Acai berry extract comes from a purple fruit that is primarily harvested in the Amazon rain forest. It is a relative of the cranberry and blueberry and comes from the acai palm tree (Euterpe oleracea), which is native to Central and South America. The acai berry is considered one of the most potent antioxidant fruits on the ORAC scale and the nutrients are easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Other predominant beneficial substances include polyphenols and flavonoids. At this time, no major side effects have been reported in medical literature. However, some minor side effects include aggravated pollen allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, detoxification symptoms and additive effects with anti-inflammatory drugs.
Aggravated Pollen Allergies
Some people with pollen allergies may find that their condition is aggravated by taking acai berry extract. Allergic symptoms such as headache, skin rash or nausea may appear. The number of reported cases has been rare and the symptoms minor. However, allergic reactions should be treated seriously, so consult your nutritionist or doctor if symptoms persist.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
In their natural, whole-food form, acai berries have few, if any, side effects. However, in the concentrated extract form, it is possible to consume too much acai berry, which can cause gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, bloating or nausea. It is also important to stick with 100 percent pure acai berry extract, since some companies add other ingredients to their products, which may contribute to these unwanted side effects.
Detoxification Symptoms
One of the benefits of acai berry extract is that it helps to remove toxins from the body. The fiber content alone helps to cleanse the colon and intestines, causing more frequent bowel movements. The antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals at the cellular level and also purify the blood. Thus, it is critical when taking acai extract to drink plenty of pure water in order to help flush the toxins out of the body. Otherwise, one may experience unnecessary detoxification symptoms such as headache, nausea, skin irritations or diarrhea.
Interaction with Anti-inflammatory Drugs
The antioxidants and essential fatty acids in acai berry extract are natural anti-inflammatory agents. COX-1 and COX-2 are enzymes that cause inflammation in the body. According to the Association for the Advancement of Retired P, "Acai may have cyclooxygenase COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition properties." They advise using acai berry extract cautiously with anti-inflammatory medications, such as NSAIDS, due to possible additive effects.
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