This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of a juice blend (JB), MonaVie Active, containing a mixture of fruits and berries with known antioxidant activity, including açai, a palm fruit, as the predominant ingredient. The phytochemical antioxidants in the JB are primarily in the form of anthocyanins, predominantly cyanidin 3-rutoside, cyanidin 3-diglycoside, and cyanidin 3-glucoside. The cell-based antioxidant protection of erythrocytes (CAP-e) assay demonstrated that antioxidants in the JB penetrated and protected cells from oxidative damage (p < 0.001), whereas polymorphonuclear cells showed reduced formation of reactive oxygen species (p < 0.003) and reduced migration toward three different pro-inflammatory chemoattractants: fmlp (p < 0.001), leukotriene B4 (p < 0.05), and IL-8 (p < 0.03). A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with 12 healthy subjects examined the JB's antioxidant activity in vivo. Blood samples at baseline, 1 h, and 2 h following consumption of the JB or placebo were tested for antioxidant capacity using several antioxidant assays and the TBARS assay, a measure of lipid peroxidation. A within subject comparison showed an increase in serum antioxidants at 1 h (p < 0.03) and 2 h (p < 0.015), as well as inhibition of lipid peroxidation at 2 h (p < 0.01) postconsumption.

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This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study was designed to evaluate effects of consumption of an antioxidant-rich, yeast culture-based high-metabolite immunogen EpiCor ®. Twenty-five healthy participants consumed 0.5 gram EpiCor ® or placebo daily for 5 weeks. The hematocrit increased significantly in the EpiCor ® group (p<0.04). A mild increase in saliva sIgA upon EpiCor ® consumption (p=0.16) prompted a subsequent 8-week open-label study involving 22 people showing significant increase in sIgA (p<0.05). EpiCor ® consumption led to a mild increase in serum IL-10 (p<0.2); no other differences in Th1/Th2 cytokines were observed. Minor health complaints decreased in the EpiCor ® group compared to the placebo group (p<0.02). Seasonal allergies increased in the placebo group, but were not observed in the EpiCor ® group; this was reflected by increased serum IgE in the placebo group compared to the EpiCor ® group (p<0.13). We conclude that consumption of EpiCor ® supported the health of red blood cells and mucosal immune protection.

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