Botanical Overview
Garcinia mangostana, commonly known as Mangosteen, is a tropical tree species belonging to the Clusiaceae family. Native to Southeast Asia, its fruit and fruit rind are primarily used medicinally and culinarily. The fruit is valued for its sweet and sour flavor as well as potential health benefits.
Energetics
This plant exhibits cooling and moistening properties, with tastes including sour, sweet, and astringent. It has a descending directionality and a relaxing tonicity, primarily influencing the body’s fluids.
Primary Actions
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Astringent
Indications
Western
- Diarrhea
- Skin inflammation
- Infection
- Fever
Syndromes
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Inflammatory conditions
- Bacterial infections
TCM
- Digestive stagnation
- Heat toxin
- Dampness
Syndromes
- Heat damp syndrome
- Toxicity clearing
Ayurveda
- Excess heat
- Inflammation
- Diarrhea
Syndromes
- Pitta imbalance
- Ama (toxicity)
Unani
- Diarrhea
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Safra (bile) excess
- Infection
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include xanthones, tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and benzophenones, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Fruit eaten fresh
- Extracts of rind in capsule or tincture form (typically 250–500 mg standardized extract 1-3 times daily)
Safety & Contraindications
Generally regarded as safe when consumed as fruit. Medicinal preparations from the rind require caution due to limited safety data. Pregnant and lactating women should avoid medicinal doses until further information is available. No significant drug interactions are reported but monitoring is advised.
Astrological Correspondences
Not established based on available sources.
Selected References
- Medicinal Plants of Southeast Asia
- Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Mangosteen: A Review
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Volume 1
- Plants For A Future Database