It has been demonstrated to possess numerous pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiallergic, anticancer, hypocholesterolemic, and immunomodulatory. Mangiferin's xanthonoid structure with C-glucosyl linkage and polyhydroxy component is believed to be crucial for its free radical-scavenging ability leading to a potent antioxidant effect.
It has the potential to attenuate inflammation in different organs through the mechanisms of inhibiting pattern recognition receptors, regulating cell signaling pathways, activating autophagy, inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory mediators, and protecting intestinal barrier integrity, which in turn prevents cancer.
Mangiferin dissolves well in water, so it can be easily extracted into infusions and decoctions. In the mangiferin molecule, four aromatic hydroxyl groups determine its strong antiradical and antioxidant properties. Owing to the xanthone chemical structure, mangiferin has a redox active aromatic system and has antioxidant properties. Mangiferin exerts varied and impressive metabolic effects in animals, improving metabolic disorders.
Mangiferin is also an efficient iron chelator, therefore preventing the generation of hydroxyl radical in Fenton-type reactions.
Isomangiferin and homomangiferin, which constitute 10% of the total phenolics, are also present in different parts of the mango tree, such as leaves, mango peel, and twigs.
Properties of mangiferin
