Effect of a mangosteen dietary supplement on human immune function: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

J Med Food. 2009 Aug;12(4):755-63. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2008.0204.

Abstract

The effect of a mangosteen product containing multivitamins and essential minerals was tested on immune function and well-being in healthy adults. A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 59 healthy human subjects (40-60 years old). Changes from baseline immune function were measured after a 30-day consumption of the mangosteen product and the placebo. The subjects' self-appraisal of their health status was also surveyed. A xanthone-rich mangosteen product intake increased mean values for peripheral T-helper cell frequency (P = .020) and reduced the serum C-reactive protein concentration (P = .014). Increases in peripheral CD4/CD8 double-positive (DP) T-cell frequency and serum complement C3, C4, and interleukin (IL)-1alpha concentrations were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the placebo group (DP, P = .038; C3, P = .017; C4, P = .031; IL-1alpha, P = .006). At the end of study, serum IL-1alpha and IL-1beta concentrations in the study group were significantly higher than that in the placebo group (IL-1alpha, P = .033; IL-1beta, P = .04). Furthermore, more participants in the experimental group reported greatly improved overall health status compared with participants receiving placebo (P = .001). The results indicated that the intake of an antioxidant-rich product significantly enhanced immune responses and improved the subject's self-appraisal on his or her overall health status.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • CD4-CD8 Ratio
  • Complement C3 / metabolism
  • Complement C4 / metabolism
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Garcinia mangostana* / chemistry
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Immune System / drug effects*
  • Interleukin-1alpha / blood
  • Interleukin-1beta / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plant Preparations / pharmacology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / metabolism
  • Xanthones / pharmacology

Substances

  • Complement C3
  • Complement C4
  • Interleukin-1alpha
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Plant Preparations
  • Xanthones
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • xanthone