Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Acai, açaí, acai preto, acaí-do-Pará, acai flour, acai palm, acaizeiro, Amazonian palm, Amazonian palm berry, anthocyanins, asai, ashaí, assaí, cabbage palm, calcium, cansin, (+)-catechin, chonta, cyanidin, cyanidin 3-diglycoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-rutoside, ellagic acid, epicatechin, Euterpe badiocarpa,Euterpe oleracea, Euterpe oleracea Mart., ferulic acid, flavonoids, gallic acid, guasai, hasabis, hausai, heart of palm, huai, iron, jicara, juçara, manac, manaka, manicole, MonaVie Active™, monounsaturated oleic acid, morroke, naidí, omega-6 fatty acids, omega-9 fatty acids, OptiAcai™, palisade pine, palm heart, palmito, palmiteiro, panan, p-coumaric acid, pelaronidin 3-glucoside phosphorus, p-hydroxy-benzoic acid, phytonutrients, phytosterols, pina, pinau, pinot, piriá, potassium, prasara, procyanidins, protocatechuic acid, saké, uassi, ungurahua, vanillic acid, vinho de acai, vitamin B1, B2, B3, C, and E, wasei, wapoe, yisara, yuyu chonta.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• The acai is a berry grown on the acai palm tree (Euterpe oleracea), which is native to tropical Central and South America and grows mainly in floodplains and swamps. It produces small flowers which are brown to purple in color.
• Although the soft interior stem can be used as a source for heart of palm, acai is better known for its fruit, which tastes like a blend of berry and chocolate. The acai fruit is round, reddish-purple, and one to two cm in diameter, with the seeds constituting about 80% of the fruit. The acai berry is a relative of the blueberry, cranberry, and other dark purple fruits. A variety of acai berry products are available for consumers, including juices, powders, tablets, and capsules.
• In recent times, research on acai fruit has been centered on its potential antioxidant properties (1). Acai fruit has also shown antiproliferative (2), and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro (1); possibly related to its antioxidant content. Preliminary in vivo experimentation has also indicated that acai fruit pulp may be a useful alternative oral contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (3). Currently, evidence in support the use of acai in human is lacking for any indication.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. 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.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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