What are Xanthones?
Xanthones are biologically active plant phenols found in a few select tropical plants. Current research on xanthones suggests they are beneficial in helping with many conditions including: allergies, infections (microbial, fungus, viral), cholesterol levels, inflammation, skin disorders, gastro-intestinal disorders, and fatigue.
Xanthones have been found to support and enhance the body’s immune system. Xanthones also exhibit strong antioxidant activity which is beneficial for neutralizing free radicals in the body.

Facts about xanthones
- The most plentiful natural source of xanthones is the mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), which contains over 30 xanthones. The mangosteen has by far the most xanthones of any plant. The pericarp of the mangosteen fruit contains the vast majority of the xanthones.
- Xanthones are some of the most potent antioxidants known. It is thought to be more potent than both Vitamin C and Vitamin E. In fact, many doctors refer to xanthones as “Super Antioxidants.“
- Xanthones are heat stable molecules. Unlike proteins, they won’t denature or lose their structure when heated.
Medical Properties of Xanthones
Research on Xanthones is ongoing. There are many results people report about health benefits from xanthones that cannot be explained by the science yet. This is likely due to the fact that only about 15% of known xanthones have been studied to any degree.
Some of the known benefits of xanthones based on recent research are:
- Anti-Fatigue - Helps boost energy.
- Anti-Inflammatory - Helps prevent and reduce inflammation
- Anti-Aging
- Helps prevent cancer. According to a preliminary study, six xanthones have been found to be capable of killing cancer cells.
- Helps lower blood pressure
- Helps lower blood sugar. Many people with type II diabetes have reported that it helps them to regulate their blood sugar levels.
- Helps prevent infections - Bacteria, Microbes, Viruses, Fungus.
- Anti-Diarrheal - In folk medicine, the pericarp of the mangosteen (most potent source of xanthones) has been used for centuries to effectively treat dysentery.
- Anti-Parkinson, Anti-Alzheimer. Helps prevent dementia.
- Anti-allergenic - Helps with allergies
- Eye Care - Helps prevents cataracts and glaucoma
- Helps protect the heart and cardiovascular system
- Anti-Obesity
A recent study has confirmed that gamma mangostin, a xanthones derivative found in the mangosteen, is a potent COX (Cyclooxgenase) 2 inhibitor. The COX 2 enzyme is a chemical in the body that causes inflammation. This enzyme is commonly found in people suffering from joint pain and arthritis. However, it is also being found with other diseases as well, that are not as obvious, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and Diabetes. In three separate studies, a xanthones derivative of the mangosteen slowed down the body’s production of the COX 2 enzyme.
Medical Uses of Xanthones
This information is based of the research of Dr. J. Frederic Templeman, M.D.
Here is a list of medical conditions that Dr. Templeman uses mangosteen and xanthones contained within the fruit as first line treatment in his medical practice:
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