Alpha-Mangostin

Also known as: Alpha-Mangostin · α-Mangostin · 1,3,6-Trihydroxy-7-methoxy-2,8-bis(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-9H-xanthen-9-one

Definition

Alpha-mangostin (also written as α-Mangostin) is a natural xanthone compound isolated from the pericarp of the mangosteen fruit (Garcinia mangostana). In the Philippine herbal and dietary supplement market, it is the primary bioactive marker studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential therapeutic properties, notably utilized in standardized herbal products. (Wikipedia)

Identities

Source Type	Identity
Wikipedia	Mangostin
Wikidata	Q416182
DBpedia	Mangostin
ProductOntology	N/A
Wiktionary	N/A
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)	Xanthone
MeSH	N/A
NCBI Taxonomy	N/A
AGROVOC	N/A
Google Scholar	alpha-mangostin Garcinia mangostana bioactivity antioxidant
ConceptNet	N/A
OpenCyc	N/A

Also Known As

Alpha-Mangostin
α-Mangostin
1,3,6-Trihydroxy-7-methoxy-2,8-bis(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-9H-xanthen-9-one

Examples and Analogies

Standardized Pericarp Extract: Used as the active marker in commercial food supplements to ensure consistent potency.
MX3 Capsules: A well-known Philippine brand of dietary supplements containing mangosteen pericarp powder standardized for xanthones.

Usage Scenarios

1. Quality Control Testing

A laboratory technician uses High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to measure the concentration of alpha-mangostin in a batch of raw mangosteen powder.

2. Formulating Natural Supplements

A pharmaceutical chemist incorporates alpha-mangostin rich extract into oral capsules to promote antioxidant wellness.

Strategies

Store alpha-mangostin raw materials in cool, dark, and dry locations to prevent oxidation and thermal degradation.
Verify standardized concentration levels through third-party lab testing before using raw extracts in manufacturing.

Security and Safety Measures

Ensure that final product labels avoid claiming that alpha-mangostin can cure or treat specific medical conditions, as it is classified as a food supplement ingredient in the Philippines.
Consult toxicological profiles and clinical safety data before introducing highly concentrated extracts to the market.

Historical Context

Alpha-mangostin was first isolated from the pericarp of Garcinia mangostana in 1855 by German chemist W. Schmid. Since the late 1990s, researchers in the Philippines and Southeast Asia have actively investigated the molecule for its anti-inflammatory properties, driving its development into a commercially successful dietary supplement ingredient.

Challenges and Controversies

Batch-to-Batch Variability

The concentration of natural alpha-mangostin varies due to soil quality, climate, and harvesting conditions.

Regulatory Enforcement

Preventing manufacturers from making unauthorized therapeutic claims regarding the compound’s health benefits.

References

Mangostin — Wikipedia