Several clinical studies and research on mangosteen have explored its potential health benefits. Here are summaries of some key studies along with their references.

Anti-inflammatory:

Study Name: “Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Garcinol Extracted from Garcinia dulcis via Modulating NF-κB Signaling Pathway”

Summary: In a recent study, by using LPS-activated macrophage cell lines as an inflammation activation model, garcinol isolated from Garcinia dulcis revealed the anti-inflammatory potentials by its reduction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators in mRNA and protein expression as well as secretion levels via the modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, garcinol isolated from Garcinia dulcis has the potential as a candidate molecule for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Source: MDPI Open Access Journals

Antioxidant:

Study Name: “Daily consumption of a mangosteen-based drink improves in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial”

Summary: It was found that after the 30-day trial, the group given the mangosteen-based drink formula showed 15% more antioxidant capacity in the bloodstream than did the placebo group.

Source: National Library of Medicine

Cholesterol:

Study Name: “Mangosteen Extract Attenuates the Metabolic Disorders of High-Fat-Fed Mice by Activating AMPK”

Summary: The mangosteen extract did not modify high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, however, LDL-cholesterol was lower and HDL/LDL ratio was higher (9.4 vs. 3.7 in HF group).

Source: National Library of Medicine

Immune System:

Study Name: “Effect of a mangosteen dietary supplement on human immune function: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial”

Summary: The results indicated that the intake of an antioxidant-rich product significantly enhanced immune responses and improved the subject's self-appraisal on his or her overall health status.

Source: National Library of Medicine

Anti-tumor Properties:

Study Name: “The purple mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana): Defining the anticancer potential of selected xanthones”

Summary: Unique to the mangosteen are a class of phytochemicals known as xanthones that have been reported to display significant anti-cancer and anti-tumor activities, specifically through the promotion of apoptosis, targeting of specific cancer-related proteins, or modulation of cell signaling pathways.

Source: National Library of Medicine

Central Nervous System:

Study Name: “The Therapeutic Potential of Mangosteen Pericarp as an Adjunctive Therapy for Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia”

Summary: The neuroprotective effects of α-mangostin were investigated in a cellular model of Parkinson's disease by exposing human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). (…) All other doses of α-mangostin significantly decreased ROS (reactive oxygen species) induced apoptosis in an MPP+ model designed to trigger apoptosis. α-mangostin also significantly reduced MPP+ induced Bax, Bax/Bcl-2, p53, and caspase-3 expression. Therefore, the study suggests the ability of α-mangostin to reduce apoptosis, potentially via mitochondrial pathways and reduction of oxidative stress.

Mangosteen pericarp has been investigated as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. In one in vitro study, the seven most common xanthones were isolated and assessed for their ability to inhibit β-amyloid-related cell damage, as well as their metal chelating, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties in an Alzheimer's Disease model. Results demonstrated that mangosteen pericarp reduced β-amyloid build up and reduced glutamate-induced cell damage by scavenging ROS (assessed by DPPH).

Source: National Library of Medicine

Weight Management:

Study Name: “Mangosteen Extract Shows a Potent Insulin Sensitizing Effect in Obese Female Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Pilot Study”

Summary: In vitro evidence suggests that alpha-mangostin is a potent inhibitor of pancreatic lipase and fatty acid synthase, potentially inhibiting lipids gut assimilation and fat accumulation, respectively. Previous clinical trials investigating the effect on weight loss show that mangosteen significantly reduces body weight compared to placebo We observed a weight reduction in the mangosteen arm that might have proved statistically significant compared to control with a wider population, longer study duration, or higher mangosteen dosage. These results suggest that mangosteen may attenuate lipogenesis or fat uptake via multiple mechanisms and may therefore prove useful to aid weight loss.

Source: National Library of Medicine

Digestive System:

Study Name: “Modulation of digestive enzymes and lipoprotein metabolism by alpha mangosteen extracted from mangosteen (garcinia mangostana) fruit peels”

Summary: The pericarp of. Garcinia mangostana, which is a good source of alpha-amylase inhibitors as well as has a very significant antioxidant activity, can be targeted as a therapeutic
drug in the future. Many diseases related to macromolecules digestion can be solved by deciphering such compounds, which can delay nutrient digestion and thus does not allow them to get absorbed fast in the body, helping in curing diseases associated with them.

Source: Journal of microbiology, biotechnology and food sciences

Gut Health:

Study Name: “Plant Antioxidants Affect Human and Gut Health, and Their Biosynthesis Is Influenced by Environment and Reactive Oxygen Species”

Summary: Data suggest that polyphenols and other antioxidants exert beneficial effects on gut epithelium through improving gut microbiota and their metabolites, which are closely associated with their anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory functions.

Source: MDPI Open Access Journals

Anti-allergic:

Study Name: “Inhibitions of Histamine Release and Prostaglandin E2Synthesis by Mangosteen, a Thai Medicinal Plant”

Summary: The 40% ethanol extract of mangosteen has an anti-allergy/anti-inflammatory activity due to inhibitions of histamine release and prostaglandin E2synthesis. Mangosteen extract may be a useful crude drug for treatment of allergy and/or inflammation.

Source: J-Stage Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin

Skin Health:

Study Name: “Mangosteen pericarp extract inhibits the formation of pentosidine and ameliorates skin elasticity”

Summary: Oral administration of WEM (water extracts of mangosteen pericarp) to the subjects resulted in reduced serum pentosidine levels and skin AGE-fluorescence and ameliorated the skin elasticity and moisture contents on the face.

Source: National Library of Medicine

Please Note: While these studies show promising results, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of mangosteen’s health benefits and its impact on human health. Always consult a healthcare professional before adding mangosteen or any supplement to your daily routine.