Mangiferin is a xanthonoid. It is found in mangoes, in Iris unguicularis and in Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizomes.[3] It is also found in the genera Salacia and Cyclopia. This molecule is a glucoside of norathyriol. Mangiferin, 2-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxy-9H-xanthen-9-one, obtained directly from methanolic extracts of Bombax ceiba leaves in substantial amounts demonstrated strong antioxidant activity (EC(50) 5.8+/-0.96 mug/ml or 13.74 muM) using DPPH assay comparable to rutin, commonly used as antioxidant for medical purposes. The acetyl and cinnamoyl derivatives were found to be less active than mangiferin whereas, methyl and 3,6,7-trimethylether tetraacetate derivatives were inactive implying that for antioxidant activity, free hydroxyl groups and catechol moiety are essential.
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