Acai

Related Terms

A?a?, a?a? flour, a?a? palm, a?a? preto (Portuguese), aca?-do-Par? (Portuguese), a?aizeiro (Portuguese), Amazonian palm, Amazonian palm berry, anthocyanins, antioxidant, asai, asha?, assa?, beta-sitosterol, cabbage palm, calcium, cansin, (+)-catechin, chonta, cyanidin, cyanidin 3-diglycoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-rutoside, ellagic acid, ellagitannins, epicatechin, Euterpe badiocarpa, Euterpe oleracea Mart., fat, fatty acids, ferulic acid, fiber, flavonoids, gallic acid, guasai, hasabis, hausai, heart of palm, homoorientin, huai, isovitexin, iron, jicara, ju?ara, linoleic acid, manac, manaka, manicole, MonaVie?, MonaVie Active?, monounsaturated oleic acid, morroke, naid?, oleic acid, omega-6 fatty acids, omega-9 fatty acids, OptiA?aiT, orientin, palisade pine, palm heart, palmitic acid, palmiteiro, palmito, panan, p-coumaric acid, pelargonidin 3-glucoside, phenolic acid, phosphorus, p-hydroxy-benzoic acid, phytonutrients, phytosterols, pina, pinau, pinot, piri?, polyphenols, potassium, prasara, proanthocyanidins, procyanidins, protein, protocatechuic acid, sak?, scoparin, sugar, sulfur, taxifolin deoxyhexose, uassi, ungurahua, vanillic acid, vinho de a?a? (Portuguese), vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin C, vitamin E, wasei, wapoe, yisara, yuyu chonta.

Background

A?a? (acai) is a berry grown on the a?a? palm tree of tropical Central and South America.
A?a? is well-known for its reddish-purple fruit, which tastes like a blend of berry and chocolate. The a?a? berry is a relative of the blueberry, cranberry, and other dark purple fruits. A variety of a?a? berry products are available for consumers, including juices, powders, tablets, and capsules.
Research on a?a? fruit has centered on its potential antioxidant properties. A?a? fruit has also shown anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity. Early research suggests a?a? fruit pulp may be an alternative contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
In overweight people, an a?a? product reduced the levels of markers for metabolic disease risk. Additional research is warranted.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


A?a? contains high amounts of anthocyanins, a group of polyphenols that lend a?a? its deep purple color and contribute to its antioxidant activity. Research has shown that antioxidant capacity in the blood increased after consumption of a?a? juice and pulp. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


A?a? contains high amounts of anthocyanins, a group of polyphenols that lend a?a? its deep purple color and contribute to its antioxidant activity. Research has shown that antioxidant capacity in the blood increased after consumption of a?a? juice and pulp. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


In preliminary study, the effects of a?a? pulp were evaluated in overweight people at risk for metabolic disorders. Some favorable effects were found on select metabolic disorder markers. Further well-designed studies are needed before a conclusion may be drawn.

 C


In preliminary study, the effects of a?a? pulp were evaluated in overweight people at risk for metabolic disorders. Some favorable effects were found on select metabolic disorder markers. Further well-designed studies are needed before a conclusion may be drawn.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older):
General: Brazilians commonly drink up to a liter (34 ounces) of a?a? juice daily. Roots of the a?a? palm tree have been prepared as a tea of which 1-2 cups are taken by mouth daily. Additional suggested doses taken by mouth include 1 ounce of powder mixed with 10-12 ounces of water once or twice daily, or freeze-dried a?a? in capsules or tablets at 1-2 grams daily.
For metabolic syndrome (coronary heart disease), 100 grams of Sambazon? A?a? Smoothie Pack (Sambazon Inc., San Clemente, CA), a frozen product containing a?a? pulp, has been taken by mouth twice daily for one month.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
A?a? may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
A?a? may also interact with agents for cancer, agents that alter immune function, anti-inflammatories, caffeine, cholesterol lowering agents, potassium salts, and radiocontrast agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Holderness, J., Schepetkin, I. A., Freedman, B., Kirpotina, L. N., Quinn, M. T., Hedges, J. F., and Jutila, M. A. Polysaccharides isolated from A?a? fruit induce innate immune responses. PLoS.One. 2011;6(2):e17301.
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