Acai are berry-like fruits that are widely consumed in juices, herbal supplements and other food or medicinal products. Acai comes from the Euterpe oleracea plant, which is native to Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, French Guyana and Trinidad. The berries are most commonly used medicinally and consumed as a food, but herbal remedies are also made from the plant's roots and seeds. Before you take acai capsules or juice for medicinal purposes, consult your doctor about the correct dosage and potential dangers.
Types
Acai berry remedies come in the forms of juices, frozen pulps, powders, capsules and tablets, according to the University of Michigan Health System. In addition to the berries, acai root and seed products are also available. The fruit juice and capsules made from acai typically provide the same actions, but the seeds and root may offer different effects. The recommended medicinal dosages for acai juice and capsules also differ.
Function
Acai contains large amounts of bioflavonoids called anthocyanins, which have strong antioxidant effects, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Acai berries also contain proanthocyanidins and fatty acids, while the seeds have procyanidins, epicatechin and protocatechruic acid, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In addition to the antioxidant actions, acai also appears to suppress nitric oxide production, fight leukemia cells and stop inflammation. Acai berries are also rich in nutrients such as copper, amino acids, vitamin E, fiber, protein, enzymes, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, boron and phytosterols.
Effects
Acai capsules or juice may help to treat or prevent heart disease, stroke and cancer, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Acai could also help to treat autoimmune disorders, diarrhea and allergies. Acai berry remedies may have the potential to treat diabetes, anemia, leukemia and dysmenorrhea, and the root may benefit people with hepatitis, malaria and jaundice, says the University of Michigan Health System. Acai's seeds could help if you have a fever or scrofula. Don't take acai berry, seed or root remedies without first consulting your doctor.
Amounts
You might consume 3.5 oz. of frozen acai pulp each day or drink up to 34 ounces of acai juice daily, says the University of Michigan Health System. The typical dosage of acai capsules or tablets is 1 to 2 grams daily. You can also make a drink from acai powder by mixing 1 ounce of the powder with 10 to 12 ounces of water, and drinking it once or twice daily. Freeze-dried capsules or tablets of acai berry, root and crushed seeds are also available. Ask your health-care provider about the dosage that's right for you before taking any form of acai, including juice or capsules.
Warning
Don't consume acai prior to an MRI of your gastrointestinal tract, because the fruit could obscure the imaging, DrugDigest.org warns. Acai berry's antioxidant actions could potentially interfere with some cancer drugs as well, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Although no significant side effects or other drug interactions have been reported from taking acai, the safety of this herbal remedy isn't well studied. Therefore, you should discuss the potential health dangers of taking acai with your doctor.
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