Biological activities of açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and juçara (Euterpe edulis Mart.) intake in humans: an integrative review of clinical trials

Abstract

Açaí (E. oleracea) and juçara (E. edulis) are berries considered a source of bioactive compounds, especially anthocyanins and unsaturated fatty acids, with recognized health-promoting activities. An integrative review was conducted to identify available clinical trials that evaluated the effects of açaí and juçara intake on the human organism. Science Direct and Medline databases were searched. Human studies that evaluated any biological activities after açaí and juçara intake were included in this review. Twenty-three clinical trials were identified up to April 12, 2020. Studies evaluated the biological effects of açaí (n = 17), juçara (n = 5), or both berries simultaneously (n = 1). The results of these trials suggest both types of berries may contribute to improved antioxidant defense and to attenuating metabolic stress and inflammation. However, considerable heterogeneity was observed among trials, and few studies explored the bioactive compounds of the food matrix provided in the interventions. More clinical trials are encouraged to strengthen the current evidence on human biological outcomes, including comparative analysis between these berries.

Açaì (Euterpe oleracea) Extract Protects Human Erythrocytes from Age-Related Oxidative Stress

“…In addition, experiments in rats revealed that a diet supplemented with 2% Açai pulp for six weeks caused a reduction in erythrocyte protein oxidation compared to control animals [ 57 ]. In fact, compared with other antioxidant-rich fruits, Açaì extract has 4.8, 6.1, and 7.5-fold the antioxidant capacity of blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries, respectively [ 23 ]. The antioxidant effect of Açaì extract has been attributed to its phytochemical composition comprising hydroxybenzoic acids and flavanols, along with cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside and cyanidin 3-O-glucoside as the predominant anthocyanins [ 58 ].…”

“…Functional foods and natural products with antioxidant properties can potentially improve the life functions of erythrocytes and, consequently, the homeostasis of the whole body. Euterpe oleracea, an Amazonian Brazilian fruit popularly known as Açaì [ 23 ], presents several bioactive molecules with different properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities, and also modulates calcium homeostasis. The biological effects of Açaì are related to its chemical matrix, which includes numerous phytochemicals components, such as flavonoids [ 24 ].…”

Aging Injury Impairs Structural Properties and Cell Signaling in Human Red Blood Cells; Açaì Berry Is a Keystone

“…Increasingly, researchers have focused on natural antioxidants and their capacity to neutralize oxidative stress-induced pathological conditions. Indeed, phytochemical-rich dietary supplementation was found to provide several health benefits [ 25 , 43 , 44 ] and, in this regard, Açai berry represents a good candidate showing different beneficial activities, such as antioxidant properties in various experimental models (in vitro and ex vivo) [ 60 , 61 , 62 ].…”

“…Besides the intracellular mechanisms, much consideration has been addressed at the antioxidant role of some molecules supplied by the diet [ 43 ]. Euterpe oleracea (known as Açaì) is a typical Amazonian Brazilian fruit [ 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 ] that displays different bioactive compounds with several properties, for example antioxidant activities. Açaì’s biological effects are due to its chemical composition, which includes several phytochemical compounds such as flavonoids [ 48 ], which are able to neutralize ROS and inactivate pro-oxidant molecules [ 49 , 50 ].…”

The Relieving Effects of a Polyherb-Based Dietary Supplement ColonVita on Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) in Older Adults with Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms Are Influenced by Age and Cardiovascular Disease: A 12-Week Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

“…Acai is a phytochemical plant with antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antigenotoxic effects [32][33][34][35][36]. Dried extract of acai berries improves ethanol-induced ulcer in rats [37].…”