Polyphenol-Driven Valorization of Garcinia mangostana L. Pericarp: Green Extraction of Xanthones for Functional Food...

Garcinia mangostana L. (mangosteen), a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, has garnered significant attention for its xanthone-rich pericarp, traditionally discarded as waste but now recognized for its potent bioactive potential. This review offers a critical, integrative synthesis of the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and food-science relevance of mangosteen, with a focus on sustainable valorization pathways. Unlike previous reviews focused narrowly on either phytochemistry or pharmacological activity, this work bridges therapeutic mechanisms with functional food innovation and green extraction science. Special emphasis is placed on green extraction technologies, such as microwave-assisted (yielding 121 mg/g α-mangostin), supercritical CO₂ (>90% xanthone recovery), and enzymatic methods which offer eco-efficient routes for pericarp utilization. Mechanistic insights have been drawn from its pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as antidiabetic and neuroprotective effects. Further, the review evaluates cutting-edge delivery platforms, including exosome-like nanoparticles (GELNVs), nanoemulsions, and solid lipid carriers, which improve solubility and bioavailability (2-5-fold) for both pharmaceutical and functional food formulations. Beyond therapeutics, the review explores food-relevant applications, such as oxidative stabilization in lipids, microbial shelf-life extension (5-7 days), and anti-inflammatory effects in human trials. Mangosteen could be a promising model for circular innovation, potentially transforming agro-industrial waste into high-value functional ingredients for sustainable health solutions.