Chinese Herbs: Mangosteen

Chinese Herbs: Mangosteen

Description

Garcinia mangostanaL., or simply called “the mangosteen”,belongs to the Guttiferae family. It is a slow-growing erect tree, which reaches 80 feet in height. It has a dark-brown flaking bark, covering the inner part of the trunk, which contains yellow gummy latex. The evenly situated side branches form a pyramidal crown.

Mangosteen evergreen leaves are leathery and fleshy, shining dark green on the upper side and dull underneath. They are elliptic with acuminate tips. The specific feature of the new leaves is their beautiful rosy color.

During the flowering period the tips of the mangosteen branches are covered by the clusters of 3-9 wide and fleshy flowers.

Mangosteen fruit is what the tree is, actually, praised for. It is approximately the size of a tangerine. The outer covering of the fruit is a thick purple rind, which, however, is purplish-white on the inside. It contains bitter yellow latex and purple juice. Inside there are 4 to 8 segments of snow-white juicy flesh, which is soft, very aromatic, and absolutely delicious. The tasty flesh is the “bed” of the ovoid-oblong flattened seeds.

The fruit of mangosteen is rich in iron, fiber and carbs. The special attention and the biggest hopes are, however, laid on the xanthones – polyphenolic compounds with the mighty antioxidant properties. They are capable of enhancing the immune system and helping the body fight free radicals, thus postponing the process of aging, promoting overall health, fighting off the diseases and increasing the resistance against viruses and bacteria.

Scientists know about two hundred types of xanthons for the time being; more than forty (by the way, the most useful, as it is confirmed) are found in the mangosteen fruit. That explains why it is said to be so effective and promising in the treatment of multiple diseases.
Health Benefits

Mangosteen fruit products are used to treat skin disorders, like eczema; urinary disorders; diarrhoea; and gonorrhoea. Fruits, as well as bark extracts, are effective in overcoming dysentery. Root decoction is used to regulate menstruations.

Recent research shows that mangosteen may be effective in treating cancer, heart diseases, and diabetes. It is also thought to be a good pain-reliever, capable to eliminate headache, arthritis, or any other pain.

Due to its antioxidant activity mangosteen can improve the state of the whole organism, promoting vitality, longevity, and the increase of energy levels.

In general, mangosteen possesses anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties. Although scientists note that more research is necessary to evaluate and discover all the power of mangosteen, it is prized by many people all over the world, it is valued by those who claim to have already obtained visible positive results of the “Quinn of the fruits” impact on their health.