological activity to give active compounds. On the basis of physicochemical data, the active substances were identified as alpha-mangostin and gamma-mangostin. To define the pharmacological properties of alpha-mangostin, the effect of alpha-mangostin on both histamine H1 and H2 receptors were examined by monitoring the mechanical responses of smooth muscles and measuring the radioligand binding to cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. The results suggest that alpha-mangostin acts as a selective and competitive histamine H1 receptor antagonist. The pharmacological actions of gamma-mangostin on 5-HT receptors were also investigated by using contractile response of vascular smooth muscle, platelet aggregation and radioligand binding studies. The results provide the evidence that gamma-mangostin is a selective and competitive 5-HT2A receptor antagonist. It is of great interest that the structures of alpha-mangostin and gamma-mangostin free from nitrogen atom are not resemble to the common structures of histamine and serotonin receptor antagonists. alpha-Mangostin and gamma-mangostin may become novel types of lead compounds for histamine and serotonin receptor antagonists.

PMID: 9503424 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Scientific Study Examples of Garcinia Mangostana L

HIV treatment:

Mangosteen is leading compound for chemotherapy of HIV infection.

1: Planta Med. 1998 Mar;64(2):97-109. Related Articles, Links

Plant-derived leading compounds for chemotherapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

infection.

Vlietinck AJ, De Bruyne T, Apers S, Pieters LA.

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp (UA), Belgium.

vlietink@uta.ua.ac.be

Many compounds of plant origin have been identified that inhibit different stages in the replication cycle of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): 1) virus adsorption: chromone alkaloids (schumannificine), isoquinoline alkaloids (michellamines), sulphated polysaccharides and polyphenolics, flavonoids, coumarins (glycocoumarin, licopyranocoumarin) phenolics (caffeic acid derivatives, galloyl acid derivatives, catechinic acid derivatives), tannins and triterpenes (glycyrrhizin and analogues, soyasaponin and analogues); 2) virus-cell fusion: lectins (mannoseand N-acetylglucosamine-specific) and triterpenes (betulinic acid and analogues); 3) reverse transcription; alkaloids (benzophenanthridines, protoberberines, isoquinolines, quinolines), coumarins (calanolides and analogues), flavonoids, phloroglucinols, lactones (protolichesterinic acid), tannins, iridoids (fulvoplumierin) and triterpenes; 4) integration: coumarins (3-substituted-4- hydroxycoumarins), depsidones, O-caffeoyl derivatives, lignans (arctigenin and analogues) and phenolics (curcumin); 5) translation: single chain ribosome inactivating proteins (SCRIP's); 6) proteolytic cleavage (protease inhibition): saponins (ursolic and maslinic acids), xanthones (mangostin and analogues) and coumarins; 7) glycosylation: alkaloids including indolizidines (castanospermine and analogues), piperidines (1-deoxynojirimicin and analogues) and pyrrolizidines (australine and analogues); 8) assembly/release: naphthodianthrones (hypericin and pseudohypericin), photosensitisers (terthiophenes and furoisocoumarins) and phospholipids. The target of action of several anti-HIV substances including alkaloids (O-demethylbuchenavianine, papaverine), polysaccharides (acemannan), lignans (intheriotherins,schisantherin), phenolics (gossypol, lignins, catechol dimers such as peltatols, naphthoquinones such as conocurvone) and saponins (celasdin B, Gleditsia and Gymnocladus saponins), has not been elucidated or does not fit in the proposed scheme. Only a very few of these plant-derived anti-HIV products have been used in a limited number of patients suffering from AIDS viz. glycyrrhizin, papaverine, trichosanthin, castanospermine, N-butyl-1-deoxynojirimicin and acemannan.

PMID: 9525100 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Anti-viral:

Mangosteen demonstrates potent inhibitory activity against HIV-1.

1: Planta Med. 1996 Aug;62(4):381-2. Related Articles, Links

Active constituents against HIV-1 protease from Garcinia mangostana.

Chen SX, Wan M, Loh BN.

The ethanol extract of Garcinia mangostana L. (Guttiferae) showed potent inhibitory activity

against HIV-1 protease. The activity-guided purification of the extract resulted in the isolation of two active, known compounds. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were

established by spectroscopic analyses as mangostin (IC50 = 5.12 +/- 0.41 microM) and gammamangostin (IC50 = 4.81 +/- 0.32 microM). The type of inhibition by both compounds is

noncompetitive.

PMID: 8792678 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Scientific Study Examples of Garcinia Mangostana L

 Anti-fungal:

Mangosteen’s xanthones inhibit fungi activity.

1: J Nat Prod. 1997 May;60(5):519-24. Related Articles, Links

Evaluation of the antifungal activity of natural xanthones from Garcinia mangostana and their

synthetic derivatives.

Gopalakrishnan G, Banumathi B, Suresh G.

Centre for Agrochemical Research, SPIC Science Foundations, Madras, India.

The antifungal activity of several xanthones isolated from the fruit hulls of Garcinia mangostana and some derivatives of mangostin against three phytopathogenic fungi, Fusarium oxysporum vasinfectum, Alternaria tenuis, and Dreschlera oryzae, has been evaluated. The natural xanthones showed good inhibitory activity against the three fungi. Substitution in the A and C rings has been shown to modify the bioactivities of the compounds.

PMID: 9213587 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Anti-bacterial:

Study shows mangosteen kills intracellular Salmonella bacteria.

1: J Med Assoc Thai. 1997 Sep;80 Suppl 1:S149-54. Related Articles, Links

Immunopharmacological activity of polysaccharide from the pericarb of mangosteen garcinia:

phagocytic intracellular killing activities.

Chanarat P, Chanarat N, Fujihara M, Nagumo T.

Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai

University, Thailand.

Polysaccharides from the pericarbs of mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana Linn., was obtained by treating the dried ground pericarbs with hot water followed by ethanol precipitation (M fraction). The extract was fractionated by anion exchange chromatography on a DEAE-cellulose column as MDE1-5 fractions. The fractions of MDE3 and MDE4 composed of mainly D-galacturonic acid and a small amount of neutral sugar (L-arabinose as the major one and L-rhamnose and D-galactose as the minor ones) were studied for immunopharmacological activities by phagocytic test to intracellular bacteria (Salmonella enteritidis) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and superoxide generation tests. The results showed that the number of S. enteritidis in cultured monocyte with extract of pericarb of mangosteen (MDE3) was killed. Activating score (mean +/- SD) of NBT test of 100 polymorphonuclear phagocytic cells were 145 +/- 78, 338 +/- 58, 222 +/- 73, 209 +/- 77, 211 +/- 63, 372 +/- 19, 369 +/- 20, 355 +/- 34 in normal saline control, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), MDE3, MDE4, indomethacin (I), PMA + MDE3, PMA + MDE4 and PMA + I, respectively. Superoxide generation test was also done by color reduction of cytochrome c. Both MDE3 and MDE4 stimulate superoxide production. The number of S. enteritidis in cultured monocyte with extract of pericarb of mangosteen was killed. This paper suggests that polysaccharides in the extract can stimulate phagocytic cells and kill intracellular bacteria (S. enteritidis).

PMID: 9347663 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Scientific Study Examples of Garcinia Mangostana L

Anti-bacterial:

Xanthones more active against Staphylococcus than Vancomycin.

1: J Pharm Pharmacol. 1996 Aug;48(8):861-5. Related Articles, Links

Antibacterial activity of xanthones from guttiferaeous plants against methicillin-resistant

Staphylococcus aureus.

Iinuma M, Tosa H, Tanaka T, Asai F, Kobayashi Y, Shimano R, Miyauchi K.

Department of Pharmacognosy, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Japan.

Extracts of Garcinia mangostana (Guttiferae) showing inhibitory effects against the growth of S. aureus NIHJ 209p were fractionated according to guidance obtained from bioassay and some of the components with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were characterized. One active isolate, alpha-mangostin, a xanthone derivative, had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.57-12.5 micrograms mL-1. Other related xanthones were also examined to determine their anti-MRSA activity. Rubraxanthone, which was isolated from Garcinia dioica and has a structure similar to that of alpha-mangostin, had the highest activity against staphylococcal strains (MIC = 0.31-1.25 micrograms mL-1), an activity which was greater than that of the antibiotic vancomycin (3.13-6.25 micrograms mL-1). The inhibitory effect against strains of MRSA of two of the compounds when used in conjunction with other antibiotics was also studied. The anti-MRSA activity of alpha-mangostin was clearly increased by the presence of vancomycin; this behaviour was not observed for rubraxanthone. The strong in-vitro antibacterial activity of xanthone derivatives against both methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus suggests the compounds might find wide pharmaceutical use.

PMID: 8887739 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Anti-mycobacterial:

Study shows three xanthones inhibit tuberculosis.

Antimycobacterial activity of prenylated xanthones from the fruits of Garcinia mangostana.

Suksamrarn S, Suwannapoch N, Phakhodee W, Thanuhiranlert J, Ratananukul P, Chimnoi N,

Suksamrarn A. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand. sunit@swu.ac.th Prenylated xanthones, isolated from the fruit hulls and the edible arils and seeds of Garcinia mangostana, were tested for their antituberculosis potential. Alpha- and beta-mangostins and garcinone B exhibited strong inhibitory effect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 6.25 microg/ml. Tri- and tetra-oxygenated xanthones with di-C5 units or with a C5 and a modified C5 groups are essential for high activities. Substitution in the A and C rings has been shown to modify the bioactivity of the compounds.

PMID: 12843596 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Scientific Study Examples of Garcinia Mangostana L

Central Nervous System:

Mangosteen contains a promising compound for treatment of central nervous system disorders

1: Br J Pharmacol. 1998 Mar;123(5):855-62. Related Articles, Links

Effect of gamma-mangostin through the inhibition of 5-hydroxy-tryptamine2A receptors in 5-

fluoro-alpha-methyltryptamine-induced head-twitch responses of mice.

Chairungsrilerd N, Furukawa K, Tadano T, Kisara K, Ohizumi Y., Department of Molecular

Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.

1. Intracerebronventricular (i.c.v.) injection of gamma-mangostin (10-40 nmol/mouse), a major compound of the fruit hull of Garcinia mangostana Lin., like ketanserin (10, 20 nmol/mouse, i.c.v.) inhibited 5-fluoro-alpha-methyltryptamine (5-FMT) (45 mg kg(-1), i.p.)-induced head-twitch response in mice in the presence or absence of citalopram (a 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-uptake inhibitor). 2. Neither the 5-FMT- nor the 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (5-HT1A-agonist)- induced 5-HT syndrome (head weaving and hindlimb abduction) was affected by gammamangostin or ketanserin. 3. The locomotor activity stimulated by 5-FMT through the activation of alpha1-adrenoceptors did not alter in the presence of gamma-mangostin. 4. 5-HT-induced inositol phosphates accumulation in mouse brain slices was abolished by ketanserin. Gamma-mangostin caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the inositol phosphates accumulation. 5. Gammamangostin caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the binding of [3H]-spiperone, a specific 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, to mouse brain membranes. 6. Kinetic analysis of the [3H]- spiperone binding revealed that gamma-mangostin increased the Kd value without affecting the Bmax value, indicating the mode of the competitive nature of the inhibition by gamma-mangostin.

7. These results suggest that gamma-mangostin inhibits 5-FMT-induced head-twitch response in mice by blocking 5-HT2A receptors not by blocking the release of 5-HT from the central neurone. Gamma-mangostin is a promising 5-HT2A receptor antagonist in the central nervous system.

PMID: 9535013 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

“Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.”

                                                       Ancient Chinese Proverb.

For over four thousand years green tea has been touted as a miracle cure. There has been suggestions that it cures everything form infertility to cancer. But is there any evidence to support it curative powers? Why is green tea different than other teas? These are a few of the questions that we are going to attempt to answer.

There are five recognized types of true teas; they all come from one plant species, camellia sinensis. Herb teas are not true teas. The differences in the tea are in the way it is processed. White tea is the “purest” of teas. It is almost clear in color and has a light taste. Green tea is the next purest. The biggest difference in the white and green tea between the others is that their leaves are not fermented, therefore possessing more of the antioxidant agents that provides it medicinal value.

According to Andrew Weil MD (Healthy Aging) “All tea has health benefits but the less oxidized forms deliver more antioxidant activity and probably greater health-protective effects.”

The following are some of the reported health benefits to green tea.

• Cancer prevention and curative effects
• Fights cardiovascular disease
• Stroke prevention
• Lowers cholesterol
• Lowers blood pressure
• Prevents influenza
• Lowers blood fat
• Prevents Alzheimer’s disease
• Prevents Parkinson disease
• Prevents effect of MS
• Sleep disorders.

The ingredient in green tea that is reported to be the “miracle worker,” are the polyphenols; particularly the catechin referred to as epigallocatechin (EGCG).

The experts tend to disagree on how many cups of green tea a day should be ingested. The recommended dose is somewhere between 3 and 10 cups per day. A standardized capsule is equivalent to 4 cups of tea.

The following is a sample of what some studies have indicated about green tea.

The Sixth International Conference on Cancer Prevention That rats fed a diet containing s standardized green tea supplements were 50% less likely to develop colon cancer.

A study in the September 2006 issue of JAMA reports that consumption of green tea reduced the mortality rate due to cardiovascular disease. The same article reports that it had no bearing on the mortality rate due to cancer.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported in February 2006 that there was evidence that consumption of green tea lowered the prevalence of cognitive impairment.

performed a double bind study on the effects of green tea and cholesterol. After the twelve week study was completed it concluded the green tea was a viable supplement to reduce cholesterol.

The January, 2005 issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported on a study that concluded that green tea may be useful in treating obesity.

A study done at Case Western Reserve in 2005 indicated the green tea might be effective in preventing the severity of rheumatoid arthritis.

Researchers at

developed a theory of what they called the “Asian paradox.” This theory points out that the Asian population has lower rates of heart disease and cancer despite a higher rate of cigarette consumption. They feel the contributing factor may be the 1.2 liters of green tea that is consumed by many in the Asian population on a daily basis.

A German study concludes that applied externally to patient undergoing radiation green tea assisted in healing the skin

In lab tests on rats, studies have concluded that green tea is effective in HIV treatment. According to the studies the EGCG prevents HIV from attacking the T-cells.

One study reports that gargling with green tea assist in preventing influenza.

As there are many reports claiming the ancient Chinese were correct in calling green tea a miracle drink, there are more than a few sources the dispute the claim. Medline Plus reports that most studies done on the effect on green tea are inconclusive. In concludes before we can determine the usefulness of green tea there needs to be more studies. The Wikipedia reports claims for the usefulness of green tea are unproven

There are some counter indications for green tea.

Possible allergic reactions:   skin rash and hives and caffeine indigestion.

Side effects: insomnia (due to caffeine), nervousness, increased urine output, increased heart rate and blood pressure. There have been reports that green tea has increased and lowered blood sugar levels.

There have reports of adverse drug reactions with: Coumadin, lithium, ativan, valium, oral contraceptive, albuterol, cipro and luvox.

There is some evidence that green tea increases the effectiveness of aspirin, Tylenol, Motrin and Advil.

It should be noted that green tea and green tea supplements are not regulated by the FDA.

There will always be evidence that support or refute herbal supplements and remedies. It is ultimately up to the individual to decide what is right.  As with traditional medicine, green tea reacts differently to different people.

Some of the common sense benefits for green tea are:

1. It has ¼ the amount of caffeine than coffee
2. It has no calories
3. It his healthier than soft drinks
4. It is less expensive than soft drinks.

When you drink your green tea may we suggest that you add to its flavor by adding a pinch of fresh ginger (aids in digestion) and a bit of honey (provides natural energy).