Mangosteen for Eczema and Psoriasis
March 20, 2009 Written by JP
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Part of the reason I started this blog was to share observations that I’ve stumbled across in my personal life. In general I’ve been pretty fortunate in enjoying relative good health. But I’ve had my share of medical bumps along the road just like anyone else. One such event occurred last year when I had a rather severe inflammatory skin condition (a supposed combination of eczema and psoriasis). I went to see both conventional and holistic doctors and really wasn’t satisfied with the treatment plans that either of them laid out for me.
The dermatologist I visited suggested doing a course of prescription oral steroids. The holistic doctor recommended that I adopt a pretty radical diet and detoxification routine. He even mentioned that I might have to visit the Dead Sea in Israel to benefit from climatotherapy! Not what I had in mind!
Since I wasn’t receptive to either of these treatment protocols, I decided to experiment on myself instead. To that end, I recalled having encountered anecdotal reports about an extract from a tropical fruit called mangosteen, which aids with various skin conditions. This led me to scouring the PubMed scientific archives.
The Southeastern Asian Queen
During my personal research expedition, I discovered that there had been over 30 years worth of scientific papers published about the possible health effects of mangosteen. I was actually quite surprised, because mangosteen had only recently become a popular fixture in the natural health marketplace. From an outsiders point of view, it appeared that it had all the earmarks of a faddish newcomer.
As I delved more deeply into the specific science, I noticed that there were, in fact, quite a few studies that suggest a very real application for mangosteen in the management of skin disorders. It appears as if the “queen of fruit” possesses anti-acne (1,2), anti-inflammatory (1,2) and UV radiation protecting properties.
In addition to its potential skin supporting role, I also found preliminary evidence that this obscure fruit may very well afford protection in other areas of health maintenance such as:
- Allergies - A recent lab study indicates that a particular mangosteen extract can powerfully inhibit the release of both histamine and prostaglandin E2. If this same effect occurs upon oral consumption of mangosteen juice or supplements, it could allow for a natural alternative to over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines.
- Cancer - The most active area of mangosteen research is in the field of cancer treatment. Laboratory studies hint at a therapeutic role for mangosteen in the development of new cancer therapies. The range of cancer cells that appear to be sensitive to mangosteen extracts is vast and includes breast cancer, colorectal cancer, leukemia and prostate cancer.
- Heart Disease - A study conducted in a rat model found that a mangosteen prevented some of the damage brought about by a chemically induced heart attack. Therefore, the use of mangosteen may provide a preventive effect with regard to heart disease and the damage that would result from a heart attack.
These experimental findings add to the long list of uses that have been traditionally associated with the tropical fruit. In countries such as Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand mangosteen has historically been utilized for health concerns such as dysentery, infected wounds and ulcers. These benefits appear to be due to a specific class of phytochemicals (plant chemicals) found in the purple rind of this fascinating fruit. These substances are collectively known as xanthones and they are not found in high concentrations in more commonly consumed fruits and vegetables outside of southeastern Asia.
But let’s get back to my story. I was in a lot of discomfort. My rash was very dry and painful. It had taken hold over large portions of my arms, legs, face and neck, and was clearly visible to anyone who saw me. It hurt to move around too much and, quite frankly, I felt self-conscious about how I appeared in this state.
My holistic doctor expected me to follow his strict dietary and supplement recommendations. My dermatologist expected me to take her prescribed medicines. I was to follow their advice and then report back in two weeks. But instead, I did my best to clean up my diet and added a mangosteen extract to my daily routine.
Two weeks went by and I returned for my follow up doctor appointments. When they saw me they were visibly pleased with the results of their respective treatments. Then I told them that I didn’t follow their recommendations. The look of shock was priceless. My skin was nearly 100% healed. I felt better. I looked better. My dermatologist chalked it up to an unusual remission. She suspected that my skin troubles might be the type that come and go. My holistic doctor was more curious about my homegrown treatment program. He did ask to what I attributed my recovery, so I explained it to him.
I can’t tell you for sure that it was mangosteen that allowed me regain my wellness. I just know that I was in really bad shape and I wasn’t expected to get well anytime soon. Except that I did. Could the research I found on mangosteen explain my experience? It’s possible, but there’s no way for me to prove it. My only tangible evidence is healthier skin.
Be well!
JP
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Tags: Eczema, Mangosteen, Psoriasis
Posted in Nutrition
March 21st, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Fascinating!
I wondered, to ask you:
can this fruit be found [purchased?]. If so, is it eaten whole, or could you also find it in supplement form? [I read you used an 'extract'; how much...& did you add it to another nutrition source, or ingest it alone?]
Curious & Interested…
M.B.
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:18 am
M.B.,
Mangosteen fruit can be purchased. Though, in the US the juice is more easily found then the fruit itself. It’s commonly sold in health food stores.
Mangosteen is also available in a supplement form. That’s what I used. In my case, I chose a product that provided a 250 mg mangosteen extract that was standardized to contain 50% xanthones.
I followed the recommended dosage which was to take it twice a day - according to the product label.
I hope this answers your questions. If I missed anything or if you have any additional questions, feel free to ask them.
Be well!
JP
March 22nd, 2009 at 11:50 am
Thanks JP! I used to buy it for my GF, but I didn’t know its health benefits. It’s available in many supermarkets and fruit stores in Shanghai. It’s quite expensive, about $7.5/KG.
March 22nd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
That is expensive but I’m sure she’s worth it, Kevin!
Be well!
JP
October 30th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
im in bad shape…got eczema on my ankles,back’elbows,face and just recently discovered more on my back….i just asked my friend at “Wholefoods” to get me the supliment in liquid form….my fingers are crossed on this working…..i’ve been “bathing” in 1% and Cetaphil for months with no effect…..
October 30th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
CBL,
I certainly hope it works out well for you. I know how horrible those symptoms can feel like.
If your diet isn’t great, please try improving that as well. I know I made it a point to eat a more natural diet (low in processed foods and sugar) during my skin’s recovery process. I included plenty of Vitamin D and also high dosages of probiotics (healthy bacteria, like those found in yogurt). I do however believe that mangosteen played an pivotal role in turning the tide in my case.
Be well!
JP
March 17th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
My friends duaghter had eczema pretty bad on her arms and stomach. I introduced them to the mangosteen juice and after about 3 days of drinking the juice (3 glasses, 3 times a day) it started to clear up. Something the medications could not do. I witnessed it myself.
March 17th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
That’s pretty incredible, Jim! Thanks for sharing that!
Be well!
JP
April 3rd, 2010 at 5:25 am
I think this is a fantastic supplement that not enough people are aware of. Because eczema and lots of other skin conditions are linked with a weakened immune system, supplements that can help strengthen the immune system and suppress the bodies inflammatory response are invaluable to successfully managing these debilitating conditions.
April 3rd, 2010 at 12:29 pm
It does appear to be quite powerful. Speaking of the immune system, I posted a follow up blog that attests to mangosteens impact on immune function: http://www.healthyfellow.com/368/mangosteen-sleep-vitamin-d/
I thought that might be of interest.
Be well!
JP
April 16th, 2010 at 10:06 am
Some have said that skin conditions are due to a weakened immune system, which may be true in some cases. However, above there is a picture of ‘normal’ vs. psoriais type-skin.. this may seem like a natural depiction but what is missing is the ENTIRE pathophysiology of this issue. The skin cells in the average person replicate at a regular rate. In people affected with psoriasis, the skin cells replicate at double the rate causing scaley, plaque like lesions on the skin. This has everything to do with an over productive immune system and nothing to do with under productive. That is why so many patients receive Methotrexate with is a PO/IV chemo. medication which suppresses the immune system therefore helping to alleviate symptoms.
As for this juice people are referring to, I am not saying that it does or does not work, BUT, like an decent and well educated physician or derm. would tell you, conventional medicine accompanied by other complimentary therapies is the best practice. I know many argue that conv. medicine is only based on money, but how many of them are researchers, physicians, derms. and pharmacists that have actually had education based on this information? Going to the local organic food store may be a good step in overall healthy foods, but the earth child working there has no evidence to back them up espec. when it “worked for a friend of mine”. It is easy to complain about the drs. and all that and say it is all about the big drug companies, but the physicians have no link to them. What about the 10$ you just spent on an “organic” grapefruit or apple? Obviously, there is no conception of the link between these so called health foods and the radically, overpriced fruits and veg. they are offering.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Michael,
It may surprise you to know that I don’t disagree with many of your points. However it’s important to note that certain nutritional supplements have been shown to modulate immune function - in addition to reducing inflammation. One such remedy is mangosteen. Preliminary (scientific) evidence suggests that it *may* affect the expression of immune and inflammatory factors.
Be well!
JP