Xanthones are a class of natural polyphenolic compounds known for their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. They are found in various plants  (Hypericum bellum, Swertia chirata), with one of the most well-known sources being the mangosteen fruit (Garcinia mangostana). Xanthones are often used in skincare products and dietary supplements for their ability to protect cells from oxidative damage, reduce inflammation, and improve overall skin health.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Xanthones have a tricyclic ring structure with a ketone group. Their general formula is C₁₃H₈O₂. This structure allows xanthones to bind to free radicals and neutralize their harmful potential, making them powerful antioxidants. There are over 200 types of xanthones, each with slight variations in chemical structure that determine specific biological properties.

Physical Properties

They appear as yellowish or white crystalline powders, soluble in organic solvents such as alcohol and acetone but poorly soluble in water. Due to their polyphenolic nature, they are highly stable and remain effective even under variable environmental conditions.

Production Process

Xanthones are extracted from natural sources such as mangosteen fruit and other tropical plants through solvent extraction processes or supercritical extraction methods, followed by purification to isolate the active compound. They can also be synthesized in the laboratory, though natural extraction is more common for food and cosmetic use.

• Harvesting of Raw Materials: Xanthones are extracted from plant sources, such as the rind of the fruit of Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen) or other plants rich in xanthones. Harvesting must be done sustainably to ensure the quality of the plants.

• Drying: After harvesting, the plant parts are cleaned and subjected to a drying process to remove moisture. This step is crucial for preserving the active properties of the xanthones and facilitating subsequent extraction.

• Extraction: The extraction of xanthones occurs using appropriate solvents, such as ethanol, methanol, or water. The dried plant parts are immersed in the solvent, and the mixture is agitated or heated to promote the release of bioactive compounds.

• Filtration: Once the extraction process is complete, the obtained solution is filtered to remove undissolved solids, resulting in a liquid extract containing the xanthones.

• Purification: The extract may be further purified using techniques such as chromatography to isolate specific xanthones and ensure a high-purity product.

• Quality Control and Packaging: Finally, the extracted xanthones undergo quality control checks to verify their purity and functional properties. After analysis, they are packaged for distribution and use in dietary supplements and cosmetic products.

Applications

• Medical: Preclinical data have been observed and evaluated which may support the remarkable potential of xanthones as an antitumoral agent.
  

• Skincare: Xanthones are widely used in anti-aging skincare products for their antioxidant properties, which help prevent free radical damage and improve skin elasticity and radiance.

• Anti-inflammatory Products: Due to their ability to reduce inflammation, xanthones are used in soothing products for irritated or redness-prone skin and in dermatological conditions like acne or dermatitis.

• Dietary Supplements: Xanthones are often included in supplements for their general health benefits, improving the immune system and protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Health and Safety Considerations

Safety in Use

Xanthones are generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and dietary supplements. No significant side effects have been reported when used in appropriate concentrations. However, as with any natural ingredient, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to xanthones are rare, but they can occur in individuals sensitive to certain polyphenols. For topical use, it is recommended to perform a patch test to check for skin tolerance.

Toxicity and Carcinogenicity

In fact, their antioxidant effects have been associated with a potential role in the prevention of conditions related to oxidative stress, including some types of cancer.

Environmental Considerations

As natural compounds derived from renewable plant sources, xanthones pose no significant environmental risks. However, sustainable harvesting of plants such as mangosteen is important to avoid overharvesting and maintain ecosystem balance.

Regulatory Status

Xanthones are approved for use in cosmetics and dietary supplements by major regulatory authorities, including the European Union and the FDA in the United States. However, labeling and maximum usage concentrations may vary depending on local regulations.

Conclusion

Xanthones are powerful natural compounds known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. They are used in a wide range of skincare products and dietary supplements to protect the skin from environmental damage, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health. Due to their safety and versatility, xanthones remain a key ingredient in cosmetic formulations and wellness products.

Molecular Formula  C₁₃H₈O₂

Molecular Weight  196.20 g/mol

CAS     90-47-1

UNII    9749WEV0CA

EC Number  201-997-7

CHEMBL186784

DTXSID6021795

Synonyms:

Xanthen-9-one

9-Xanthenone

References__________________________________________________________________________

Shan T, Ma Q, Guo K, Liu J, Li W, Wang F, Wu E. Xanthones from mangosteen extracts as natural chemopreventive agents: potential anticancer drugs. Curr Mol Med. 2011 Nov;11(8):666-77. doi: 10.2174/156652411797536679. 

Abstract. Despite decades of research, the treatment and management of malignant tumors still remain a formidable challenge for public health. New strategies for cancer treatment are being developed, and one of the most promising treatment strategies involves the application of chemopreventive agents. The search for novel and effective cancer chemopreventive agents has led to the identification of various naturally occurring compounds. Xanthones, from the pericarp, whole fruit, heartwood, and leaf of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn., GML), are known to possess a wide spectrum of pharmacologic properties, including antioxidant, anti- tumor, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral activities. The potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities of xanthones have been demonstrated in different stages of carcinogenesis (initiation, promotion, and progression) and are known to control cell division and growth, apoptosis, inflammation, and metastasis. Multiple lines of evidence from numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that xanthones inhibit proliferation of a wide range of human tumor cell types by modulating various targets and signaling transduction pathways. Here we provide a concise and comprehensive review of preclinical data and assess the observed anticancer effects of xanthones, supporting its remarkable potential as an anticancer agent.

Barua A, Choudhury P, Mandal S, Panda CK, Saha P. Therapeutic potential of xanthones from Swertia chirata in breast cancer cells. Indian J Med Res. 2020 Sep;152(3):285-295. doi: 10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_1153_18.

Abstract. Background & objectives: Medicinal plants like Swertia chirata are rich sources of different xanthones. This study was aimed to assess the cytotoxic potential of four most abundant xanthones present in S. chirata both in vivo and in vitro in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC), a mouse transplantable breast carcinoma cell line and two human breast carcinoma cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231).....Results: Among all the xanthones tested XD showed IC50at the lowest dose, and normal cells were unaffected at this dose. Survivability of mice increased significantly when treated with XD compared to other xanthones and cisplatin. Significantly increased ROS and LPO were found in cancer cells as a result of XD treatment which was unaltered in normal cell line. XD induced DNA damage and apoptosis in cancer cell lines. Interpretation & conclusions: Our experimental data indicate that XD may potentially act as a chemotherapeutic agent by enhancing ROS in breast cancer cells thereby leading to apoptosis.

Feng Z, Lu X, Gan L, Zhang Q, Lin L. Xanthones, A Promising Anti-Inflammatory Scaffold: Structure, Activity, and Drug Likeness Analysis. Molecules. 2020 Jan 30;25(3):598. doi: 10.3390/molecules25030598.

Abstract. Inflammation is the body's self-protective response to multiple stimulus, from external harmful substances to internal danger signals released after trauma or cell dysfunction. Many diseases are considered to be related to inflammation, such as cancer, metabolic disorders, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases. Current therapeutic approaches include mainly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids, which are generally of limited effectiveness and severe side-effects. Thus, it is urgent to develop novel effective anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents. Xanthones, a unique scaffold with a 9H-Xanthen-9-one core structure, widely exist in natural sources. Till now, over 250 xanthones were isolated and identified in plants from the families Gentianaceae and Hypericaceae. Many xanthones have been disclosed with anti-inflammatory properties on different models, either in vitro or in vivo. Herein, we provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review of xanthones with anti-inflammatory properties, and analyzed their drug likeness, which might be potential therapeutic agents to fight against inflammation-related diseases.

Nauman MC, Johnson JJ. The purple mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana): Defining the anticancer potential of selected xanthones. Pharmacol Res. 2022 Jan;175:106032. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.106032. 

Panda SS, Chand M, Sakhuja R, Jain SC. Xanthones as potential antioxidants. Curr Med Chem. 2013;20(36):4481-507. doi: 10.2174/09298673113209990144. 

Klein-Júnior LC, Campos A, Niero R, Corrêa R, Vander Heyden Y, Filho VC. Xanthones and Cancer: from Natural Sources to Mechanisms of Action. Chem Biodivers. 2020 Feb;17(2):e1900499. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.201900499.