Potential Side Effects Of Mangosteen: Risks, Precautions, And Who Should Avoid
High-concentrate extracts can pose greater risks than consuming the whole fruit.

Potential Side Effects of Mangosteen: What You Need to Know
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), lauded for its sweet flavor and supposed health benefits, is increasingly available worldwide. While this tropical fruit and its extracts are used in traditional medicine and as supplements, there is a growing need to understand the potential side effects and risks associated with its consumption in both raw and supplemental forms.
Understanding Mangosteen and Its Uses
Mangosteen is hailed as the “queen of fruits,” commonly eaten fresh or used to produce juices, powders, and dietary supplements. Its pericarp (outer rind) contains xanthones and other unique compounds studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite its traditional use in treating ailments like diarrhea and skin infections, scientific evidence supporting many these benefits is limited, and adverse reactions are possible for certain individuals.
Side Effects of Mangosteen
Although generally considered safe for most healthy adults when consumed in moderate amounts as whole fruit, there are some notable adverse effects, especially associated with concentrated forms such as juices, extracts, and supplements.
1. Gastrointestinal Issues
- Indigestion and Bloating: Overconsumption of mangosteen fruit or extracts can cause indigestion and bloating.
- Diarrhea or Constipation: Some individuals report altered bowel movements, including diarrhea and constipation, especially when using mangosteen juice or powder excessively.
- Gastric Reflux: Continuous or large-quantity intake may trigger gastric reflux or heartburn in sensitive individuals.
These digestive side effects are more common with supplement and juice forms due to higher concentrations of active compounds.
2. Allergic Reactions
- Hypersensitivity: Individuals allergic to mangosteen or its constituents may experience symptoms like rash, swelling, itching, or respiratory distress.
Allergic reactions, though rare, call for immediate discontinuation and medical attention.
3. Effects on Blood Clotting
- Increased Bleeding Risk: Mangosteen contains xanthones which may slow blood clotting. This becomes a significant concern for people with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.
- Drug Interaction: Combining mangosteen supplements with blood thinners (such as warfarin) can elevate bleeding risk.
Avoid mangosteen in supplement or extract form if you have any clotting disorders or take medication that affects coagulation.
4. Impact on Blood Sugar
- High Sugar Content in Juice: Mangosteen juice often contains high amounts of natural sugars, posing a risk to individuals with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.
- Fluctuations in Blood Sugar: Diabetics should avoid mangosteen juices and discuss other forms with their healthcare provider.
People with diabetes are advised to monitor their blood glucose closely if consuming mangosteen products.
5. Drug Interactions
- Cytochrome P450 Substrates: Mangosteen may affect how the liver metabolizes certain drugs by inhibiting cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or reducing drug efficacy.
- Immunosuppressants: Mangosteen can interact with calcineurin inhibitors like cyclosporine and tacrolimus, potentially altering immune responses.
- Other Medications: The effect on various chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation therapy is theoretical but possible adverse interactions have been suggested.
Always consult a healthcare professional before combining mangosteen products with prescription medications.
6. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Concerns
- Limited Safety Data: Insufficient research exists on mangosteen safety during pregnancy and lactation.
- Potential Risks: Both whole fruit and extracts could have unknown effects on fetal development and newborns. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to avoid mangosteen unless cleared by a doctor.
There is no robust evidence confirming safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women—err on the side of caution.
7. Lactic Acidosis and Rare Toxic Effects
- Severe Lactic Acidosis: One documented case reported lactic acidosis following one year of daily mangosteen juice ingestion, potentially linked to mitochondrial dysfunction caused by alpha-mangostin.
- Exacerbation of Colitis: Animal studies suggest alpha-mangostin may worsen symptoms of experimental colitis, but relevance to humans needs further study.
Such severe reactions are rare but highlight the importance of moderation and medical oversight for chronic use.
Who Should Avoid Mangosteen?
- People with blood-clotting disorders or those taking blood thinners
- Individuals with diabetes (particularly with mangosteen juice products)
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Allergic individuals to mangosteen or similar fruits
- Persons taking certain prescription medications, especially those metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes or immunosuppressants
When in doubt, consult your healthcare provider before incorporating mangosteen supplements or high doses of the fruit into your diet.
Mangosteen: Toxicology and Safe Dosage
Available toxicology studies in animals suggest that mangosteen and its extracts are generally well tolerated at typical dietary levels. However, supplement doses can vary dramatically, and the risk of toxicity increases with excessive intake.
Form | Tested Dose | Effects/Observations |
---|---|---|
Crude Methanolic Extract (mouse, IP) | LD50: 1000 mg/kg | Toxic above this dose |
Ethyl Acetate Pericarp (rat, oral) | LD50 >15,480 mg/kg | No acute toxicity observed |
Mangosteen Skin Extract (mouse, oral) | Up to 5000 mg/kg | No toxicity observed |
Alpha-Mangostin (mouse, IP) | LC50: 150 mg/kg | Toxic at high dose |
For humans, optimal safe intake levels have not been firmly established, especially for supplements. As a rule of thumb, moderate consumption of fresh mangosteen fruit is generally considered safe for healthy adults.
Precautions When Using Mangosteen Products
- Start with small amounts and increase slowly to monitor tolerance.
- Never use mangosteen products in place of prescribed medications or recommended therapy.
- Seek medical guidance if you have chronic illness, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are on long-term medications.
- Purchase mangosteen supplements only from reputable sources to reduce risk of adulteration or contamination.
Possible Benefits Versus Risks: A Balanced View
Mangosteen is promoted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and has a history of use in traditional medicine. Small clinical studies hint at benefits in weight management and as an adjunct therapy for oral health, but robust scientific evidence is lacking. Risks from overconsumption, drug interactions, rare allergic, and metabolic events warrant a cautious approach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I eat mangosteen daily?
A: Most healthy adults can safely consume fresh mangosteen fruit in moderation. Excessive intake, particularly in juice or supplement form, may raise the risk of side effects such as digestive issues or potential drug interactions.
Q: Is mangosteen safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
A: There is insufficient research to support the safety of mangosteen during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is best to avoid unless a healthcare provider advises otherwise.
Q: Are mangosteen supplements safe?
A: Mangosteen supplements can cause adverse effects, especially in people taking certain medications or with preexisting health conditions. Always consult a doctor before use.
Q: Can mangosteen interact with medications?
A: Yes. Mangosteen may increase the risk of side effects for drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes and can interact with blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or certain chemotherapeutics. Discuss all supplements with your healthcare provider.
Q: Should people with diabetes avoid mangosteen?
A: Mangosteen juice contains high natural sugars, which can affect blood glucose levels. People with diabetes should consult with a healthcare professional before consuming mangosteen, especially processed forms.
Key Takeaways
- Mangosteen is generally safe when eaten fresh and in moderation by healthy individuals.
- High doses, supplements, and juice forms increase the risk of side effects, particularly for those with underlying health conditions or on certain medications.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women, diabetics, individuals with bleeding disorders, and those taking prescription medications should avoid mangosteen unless cleared by a physician.
- Always check with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have chronic illnesses or take regular medications.
References
- Peer-reviewed journal articles, major healthcare websites, and clinical trial data from reputable sources form the basis of safe practice recommendations for mangosteen consumption (see citations ).
References
- https://www.tataaig.com/knowledge-center/health-insurance/health-benefits-of-mangosteen
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/mangosteen.html
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10083825/
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/mangosteen
- https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/dangerous-side-effects-of-mangosteen/
- https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/mangosteen.htm
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/garcinia-mangostana-mangosteen
- https://consensus.app/search/what-are-the-adverse-effects-of-mangosteen/ndodcPGWRuWUnTIjm0s60g/
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