Mangiferin can be found in many plant species, among which the mango tree (Mangifera indica) is one of the primary sources.

It is a plant natural polyphenol of C-glycosylxanthone structure and possesses various pharmacological activities such as: antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, anti-sclerotic, anti-microbial, anti-viral, MAO (monoamine oxidases - enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of monoamines) inhibiting, memory improving, and cardio, potato, and neuroprotective.

Mangiferin is also radioprotective against X-ray, gamma, and UV radiation, which is why it is also used in cosmetics for antioxidant and UV-protecting properties.