Pain Reduction and Improvement in Range of Motion After Daily Consumption of an Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Pulp–Fortified Polyphenolic-Rich Fruit and Berry Juice Blend

Abstract

Dietary interventions involving antioxidants are of interest for reducing inflammation, improving joint motion, and altering pain perception. We evaluated the effect of oral consumption of a fruit and berry blend on pain and range of motion (ROM). This open-label clinical pilot study involved 14 study participants with limitations in ROM that was associated with pain and affected daily living. Participants included but were not limited to those with age-related osteoarthritis. Study participants consumed 120 mL MonaVie Active Ò fruit juice, predominantly containing açai pulp (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and other fruit concentrates, daily for 12 weeks. Study participants were assessed at baseline and 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks by structured nurse interviews, pain and activities of daily living (ADL) questionnaires, blood samples, and ROM assessment. Pain was scored by using a visual analogue scale. ROM was assessed by using dual digital inclinometry as recommended by American Medical Association guidelines. Consumption of the juice resulted in significant pain reduction, improved ROM measures, and improvement in ADLs. Serum antioxidant status, as monitored by the cell-based antioxidant protection in erythrocytes (CAP-e) assay, was improved within 2 weeks and continued to improve throughout the 12 weeks of study participation (P < .01). The inflammatory marker C-reactive protein was reduced at 12 weeks, but this change did not reach statistical significance. Lipid peroxidation decreased mildly at 12 weeks. The antioxidant status, as measured by the CAP-e bioassay, showed the best correlation with improvements in physical well-being (pain, ROM, and ADL). The significant association among increased antioxidant status, improved ROM, and pain reduction warrants further study.

A Combination of Scutellaria Baicalensis and Acacia Catechu Extracts for Short-Term Symptomatic Relief of Joint Discomfort Associated with Osteoarthritis of the Knee

“…In another investigation, the consumption of acai pulp (Euterpe oleracea) slightly improved (P < .06) ROM in middle-age to elderly subjects with mild to moderate joint pain after 12 weeks. 28 Improvements in the ability to walk were observed despite a slight increase in distance covered in the UP446 group. This, at least in part, may be explained by the inability to control for the effort put forth by each subject.…”

Açai Fruit as a Source of Bioactive Phytochemicals

“…This study established the bioavailability of açai polyphenols on the basis of urinary recovery and also demonstrated an increase in the post-consumption plasma antioxidant capacity in 12 volunteers [10]. Similarly, Jensen et al observed an increase in serum antioxidant levels and a reduction in lipid peroxidation following acute consumption of a 'polyphenol-enriched' açai-based beverage in a double-blind crossover [46]. More recently, the same authors reported slight improvements in the range of motion in arthritic patients following chronic consumption of the same product in a small non-controlled chronic study [47].…”

Consumption of Dried Apple Peel Powder Increases Joint Function and Range of Motion

“…10 It is well known that dietary polyphenolic antioxidants have been associated with improved joint function and antinociceptive effects in both animals and humans. Clinical evaluation of a beverage containing whole Acai (including the skin and pulp) showed improved joint ROM, 11 as did a clinical study on a complex blend, including the mushroom-based amino-acid ergothioneine. 12 In addition, anthocyanin-rich extracts from tart cherries have been shown to significantly reduce inflammation-induced thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia in rats.…”