Science

Phytonutrients

Derived from the Greek word phyto (plant) and nutrient (a constituent of food necessary for normal physiological function), phytonutrients—also known as phytochemicals—are natural, bioactive compounds found in plant foods. More than 900 different phytonutrients have been found. Many have been recently isolated, while others remain undiscovered. These protective plant compounds are an emerging area of health and nutrition.

The careful crafting of XanGo's all-natural, whole-fruit, mangosteen purée ensures that all of the impressive and healthful phytonutrients of the fruit enrich XanGo^® Juice.

Xanthones

Among the powerful phytonutrients found in the rind of the mangosteen, xanthones stand alone in their impressive benefits. Today, researchers are just beginning to uncover the powerful scientific properties behind the many identified xanthones in the mangosteen fruit.

Xanthones are—
• A unique class of biologically active compounds possessing numerous bioactive capabilities—such as antioxidant properties.
• Chemically speaking, planar-six carbon molecules in a conjugated ring system consisting of a backbone molecule and various chemical groups attached to it. The backbone consists of two benzene rings bridged through a carbonyl group and oxygen. Each ring is connected in a fused formation not allowing free rotation about the carbon-carbon bonds. This unique backbone along with type and position of the attached chemical groups define specific functionalities (properties) of xanthones.
• A restricted group of plant polyphenols, biosynthetically related to the flavonoids.
  • polyphenol: a group of plant chemical substances characterized by the presence of more than one phenolic group. Polyphenols are responsible for the color of some plants and are considered strong antioxidants with potential health benefits.
  • flavonoid: over 5,000 naturally occurring flavonoids have been characterized from various plants. The beneficial effects of plant-derived foods are often attributed to flavonoid compounds rather than known nutrients, as they show a wide range of biological effects.