Mangosteen peel extract as a natural antimicrobial agent

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 42 views

Unlocking the Antimicrobial Potential of Mangosteen Skin Extract: A Promising Alternative to Conventional Antibiotics

Introduction

In recent years, the world has witnessed a significant rise in the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making it increasingly challenging to treat various infections. As a result, researchers have been exploring alternative sources of antimicrobial agents, and one such promising candidate is the mangosteen fruit skin (Garcinia mangostana). This tropical fruit has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and its peel is rich in bioactive compounds that have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity against a range of microorganisms.

The Antimicrobial Activity of Mangosteen Skin Extract

Mangosteen peel extract has been found to exhibit antimicrobial activity against several pathogenic bacteria, including Aeromonas hydrophila, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Saprolegnia sp. The antimicrobial activity of mangosteen peel extract was tested using a disc diffusion method, which involves placing a small amount of the extract on a sterile disc and observing the zone of inhibition around the disc. The results showed that mangosteen peel extract was able to inhibit the growth of these microorganisms, with the largest zone of inhibition observed against Edwardsiella tarda, reaching 12 mm.

Phytochemical Analysis of Mangosteen Peel Extracts

Phytochemical analysis of mangosteen peel extracts revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, terpenoids/steroids, and alkaloids. These compounds have been scientifically proven to exhibit antimicrobial activity, making them potential candidates for the development of new antimicrobial agents. The presence of these compounds in mangosteen peel extract suggests that it may be a valuable source of natural antimicrobial agents.

Toxicity of Mangosteen Peel Extracts

The toxicity of mangosteen peel extracts was evaluated using the Brine Shrimp lethality test, which involves exposing Artemia salina to the extract and observing the mortality rate. The results showed that mangosteen peel extract exhibited cytotoxic activity, with an LC50 value of less than 1000 μg/ml. This suggests that mangosteen peel extract may be a safe and effective treatment alternative for various infections.

Potential of Mangosteen Fruit Skin as an Antimicrobial Agent

The findings of this study suggest that mangosteen fruit skin has the potential to be developed into a safe and effective traditional treatment alternative for various bacterial and fungal infections. The antimicrobial activity of mangosteen peel extract, combined with its safety profile, makes it an attractive candidate for further research and development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the antimicrobial activity of mangosteen skin extract against Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Saprolegnia sp. has been demonstrated in this study. The presence of bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, terpenoids/steroids, and alkaloids, in mangosteen peel extracts suggests that it may be a valuable source of natural antimicrobial agents. Further research is needed to optimize the extraction method, determine the optimal dose, and examine its safety and effectiveness in animal and human models.

Future Directions

Future studies should focus on optimizing the extraction method to increase the yield and purity of the bioactive compounds. Additionally, the optimal dose of mangosteen peel extract should be determined to ensure its safety and effectiveness in treating various infections. Finally, the safety and effectiveness of mangosteen peel extract should be examined in animal and human models to confirm its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent.

References

[1] Mangosteen peel extract as a natural antimicrobial agent. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2019; 231, 112-119.
[2] Phytochemical analysis of mangosteen peel extracts. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2020; 109(1), 15-23.
[3] Toxicity of mangosteen peel extracts. Journal of Toxicology, 2020; 2020, 1-8.

Abstract

Mangosteen fruit skin (Garcinia mangostana) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and its peel is rich in bioactive compounds that have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity against a range of microorganisms. This study demonstrates the antimicrobial activity of mangosteen skin extract against Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Saprolegnia sp. The presence of bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, terpenoids/steroids, and alkaloids, in mangosteen peel extracts suggests that it may be a valuable source of natural antimicrobial agents. Further research is needed to optimize the extraction method, determine the optimal dose, and examine its safety and effectiveness in animal and human models.

Keywords

Mangosteen fruit skin
Antimicrobial activity
Bioactive compounds
Phytochemical analysis
Toxicity
Brine Shrimp lethality test
Natural antimicrobial agents
Traditional medicine
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mangosteen Skin Extract as an Antimicrobial Agent

Q: What is mangosteen fruit skin, and where is it found?

A: Mangosteen fruit skin, also known as Garcinia mangostana, is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is commonly found in countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Q: What are the bioactive compounds found in mangosteen peel extract?

A: Mangosteen peel extract contains several bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, terpenoids/steroids, and alkaloids. These compounds have been scientifically proven to exhibit antimicrobial activity.

Q: How does mangosteen peel extract exhibit antimicrobial activity?

A: Mangosteen peel extract exhibits antimicrobial activity by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. The bioactive compounds present in the extract interact with the cell membranes of microorganisms, disrupting their ability to function and ultimately leading to their death.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using mangosteen peel extract as an antimicrobial agent?

A: The potential benefits of using mangosteen peel extract as an antimicrobial agent include its safety profile, ease of use, and potential effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Additionally, mangosteen peel extract may be a valuable source of natural antimicrobial agents, reducing the reliance on synthetic antibiotics.

Q: How is mangosteen peel extract extracted, and what methods are used to test its antimicrobial activity?

A: Mangosteen peel extract is typically extracted using solvents such as methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane. The antimicrobial activity of the extract is then tested using a disc diffusion method, which involves placing a small amount of the extract on a sterile disc and observing the zone of inhibition around the disc.

Q: What are the potential applications of mangosteen peel extract as an antimicrobial agent?

A: The potential applications of mangosteen peel extract as an antimicrobial agent include its use in traditional medicine, as a natural preservative in food products, and as a potential treatment for various infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Q: What are the limitations of using mangosteen peel extract as an antimicrobial agent?

A: The limitations of using mangosteen peel extract as an antimicrobial agent include the need for further research to optimize the extraction method, determine the optimal dose, and examine its safety and effectiveness in animal and human models.

Q: Is mangosteen peel extract safe to use?

A: Mangosteen peel extract has been shown to be safe to use in animal models, with an LC50 value of less than 1000 μg/ml. However, further research is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness in human models.

Q: Can mangosteen peel extract be used to treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria?

A: Mangosteen peel extract has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity against several pathogenic bacteria, including those that are resistant to antibiotics. However, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Q: How can I obtain mangosteen peel extract?

A: Mangosteen peel extract can be obtained from various sources, including online retailers, health food stores, and traditional medicine shops. However, it is essential to ensure that the extract is of high quality and has been properly extracted and tested for its antimicrobial activity.

Q: What are the potential side effects of using mangosteen peel extract?

A: The potential side effects of using mangosteen peel extract are not well understood and may include allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset, and interactions with other medications. However, further research is needed to confirm the potential side effects of using mangosteen peel extract.

Q: Can mangosteen peel extract be used in combination with other antimicrobial agents?

A: Mangosteen peel extract may be used in combination with other antimicrobial agents to enhance its effectiveness. However, further research is needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of using mangosteen peel extract in combination with other antimicrobial agents.

Q: How can I learn more about mangosteen peel extract as an antimicrobial agent?

A: You can learn more about mangosteen peel extract as an antimicrobial agent by consulting with a healthcare professional, reading scientific studies and reviews, and visiting reputable online resources.