Related Terms

• Acai, açaí, acaí, 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.

Background

• The açaí palm tree (Euterpe oleracea) is native to tropical Central and South America and grows mainly in floodplains and swamps. Although the soft interior stem can be used as a source for heart of palm, açaí is better known for its reddish-purple fruit. Açaí has been a traditional food of the native people of the Amazon for hundreds of years. Açaí beverages are prepared by extracting juice from the fruit pulp and skin.

• In recent times, research on açaí fruit has been centered on its potential antioxidant effects, and effects on metabolic syndrome (coronary heart disease). Açaí fruit has also shown anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity. Açaí may also show promise as a contrast agent for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a non-invasive procedure that produces three-dimensional views of internal organs or structures.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. 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 health care professional.

• Acne, aging, alcohol abuse, anemia, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antiparasitic, antiviral (human rotavirus activity, hepatitis), astringent, atherosclerosis, blood cleanser, cancer, contraceptive (birth control), diabetes, diagnostic procedure (contrast agent), diarrhea, digestive aid, energy enhancer, fever, food uses, hair loss, hemorrhage, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, immune stimulant, jaundice, kidney problems, liver disease, malaria, menstrual pain, pain (muscle and joint), sexual dysfunction, skin care, sun protection, weight loss, wrinkle prevention.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older):

• General: Brazilians may drink up to a liter (34 ounces) of açaí juice daily. The roots of the açaí palm tree are used medicinally, prepared as a decoction of which 1-2 cups are taken daily. Additional suggested doses include 1 oz. of powder mixed with 10-12 oz. of water once or twice daily or freeze-dried açaí in capsules or tablets at 1-2g daily.

• Metabolic syndrome (coronary heart disease): 100g of Sambazon® Açaí Smoothie Pack (Sambazon Inc., San Clemente, CA), a frozen product containing açaí pulp, twice daily for one month, reduced levels of select markers of metabolic disease risk in overweight adults.

Children (younger than 18 years):

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for açaí in children.

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.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to açaí (Euterpe oleracea), its parts, or members of the Arecaceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Açaí is likely safe when used in food amounts.

• Use açaí juice cautiously. Açaí juice use has been associated with the oral transmission of Chagas' disease, a foodborne illness.

• Use cautiously in patients taking antilipemics as frozen açaí pulp reduced total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, as well as the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Use with other lipid-lowering agents may have additive effects.

• Use cautiously in patients with diabetes or those using blood sugar agents as, according to human research, açaí may lower glucose and insulin. Use with other blood glucose-lowering agents may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Caution is also warranted with the use of açaí juice, which may contain added sugars, and may interfere with blood glucose control.

• Use cautiously with caffeine, as some açaí products may contain guarana, an herb that contains caffeine. Use with caffeine or other caffeine-containing products may cause more stimulant effects.

• Use cautiously in patients with autoimmune disorders or those using immunosuppressants (agents that suppress the immune system) as, according to laboratory research, açaí demonstrated immune-stimulating effects. Theoretically, açaí may reduce the effects of immunosuppressant agents.

• Use cautiously in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, due to a lack of sufficient data.

• Use cautiously in patients with kidney diseases or those using agents that may increase potassium levels (e.g., amiloride, triamterene, azole antifungals, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, cyclosporine, heparins, digoxin [high levels], NSAIDs, penicillin G, potassium, potassium supplements, spironolactone, succinylcholine, tacrolimus, trimethoprim, pentamidine, and others, as well as herbs and supplements such as potassium, digitalis, noni juice, dandelion, horsetail, and nettle), due to açaí's high potassium content, as use may increase the risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).

• Avoid use in patients with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to açaí (Euterpe oleracea), its parts, or members of the Arecaceae family.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Açaí is not suggested in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

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.

Interactions with Drugs

• Frozen açaí pulp (Sambazon® Açaí Smoothie Pack) reduced blood sugar levels. Use with other blood glucose-lowering agents may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Açaí juice products may contain added sugars, however, which may affect blood sugar control.

• Freeze-dried açaí fruit pulp and skin powder (OptiAçai™, used in MonaVie™ products) inhibited COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.

• Frozen açaí pulp (Sambazon® Açaí Smoothie Pack) reduced cholesterol. Use with other lipid-lowering agents may have additive effects.

• Parts of açaí have displayed anticancer effects. Use with other anticancer agents may have additive effects.

• Some açaí products contain guarana, an herb that contains caffeine. Use with caffeine may cause more stimulant effects.

• Açaí had immune-stimulating effects. Açaí may block the effects of immunosuppressant agents.

• Açaí has been used as an experimental, clinical oral contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Due to its high potassium content, açaí may be used cautiously with agents that may increase potassium levels (e.g., amiloride, triamterene, azole antifungals, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, cyclosporine, heparins, digoxin [high levels], NSAIDs, penicillin G, potassium, potassium supplements, spironolactone, succinylcholine, tacrolimus, trimethoprim, pentamidine, and others), as use may increase the risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Freeze-dried açaí fruit pulp and skin powder (OptiAçai™, used in MonaVie™ products) inhibited COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.

• Frozen açaí pulp (Sambazon® Açaí Smoothie Pack) reduced cholesterol. Use with other lipid-lowering agents may have additive effects.

• Parts of açaí have displayed anticancer effects. Use with other anticancer agents may have additive effects.

• Açaí has antioxidant effects.

• Some açaí products contain guarana, an herb that contains caffeine. Use with other agents that contain caffeine may cause more stimulant effects.

• Frozen açaí pulp (Sambazon® Açaí Smoothie Pack) reduced blood sugar levels. Use with other blood glucose-lowering agents may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Açaí juice products may contain added sugars, however, which may affect blood sugar control.

• Açaí had immune-stimulating effects. Açaí may block the effects of immunosuppressant agents (agents that suppress the immune system) or increase the effects of immunostimulants (agents that stimulate the immune system).

• Due to its high potassium content, açaí may be used cautiously with agents that may increase potassium levels (e.g., potassium, digitalis, noni juice, dandelion, horsetail, and nettle), as use may increase the risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).

Author Information

• 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).

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.

1. Mertens-Talcott, S. U., Rios, J., Jilma-Stohlawetz, P., Pacheco-Palencia, L. A., Meibohm, B., Talcott, S. T., and Derendorf, H. Pharmacokinetics of anthocyanins and antioxidant effects after the consumption of anthocyanin-rich acai juice and pulp (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in human healthy volunteers. J.Agric.Food Chem. 9-10-2008;56(17):7796-7802. View Abstract

2. Rodrigues, R. B., Lichtenthaler, R., Zimmermann, B. F., Papagiannopoulos, M., Fabricius, H., Marx, F., Maia, J. G., and Almeida, O. Total oxidant scavenging capacity of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (acai) seeds and identification of their polyphenolic compounds. J.Agric.Food Chem. 6-14-2006;54(12):4162-4167. View Abstract

3. Schauss, A. G., Wu, X., Prior, R. L., Ou, B., Huang, D., Owens, J., Agarwal, A., Jensen, G. S., Hart, A. N., and Shanbrom, E. Antioxidant capacity and other bioactivities of the freeze-dried Amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart. (acai). J Agric.Food Chem 11-1-2006;54(22):8604-8610. View Abstract

4. Udani, J. K., Singh, B. B., Singh, V. J., and Barrett, M. L. Effects of Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) berry preparation on metabolic parameters in a healthy overweight population: a pilot study. Nutr J 2011;10:45. View Abstract

5. Pozo-Insfran, D., Percival, S. S., and Talcott, S. T. Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) polyphenolics in their glycoside and aglycone forms induce apoptosis of HL-60 leukemia cells. J Agric.Food Chem 2-22-2006;54(4):1222-1229. View Abstract

6. Cordova-Fraga, T., de Araujo, D. B., Sanchez, T. A., Elias, J., Jr., Carneiro, A. A., Brandt-Oliveira, R., Sosa, M., and Baffa, O. Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) as an alternative oral contrast agent in MRI of the gastrointestinal system: preliminary results. Magn Reson.Imaging 2004;22(3):389-393. View Abstract

7. Noratto, G. D., Angel-Morales, G., Talcott, S. T., and Mertens-Talcott, S. U. Polyphenolics from acai ( Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and red muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia ) protect human umbilical vascular Endothelial cells (HUVEC) from glucose- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and target microRNA-126. J Agric.Food Chem. 7-27-2011;59(14):7999-8012. View Abstract

8. Odonne, G., Berger, F., Stien, D., Grenand, P., and Bourdy, G. Treatment of leishmaniasis in the Oyapock basin (French Guiana): A K.A.P. survey and analysis of the evolution of phytotherapy knowledge amongst Wayapi Indians. J Ethnopharmacol. 10-11-2011;137(3):1228-1239. View Abstract

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

10. Jensen, G. S., Ager, D. M., Redman, K. A., Mitzner, M. A., Benson, K. F., and Schauss, A. G. Pain reduction and improvement in range of motion after daily consumption of an acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulp-fortified polyphenolic-rich fruit and berry juice blend. J Med Food 2011;14(7-8):702-711. View Abstract

11. Pereira, K. S., Schmidt, F. L., Guaraldo, A. M., Franco, R. M., Dias, V. L., and Passos, L. A. Chagas' disease as a foodborne illness. J.Food Prot. 2009;72(2):441-446. View Abstract

12. Jensen, G. S., Wu, X., Patterson, K. M., Barnes, J., Carter, S. G., Scherwitz, L., Beaman, R., Endres, J. R., and Schauss, A. G. In vitro and in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of an antioxidant-rich fruit and berry juice blend. Results of a pilot and randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study. J.Agric.Food Chem. 9-24-2008;56(18):8326-8333. View Abstract

13. Schreckinger, M. E., Lotton, J., Lila, M. A., and de Mejia, E. G. Berries from South America: a comprehensive review on chemistry, health potential, and commercialization. J Med Food 2010;13(2):233-246. View Abstract

14. Lubrano, C., Robin, J. R., and Khaiat, A. Fatty acid, sterol and tocopherol composition of oil form the fruit mesocarp of six palm species in French Guiana. Oleagineux 1994;49:59-65.

15. Kinghorn, A. D., Chai, H. B., Sung, C. K., and Keller, W. J. The classical drug discovery approach to defining bioactive constituents of botanicals. Fitoterapia 2011;82(1):71-79. View Abstract