What are xanthones? They are biologically active plant phenols found in a few select tropical plants, in fact the majority of them have been found in just two families of higher plants – Guttiferae and Gentianaceae. They are one of the unique classes of phytonutrients. There are over 200 types of xanthone in nature, and over 40 are found in the mangosteen and vast majority of them are available in the pericarp (skin) of mangosteen. Based on the research completed so far, there seem to be no fruit contains as many xanthones as mangosteen. When we eat mangosteen, the only part we consume is the tasty flesh, and the pericarp which is the healthiest part is the part that we throw away. Due to its unbearable bitter taste, it is just not edible by all means.
According to the research , mangosteen’s xanthones possess antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral and antitumor properties. This has validated the traditional uses of mangosteen in the treatment of diarrhea, infection, dysentery and inflammatory skin conditions despite the fact that little clinical studies were completed in vivo (in live organism) so far.
What are so special about these xanthone elements?
Mangosteen has the highest amount of various xanthone in the fruit, over 40 are found in mangosteen fruit alone. Each xanthone has its own unique property.
Xanthone is among one of the most potent antioxidants known, stronger than vitamins C and E.
They are heat stable molecules. They won’t lose their structure when under heat.
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