What are Xanthones?
Xanthones are a natural ingredient found in the Mangosteen fruit's pericarp (rind). The molecular formula for xanthones is C13H8O2. There are many different types of xanthones including; mangostin, mangostenol, mangostenone A, mangostenone B, trapezifolixanthone, tovophyllin B, alpha- and beta-mangostins, garcinone B, mangostinone, mangostanol, and the flavonoid epicatechin.
Xanthones are one of the most powerful anti-oxidants in a class of polyphenolic compounds that commonly occur in plants and have been shown to have extensive biological and pharmacological activities. Recently, the pharmacological properties of xanthones in the cardiovascular system have attracted great interest. So far, researchers have discovered and classified in the region of 200+ xanthones, 40+ of which are found in the mangosteen fruit's rind. As a point of fact, xanthones were first discovered due to scientists studying the health benefits of mangosteen based on its traditional indigenous medical uses.
Benefit of Xanthones
Xanthones and its derivatives have been shown to have many beneficial effects including ...
- Anti Inflammatory
- Anti Onxidant
- Anti Fungal
- Anti Bacterial
- Anti Infection
- Anti Tumor
What Are Antioxidants?
There are millions of processes happening within the human body at al times. All of these processes require oxygen. Regrettably, the same oxygen that gives us life can create harmful side effects which can cause cell damage and lead to chronic disease, these are called oxidant substances
Oxidants, or more commonly known as "free radicals," can be introduced through external sources, such as pollution or prolonged exposure to the sun. Other factors can include eating unhealthy foods, alcoholic beverages, as well as cigarette smoke and other tobacco products.
Many of us have seen oxidation occur on vehicle paint or the creation of rust, causing a breakdown on the surface of inanimate objects; oxidation causes a breakdown of cells within the human body. Free radicals produced by this breakdown attack healthy cells, usually DNA as well as proteins and fats. This chain of events weakens immunological functions as well as speeding up the process is linked to several diseases.
Antioxidant agents or anti-oxidants can reduce the effect of dangerous oxidants by binding with these harmful molecules and eliminating their destructive power. Antioxidants can also help repair damage already sustained by cells.
Some antioxidant enzymes are produced within the body; the most common of these are Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione. Superoxide Dismutase changes the structure of oxidants and breaks them down into hydrogen peroxide. Catalase in turn, breaks down hydrogen peroxide tiny oxygen particles and water or gasses. Glutathione is a detoxifying agent, which binds with different toxins to change their form so that they are able to leave the body as waste.
Other antioxidant agents are found in foods, such as dark green leafy vegetables. Items high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene are believed to be the most beneficial. These nutrients are commonly found in vegetables and fruits, those with the most vibrant colors being healthiest. Orange and red peppers, tomatoes, spinach, and carrots are examples.
Eating raw fruits and vegetables rather than cooked, provides the highest concentration and best absorption of antioxidants into the body.
|
