Garcinone B reduces prostaglandin E2 release and NF-κB-mediated transcription in C6 rat glioma cells

Garcinone C attenuates RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and oxidative stress by activating Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibiting the NF-kB signaling pathway

Osteoporosis is the result of osteoclast formation exceeding osteoblast production, and current osteoporosis treatments targeting excessive osteoclast bone resorption have serious adverse effects. There is a need to fully understand the mechanisms of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, identify new drug targets, and find better drugs to treat osteoporosis. Gar C (Gar C) is a major naturally occurring phytochemical isolated from mangosteen, and is a derivative of the naturally occurring phenolic antioxidant lutein. We used an OP mouse model established by ovariectomy (OVX). We found that treatment with Gar C significantly increased bone mineral density and significantly decreased the expression of TRAP, NFATC1 and CTSK relative to untreated OP mice. We found that Garcinone C could disrupt osteoclast activation and resorption functions by inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation as well as inhibiting the formation of multinucleated osteoclasts. Immunoblotting showed that Gar C downregulated the expression of osteoclast-related proteins. In addition, Gar C significantly inhibited RANKL-induced ROS production and affected NF-κB activity by inhibiting phosphorylation Formylation of P65 and phosphorylation and degradation of ikba. These data suggest that Gar C significantly reduced OVX-induced osteoporosis by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and oxidative stress in bone tissue. Mechanistically, this effect was associated with inhibition of the ROS-mediated NF-κB pathway.

Discovering the Active Ingredients of Medicine and Food Homologous Substances for Inhibiting the Cyclooxygenase-2 Metabolic Pathway by Machine Learning Algorithms

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase (mPGES-1) are two key targets in anti-inflammatory therapy. Medicine and food homology (MFH) substances have both edible and medicinal properties, providing a valuable resource for the development of novel, safe, and efficient COX-2 and mPGES-1 inhibitors. In this study, we collected active ingredients from 503 MFH substances and constructed the first comprehensive MFH database containing 27,319 molecules. Subsequently, we performed Murcko scaffold analysis and K-means clustering to deeply analyze the composition of the constructed database and evaluate its structural diversity. Furthermore, we employed four supervised machine learning algorithms, including support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), deep neural networks (DNNs), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), as well as ensemble learning, to establish 640 classification models and 160 regression models for COX-2 and mPGES-1 inhibitors. Among them, ModelA_ensemble_RF_1 emerged as the optimal classification model for COX-2 inhibitors, achieving predicted Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) values of 0.802 and 0.603 on the test set and external validation set, respectively. ModelC_RDKIT_SVM_2 was identified as the best regression model based on COX-2 inhibitors, with root mean squared error (RMSE) values of 0.419 and 0.513 on the test set and external validation set, respectively. ModelD_ECFP_SVM_4 stood out as the top classification model for mPGES-1 inhibitors, attaining MCC values of 0.832 and 0.584 on the test set and external validation set, respectively. The optimal regression model for mPGES-1 inhibitors, ModelF_3D_SVM_1, exhibited predictive RMSE values of 0.253 and 0.35 on the test set and external validation set, respectively. Finally, we proposed a ligand-based cascade virtual screening strategy, which integrated the well-performing supervised machine learning models with unsupervised learning: the self-organized map (SOM) and molecular scaffold analysis. Using this virtual screening workflow, we discovered 10 potential COX-2 inhibitors and 15 potential mPGES-1 inhibitors from the MFH database. We further verified candidates by molecular docking, investigated the interaction of the candidate molecules upon binding to COX-2 or mPGES-1. The constructed comprehensive MFH database has laid a solid foundation for the further research and utilization of the MFH substances. The series of well-performing machine learning models can be employed to predict the COX-2 and mPGES-1 inhibitory capabilities of unknown compounds, thereby aiding in the discovery of anti-inflammatory medications. The COX-2 and mPGES-1 potential inhibitor molecules identified through the cascade virtual screening approach provide insights and references for the design of highly effective and safe novel anti-inflammatory drugs.

Potency of Xanthone Derivatives from Garcinia mangostana L. for COVID-19 Treatment through Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 and Main Protease Blockade: A Computational Study

ACE2 and Mpro in the pathology of SARS-CoV-2 show great potential in developing COVID-19 drugs as therapeutic targets, due to their roles as the "gate" of viral entry and viral reproduction. Of the many potential compounds for ACE2 and Mpro inhibition, α-mangostin is a promising candidate. Unfortunately, the potential of α-mangostin as a secondary metabolite with the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity is hindered due to its low solubility in water. Other xanthone isolates, which also possess the xanthone core structure like α-mangostin, are predicted to be potential alternatives to α-mangostin in COVID-19 treatment, addressing the low drug-likeness of α-mangostin. This study aims to assess the potential of xanthone derivative compounds in the pericarp of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) through computational study. The study was conducted through screening activity using molecular docking study, drug-likeness prediction using Lipinski's rule of five filtration, pharmacokinetic and toxicity prediction to evaluate the safety profile, and molecular dynamic study to evaluate the stability of formed interactions. The research results showed that there were 11 compounds with high potential to inhibit ACE2 and 12 compounds to inhibit Mpro. However, only garcinone B, in addition to being indicated as active, also possesses a drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic, and toxicity profile that was suitable. The molecular dynamic study exhibited proper stability interaction between garcinone B with ACE2 and Mpro. Therefore, garcinone B, as a xanthone derivative isolate compound, has promising potential for further study as a COVID-19 treatment as an ACE2 and Mpro inhibitor.

Mangosteen Extract Shows a Potent Insulin Sensitizing Effect in Obese Female Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

There is a widely acknowledged association between insulin resistance and obesity/type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and insulin sensitizing treatments have proved effective in preventing diabetes and inducing weight loss. Obesity and T2DM are also associated with increased inflammation. Mangosteen is a tropical tree, whose fruits—known for their antioxidant properties—have been recently suggested having a possible further role in the treatment of obesity and T2DM. The objective of this pilot study has been to evaluate safety and efficacy of treatment with mangosteen extract on insulin resistance, weight management, and inflammatory status in obese female patients with insulin resistance. Twenty-two patients were randomized 1:1 to behavioral therapy alone or behavioral therapy and mangosteen and 20 completed the 26-week study. The mangosteen group reported a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity (homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance, HOMA-IR −53.22% vs. −15.23%, p = 0.004), and no side effect attributable to treatment was reported. Given the positive preliminary results we report and the excellent safety profile, we suggest a possible supplementary role of mangosteen extracts in the treatment of obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation.

2,3-Diarylxanthones as Potential Inhibitors of Arachidonic Acid Metabolic Pathways

In response to an inflammatory stimulus, arachidonic acid (AA), the main polyunsaturated fatty acid present in the phospholipid layer of cell membranes, is released and metabolized to a series of eicosanoids. These bioactive lipid mediators of inflammation arise physiologically through the action of the enzymes 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and cyclooxygenases (constitutive COX-1 and inducible COX-2). It is believed that dual inhibition of 5-LOX and COXs may have a higher beneficial impact in the treatment of inflammatory disorders rather than the inhibition of each enzyme. With this demand for new dual-acting anti-inflammatory agents, a range of 2,3-diarylxanthones were tested through their ability to interact in the AA metabolism. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated through the inhibition of 5-LOX-catalyzed leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄) formation in human neutrophils and inhibition of COX-1- and COX-2-catalyzed prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) formation in human whole blood. The results showed that some of the studied arylxanthones were able to prevent LTB₄ production in human neutrophils, in a concentration-dependent manner. The xanthone with a 2-catechol was the most active one (IC₅₀ ∼ 9 μM). The more effective arylxanthones in preventing COX-1-catalyzed PGE₂ production presented IC₅₀ values from 1 to 7 μM, exhibiting a structural feature with at least one non-substituted aryl group. All the studied arylxanthones were ineffective to prevent the formation of PGE₂ catalyzed by COX-2, up to the maximum concentration of 100 μM. The ability of the tested 2,3-diarylxanthones to interact with both 5-LOX and COX-1 pathways constitutes an important step in the research of novel dual-acting anti-inflammatory drugs.

New insights into the anti-obesity activity of xanthones from Garcinia mangostana

This article reviews the anti-adipogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of xanthones from Garcinia mangostana.

Biological activities and bioavailability of mangosteen xanthones: a critical review of the current evidence

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia that produces a fruit whose pericarp contains a family of tricyclic isoprenylated polyphenols referred to as xanthones. Numerous in vitro studies have shown that these xanthones possess anti-oxidant, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic activities. Aggressive marketing of such health promoting benefits has resulted in mangosteen’s classification as a “superfruit”. This has led to sales of mangosteen containing beverages in USA alone exceeding $200 million in 2008 despite very limited animal and human studies. This review will (a) critically address recent reports of in vivo studies on the bioavailability and metabolism of mangosteen xanthones, (b) update the in vitro and in vivo data on anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities of mangosteen xanthones, and (c) suggest needed areas of inquiry regarding the absorption, metabolism and efficacy of mangosteen xanthones.

Antitumour and free radical scavenging effects of γ-mangostin isolated from Garcinia mangostana pericarps against hepatocellular carcinoma cell

OBJECTIVES

Liver cancer is one of the highest rate diseases in southeastern Asia. Recently, many of functional foods and alternative medicines are very popularly utilized to prevent chronic diseases and cancer in Taiwan. In this study, we wanted to select and develop some of novel effectual agents or phytochemicals of γ-mangostin for clinical management or prevent hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HCC).

METHODS

Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is an autocatalytic mechanism which induced tissue injure and carcinogenesis. In this study, the inhibitory activity of γ-mangostin on oxidative damage induced rat mitochondria LPO, the free radical scavenging of γ-mangostin and the apoptotic effects of γ-mangostin on HepG2 cells were investigated.

KEY FINDINGS

γ-Mangostin processed activity to inhibit LPO and scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. γ-Mangostin showed antiproliferative activity and induced nuclear condensation and apoptotic bodies appearance under Giemsa staining by microscopic observation. In addition, γ-mangostin showed increases of hypodiploid cells via propidium iodide, 2'7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate, and 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide staining by flow cytometry analysis in HepG2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

γ-Mangostin has demonstrated free radical scavenging activity, and antiproliferative and apoptotic activity in HepG2 cells. The proof suggests that γ-mangostin is a lead compound candidate for clinical management or prevent HCC.

Xanthones from mangosteen extracts as natural chemopreventive agents: potential anticancer drugs

Despite decades of research, the treatment and management of malignant tumors still remain a formidable challenge for public health. New strategies for cancer treatment are being developed, and one of the most promising treatment strategies involves the application of chemopreventive agents. The search for novel and effective cancer chemopreventive agents has led to the identification of various naturally occurring compounds. Xanthones, from the pericarp, whole fruit, heartwood, and leaf of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn., GML), are known to possess a wide spectrum of pharmacologic properties, including antioxidant, anti- tumor, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral activities. The potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities of xanthones have been demonstrated in different stages of carcinogenesis (initiation, promotion, and progression) and are known to control cell division and growth, apoptosis, inflammation, and metastasis. Multiple lines of evidence from numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that xanthones inhibit proliferation of a wide range of human tumor cell types by modulating various targets and signaling transduction pathways. Here we provide a concise and comprehensive review of preclinical data and assess the observed anticancer effects of xanthones, supporting its remarkable potential as an anticancer agent.

Gamma-mangostin, a micronutrient of mangosteen fruit, induces apoptosis in human colon cancer cells

Recently colorectal cancer rates have increased rapidly in Taiwan. The treatment of colorectal cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a famous Asian tropical fruit. γ-Mangostin is a xanthone derivative isolated from the fruit hull. In previous studies, we found evidence of anti-inflammatory and anti-brain tumor activities in γ-mangostin. In this study, we performed further studies to assess the apoptotic effects of γ-mangostin on colorectal adenocarcinoma cells HT29. γ-Mangostin showed concentration and time-dependent cytotoxic effects on HT29 cells. Microscopic observation under Giemsa staining showed that γ-mangostin induced cellular swelling and the appearance of apoptotic bodies, characteristic of apoptosis in HT29 cells. In addition, flow cytometry analysis showed an increase of hypodiploid cells in γ-mangostin-treated HT29 cells, while enhancement of intracellular peroxide production was detected in the same γ-mangostin-treated cells by DCHDA assay and DiOC6(3) staining. In view of the above results, γ-mangostin has demonstrated anticancer activity and induces apoptosis in HT29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. The evidence suggests that γ-mangostin could serve as a micronutrient for colon cancer prevention and is a potential lead compound for the development of anti-colon cancer agents.

1,3,5-trihydroxy-4-prenylxanthone represses lipopolysaccharide-induced iNOS expression via impeding posttranslational modification of IRAK-1

Both high level of nitric oxide (NO) and its generating enzyme, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), play important roles in pathophysiological conditions such as inflammatory processes. We previously found that 1,3,5-trihydroxy-4-prenylxanthone (TH-4-PX) isolated from Cudrania cochinchinensis repressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in RAW264.7 macrophages. Here we further examined the underlying mechanisms using RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. Consistent with NO inhibition, suppression of LPS-induced iNOS expression by TH-4-PX through abolishing IκB kinase (IKK) phosphorylation, IκB degradation and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) nuclear translocation was observed. After LPS stimulation, the increased nuclear level of c-Fos and c-Jun (major components of activator protein-1, AP-1) and the phosphorylated level of upstream signal molecules, such as c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase, (ERK) were all significantly suppressed by TH-4-PX, while p38 remained unaffected. A further experiment revealed that TH-4-PX inhibited the phosphorylation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), an upstream signaling molecule required for IKK and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activation. Stimulation with LPS also triggered the modification (phosphorylation and ubiquitination) and eventually the proteasomal degradation of membrane-associated interleukin (IL)-1 receptor-associated serine/threonine kinase 1 (IRAK-1), an essential signaling component to toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated TAK-1 activation. Interestingly, the modified pattern of IRAK-1 in the presence LPS was significantly attenuated by TH-4-PX treatment. In conclusion, TH-4-PX inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB and AP-1 activations by interfering with the posttranslational modification (phosphorylation and/or ubiquitinylation) of IRAK-1 in the cell membrane to impede TAK1-mediated activation of IKK and MAPKs signal transduction.

Apoptotic effects of γ-mangostin from the fruit hull of Garcinia mangostana on human malignant glioma cells

Gliomas are a common type of primary brain tumor with glioblastoma multiforme accounting for the majority of human brain tumors. In this paper, high grade human malignant glioblastomas (MGs) including U87 MG and GBM 8401 were used to evaluate the antitumor effects of γ-mangostin, a xanthone derivative isolated and purified from the hull of the tropical fruit Garcinia mangostana. The γ-mangostin showed potent antiproliferative activity toward MGs in dose- and time-dependent manners. In addition, flow cytometric analysis of cell morphology in the apoptotic cells revealed an increase in hypodiploid cells in γ-mangostin treated U87 MG and GBM 8401 cells, while significant enhancement of intracellular peroxide production was detected in the same γ-mangostin treated cells by DCHDA assay and DiOC(6)(3) stain. g-Mangostin induced apoptosis, which in turn mediates cytotoxicity in human MG cells was prevented by the addition of catalase. Naturally derived medicines and herbal therapies are drawing increasing attention in regard to the treatment of many health issues, and this includes the testing of new phytochemicals or nutrients for brain tumor patients. This has led to γ-mangostin being identified as a potential leading compound for the development of an anti-brain tumor agent.

Antiproliferative effect of benzophenones and their influence on cathepsin activity

The antiproliferative activity of two prenylated benzophenones isolated from Rheedia brasiliensis, the triprenylated garciniaphenone and the tetraprenylated benzophenone 7-epiclusianone, was investigated against human cancer cell lines. The antiproliferative activity on melanoma (UACC-62), breast (MCF-7), drug-resistant breast (NCI-ADR), lung/non-small cells (NCI460), ovarian (OVCAR 03), prostate (PC03), kidney (786-0), lung (NCI-460) and tongue (CRL-1624 and CRL-1623) cancer cells was determined using spectrophotometric quantification of the cellular protein content. The effect of these benzophenones on the activity of cathepsins B and G was also investigated. Garciniaphenone displayed cytostatic activity in all cell lines, whereas 7-epiclusianone showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect. The IC(50) values for cell proliferation revealed that 7-epiclusianone is more active than garciniaphenone against most of the cell lines. Furthermore, the antiproliferative effects demonstrated by garciniaphenone and 7-epiclusianone were related to their cathepsin inhibiting properties. In conclusion, 7-epiclusianone is a promising naturally occurring agent which displays multiple inhibitory effects which may be working in concert to inhibit cancer cell proliferation in vitro. The putative pathway by which 7-epiclusianone affects cancer cell development may involve cathepsin inhibition.

Evaluation of Mangosteen juice blend on biomarkers of inflammation in obese subjects: a pilot, dose finding study

Background

The ability to reduce inflammation in overweight and obese individuals may be valuable in preventing the progression to metabolic syndrome with associated risks for heart disease and diabetes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of multiple dosages of a proprietary Mangosteen Juice blend on indicators of inflammation and antioxidant levels in obese patients with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

Methods

The study was an 8 week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with a pre-study 2 week washout period. The study included four groups including placebo and three difference doses of the test product, XanGo Juice™: 3, 6 or 9 oz twice daily. The primary outcome measure of this study was high-sensitivity (HS)-CRP. Secondary outcome measures included other biochemical indicators of inflammation, anthropomorphic measures and a safety evaluation.

Results

One hundred twenty two (122) persons were screened for the study, 44 were randomized and 40 completed the study. HS-CRP measurements dropped after 8 weeks treatment compared to baseline in all 3 dose groups and increased in the placebo group. The changes from baseline were not significant but the comparison of change from baseline was significant for the 18 oz group when compared to placebo (p = 0.02). Other markers of inflammation (inflammatory cytokines) and a marker for lipid peroxidation (F2 isoprostane) did not show any significant differences when compared with placebo. There was a trend towards a decrease in BMI in the juice groups. There were no side effects reported in any of the groups and none of the laboratory or EKG safety assessments indicated clinically significant changes for any subject.

Conclusion

In this pilot, dose-finding study, a proprietary mangosteen juice blend (XanGo Juice™) reduced CRP levels (increased change from baseline) compared to placebo for those taking the highest dose of 18 oz per day. Further studies with a larger population are required to confirm and further define the benefits of this juice. The juice was administered safely.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN9300027

Structural Characterization, Biological Effects, and Synthetic Studies on Xanthones from Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), a Popular Botanical Dietary Supplement

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L., Clusiaceae) is a popular botanical dietary supplement in the United States, where it is used principally as an antioxidant. It is referred to as the "queen of fruits" in Thailand, a country of origin. The major secondary metabolites of mangosteen, the xanthones, exhibit a variety of biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, cytotoxic, and potential cancer chemopreventive activities. Moreover, some of the xanthones from mangosteen have been found to influence specific enzyme activities, such as aromatase, HIV-1 protease, inhibitor κB kinase, quinone reductase, sphingomyelinase, topoisomerase and several protein kinases, and they also modulate histamine H(1) and 5-hydroxytryptamine(2A) receptor binding. Several synthetic procedures for active xanthones and their analogs have been conducted to obtain a better insight into structure-activity relationships for this compound class. This short review deals with progress made in the structural characterization of the chemical constituents of mangosteen, as well as the biological activity of pure constituents of this species and synthetic methods for the mangosteen xanthones.

Medicinal properties of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana)

Many tropical plants have interesting biological activities with potential therapeutic applications. Garcinia mangostana Linn. (GML) belongs to the family of Guttiferae and is named "the queen of fruits". It is cultivated in the tropical rainforest of some Southeast Asian nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Philippines, and Thailand. People in these countries have used the pericarp (peel, rind, hull or ripe) of GML as a traditional medicine for the treatment of abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, infected wound, suppuration, and chronic ulcer. Experimental studies have demonstrated that extracts of GML have antioxidant, antitumoral, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. The pericarp of GML is a source of xanthones and other bioactive substances. Prenylated xanthones isolated from GML have been extensively studied; some members of these compounds possess antioxidant, antitumoral, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Xanthones have been isolated from pericarp, whole fruit, heartwood, and leaves. The most studied xanthones are alpha-, beta-, and gamma-mangostins, garcinone E, 8-deoxygartanin, and gartanin. The aim of this review is to summarize findings of beneficial properties of GML's extracts and xanthones isolated from this plant so far.

Characterizing the metabolic fingerprint and anti-inflammatory activity of Hypericum gentianoides

In this paper we characterize the metabolic fingerprint and first reported anti-inflammatory activity of Hypericum gentianoides. H. gentianoides has a history of medical use by Native Americans, but it has been studied very little for biological activity. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) analyses of a methanol extract show that H. gentianoides contains a family of over nine related compounds that have retention times, mass spectra, and a distinctive UV absorption spectra characteristic of certain acyl-phloroglucinols. These metabolites are abundant relative to other secondary products present in H. gentianoides, accounting for approximately 0.2 g per gram of dry plant tissue. H. gentianoides methanol extracts and a specific semipreparative HPLC fraction from these extracts containing the putative acyl-phloroglucinols reduce prostaglandin E 2 synthesis in mammalian macrophages.

Anti-cancer effects of xanthones from pericarps of mangosteen

Mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana Linn, is a tree found in South East Asia, and its pericarps have been used as traditional medicine. Phytochemical studies have shown that they contain a variety of secondary metabolites, such as oxygenated and prenylated xanthones. Recent studies revealed that these xanthones exhibited a variety of biological activities containing anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer effects. We previously investigated the anti-proliferative effects of four prenylated xanthones from the pericarps; α-mangostin, β-mangostin, γ-mangostin, and methoxy-β-mangostin in various human cancer cells. These xanthones are different in the number of hydroxyl and methoxy groups. Except for methoxy-β-mangostin, the other three xanthones strongly inhibited cell growth at low concentrations from 5 to 20 μM in human colon cancer DLD-1 cells. Our recent study focused on the mechanism of α-mangostin-induced growth inhibition in DLD-1 cells. It was shown that the anti-proliferative effects of the xanthones were associated with cell-cycle arrest by affecting the expression of cyclins, cdc2, and p27; G1 arrest by α-mangostin and β-Mangostin, and S arrest by γ-mangostin. α-Mangostin found to induce apoptosis through the activation of intrinsic pathway following the down-regulation of signaling cascades involving MAP kinases and the serine/threonine kinase Akt. Synergistic effects by the combined treatment of α-mangostin and anti-cancer drug 5-FU was to be noted. α-Mangostin was found to have a cancer preventive effect in rat carcinogenesis bioassay and the extract from pericarps, which contains mainly α-mangostin and γ-mangostin, exhibited an enhancement of NK cell activity in a mouse model. These findings could provide a relevant basis for the development of xanthones as an agent for cancer prevention and the combination therapy with anti-cancer drugs.