*3.3. Mangiferin*

#### 3.3.1. Chemistry and Sources

Mangiferin is a natural C-glucoside xanthone (2-β-D-glucopyranosyl-1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxy-9H-xanthen-9-one) contained in many plant species, but especially in the fruit, kernels and the leaves of the mango tree (*Mangifera indica* L.), a native plant of India [130,131]. The mango tree also contains similar phenolic components, isomangiferin and homomangiferin, which contribute to the beneficial effects of the plant extracts [132,133]. Mangiferin has four hydroxyl groups in the xanthone nucleus and, thus, can be considered among the occurring phenolic compounds present in higher plants providing antioxidant activity.
