Alternate Title
- Euterpe oleracea
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 acai 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, acai is better known for its reddish-purple fruit. Acai has been a traditional food of the native people of the Amazon for hundreds of years. Acai beverages are prepared by extracting juice from the fruit pulp and skin.
- In recent times, research on acai fruit has been centered on its potential antioxidant properties. Acai fruit has also shown anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity. Acai 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. Currently, there is insufficient available evidence in humans to support the use of acai for any condition.
Evidence Table
Disclaimer
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.
*Key to grades:
Tradition
Disclaimer
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
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Adults (18 years and older):
- There is no proven safe or effective dose for acai in adults.
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Children (younger than 18 years):
- There is no proven safe or effective dose for acai in children.
Disclaimer
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.
Safety
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Allergies
- Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to acai (Euterpe oleracea) or its constituents.
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Side Effects and Warnings
- Acai is likely safe when used in food amounts.
- Acai may aggravate or initiate hypertension (high blood pressure) or edema (swelling). It may also aggravate or initiate gastrointestinal disorders (ulcers or intestinal bleeding).
- Use cautiously if taking COX-1 or COX-2 inhibitors.
- Some acai products contain guarana. Guarana, which contains caffeine, is often used as an appetite suppressant and stimulant.
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Acai is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.
Disclaimer
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
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Interactions with Drugs
- Acai may have COX-1 and COX-2 blocking properties. Use cautiously with anti-inflammatory medications.
- Acai has been used as an experimental clinical oral contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the gastrointestinal tract and therefore may affect imaging or interact with other oral contrast agents.
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Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements
- Acai may have COX-1 and COX-2 blocking properties. Use cautiously with anti-inflammatory medications.
- Freeze-dried acai fruit pulp/skin powder may have antioxidant activity. Use cautiously with antioxidant agents due to possible additive effects.
- Acai has been used as an experimental clinical oral contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the gastrointestinal tract and therefore may affect imaging or interact with other oral contrast agents.
- Some acai products contain guarana. Guarana, which contains caffeine, is often used as an appetite suppressant and stimulant.
Disclaimer
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.
Attribution
- This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration ().
Bibliography
- Cordova-Fraga T, de Araujo DB, Sanchez TA, et al. 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 - Del Pozo-Insfran D, Percival SS, Talcott ST. 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 - Sangronis E, Teixeira P, Otero M, et al. [Manaca, sweet potato and yam: possible substitutes of wheat in foods for two ethnic population in Venezuelan Amazon]. Arch Latinoam.Nutr 2006;56(1):77-82.
View Abstract - Schauss AG, Wu X, Prior RL, et al. 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
Disclaimer
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 . Selected references are listed below.