Illustration of a mango revealing a glowing brain, symbolizing mangiferin's potential in glioblastoma treatment.

Can Mangiferin Make Radiation Therapy More Effective for Brain Tumors?

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research explores how mangiferin, a natural compound, could enhance the effects of radiation therapy in treating glioblastoma by targeting DNA repair mechanisms."

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain cancer with limited treatment options. While surgery and radiation are standard treatments, they often only provide temporary relief due to the cancer's high rate of recurrence. Researchers are constantly seeking new ways to improve the effectiveness of these treatments and extend the lives of patients.

One promising area of research focuses on DNA repair mechanisms within cancer cells. Cancer cells are more resistant to radiation therapy if they can efficiently repair the DNA damage caused by radiation. Scientists are exploring ways to inhibit these repair mechanisms, making cancer cells more vulnerable to radiation.

A recent study investigated the potential of mangiferin, a natural compound found in mangoes, to enhance the effects of radiation therapy in glioblastoma cells. Mangiferin has known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The study looked specifically at how mangiferin affects DNA repair in glioblastoma cells, with encouraging results.

How Mangiferin Impacts DNA Repair in Glioblastoma Cells

Illustration of a mango revealing a glowing brain, symbolizing mangiferin's potential in glioblastoma treatment.

The study's in vitro experiments showed that mangiferin decreased the proliferation of glioblastoma cells and increased DNA damage when combined with radiation. This suggests that mangiferin makes these cells more susceptible to the effects of radiation. Further investigation revealed that mangiferin specifically inhibits the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway, a major DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair mechanism.

The NHEJ pathway is crucial for repairing DNA damage caused by radiation. By blocking this pathway, mangiferin prevents cancer cells from efficiently repairing themselves, leading to cell death. The researchers also found that mangiferin inhibits key proteins involved in the NHEJ pathway, such as serine-protein kinase ATM, TP53-binding protein 1, and γ-H2AX.

Mangiferin decreases glioblastoma cell proliferation.
Mangiferin increases DNA damage in cancer cells post-radiation.
Mangiferin inhibits the NHEJ DNA repair pathway.
Mangiferin impairs key proteins in the NHEJ pathway.

Importantly, mangiferin selectively inhibited DSB repair in GBM cells, without triggering similar inhibition in normal neuronal Schwann cells. In vivo experiments with tumor-bearing mice further supported these findings. Mice treated with mangiferin and radiation had smaller tumor volumes, decreased tumor weight, and prolonged lifespans. This indicates that mangiferin can increase tumor sensitivity to radiotherapy.

The Future of Mangiferin in Glioblastoma Therapy

These findings suggest that mangiferin may be a novel therapeutic drug for improving the radiation sensitivity of glioblastoma. While more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and potential side effects, mangiferin holds promise as an adjunctive therapy to enhance the effectiveness of radiation treatment for this challenging cancer. As research continues, mangiferin could pave the way for new treatment strategies, offering hope for improved outcomes and a better quality of life.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is mangiferin and why is it being researched for brain tumors?

Mangiferin is a natural compound found in mangoes being researched for its potential to enhance radiation therapy for glioblastoma. It is significant because it appears to make glioblastoma cells more vulnerable to radiation by interfering with their ability to repair DNA damage. This could improve the effectiveness of radiation treatments and potentially extend the lives of patients. Mangiferin's ability to selectively inhibit DNA repair in glioblastoma cells, without harming normal neuronal Schwann cells, is particularly promising.

What is Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and why is it so difficult to treat?

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. It is significant because it has limited treatment options and a high rate of recurrence, making it a particularly challenging cancer to treat. Current standard treatments like surgery and radiation often provide only temporary relief. The aggressive nature of Glioblastoma underscores the importance of research into new therapeutic strategies.

What is the NHEJ pathway and why is it important in cancer treatment?

The non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway is a major DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair mechanism in cells. It is crucial because it allows cells to repair DNA damage caused by radiation, making them more resistant to radiation therapy. Inhibiting the NHEJ pathway, as mangiferin appears to do, prevents cancer cells from efficiently repairing themselves, leading to cell death and increased sensitivity to radiation. Key proteins in the NHEJ pathway include serine-protein kinase ATM, TP53-binding protein 1, and γ-H2AX.

What did the study reveal about how mangiferin affects glioblastoma cells when combined with radiation?

The study showed that mangiferin decreased the proliferation of glioblastoma cells and increased DNA damage when combined with radiation. This is important because it indicates that mangiferin makes glioblastoma cells more susceptible to the effects of radiation. Furthermore, it was found that mangiferin specifically inhibits the NHEJ pathway, which is a major DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair mechanism. These findings suggest that mangiferin can increase tumor sensitivity to radiotherapy and improve treatment outcomes.

What did the in vivo experiments show about the effect of mangiferin and radiation on tumors?

In vivo experiments, conducted using tumor-bearing mice, showed that treatment with mangiferin and radiation resulted in smaller tumor volumes, decreased tumor weight, and prolonged lifespans. This is important because it provides evidence that mangiferin can enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy in a living organism. It also suggests that mangiferin could potentially be used as an adjunctive therapy to improve outcomes for patients with glioblastoma. However, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and potential side effects in humans.