Ethnopharmacology of Mangifera indica L. Bark and Pharmacological Studies of its Main C-Glucosylxanthone, Mangiferin

Abstract

This review details the vernacular names, origin, distribution, taxonomy and variety of Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae), a medicinal plant traditionally used in tropical regions. Mangiferin, a major C-glucosylxanthone from M. indica stem bark, leaves, heartwood, roots and fruits occurs widely among different angiosperm families and ferns. The reported pharmacological activities of mangiferin include antioxidant, radioprotective, antitumor, immunomodulatory, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, lipolytic, antibone resorption, monoamine oxidase inhibiting, antiviral, antifungal antibacterial and antiparasitic properties, which may support the numerous traditional uses of the plant.