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Overview: Mangosteen is a plant called Garcinia mangostana. It is available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement in the form of juices, powders, and capsules that are taken by mouth. People take mangosteen for many reasons, such as antioxidant support, inflammation, immune health, and weight management, although its benefits are not well defined. There is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Check with your health care provider before using mangosteen, especially if you have any health conditions or take any medicines.

Uses

What is mangosteen used for?

Mangosteen (G. mangostana) is used for various reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons people may take mangosteen include the following.

  • Inflammation
  • Immune system support
  • Weight management
  • Blood sugar support
  • Antiaging

Note: The FDA has not reviewed mangosteen for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does mangosteen work (mechanism of action)?

Mangosteen is a plant called Garcinia mangostana. It is also called the “queen of fruits,” purple mangosteen, meseter, or other names. Mangosteen supplements are usually made using the rind or peel of the fruit, although some products may also contain the fruit pulp, leaves, or bark.

Mangosteen contains natural plant compounds called xanthones, which are thought to be the main active ingredients. These compounds may act as antioxidants, which means they may help protect cells from damage. Mangosteen xanthones may also help lower inflammation in the body by blocking certain chemical signals involved in the inflammatory process.

Some lab research suggests that mangosteen xanthones may affect how the body processes fat and sugar, so mangosteen is sometimes used for weight management and blood sugar support.  However, these effects have not been well studied in humans, and the actual benefits of taking mangosteen for these purposes are not well defined.

Herbal products like mangosteen naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific mangosteen product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store mangosteen?

You should store mangosteen according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of mangosteen?

Mangosteen seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect from a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of mangosteen?

While less common, the most serious side effects of mangosteen are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Mangosteen may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking mangosteen and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Lactic Acidosis. There has been a report of severe lactic acidosis linked to the use of mangosteen juice. Lactic acidosis is a dangerous buildup of acid in the blood. Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Muscle pain or cramping
  • Trouble breathing or fast breathing
  • Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
  • Feeling cold or dizzy
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use mangosteen?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take mangosteen.

  • Mangostan
  • Mangosteen
  • Mangostier
  • Manguita
  • Meseter
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific mangosteen products they stock.

What should I know about mangosteen before using it?

Mangosteen is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep mangosteen out of the reach of children.

Mangosteen is available in different forms, such as powders, capsules, and juice. Herbal products, such as mangosteen, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific mangosteen product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

If you are using mangosteen powder, use an accurate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Read the label carefully and measure the amount stated on the label.

The FDA has not tested mangosteen products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using mangosteen?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also, tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Diabetes
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how mangosteen could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if mangosteen passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does mangosteen interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between mangosteen and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect mangosteen.

Does mangosteen interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between mangosteen and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with mangosteen is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking mangosteen with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much mangosteen?

If you or someone else has used too much mangosteen, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Mangosteen comes in a range of forms that are taken by mouth. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use mangosteen safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.

Disclaimer: This content was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.