Mangiferin is a xanthonoid. This molecule is a glucoside of norathyriol. It is found in mangoes, in Iris unguicularis, Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizomes, and in Bombax Ceida. It is also found in the genera Salacia and Cyclopia.

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.

Mangiferin is a plant natural polyphenol of C-glycosylxanthone structure and various pharmacological activities. It can be found in many plant species, among which the mango tree (Mangifera indica) is one of the primary sources. Mangiferin is also present in some medicinal herbs, influencing their therapeutic and preventive properties, and in honeybush (Cyclopia sp.), a popular South African herbal tea. Mangiferin dissolves well in water, so it can be easily extracted into infusions and decoctions. In the mangiferin molecule, four aromatic hydroxyl groups determine its strong antiradical and antioxidant properties. Mangiferin is also an efficient iron chelator, therefore preventing the generation of hydroxyl radical in Fenton-type reactions.