Assessment of the scientific evidence of the potential use of açaí (Euterpe oleracea, Mart.) in clinical outcomes: analysis with focus on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action

Abstract

The açaí berry (Euterpe oleracea, Mart.), fruit native to the Amazon region and explored mainly in the region of Pará, gained importance in recent years due to potential health benefits, associated with its phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity, related to its high content of flavonoids. Among these, anthocyanins are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of this fruit. Experimental studies show that due to its composition, the acai berry has antioxidant activity related to its ability to reduce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and its potential to inhibit cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Another benefit studied is the analysis of their effectiveness in the anti-inflammatory process, being observed inhibition of araquedônico acid-derived mediators, suggesting that the fruit can act in the chronic inflammatory process. Also it was possible to observe that the fruit may have anti-inflammatory effects in healthy patients. Thus, the supplementation of diets with use of acai berry could attenuate inflammation process and oxidative stress, today with more consistent evidence derived primarily from in vitro studies. However, there is still need for further studies to prove the action of this fruit in the mechanisms involved in these processes, isolation of specific compounds and determining their optimal dosage.