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Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is the name referred to the evergreen mangosteen tree and the mangosteen fruit. The tree is slow growing (6-24 meters high) and is indigenous to Southeast Asia. The mangosteen fruit is round in shape, dark-purple, 2 to 3 inches in diameter and contains 4 to 8 segments of snow-white, delicious soft flesh. The fruit may or may not contain seeds. Encasing the flesh is a purple skin 6 to 10 cm thick.The fruit of the mangosteen is sweet and tangy, juicy, and somewhat fibrous, with an inedible, deep reddish purple-colored rind (exocarp) when ripe. In each fruit, the fragrant edible flesh that surrounds each seed is botanically endocarp, i.e., the inner layer of the ovary.Because of its taste and medicinal properties, the mangosteen is often called "The Queen of Fruits". For centuries, the mangosteen has been honored and cherished by the peoples of Southeast Asia.

Mangosteen as Herbal Medicine

Recent studies shows that the rind (skin) has anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-tumor properties. Initial results also reveals that mangosteen have anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory medicinal properties. The active therapeutic compound found in mangosteen is called "Xanthones".

Xanthones provides many times more anti-oxidants than Vitamin C & E. Xanthones have been receiving much attention lately from researchers and scientist for its medicinal value. It appears to benefit every organ of the body. The whole mangosteen fruit is the single, best source of Xanthones.

The strong anti-oxidant properties of the mangosteen fruit fights free radicals in the body. This helps strengthen the immune system, promote joint and cartilage function, helps support a strong respiratory system and helps maintain good health.

Medicinal Benefits of Mangosteen:

• Anti-tumor & anti-cancer
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Prevents & treats infections
• For treatment of diarrhoea, cystitis, eczema, gleet and gonorrhoea.
• Anti-proliferative activity against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line.
• Anti-micro bacterial activity
• Inhibitory activity against histamine release

Uses of Mangosteen:

• Dried and powdered mangosteen rind (skin) is given to cure dysentery. The powder can be made into a cream and applied to skin to treat eczema and other skin disorders.
• A decoction of the rind (boil in water) is cure for gonorrhoea, cystitis, diarrhoea and gleet.
• A decoction of the whole fruit, bark and leaves of the mangosteen tree can also be used.
• Eat the flesh of the mangosteen fruit for overall good health.