Mangosteen, a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, contains bioactive compounds called xanthones, notably α-mangostin, which have shown potential in preclinical studies for prostate cancer management. Here’s a concise overview based on available research:
- Anti-Cancer Properties: Studies indicate that α-mangostin and other xanthones from mangosteen pericarp exhibit anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-tumor effects in prostate cancer cells. For example, α-mangostin has been shown to:
- Induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human prostate cancer cell lines (e.g., 22Rv1, LNCaP) by targeting cyclin/CDK4 pathways and increasing caspase-3 activity.https://academic.oup.com/carcin/article-abstract/33/2/413/2464138?redirectedFrom=fulltexthttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22159229/
- Degrade androgen receptors (AR) and AR variants (e.g., AR-V7), which are critical in prostate cancer progression and drug resistance, through ubiquitination and proteasome pathways.https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/15/7/2118
- Reduce tumor growth in mouse xenograft models, with one study showing a 65% reduction in tumor volume without significant toxicity.https://academic.oup.com/carcin/article-abstract/33/2/413/2464138?redirectedFrom=fulltext
- Mechanisms: α-Mangostin promotes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, activates autophagy, and inhibits key signaling pathways (e.g., ERK, PI3K, Stat3), which contribute to its anti-cancer effects. It also shows selective toxicity, affecting cancer cells more than non-cancerous prostate epithelial cells.https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/14/11/1382https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006291X14016702
- Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects: Mangosteen pericarp powder has been studied in rats, where it reduced markers of oxidative stress (e.g., malondialdehyde) and inflammation (e.g., iNOS, COX-2), potentially mitigating prostatic hyperplasia and cancer progression.https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-56970-2https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6962454/
- Limitations: While promising, most evidence comes from in vitro and animal studies. Human clinical trials are lacking, and mangosteen’s efficacy and safety for prostate cancer treatment in humans remain unproven. Its high sugar content and antioxidant effects may also interfere with chemotherapy or radiation.https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/mangosteen
Critical Note: The research is preliminary, and claims of mangosteen as a “cure” are exaggerated. Always consult a healthcare professional before using mangosteen supplements, especially during cancer treatment, to avoid interactions or false hopes. Further studies are needed to validate its clinical potential.https://www.utep.edu/herbal-safety/herbal-facts/herbal%2520facts%2520sheet/mangosteen.htmlhttps://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/mangosteen
