Mangosteen: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a plant that grows in Southeast Asia. The fruit is dark purple or red. The fruit pulp is slightly acidic and sweet.

Mangosteen contains chemicals that might act as antioxidants and fight infections.

People use mangosteen for serious gum infections, obesity, muscle strength, diarrhea, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Don't confuse mangosteen with garcinia. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

A serious gum infection (periodontitis). Taking mangosteen by mouth or applying a gel containing mangosteen to the gums might help improve gum health.

There is interest in using mangosteen for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Mangosteen is possibly safe when taken for up to 12 weeks. It might cause constipation, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness.

When applied to the gums: Mangosteen gel is possibly safe.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if mangosteen is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Mangosteen might slow blood clotting. Taking mangosteen might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Surgery: Mangosteen might slow blood clotting. Taking mangosteen might increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery. Stop taking mangosteen 2 weeks before surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Mangosteen
Mangosteen might slow blood clotting. Taking mangosteen along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Minor Interaction

Be watchful with this combination

Donepezil (Aricept) interacts with Mangosteen
Mangosteen might increase the effects of donepezil.

Dosing

Mangosteen has most often been used by adults in doses of up to 560 mg by mouth daily, for up to 12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

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