Overview
As awareness and consumption of the mangosteen has increased worldwide, so has the need to better understand the fruit’s most prominent phytonutrient, xanthones. The mangosteen fruit has nature’s most concentrated source of xanthones, a family of vigorous antioxidants.
To establish a rapid, dependable approach for identifying xanthones in their naturally occurring state, researchers were asked to develop a credible, easily duplicable analytical method for testing and measuring xanthones in the rind of the mangosteen fruit, Garcinia mangostana. The whole mangosteen fruit rind was chosen as the standard because its response factor is similar to many of the naturally occurring xanthones and is nature’s most abundant source of xanthones.
The peer-reviewed, single lab validated high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of selected xanthones in mangosteen fruit study was published in the June 2007 issue of the Journal of Separation Science. The study utilized AOAC protocols. AOAC International is a not-for-profit scientific association that sets standard methods which allow consumers to have confidence in analytical results obtained from scientific analysis.
Researchers
Edward Walker, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry, Weber State University, created the analytical method for identifying and extracting xanthones from the mangosteen fruit. During Walker's 25-year tenure at WSU, he has published numerous scientific articles ranging from the identification of new sensory transduction components in living cells to methods of analysis for natural products.
Research lab, ChromaDex, LLC, developed the standards in accordance with AOAC protocol to quantify xanthones through comparison measurement of detector response factors of individual xanthones. ChromaDex was established in 1999 and has become the market leader in the creation and supply of botanical reference standards along with related phytochemical products and services.
Methods (developed in accordance with AOAC protocol)
Xanthone extraction and identification
An 80:20 acetone/water mixture was used to extract the xanthones from dried, ground whole mangosteen fruit rind. A total of six xanthones were purified by preparative HPLC, utilizing the same solvent system and UV detection as for the analytical method. Each compound has unique UV absorption spectra that allows for easy identification of the xanthone found naturally in the mangosteen fruit.
Xanthone analysis and quantification
The same chromatographic analysis used for extraction and identification was used to quantify xanthones through comparison measurement of detector response factors of individual xanthones.
Results
The study, published in the June 2007 issue of the Journal of Separation Science, establishes a credible scientific method for testing and measuring xanthones. Six specific xanthones have been identified, and their relative response factors determined. Although additional xanthones are in the process of being identified and measured, this research ensures a more consistent and reliable marketing of mangosteen products to consumers relative to xanthone content claims.
Xanthone Bioavailability (Preliminary)
Study Overview
A pre-clinical, preliminary 28-day study of XanGo® Juice identified the bioavailability of xanthones to determine how many xanthones the body actually absorbs and the pathway they travel. A validated xanthone analysis method was used to measure the quantities of the alpha-mangostin xanthone found in blood plasma.
Researchers
Michael W. Pugh, B.S., XanGo research and development senior manager, Michael Pugh has more than 15 years experience in the natural products industry and is currently head of Research & Development for XanGo, LLC. In this capacity, Pugh has implemented safety studies, initiated analytical work and validation, established pharmacokinetics and oversees all clinical work.
Charles River Laboratories Charles River Laboratories is a pre-clinical lab that was established in 1947. It is world renowned for its research models in safety, pharmacokinetics, and in-vitro work. It employs 7,500 employees, including 500 researchers that include PhDs, MDs and DVMs.
Methods
The validated plasma method used LC-MS/MS technique to identify and quantify the amounts of alpha-mangostin in the plasma. This new analysis can quantify levels as low as 1 nanogram per ml (ng/ml).
Results
The preliminary research demonstrates that the body absorbs xanthones in low dosages and that very high levels of xanthone consumption actually result in decreased absorption efficiency. In addition, preliminary results showed long-term daily consumption of XanGo Juice increases the levels of xanthones in the blood.
More specifically, the study showed the following regarding alpha-mangostin:
- In approximately 3.5 hours, the xanthone has been absorbed during digestion.
- Females have a more efficient absorption rate than males.
- Long-term consumption of XanGo Juice causes a blood loading effect.
- Alpha-mangostin is absorbed they way nature intended, at very low doses of consumption, such as the amount contained in XanGo Juice.
- At very high levels, the absorption efficiency of the xanthone decreases.
This study allows for a solid foundation for future clinical trials. Also, these preliminary findings show artificially inflating a product with xanthone extracts does not add any value.
Terms
Mangosteen fruit (Garcinia mangostana)
An evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia that has leathery leaves and large edible fruit. Latin name: Garcinia mangostana 2. The fruit with a hard, reddish-brown rind and sweet, juicy pulp produced by the mangosteen tree. Also known as the “Queen of Fruits.”
The whole mangosteen fruit, nature's most abundant source, contains 39 different xanthones (as found in XanGo Juice).
Xanthones
C13H8O2 a unique class of biologically active compounds possessing numerous bioactive capabilities, such as antioxidant properties. They are a unique class of phytonutrients. Xanthones—found in the whole mangosteen fruit—may help maintain intestinal health, strengthen the immune system, neutralize free radicals, help support cartilage and joint function and promote a healthy seasonal respiratory system.
Phytonutrients
Any of various bioactive chemical compounds found in plants, such as antioxidants, considered to be beneficial to human health. Also referred to as phytochemical.
Pericarp/Rind
The walls of a ripened fruit, sometimes consisting of three layers, the epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp. Also referred to as the rind.
Antioxidant
Any substance that inhibits the destructive effects of oxidation. Antioxidants deactivate free radicals before they have a chance to harm your body.