A new study published in Nutrition Journal indicates that a brand of mangosteen juice - XanGo® Juice, a mangosteen beverage - has lowered levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in overweight and obese people in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial. CRP is a marker used to measure inflammation levels, and a reduction in CRP may indicate a corresponding reduction in the risk of heart disease and diabetes. This study also suggests that mangosteen juice - rich in polyphenols - may have healthful properties for weight management.

Mike Pugh, a scientist at XanGo, explains, “The reason why the scientific community is interested in probing inflammation is that it may be an early indicator of heart attack, stroke and diabetes, potentially even lung disease, skin conditions and arthritis. So, scientists test CRP as a first step in assessing an individual’s level of inflammation, and then, in turn, they use that to help picture a patient’s potential for these serious diseases.” Current understanding of body fat suggests that reducing inflammation may also assist in managing one’s weight, which may have wellness benefits of its own.

In the study, Dr. Udani tested three different dosages (varying between three to nine ounces) of XanGo Juice against a placebo juice. Participants consumed the assigned mangosteen beverage twice a day, in the morning and evening. All three dosages of XanGo Juice demonstrated an ability to reduce CRP as a marker of inflammation. Dr. Udani comments, “Subjects who consumed the highest dose demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in CRP (1.33 mg/L). The other doses had non-significant reductions in CRP while the placebo group actually increased their CRP level.”

Body fat percentage was significantly different between the three-ounce juice group and placebo. This three-ounce group also experienced a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) score compared with placebo at eight weeks. The six-ounce group had significantly lower BMI than placebo at four weeks and at eight weeks.

Dr. Udani reports that no side effects or safety concerns emerged at any dosage tested, and cautions that longer studies with larger numbers of participants are needed to confirm the findings and further probe a possible dose-dependent effect. However, this first human clinical trial points to exciting avenues for XanGo Juice’s use in the maintenance of heart health and other conditions that may be connected to inflammation (Newswise).

* Previous research shows the xanthones in XanGo Juice may possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help sustain a healthy cardiovascular system, support cartilage and joint function, support the immune system, promote a healthy seasonal respiratory system, maintain intestinal health and neutralize free radicals. *The statements in the press release reproduced here come from the company at xango.com and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.