Evidence supporting the use of: Mangosteen
For the health condition: Infection (viral)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) has a long history of traditional use in Southeast Asian medicine. The fruit rind and other parts of the plant have been used for centuries to address various infections, including those believed to be viral in nature. Mangosteen’s traditional medicinal applications include the treatment of skin infections, dysentery, and wounds, in addition to being consumed as a general health tonic. The xanthones and other polyphenolic compounds found in mangosteen have been suggested as the biologically active constituents responsible for its purported benefits.

Despite these traditional uses, scientific validation for mangosteen’s efficacy specifically against viral infections in humans is limited. In vitro studies have demonstrated that some xanthones, such as alpha-mangostin, exhibit antiviral activity against certain viruses, including HIV, dengue virus, and influenza. However, these effects have not been robustly confirmed in clinical trials. The vast majority of evidence is preclinical, and there is a lack of large-scale, well-designed human studies to substantiate mangosteen’s effectiveness in treating or preventing viral infections.

In summary, while mangosteen enjoys a rich tradition of use for infection-related ailments, scientific evidence supporting its use for viral infections is preliminary and mostly limited to laboratory studies. More rigorous clinical research is needed before it can be recommended as an effective antiviral therapy.

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