What is "mangostin"

Mangostin is a natural xanthonoid, a type of organic compound isolated from various parts of the mangosteen tree (Garcinia mangostana). It is a yellow crystalline solid with a xanthone core structure. Mangostin and a variety of other xanthones from mangosteen have been investigated for biological properties including antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. There are no positive correlations found as a result of this study. In animal studies, mangostin has been found to be a central nervous system depressant which causes sedation, decreased motor activity, and ptosis.

The rind of partially ripe mangosteen fruit yields mangostin and also the related compound β-mangostin. The rind of fully ripe fruits contains the xanthonoids gartanin, 8-disoxygartanin and normangostin. A derivative of mangostin, mangostin-3,6-di-O-glucoside, is a central nervous system depressant and causes a rise in blood pressure.