Açaí
Uses
Parts Used & Where Grown
Clusters of round, dark purple-to-black, berry-shaped açaí fruits are harvested to make juice, ice pops, and herbal supplements. Ethnobotanists have also documented folk medicine uses for the seed oil, fruit rind, and roots. The inner core of the thin trunk of the açaí tree is well-known as the source of hearts of palm. Açaí is primarily grown in the Pará region of the Amazon estuary, in the northern region of Brazil. It also grows in French Guyana, Panama, Ecuador, and Trinidad.
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For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
|---|---|
2 Stars Metabolic Syndrome 200 grams of berry pulp daily | Preliminary evidence suggests acai berry may improve metabolic health. Açaí berries are high in polyphenols and therefore have a strong antioxidant action. In a pilot study, supplementing with 100 grams per day of açaí berry pulp for 30 days was found to lower blood glucose, insulin, and total and LDL-cholesterol levels in ten overweight adults with metabolic disease. However, in a placebo-controlled trial with 37 participants with metabolic syndrome, treatment with 325 mL of an açaí berry beverage (providing 370 mg of gallic acid) twice daily did not improve markers of glucose and lipid metabolism. |
1 Star Anemia Refer to label instructions | Açaí, which contains small amounts of iron, has been traditionally used to help treat anemia. contains iron (approximately 1.5 to 5 mg per 3.5 ounces of fruit). Although it has been traditionally used to help treat anemia, the amount of iron in açaí is not likely to be abundant or absorbable enough to have a significant effect. |
1 Star Dysmenorrhea Refer to label instructions | Açaí is a traditional remedy for dysmenorrhea, and there is preliminary evidence that some anthocyanins found in açaí may help with dysmenorrhea symptoms. is reported to be a traditional remedy for dysmenorrhea. There is preliminary evidence that anthocyanins from bilberry, some of which are also found in açaí, may help with dysmenorrhea symptoms. However, there have been no clinical trials investigating açaí’s effect on dysmenorrhea. |
1 Star Fever Refer to label instructions | Roasted, crushed açaí seeds, consumed as tea, are a traditional remedy for fever. Roasted, crushed açaí seeds, consumed as tea, are a traditional remedy for fever. |
1 Star Hepatitis Refer to label instructions | Açaí root tea has been used as a traditional remedy for hepatitis. root tea has reportedly been used as a traditional remedy for hepatitis. Certain anthocyanins have been shown to prevent liver toxicity, but açaí root contains no appreciable amounts of anthocyanins. No clinical trials of any part of açaí for hepatitis have been published. Preliminary human research demonstrates some efficacy for the mushroom reishi in treating chronic hepatitis B; however, additional clinical trials are needed. |
1 Star Type 1 Diabetes Refer to label instructions | Açaí is rich in antioxidants and has been used traditionally to treat diabetes. Açaí is reported to be a traditional remedy for diabetes. Oxidative stress may contribute to diabetes onset and its complications, and açaí is rich in antioxidant polyphenols such as anthocyanins. Studies in people without diabetes show açaí consumption can raise antioxidant status in the body and improve lipid levels and blood vessel function. In animal research, açaí extract reduced diabetes-related kidney damage and dysfunction; however, direct evidence for açaí’s benefits in people with type 1 diabetes is lacking. |
1 Star Type 2 Diabetes 100 grams (about 3 ounces) açai berry pulp or the equivalent daily | Preliminary evidence suggests açai may have benefits in type 2 diabetes. Açai berry is reported to be a traditional remedy for diabetes. A pilot trial in ten overweight but otherwise healthy adults found taking 100 grams of açai pulp per day for one month led to decreases in fasting glucose and insulin levels as well as after-meal blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels. Positive metabolic and anti-diabetic effects have been demonstrated in animal models of type 2 diabetes. Clinical trials evaluating açai’s effect in people with type 2 diabetes are needed. |
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
Açaí juice is a major dietary component of Brazilian diets, especially in the Pará region. It is often eaten at breakfast with cassava meal (manioc) or with tapioca and sugar. The açaí fruit is rich in nutrients and is found in many Brazilian prepared foods. The fruit is most popularly used to make juice, but is also found in ice cream, popsicles, and various desserts.
Açaí seeds can be crushed to produce a green oil that has been used as a folk remedy for scrofula (a type of tuberculosis). The roasted, crushed seeds, consumed as tea, are a traditional remedy for fever. Tea made from the root is a folk remedy for jaundice and anemia. Tea made from the grated fruit rind has been used topically as a wash for skin ulcers. Boiled preparations of açaí root have been used traditionally to treat many diseases, including diabetes, hepatitis, malaria, kidney disease, and dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain).
No clinical trials of açaí for the prevention or treatment of any health condition have been published in the medical literature.
How It Works
How It Works
Açaí is one of nature’s richest sources of anthocyanins—a type of bioflavonoid. Anthocyanins make up the purple, red, and blue-black pigments found within certain berries, fruits, plants, and flowers. The fruit of açaí also contains protein, fiber, enzymes, vitamin E, amino acids, minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, zinc, and boron), phytosterols, and beneficial fatty acids.
How to Use It
Frozen pulp: approximately 100 grams (3.5 ounces) per day is recommended, although there is no accepted standard. Brazilians commonly drink up to a liter (34 ounces) of açaí juice per day.
Powder: 1 ounce of powder mixed with 10 to 12 ounces of water, once or twice a day.
Freeze-dried açaí in capsules or tablets is sometimes recommended at 1 to 2 grams per day.
Interactions
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Interactions with Medicines
Side Effects
Side Effects
Last Review: 03-24-2015
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