Effect of Crude Ethanolic Extract of Mangosteen Pericarp (Garcinia mangostana Linn.): A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Garcinia mangostana L., known as mangosteen, is a tropical tree whose fruit pericarp has been extensively used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments. The crude ethanolic extract of mangosteen pericarp (CEMP) is a rich source of bioactive xanthones, with α-mangostin being the most prominent. This comprehensive review aims to consolidate and critically evaluate the existing scientific literature on the biological effects and pharmacological potential of CEMP. We systematically analyzed published studies from electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The findings reveal that CEMP exhibits a wide spectrum of potent pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects. These activities are primarily attributed to the xanthones' ability to modulate key signalling pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and their interaction with various enzymatic systems. Despite the promising in vitro and in vivo evidence, a significant gap exists in clinical research that translates these findings into human therapeutics. This review highlights the robust pharmacological profile of CEMP, underscores the need for more detailed mechanistic studies and standardized clinical trials, and discusses its potential as a source for developing novel natural-based drugs.