Mangosteen Side Effects

Here are the key points about mangosteen side effects:

• Mangosteen is possibly safe when taken by mouth for up to 12 weeks, but it may cause constipation, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness.

• Mangosteen might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. It should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery.

• Mangosteen gel applied to the gums is possibly safe.

• There is not enough reliable information to know if mangosteen is safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding. It's best to avoid use.

• Mangosteen may interact with medications that slow blood clotting (anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs) and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

• Mangosteen may interact with donepezil (Aricept) and increase its effects.

• A case report described severe lactic acidosis following daily consumption of mangosteen juice for 12 months.

• In an animal study, alpha-mangostin exacerbated symptoms of experimental colitis. The clinical relevance is unknown.

In summary, mangosteen appears to be generally well-tolerated but may interact with blood thinners, increase bleeding risk, and potentially cause gastrointestinal side effects. Pregnant women and those with bleeding disorders should avoid it. More research is needed on its long-term safety.