Common Names: Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-EE), acai berry, acai palm

Scientific Names: Euterpe oleracea, Euterpe badiocarpa

Background

• Found throughout the rainforests of Central and South America, particularly in the Amazon region of Brazil, the acai palm tree yields small, dark purple fruits known as acai berries. These berries have traditionally been a vital nutritional mainstay for native populations, who also believe that the plant has healing capabilities.

• In traditional medicine, various elements of the acai plant have been used to relieve fevers, skin and digestive problems, and infections.

• Acai-based products have gained popularity in the U.S. and are marketed for a wide range of uses, such as enhancing athletic performance, supporting heart health, fighting erectile dysfunction, aiding weight loss, addressing skin aging, and managing metabolic syndrome.

• The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken legal action against companies accused of making misleading claims regarding the use of acai for weight loss.

What Is Known?

• Scientific studies that examine the health effects of acai in humans are limited.

What Research Shows

• At present, there is insufficient dependable data to determine whether acai offers tangible health benefits.

• In the past five years, no published peer-reviewed human studies have upheld claims that acai encourages weight reduction.

• Lab-based experiments suggest that acai might possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. A few small-scale human studies have shown that consuming acai pulp may offer some antioxidant protection.

Safety Information

• Acai pulp has been used in clinical settings for up to three months without major safety concerns, though research on its long-term safety is scarce.

• Consuming raw acai or its juice could expose individuals to parasites. There have been rare cases linking such consumption to the transmission of Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis).

• Acai might cause interference during gastrointestinal MRI exams. If you're undergoing imaging and have used acai products, discuss it with a healthcare professional.

• Early studies show acai may either raise or lower fasting blood sugar levels, indicating potential interactions with diabetes medications. Speak with your healthcare provider if you’re using such medications and considering acai or other herbal options due to possible drug-herb interactions.

• Negligible data exists regarding the safety of acai during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Points to Consider

• Managing your own health means staying informed—have open conversations with your healthcare providers about any complementary products you use. Shared decision-making can help ensure your choices are safe and effective.

• Herbal products fall under different categories of regulation based on their composition, intended use, and method of administration. Many are sold in the U.S. as dietary supplements, which aren’t subjected to the same oversight as prescription drugs.

• Dietary supplements don’t need FDA approval prior to sale. If a supplement is found to pose health risks, the FDA has authority to intervene. It is up to manufacturers and distributors of supplements to ensure their products meet legal safety and labeling guidelines before release.

• Regulation standards for supplements differ from those applied to drugs; thus, consumer discretion and awareness are essential. The FDA may take enforcement action if an herbal product appears to be unsafe.

Additional Information Resources

• Tips for Smart Supplement Use

• Learn: How Medications and Supplements Might Interact

• Understand: How to Read and Interpret Scientific Journal Articles

Key Sources

• Acai. NatMed Pro database. Visited July 18, 2023. [Subscription required]

• Benatrehina PA et al. Study on botanical supplements used in the U.S. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. 2018;8(2):267-277.

• de Almeida Magalhães TSS et al. Exploring Euterpe oleracea’s potential for treatment and prevention. Biomolecules. 2020;10(6):813.

• de Liz S et al. Acai and juçara juice effects on HDL and antioxidants in humans. Clinical Nutrition. 2020;39(12):3629-3636.

• FTC. Legal action against fake acai weight-loss marketing websites. Accessed July 21, 2023.

• Kessler ER et al. Acai juice in recurrent prostate cancer patients. Integrative Cancer Therapeutics. 2018;17(4):1103-1108.

• Laurindo LF et al. A critical overview of acai’s use in health and disease. Nutrients. 2023;15(4):989.

• Pala D et al. Study on acai’s impact on cholesterol and oxidative metabolism in women. Clinical Nutrition. 2018;37(2):618-623.

• Schreckinger ME et al. Overview of South American berries and their health uses. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2010;13(2):233-246.

• Terrazas SIBM et al. Benefits of acai pulp for endurance athletes. European Journal of Nutrition. 2020;59(7):2985-2995.

This document is in the public domain and may be reproduced freely.

Developed by the NCCIH for educational reference, this content is for informational purposes only and not meant to replace medical advice from licensed professionals. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen. Mention of specific treatments or services does not imply endorsement.