Therapeutic insights into Garcinia mangostana: Bioactivities, challenges, and future directions in drug discovery.

V Nissapatorn, Y Anis, R V Labana, D Mendonça, S Ayunee, R V D Dimasin, R Bodade, S Sukati, R Boonhok, S M R Oliveira, A P Girol, M de Lourdes Pereira, L Chooi-Ling, C Samudi

Journal: Tropical biomedicine 2025;42(2):169-183

PMID: 40618363

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Abstract

Garcinia mangostana is a tropical tree native to India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. In Traditional Medicinal Systems (TMS), decoctions and infusions prepared from mangosteen fruits have effectively treated skin lesions and various inflammatory conditions. Researchers have also reported its extensive biological activities, viz. antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective effects. This literature review comprehensively describes the biological potential of G. mangostana over the last twenty-five years. It includes a discussion of the bioactive compounds of G. mangostana and their extraction, purification, and characterization processes. Antimicrobial, anticancer, antitumorigenic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antiparasitic activities are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the paper addresses the main obstacles associated with using mangosteen extracts and suggests ways to overcome these challenges. The medicinal properties of G. mangostana are primarily attributed to a-mangostin and other bioactive xanthones. However, other bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic activities remain not fully characterized. Therefore, developing effective extraction methods for these bioactive compounds, along with their characterization, possible bioactivities (pharmacodynamics), and any synergistic effects, is essential. Additionally, pharmacokinetic studies, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET), are necessary. It is also worth considering plant parts other than the pericarp.

Address: Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP) Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.; Center for Health Sciences, Research Institute for Science and Technology, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines.; Department of Biology, College of Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines.; CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Portugal.; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal.; Department of Biology, College of Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines.; Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati, Assam 781035, India.; Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, and Hematology and Transfusion Science Research Center, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.; CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Portugal.; Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Viseu, Portugal.; Graduate and Research, Padre Albino University Center (UNIFIPA), Catanduva-SP, Brazil.; CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Portugal.; Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.; Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, IMU University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.; Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.; Futuristic Science Research Center-School of Science, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.

DOI: 10.47665/tb.42.2.010

MeSH Terms: Garcinia mangostana, Plant Extracts, Drug Discovery, Humans, Phytochemicals, Xanthones