Mangosteen Pericarp (Garcinia mangostana): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does mangosteen pericarp work in the body?

Mangosteen pericarp contains xanthones, particularly alpha-mangostin and gamma-mangostin, which are among the most potent antioxidant compounds known. These xanthones work by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress at the cellular level. Alpha-mangostin also demonstrates antimicrobial activity by disrupting bacterial cell membranes, while gamma-mangostin exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. Evidence Level: C.

Can mangosteen interact with blood thinners or other medications?

Yes, mangosteen pericarp may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications (blood thinners) such as warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel. The xanthones in mangosteen may enhance bleeding risk when combined with these medications. Additionally, mangosteen may affect how the liver metabolizes certain drugs. If you take blood thinners or any prescription medications, consult your healthcare provider before using mangosteen supplements. Evidence Level: C.

What is the recommended daily dosage for mangosteen pericarp?

The typical adult dosage for mangosteen pericarp is 300-900mg of standardized extract daily, or 30-90ml of mangosteen juice per day. These dosages are based on traditional use and available research, though optimal dosing may vary depending on the specific product and intended use. Start with lower doses to assess tolerance, and follow manufacturer recommendations on product labels. Evidence Level: C.

Is mangosteen safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Mangosteen pericarp is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is insufficient safety data to support its use in pregnant or nursing women, and the potent xanthone compounds may pose risks to fetal development or infant health. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should avoid mangosteen supplements. Evidence Level: C.

What is mangosteen pericarp used for traditionally?

Mangosteen pericarp has been used in Southeast Asian traditional medicine for centuries, primarily for treating skin infections, wounds, and diarrhea. The rind is applied topically as an antiseptic for wound healing and taken internally for gastrointestinal issues. Modern research has identified potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its traditional antimicrobial uses. However, clinical evidence remains limited. Evidence Level: C/Traditional.

What side effects can mangosteen supplements cause?

Common side effects of mangosteen supplements include mild gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort. Rarely, very high doses have been associated with lactic acidosis, a serious metabolic condition. Most side effects are mild and resolve with dose reduction. Discontinue use if you experience persistent digestive issues, unusual fatigue, or muscle pain, and seek medical attention. Evidence Level: C.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Mangosteen pericarp (Garcinia mangostana) is a Southeast Asian fruit rind rich in xanthones with demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties [PMID:34896543, PMID:18725264].

Background

Garcinia mangostana, known as the 'queen of fruits', is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia [PMID:28842267, PMID:28284429]. The pericarp (peel, rind, or hull) is a significant source of bioactive secondary metabolites [PMID:18725264, PMID:36900511].

Traditional uses

In Southeast Asia, the pericarp has been used traditionally to treat abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, infected wounds, suppuration, chronic ulcers, and skin infections [PMID:18725264, PMID:40859998].

Active compounds

The primary active constituents are isoprenylated xanthones, including alpha-mangostin (the most abundant), beta-mangostin, gamma-mangostin, gartanin, garcinone C, and garcinone E [PMID:34896543, PMID:40859998]. Other identified compounds include polyphenols such as epicatechin, procyanidin B2, gallic acid, and various organic acids and tocopherols [PMID:26023815, PMID:36900511, PMID:36590574].

Mechanism of action

Xanthones exert effects by promoting apoptosis, targeting cancer-related proteins, and modulating cell signaling pathways [PMID:34896543]. Gamma-mangosteen activates autophagy and KEAP1/NRF2 signaling while downregulating MAPKs/AP-1/NF-kappaB-mediated MMPs [PMID:38878525]. Alpha-mangostin has been shown to decrease protein levels of GLUT9 in the kidneys to promote urate excretion [PMID:36634312]. Other mechanisms include the inhibition of CDK2/CyclinE1 [PMID:32691623] and targeting oxidative mitochondrial respiration in cancer cells [PMID:39217837].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BBipolar Depression

Investigated as an adjunctive therapy due to its serotonogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurogenic properties [PMID:40637133].

Evidence DCancer

Xanthones and pericarp extracts demonstrate cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects across various cell lines, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers [PMID:34896543, PMID:28441346, PMID:39217837, PMID:40859998, PMID:35049434].

Evidence DHyperuricemia

Alpha-mangostin dose-dependently decreased serum urate levels and increased urate clearance in mice and rats [PMID:36634312].

Evidence DBlood Glucose Control

Enriched polyphenol extracts from the pericarp inhibited alpha-amylase and reduced blood glucose peaks in rats [PMID:35407086].

Evidence DSkin Aging

Gamma-mangosteen demonstrated antioxidant and anti-skin aging potential in HDF cells and mice models via autophagy activation [PMID:38878525].

Evidence summary

The majority of evidence is derived from in vitro and animal studies (Level D) and literature reviews (Level C), demonstrating strong pharmacological potential in anticancer and metabolic activities. There is limited clinical trial data (Level B) regarding its use in psychiatric disorders.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 34896543 (2022) — The purple mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana): Defining the anticancer potential of selected xanthones. · Pharmacological research
2.PMID: 38878525 (2024) — γ-Mangosteen, an autophagy enhancer, prevents skin-aging via activating KEAP1/NRF2 signaling and downregulating MAPKs/AP-1/NF-κB-mediated MMPs. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
3.PMID: 40637133 (2025) — The efficacy of adjunctive Garcinia mangostana Linn. (mangosteen) pericarp extract for bipolar depression: 24-week randomised controlled trial. · The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science
4.PMID: 18725264 (2008) — Medicinal properties of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana). · Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association
5.PMID: 28441346

Mangosteen Pericarp

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Mangosteen Pericarp