The Purple Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), colloquially known simply as "the mangosteen", is a tropical evergreen tree believed to have originated in the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas of Indonesia. The tree grows from 7 to 25 m (20–80 ft) tall. The rind (exocarp) of the edible fruit is deep reddish purple when ripe. Botanically an aril, the fragrant edible flesh can be described as sweet and tangy, citrusy with peach flavor and texture.
Experiences with Mangosteen
Successful experiences with Mangosteen are creating a surge in the use of the fruit's extract by both conventional and naturopathic doctors to treat their patients.
Many have reported successfully treating their patients using Mangosteen instead of prescription or over-the-counter drugs prescribed by health practitioners.
Here are some of the health issues they've successfully addressed, and some of the more common prescription and over-the-counter drugs that Mangosteen equals or outperforms without the harmful and sometimes fatal side effects.
In a published article(1), Dr. J. Frederic Templeman wrote that he uses the Mangosteen extract as "first-line therapy" in the following conditions:
- arthritis
- acid dyspepsia or gastritis
- allergic rhinitis
- diverticutitis
- eczema
- fibromyalgia
- gastro-esophageal reflux disease
- hiatal hernia
- irritable bowel disease
- mild depression or dysthymia
- mild to moderate anxiety states
- mild to moderate asthma
- neurodermatitis
- non-arthritis muscle or joint pain
- otitis externa
- recurrent urinary tract infection
- sleep disorders
Adjunctive Therapy
He also uses the Mangosteen extract as "adjunctive therapy" in the following conditions:(1)
- bacteria infections
- cancer
- cardiovascular disease and hypertension
- chronic pain syndrome
- cystic fibrosis
- degenerative disc disease
- diabetes
- fungal infections
- hemorrhoids
- lupus erythematosis
- migraine headache
- moderate to severe depression
- peripheral neuropathy
- post-menopausal mood disorder and PMS
- psoriasis
- rheumatic or connective tissue diseases
- severe allergic reactions
- stomach and duodenal ulcers
- ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
- viral infections
Mangosteen "Equals or Outperforms" Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs
Dr. Templeman also wrote that, in his opinion, the Mangosteen extract "equals or outperforms" prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as:
- Alzheimer's preparations such as Aricept and Cognex
- anti-depressant drugs such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and Lexapro when used for dysthymia or anxiety
- ntihistamines such as Allegra, Xyrtec and Claritin
- anti-inflammatories such as Celebrex, Vioxx, Bextra, Naproxen, Arthrotec and Ibuprofen
- H2 blockers such as Zantac and Pepcid
- lipid-lowering agents such as Lipitor, Zocor and Pravacol
- migraine preparations such as Midrin, Fiorcicet, Imitrex, Amerge, Maxalt and Zomig
- narcotics such as Vicodin, Percocet and Duragesic patches
- Nexium, Prevacid and Aziphex
- non-opiod pain preparations such as Ultram and Talwin
- tranquilizers such as Valium and Xanax
"...Because of my healing experience, I started researching the Mangosteen fruit... and started sharing it with my patients as a complement to traditional medications. Many patients have been able to taper their medications while on the Mangosteen.
"More and more medical doctors are opening their minds to complementing with natural, alternative solutions. More patients are becoming educated about natural alternatives and approach us with questions and suggestions.
"I personally think Mangosteen is a superior natural product because it has been researched for the last 20 years, and even more so in the last five years, and the findings are amazing."(2)
- Armando de Guzman, M.D.
- Armando de Guzman, M.D.
