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Acai (Euterpe oleracea) - Natural Medicine A-Z
Acai (Euterpe oleracea)
Synonyms: 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.
 Overview Does It Work? Safety How to Use

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.

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.

Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to acai (Euterpe oleracea) or its constituents.

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.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Acai is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Adults (18 years and older):

There is no proven safe or effective dose for acai in adults.

Children (younger than 18 years):

There is no proven safe or effective dose for acai in children.

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