Mangosteen is not simply a smaller version of a mango. It is a remarkable super fruit that has been utilized for centuries in South East Asia for its therapeutic and nutritional benefits. This fruit has been traditionally used to treat various conditions such as infections, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, diarrhea, dysentery, and even wounds. It possesses an impressive array of properties, including being a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-viral, and a rich source of catechins.
The discovery of the mangosteen plant by the West can be traced back to 1855 when German researchers were studying dysentery. Interestingly, mangosteen belongs to the same family as Saint John’s Wort. One of the key components of mangosteen is its abundance of phenolics and tannins, which actively scavenge free radicals. This scavenging process may have potential benefits in preventing cancer, reducing inflammatory responses to foreign compounds, and even slowing down the aging process.
The Powerful Mangosteen: A Potent Weapon Against Cancer
It’s important not to mistake the mighty mangosteen for mangoes, as although mangoes are undoubtedly delicious and offer numerous health benefits, they are no match for the incredible properties of the mangosteen. Various studies have shown that mangosteen has the potential to impede the growth of different types of cancer cells, making it a formidable foe in the battle against this disease.
Mangosteen acts as a potent antioxidant, effectively scavenging free radicals and reducing the potential damage caused by low-density lipoproteins in the human body. The remarkable properties of mangosteen can be attributed to its rich content of xanthones, with over 20 known varieties found in the fruit’s pericarp (fruit wall). Not only the fruit, but also the leaves and bark of the mangosteen plant are utilized in the treatment of various conditions and diseases.
Animal tests involving the xanthones present in mangosteen, particularly alpha-mangostin and gamma-mangostin, have yielded promising results, showcasing the therapeutic effects of these compounds. Specifically, mangosteen has been found to significantly slow down the progression of prostate cancer and has emerged as a formidable adversary against colon cancers.
Unlocking the Cancer-Fighting Potential
The extraordinary properties of the mangosteen plant extend beyond its delicious taste. Studies have shown that extracts from this fruit have a remarkable ability to combat skin cancer. The secret lies in its rich content of xanthones, natural compounds that have shown promising results in research laboratories worldwide as potential cancer-fighting agents.
What makes xanthones so incredible is their ability to regulate the division of cancer cells. By doing so, they have the potential to prevent the formation, initiation, progression, and even elevation of cancer cells. Additionally, xanthones may inhibit cancer growth by stimulating the natural death of cancer cells, as well as preventing inflammation and the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
Exciting research has shown that animal subjects have experienced therapeutic benefits from the xanthones found in mangosteen. These findings further support the incredible cancer-fighting prowess of this remarkable fruit.