Overview

Acai (Euterpe oleracea), pronounced AH-sigh-EE, is a palm tree found throughout South America. Its berries are dark purple and used to make medicine.

Acai contains antioxidants which are thought to protect cells from damage. Acai berries are believed to have more antioxidant content than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, or blueberry. Chemicals in acai might also reduce swelling, lower blood sugar levels, and stimulate the immune system.

People commonly use acai for athletic performance, high cholesterol, erectile dysfunction (ED), obesity, aging skin, metabolic syndrome, and many other conditions. But there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for ACAI overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Acai is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. It's usually well-tolerated. But be aware that raw acai juice can be contaminated with parasites. In rare cases, drinking the raw juice has been linked to outbreaks of a disease called American trypanosomiasis or Chagas Disease.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Acai is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. It's usually well-tolerated. But be aware that raw acai juice can be contaminated with parasites. In rare cases, drinking the raw juice has been linked to outbreaks of a disease called American trypanosomiasis or Chagas Disease. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if acai is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Diabetes: Acai might increase or decrease blood sugar by a small amount, but this probably isn't a big concern for most people.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with ACAI

    Acai might lower or raise blood sugar levels. Taking acai along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low or reduce effects of the medications. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

As a food, the acai berry is eaten raw and as a juice. The juice is also used in beverages and in ice cream, jelly, and liqueurs.

In supplements, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of acai might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.