22 KEY INGREDIENTS ability to modulate functions within prior mechanistic studies strongly mitogen-activated protein kinase support an anti-inflammatory role (MAPK) signaling pathways invol- for the xanthones α- and γ-man- ved in the inflammatory response. gostin as a result of their capacity Thus, in human macrophage cell to modulate decisive pathways in- models (24,25), as well as in primary volved in inflammation-associated human adipocyte cells in culture pain (Figure 3). This is further (26)treated with either α- or γ-man- supported, at least in part in the gostin,phosphorylation of MAPK present study, with the capacity of members – i.e. c-Jun N-terminal α- and γ-mangostin to decrease kinases (JNK), extracellular si- TNF-α release and by a significant gnal-regulated kinases (ERKs), decrease in the level of volunteers’ and p38 MAPK – are significantly pain from severe to first stages of decreased. Inhibitory effects are moderate pain after taking the ex- mediated through transcription of tract of mangosteen. both NF-κB and activator protein-1 (AP-1) and result in attenuated Nevertheless, further investiga- gene expressions of pro-inflamma- tions would be necessary to eva- tory cytokines, TNF-α, Interleukins luate the effects of medium- to 1β (IL-1β), 6 (IL-6), and 8 (IL-8). long-term supplementation with Finally, α- and γ-mangostin are the extract, gain a better unders- noted to show competitive effects tanding of the mechanisms of ac- in blocking LPS-induced suppres- tion involved, and to confirm its sion of peroxisome proliferator-ac- propensity to extend a change in tivated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) (26), a pain category toward mild pain or negative modulator of NF-κB si- even to completely mitigate pain gnaling (27) in the absence of any side and . unwanted effects. Another mechanism of action in- volved in the anti-inflammatory effect of mangostins is explained References by their antioxidant properties (10) ; namely, their capacity to scavenge For more information oxygen reactive species and other Click here... free radicals (28,29). Taken together,