Recent evidence on prominent anti-bacterial capacities of compounds derived from the mangosteen fruit.

Abstract

Multi-drug resistant bacterial infections are of global concern, leading to staggering health care costs and loss of lives. Hence, novel therapeutic options are highly required. Garcinia mangostana, a plant known as mangosteen (also termed "queen of the fruits"), is said to possess a multitude of favorable features like anti-microbial capacity. Accordingly, we compiled a literature review addressing the potential of the mangosteen and its compounds for the treatment of bacterial infections. The included 23 publications consistently reported the inhibition or elimination of bacteria following the administration of mangosteen extracts and compounds such as the xanthone α-mangostin, both in vitro and in vivo. Even pathogens like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus as well as vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus species were tackled. While the effect of mangosteen extracts and compounds appeared to be dose-dependent, they exhibited also anti-biofilm activity and strong stability under varying conditions, suggesting suitability for a versatile approach to combat infectious diseases. Moreover, the combination of α-mangostin with other phytotherapeutic agents and especially antibiotics revealed enhanced anti-bacterial results, at low or no toxicity. In light of this review, we conclude that mangosteen extracts and compounds are promising candidates for the anti-bacterial therapy of human infections, warranting further consideration in clinical trials.