Mangiferin

Natural occurrences

It is found in mangoes, in Iris unguicularis, Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizomes, and in Bombax Ceida. It is also found in the genera Salacia and Cyclopia.

Among the group of Asplenium hybrids known as the "Appalachian Asplenium complex", mangiferin and isomangiferin are produced only by Asplenium montanum and its hybrid descendants. The distinctive gold-orange fluorescence of these compounds under ultraviolet light has been used to aid in the chromatographic identification of hybrid Aspleniums.

Research

Laboratory study has identified a variety of potential pharmacology associated with mangiferin including antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, inhibitory effects on type II 5α-reductase in vitro, and gastroprotective and antidiabetic effects in rodents.