NutraConnect KEY INGREDIENTS root of initiated and sustained long-term use of NSAIDs might be pain.Among the most important associated with substantial gas- mediators involved in inflamma- trointestinal, hepatic, renal, and tion-related pain, prostaglandins, cardiovascular complications (6) , particularly prostaglandin E2 which is why common anti-inflam- (PGE), is able to directly activate2 matory pharmaceuticals are pros- pain-responsive nociceptors (1) cribed for chronic pain prevention. . PGE is generated from a speci-2 This clearly increases the impor- fic polyunsaturated fatty acid (ara- tance of natural and safer alterna- chidonic acid) released from the tives for which the majority of pa- lipid membrane of cells, mainly tients and practitioners may have a through enzymatic activity of cy- preference, especially for preven- clooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 tive action and during long-term is therefore a valuable therapeutic supplementation. Mangosteen target for pain management. (Garcinia mangostana L.) is a tro- pical fruit native to South East Asia Nevertheless, pain mechanisms and is popularly referred to as “the are complex and other mediators, queen of fruits” [Note: the term such as cytokines, directly and from which the phrase is derived indirectly contribute to nociceptor was invented in 1903 by David G. sensitization and activation (2,3) Fairchild,an American plant col- . As a relevant example, numerous lector in Miami,FL, who referred studies have highlighted a key to mangosteen as “the queen of role for TNF-α in inflammatory no- tropical fruit”. KJ] (7). Apart from ciception (4,5). Current pharma- its edible, tasty pulp, the fruit has cologic treatments, NSAIDs, are been used for centuries in tradi- commonly prescribed to patients tional medicine for the treatment to treat pain. Their pharmacologi- of various conditions, including cal effects are mostly attributed to dysentery, wounds, inflammation, the inhibition of COX-2. Although fever, and skin infections (8) . they offer benefic anti-inflammato- ry and analgesic effects, NSAIDs Health benefits of mangosteen are nonetheless often associated have been attributed to the pre- with excessive risks of severe sence of specific secondary me- side effects. Indeed, medium- to tabolites naturally occurring in