In 2007, Hsu et al. evaluated the efficacy against facial photodamage and tolerability of an investigational study cream composed of green and white teas, mangosteen, and pomegranate extract (Vitaphenol Skin Cream) in 20 healthy women aged 35-65 years. Study participants were instructed to apply either Vitaphenol or placebo cream twice daily for 60 days to a randomized half of their face. Decreases in pore size and roughness were reported by twice the number of subjects using Vitaphenol, compared with placebo. The effects on the half of the face treated with Vitaphenol were preferred by 41% of participants, compared with the 0.06% who preferred the placebo side. Average improvement in skin smoothness was 1 mm3 in periorbital skin treated with Vitaphenol, as indicated by PRIMOS images, whereas placebo-treated skin exhibited an increase in skin roughness of 0.9 mm3. The authors concluded that the antioxidant cocktail of mangosteen, green and white teas, and pomegranate exerted a cumulative impact in improving the effects of cutaneous photodamage (J. Drugs Dermatol. 2007;6:1141-8).
At the very least, these emerging reports suggest that additional research into the medicinal properties and potential dermatologic applications of mangosteen is warranted.
Conclusion
As always, it is important to note the gap between the evidence of pharmacologic activity and clinical data when it comes to reviewing the potential of drugs, cosmeceuticals, or nutraceuticals. In the case of mangosteen, as with many other botanicals used in medicine, there is a longstanding history of traditional medical applications. There remains a dearth, however, of clinical evidence to indicate just how relevant this plant is in the dermatologic armamentarium. Although no harm is likely to occur from using products or supplements featuring mangosteen as a primary active ingredient, much more work is necessary to determine what benefits – if any – may be derived.