In a latest research scientist have found that Mangosteen fruit shows killing activity towards blood cancer cells while showing no effect on healthy cells.
The researchers from Italy, performed controlled clinical study on leukemia cell line. Ethanol extract of mangosteen fruit shows cytotoxic activity against leukemic cells while showing no effect on healthy cell lines.
Mangosteen Fruit
The tropical fruit Garcinia mangostana, commonly known as mangosteen, is celebrated not only for its delicious taste but also for its potent health benefits, which are being increasingly recognized in cancer research.
Here’s a closer look at the findings and their implications for cancer therapy.
1. Selective Targeting of Leukemia Cells
The research focused on testing an ethanol extract from mangosteen’s pericarp (referred to as ME) against human leukemia cell lines. Incredibly, ME demonstrated strong cytotoxic effects on leukemia cells, specifically U937 and Jurkat cell lines. Unlike many conventional treatments, which can damage healthy cells, ME appeared to spare normal cells, such as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and healthy blood cells. This selectivity makes ME a potentially safer option in targeting cancerous cells without causing widespread damage to normal tissues.
2. Synergistic Power in the Whole Extract
When broken down, ME is rich in active compounds like xanthones, including α-mangostin and gartanin, known for their antioxidant and anticancer properties. However, the study showed that the entire extract was more effective than any of its individual components. This suggests a powerful synergy within the extract, where the combined effects of all compounds work together to boost its anticancer potential.
3. Inducing Cancer Cell Death Through Apoptosis
The extract’s anticancer activity extends beyond mere cell toxicity. ME was found to promote apoptosis—a programmed form of cell death—in leukemia cells. This is a significant finding, as inducing apoptosis in cancer cells is a central strategy in cancer therapy. The study points to mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase pathway activation as likely mechanisms through which ME prompts apoptosis. In simpler terms, ME disrupts the energy centers of cancer cells and triggers the pathways needed for cancer cells to self-destruct.
4. A Potential Nutraceutical for Cancer Therapy
The findings from this study highlights the potential of Garcinia mangostana as a natural, selective anticancer agent.
While more research is needed to fully validate ME’s therapeutic applications, the results highlight its potential role in supporting conventional cancer treatments. The extract’s ability to selectively target leukemia cells makes it a promising candidate for nutraceutical use, offering hope for complementary cancer therapies that focus on minimizing harm to healthy tissue.
In Summary
Mangosteen’s pericarp extract shows exciting potential as a selective, plant-based anticancer agent. By targeting cancer cells and sparing healthy ones, it paves the way for innovative approaches to cancer therapy. As research continues, Garcinia mangostana might soon play a key role in the fight against cancer, standing as a testament to the power of natural remedies in modern medicine.
Original Research can be accessed here:
Zeppa, S. D., Micucci, M., Ferrini, F., Gioacchini, A. M., Piccoli, G., Potenza, L., Bartolacci, A., Annibalini, G., Rehman, A. A., Calcabrini, C., Stocchi, V., & Sestili, P. (2024). Differential cytotoxic effects of Garcinia mangostana pericarp extract on leukaemic versus normal human cell lines: Insights into selective anticancer activity. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 48, 100937. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hermed.2024.100937
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or supplement, especially for serious conditions like cancer. The potential benefits of mangosteen pericarp extract are still under investigation, and more research is required to confirm its efficacy and safety for clinical use.
