bioactive compound found in significant levels in various parts of the mango fruit and other higher plants

Mangiferin, a bioactive compound found in significant levels in various parts of the mango fruit and other higher plants, has been extensively studied for its health benefits, especially when used as a dietary supplement. The research highlights several key health benefits of mangiferin:

1. Antioxidant Properties: Mangiferin exhibits strong antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to various chronic diseases[2][3][4].

2. Anticancer Effects: It has shown potential in protecting against different human cancers, including lung, colon, breast, and neuronal cancers, by suppressing tumor necrosis factor α expression, inducible nitric oxide synthase potential, proliferation, and inducing apoptosis. Mangiferin also inhibits the metastatic potential of cancers by suppressing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and the activation of the β-catenin pathway[2][3].

3. Antidiabetic Activity: Mangiferin has been demonstrated to exert protective effects against diabetes mellitus by improving glucose metabolism, ameliorating insulin resistance, and lowering cholesterol levels. It enhances pancreatic β cell mass, increases glucose and insulin uptake, and activates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway[1][2][3].

4. Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects: The compound suppresses the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor isoforms, changing the transcription process, and enhances the capacity of the monocyte-macrophage system. This contributes to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties[2][3].

5. Antimicrobial Activity: Mangiferin possesses antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as antifungal effects against various fungi. This broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity supports its use in combating infections[3].

6. Cardioprotective and Metabolic Benefits: It plays a significant role in reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, and free fatty acid levels in both serum and heart, contributing to cardiovascular health. Mangiferin also ameliorates obesity-associated inflammation and autophagy in high-fat-diet-fed mice, indicating its potential in managing obesity and metabolic disorders[3][5].

7. Neuroprotective Effects: Mangiferin supplementation has shown to improve cell viability, enhance mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduce apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells, suggesting its potential in protecting against neurodegenerative diseases[2].

8. Analgesic Effects: It exhibits analgesic effects, providing pain relief in various conditions[3].

These health benefits make mangiferin a promising dietary supplement for supporting overall health and preventing or managing various lifestyle-related disorders. However, it's important to note that while these benefits are supported by preclinical studies, more research, particularly human clinical trials, is needed to fully understand the efficacy and safety of mangiferin as a dietary supplement.

Citations:
[1] https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/mmr.2018.9529
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5414237/
[3] https://lipidworld.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12944-017-0449-y
[4] https://japanjournalofmedicine.com/health-benefits-of-mango-mangiferaindica-l-and-mangiferin/
[5] https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/13/12/2270