ACAI

Student Pharmacist Spencer Stringham Spring 2023

Background/History

Acai is cultivated from a palm tree. It is cultivated for its fruit. They are deep purple berries about 1-2 cm in diameter. Acai berries have been called a superfood with benefits such as improved skin, weight loss, and others. They are native to the rainforests of South America. There has been a claim that the taste is a mix of chocolate and berries with a slight metallic aftertaste.

Purpose/Uses

1.Cognitive function

2. Heart health

3. Anticancer properties

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one 3-gram teaspoon of acai berry powder contains

• 20 calories

• 0 g protein

• 1.5 g total fat

• 1 g carbohydrate

• 1 g fiber

• 6 milligrams (mg) calcium

Dosing/Serving

3-5 grams (formulation dependent)

Pharmacology/Mechanism of action

The fiber and heart-healthy fats in acai also support heart health. Heart-healthy fats increase HDL “good”) cholesterol and decrease LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.

Fiber intake also reduces LDL cholesterol.

Fiber intake is not only associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, but also a slower progression of the disease in high-risk individuals.

Dosage forms

• Powder for reconstitution

• Berry fruit

• Smoothie/drink/juice

• Capsule

• Used in several combinations

• Powder products

• Packets to add to water

Effectiveness/Evidence

Acai berries have not yet been studied extensively. The health claims surrounding acai are relatively new and more research is needed to solidify these claims.

Adverse effects/Side effects

Possible risk for upset stomach

Side effect appears to be dose related.

Article Summary

One study compared heart disease with acai. The study focused on the phytochemicals and the numerous phenolic compounds in acai. Invitro studies showed that acai possessed antiinflammatory properties. The study concluded that acai can protect against metabolic stress.

References

Acai berries: Health benefits, nutrition, diet, and risks. www.medicalnewstoday.com. Published May 23, 2018.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/305576

Acai: Uses, side effects, interactions, dosage, and warning. www.webmd.com https://www.webmed.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmon o-1109/acai

Acai: Side effects, dosages, treatment, interactions, warnings. RxList. https://www.rxlist/consumer_acai/drugscondition.htm

Safety/Toxicity/Warnings

Acai is very safe and is a natural berry product. Patients should monitor for hypersensitivity reactions.

Interactions

Acai has no known severe interactions with other drugs. Acai has no known interactions with other drugs.

Opinion

In my opinion, acai supplementation should be recommended. There appears to be very little risk except for hypersensitivity risk. It is relatively cheap and could provide supplemental benefits for aging, antioxidant properties, blood sugar health, blood pressure health, and cognitive health. There appear to be no major food or drug related interactions and so it seems to only be a cheap positive way to supplement your overall health.

~ S Stringham