In-silico and In-vivo Long-term Safety Studies of Mangosteen Rind Ethanol Extract (Garcinia mangostana Linn.)

Abstract

Mangosteen rind has been used extensively to treat a variety of diseases. However, research on the use of mangosteen, especially over the long-term, remains limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of ethanol extract of mangosteen rind (EEMR) to ensure its safety. The in silico method used the Protox-II web server to test the safety of marker compounds found in EEMR (xanthones, alpha-mangostin and gamma-mangostin). The in vivo method involved the oral feeding of EEMR to rats at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg bw. The researchers observed signs of toxicity and mortality over a period of six months. The study showed a high degree of organ safety, with a safety class of 4 for xanthone and alpha-mangostin and 5 for gammamangostin. In addition, consumption of any dose of EEMR to rats showed no toxic effect on body weight, haematology or relative organ weight, nor was it the cause of mortality in the animal model. However, its use at 200 and 400 mg/kg bw influenced triglyceride, GOT and creatinine levels and caused liver cell abnormalities in rats. EEMR 400 mg/kg bw also showed adverse effects on the kidneys. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the gammamangostin compound in mangosteen rind is safer than xanthones and alpha-mangostin, while EMMR at a dose of 100 mg/kg bw is relatively safe for long-term use. However, doses of 200 mg/kg bw and 400 mg/kg bw require further evaluation.