Mangosteen (Garcinia cambogia) is a natural appetite suppressant. This herb was described centuries ago in the texts of ancient Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine. It is believed to promote weight loss by promoting the synthesis of glycogen, or stored glucose, in the body. Under normal conditions, appetite is suppressed when the brain receives the signal that adequate glycogen has been produced and stored. As mangosteen causes glycogen to be synthesized more quickly, a feeling of satisfaction or fullness results after less food is eaten.
Mangosteen is gaining popularity as a fat burning agent in many parts of the world. When taken over a period of time, mangosteen juice appears to slow the production of fat and help the body metabolize it more quickly. Mangosteen appears to increase basal metabolic rate – the rate at which the body burns energy. When used as part of a balanced diet, mangosteen may reduce carbohydrate craving.
Research on Mangosteen and Weight Loss
Mangosteen was evaluated in a pilot research study for its ability to reduce inflammation in overweight and obese individuals. The objective of this study was to determine whether mangosteen can deter the development of metabolic syndrome, which puts obese patients at increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.
One hundred and twenty two patients participated in the eight-week study, in which each patient drank mangosteen juice at a variety of dosages daily. The patients’ blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were monitored as a gauge of inflammation during the study period. After the eight-week period, CRP measurements had dropped in all three study groups, compared to the placebo group. Decreases in BMI (body-mass index) were also observed in all the participants who drank mangosteen juice. None of the participants reported adverse side effects.
Other Benefits of Mangosteen Juice
In addition to its appetite-suppressing properties, mangosteen is believed by many herbal practitioners to strengthen the immune system, support healthy intestinal bacterial flora, improve joint flexibilty, and enhance mental clarity and alertness. Mangosteen is usually consumed as a juice or purèe, or taken in the form of a capsule or tablet, often along with other herbs.
References:
Hasani-Ranjbar S, Nayebi N, Larijani B, Abdollahi M. A systematic review of the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines used in the treatment of obesity. World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Jul 7;15(25):3073-85.
Jay K Udani, Betsy B Singh, Marilyn L Barrett and Vijay J Singh Evaluation of Mangosteen juice blend on biomarkers of inflammation in obese subjects: a pilot, dose finding study. Nutrition Journal 2009, 8:48doi:10.1186/1475-2891-8-48
Lucy Tashman - As a writer, I draw on my background in environmental studies, natural history, botany, and herbal medicine, combined with a lifelong ...
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