Although the mangosteen has been touted for its splendid flavor, it has also been suggested that use of the whole mangosteen fruit can promote good health.
In fact, the whole mangosteen fruit—especially the xanthone-packed rind—has been utilized to treat a variety of health conditions. As early as 600 AD, scribes in Southeast Asia recorded the use of the mangosteen as a general remedy and healing agent.
The mangosteen rind was sliced and dried, then ground to a powder and administered as an herbal preparation. The mangosteen rind was steeped in water overnight and taken as a tea. The mangosteen rind was made in to an ointment and applied externally as a lotion.
It was through these popular uses that the benefits of mangosteen were passed down through history and several scientists and explorers took note.
When Europeans explored Southeast Asia folklore related to the mangosteen first spread to Western culture.