The Multifaceted Value of the Mango Tree Trunk

The mango tree (Mangifera indica) is celebrated for its flavorful fruit, but its trunk also holds significant ecological, cultural, and economic value. Typically straight and sturdy, the trunk supports a vast canopy that provides shade and cools the surrounding area, making it popular in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Covered in a rough, grayish-brown bark, the mango trunk often becomes deeply fissured with age, giving it a distinct and resilient appearance.

One of the most valuable properties of mango wood is its durability. Known for its density and strength, mango wood is used extensively in furniture making and small-scale construction, particularly in countries like India and Thailand. Its resistance to water damage, warping, and pests increases its appeal, while its unique grain patterns and rich hues, ranging from light to dark brown with occasional pink or green streaks, add aesthetic value. This natural beauty, combined with its sustainable qualities, has led to mango wood’s rising popularity in eco-friendly furniture markets globally.

Beyond its practical applications, the mango trunk is central to the tree’s health. As the main conduit for water and nutrients, it enables the transportation of essential minerals from the roots to the leaves and fruit. Additionally, the trunk serves as a storage reservoir for nutrients, which helps maintain the tree’s productivity, even during environmental stresses like drought or poor soil conditions. This nutrient flow supports the development of large, sweet mangoes, which are prized both domestically and in export markets.

Culturally, the mango trunk and wood have deep roots in traditional medicine and rituals in many South and Southeast Asian communities. In Ayurvedic and folk medicine, parts of the mango tree, including its trunk, are used for therapeutic purposes, believed to have benefits ranging from digestive to anti-inflammatory properties. The wood is also often used in ceremonial fires and religious altars, symbolizing prosperity and longevity.

In conclusion, the mango trunk is an integral part of the tree, offering durability, beauty, and vital ecological functions. Its contributions to traditional practices and modern industries highlight its broad and enduring significance, reinforcing the mango tree's revered status across the regions it inhabits.
The Multifaceted Value of the Mango Tree Trunk

Properties of mangiferin

Mangiferin (2-β-D-glucopyranosyl-1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxy-9H-xanthen-9-one) is a bioactive ingredient predominantly isolated from the mango tree. However, it is also present in other herbs like Iris unguicularis and in honey bush which is a popular herbal tea from South Africa.

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

The uses of mango wood

Mango wood is a low quality timber and the bark of the tree is an important source of tannins for curing leather.

The wood has a wavy grain is hard, fairly heavy, strong and had prominent pores. It has been much used in construction, even though it is not especially durable.

Mango wood is very subject to worms, and is most readily attacked by white ants but good seasoned mango when well painted will resists the sun for a very long time, although it decays rapidly under water.

Mango wood is considered the scared wood of choice for Indian firewalkers, and for religious and symbolic reason, it is the wood of choice in many funeral pyres in India as well.

In Hawaii, people woodworkers use mango wood to make bowls. The gum and barks of the tree are used for medicine.
The uses of mango wood

Mango Properties

Mango Properties
Nice and low in calories and fat the mango is a very good source of fiber for bowel health and cholesterol control. It has rich amounts of vitamins A and C for possible protection against certain cancers. Its vitamin E contains enhances the immune response to certain disease. And it has vitamin B6, which is essential for the synthesis of heme.

Some people suffer stomach complaints of they drink milk or alcohol shortly after eating mangoes. Allergy alert: Mangoes belong to the same family as poison ivy: The skin of the fruit (as well as parts of the tree itself) may produce rashes in susceptible people.

A flattish oval fruit with yellow green or reddish skin, the mango is ripe where it’s very fragrant and yields to gentle pressure. There’s large, clinging pit that can only be removed by cutting it away from the flesh.
Mango Properties