Mangosteen peel extract exhibits cellular antioxidant activity by induction of catalase and heme oxygenase‐1 mRNA expression

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is one of the most popular fruits in tropical regions. Mangosteen peel contains several phytochemicals that exhibits antioxidant properties. However, the mechanisms underlying the capacity for mangosteen peel extract (ME) to inhibit cellular oxidative stress have not been fully defined. In this study, we found that ME significantly inhibited hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human neuroblastoma cells (SK‐N‐SH). Treatment with ME significantly increased the mRNA levels of catalase (CAT) and heme oxygenase‐1 in both SK‐N‐SH and human embryonic kidney (HEK‐293) cells. In addition, elevation of CAT enzyme activity was observed in ME‐treated SK‐N‐SH cells. ME possessed significant antioxidant capacities as determined by anti‐lipid peroxidation, H2O2 scavenging activity, and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity assays. We found that (−)‐epicatechin and the proanthocyanidin dimer are the active compounds in ME that elicit its antioxidant activities. Practical applications Mangosteen peel has been traditionally used to treat some illnesses. It contains several phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds and flavonoids which elicit a variety of benefits, including antioxidant and cytoprotective effects. The present study demonstrated that mangosteen peel extract (ME) is a rich source of antioxidants that may have potential uses in nutraceuticals for preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress.