Mangiferin is a glucosylxanthone (xanthonoid).
Natural occurrences Mangiferin was first isolated from the leaves and bark of Mangifera indica (the mango tree).K. Gorter (April 1922). "Sur La Substance Mère du Jaune Indien", Bulletin du Jardin botanique de Buitenzorg, (in French). Volume 4 Series 3 Issue 2: p. 260–267; [J.C.S. (20 April 1923). "The precursor of Indian-yellow", Chemical Abstracts, (in English), Volume 17 Issue No. 8: p. 1472] – via archive.com It can also be extracted from mango peels and kernels, Iris unguicularis, Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizomes and Bombax ceiba leaves. It is also found in the genera Salacia and Cyclopia, as well as in coffee leaves and some species of Crocus.
Among the group of Asplenium hybrids known as the "Appalachian Asplenium complex", mangiferin and isomangiferin are produced only by Asplenium montanum and its hybrid descendants. The distinctive gold-orange fluorescence of these compounds under ultraviolet light has been used to aid in the chromatographic identification of hybrid Aspleniums.
Research Preliminary research is conducted on the potential biological properties of mangiferin, although there were no confirmed anti-disease effects or prescription drugs approved, as of 2019.
See also Euxanthic acid
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