Expert: Florence M Rollwagen - 11/15/2008

Question
Hello,

I have been hearing alot of things about the phytochemicals called xanthones (from the juice Xango), but I don't quite understand if they are beneficial to us/if so, how?

Would you be able to break down what a xanthone is and how it works?

Thank you,
Ashly

Answer
Hi Ashly:  Thanks for your question.

Xanthones are a class of phytonutrients related to flavenoids.  They are said to possess antioxidant properties, but this has not been tested by the FDA.

There is scientifically published work that shows xanthones protect rats against free radical injury associated with heart failure.  Here is a summary:

1: J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2007;21(6):336-9.
Cardioprotective effect of alpha-mangostin, a xanthone derivative from mangosteen on tissue defense system against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.Devi Sampath P, Vijayaraghavan K.
Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, India.

Increased oxidative stress and antioxidant deficit have been suggested to play a major role in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of alpha-mangostin on the antioxidant defense system and lipid peroxidation against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Induction of rats with ISO (150 mg/kg body weight, ip) for 2 days resulted in a marked elevation in lipid peroxidation, serum marker enzymes (LDH, CPK, GOT, and GPT) and a significant decrease in the activities of endogenous antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and GSH). Pre-treatment with alpha-mangostin (200 mg/kg of body weight per day) orally for 6 days prior to the ISO administration and 2 days along with ISO administration significantly attenuated these changes when compared to the individual treatment groups. These findings indicate the protective effect of alpha-mangostin on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant tissue defense system during ISO-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

This finding has not been replicated in a human trial, so I wouldn't pay a lot for this stuff.  There are other antioxidants you can get that have more supporting data:  Vitamin E, beta carotene.

I should add that studies have shown that it is the BALANCE of these antioxidants in food that are beneficial, not supplementing with pills.  In my opinion, the best antioxidant you can get is plenty of fruits and vegetables.  The USDA says 5 a day, but you would be better off with 10-15.  Just my opinion.

FM Rollwagen, PhD