Mangiferin Applications in Metabolic and Inflammatory Disorders

Mangiferin, a naturally occurring xanthone glucoside most abundantly found in mangoes and certain medicinal plants, has emerged as a multifunctional bioactive compound with potential utility in the management of metabolic dysregulation and inflammatory pathologies. Preclinical models have consistently demonstrated its capacity to ameliorate insulin resistance through enhancement of glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation pathways, while reducing lipid accumulation in hepatic and skeletal muscle tissues. Concurrently, its potent antioxidant properties confer protection against oxidative stress–induced cellular damage by modulating key redox-sensitive signalling cascades. In parallel, mangiferin exhibits anti-inflammatory effects through inactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex, downregulation of NF-κB translocation and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Emerging clinical evidence further supports favourable shifts in lipid profiles, particularly reductions in circulating triglycerides and free fatty acids, alongside improvements in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The dual capacity of mangiferin to target metabolic disturbances and attenuate inflammatory responses underscores its promise as a natural therapeutic candidate for conditions such as metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic inflammatory disorders.

Research from Nature Portfolio

A randomised placebo-controlled trial evaluated daily supplementation of mangiferin (150 mg) over 12 weeks in overweight adults with hyperlipidaemia. Participants receiving mangiferin exhibited significant decreases in serum triglycerides and free fatty acids, coupled with elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and enhanced lipoprotein lipase activity. These changes were accompanied by increased markers of fatty acid β-oxidation, suggesting that mangiferin promotes lipid clearance and ameliorates insulin resistance in humans. In an independent mechanistic investigation, mangiferin isolated from Pueraria tuberosa was shown to attenuate acute inflammatory responses in murine and cellular models by inactivating the NLRP3 inflammasome. Treatment reduced production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as COX-2 and TNF-α, inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation and limited leukocyte infiltration in an air pouch model. Together, these studies highlight mangiferin’s translational potential for lipid modulation and inflammation control.

Mangiferin Applications in Metabolic and Inflammatory Disorders publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in mangiferin applications in metabolic and inflammatory disorders across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Polyphenol: A class of naturally occurring compounds with multiple phenolic structures, known for antioxidant activity.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK): A central energy sensor kinase that promotes glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation under conditions of cellular stress.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα): A nuclear receptor regulating genes involved in fatty acid transport and β-oxidation.

NLRP3 inflammasome: A multiprotein complex that activates inflammatory caspases and cytokine maturation in innate immune cells.

Insulin resistance: A pathological state where cells exhibit reduced responsiveness to insulin signalling, leading to impaired glucose uptake.

References

1. Mangiferin for the Management of Liver Diseases: A Review. Foods (2023).
2. Mangiferin Decreases Plasma Free Fatty Acids through Promoting Its Catabolism in Liver by Activation of AMPK. PLOS ONE (2012).
3. Mangiferin Improved Palmitate‐Induced‐Insulin Resistance by Promoting Free Fatty Acid Metabolism in HepG2 and C2C12 Cells via PPARα: Mangiferin Improved Insulin Resistance. Journal of Diabetes Research (2019).
4. Mangiferin supplementation improves serum lipid profiles in overweight patients with hyperlipidemia: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports (2015).
5. Mangiferin from Pueraria tuberosa reduces inflammation via inactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Scientific Reports (2017).