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Acerola Cherry fruit extract

Also known as: Acerola cherry, Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry, Acerola cherry fruit extract, Malpighia emarginata

Overview

Acerola cherry fruit extract is derived from the tropical fruit *Malpighia emarginata*, renowned for its exceptionally high natural vitamin C content, which can reach up to 4500 mg per 100g of fresh fruit. Beyond vitamin C, it is rich in various phytonutrients, including carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, and organic acids like malic acid. Primarily utilized as a natural antioxidant supplement and a potent source of vitamin C, acerola extract is investigated for its potential in immune support, anti-inflammatory actions, hepatoprotective effects, and even anticancer properties. The extract also contains pectin, a dietary fiber with prebiotic qualities that may contribute to digestive health. While numerous in vitro and animal studies exist, high-quality human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses specifically on acerola extract are currently limited, indicating a moderate level of research maturity.

Benefits

Acerola cherry extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily driven by its rich antioxidant profile. Its potent antioxidant activity, attributed to high vitamin C and phenolic content, effectively reduces oxidative stress markers. Animal studies have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, evidenced by reductions in liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α. Furthermore, hepatoprotective effects have been observed in rats, with increased catalase activity and reduced liver damage markers. Secondary benefits include potential anticancer properties through tumor-specific cytotoxicity and reversal of multidrug resistance in cancer cell lines, as well as antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi, including *Helicobacter pylori*. While promising, most of these benefits are supported by preclinical and animal studies, with human clinical data being sparse. Animal studies showed 13-26% reductions in ALT and 21-24% reductions in AST with acerola leaf extract, suggesting dose-dependent effects.

How it works

The primary mechanism of action for acerola cherry extract stems from its high ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content, a crucial antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and regenerates other antioxidants within the body. The diverse array of phytonutrients, including flavonoids (such as quercetin and apigenin glycosides), phenolic acids, and coumarins, further contributes to its anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective actions by modulating inflammatory pathways and mitigating oxidative stress. Additionally, the pectin present in acerola acts as a prebiotic fiber, fostering a healthy gut microbiota and potentially enhancing mineral absorption, partly due to the presence of organic acids like malic acid. Certain fractions of acerola have also been shown to inhibit P-glycoprotein (Pgp), which could play a role in reversing multidrug resistance in cancer cells.

Side effects

Acerola cherry extract is generally considered safe, with no major adverse effects reported in animal studies at tested doses. Due to the limited number of human clinical trials, common side effects in humans are not well documented. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been reported in the reviewed literature. However, caution is advised with very high doses, primarily due to its high vitamin C content. Excessive intake of vitamin C can potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps, in sensitive individuals. This is a general consideration for high vitamin C intake rather than a specific side effect unique to acerola. Individuals with kidney stones or iron overload disorders should consult a healthcare professional before taking high doses of vitamin C.

Dosage

Human dosing guidelines for acerola cherry extract are not well established due to limited clinical trials. Animal studies have utilized doses ranging from 200 mg/kg to 5 g/kg body weight, demonstrating dose-dependent effects. For human consumption, typical vitamin C supplementation ranges from 100 mg to 1000 mg daily, but the appropriate dosage of acerola extract depends significantly on its standardized vitamin C content and overall formulation. The presence of organic acids in acerola may enhance the absorption of its active compounds. Optimal dosing requires further research to standardize the vitamin C content and assess bioavailability in human subjects. It is advisable to follow product-specific recommendations or consult a healthcare professional, especially when aiming for therapeutic effects beyond general vitamin C intake. Upper limits for vitamin C are generally set at 2000 mg per day for adults, and this should be considered when consuming acerola extract.

FAQs

Is acerola cherry extract a good source of vitamin C?

Yes, acerola cherry is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C, often containing significantly higher amounts than oranges or other common vitamin C fruits.

Does acerola have benefits beyond vitamin C?

Absolutely. Besides vitamin C, acerola contains numerous bioactive compounds like flavonoids and phenolics, contributing to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential hepatoprotective properties.

Is it safe?

Acerola cherry extract is generally considered safe based on animal studies. However, high doses, primarily due to its vitamin C content, might cause mild gastrointestinal issues in some individuals.

How quickly do benefits appear?

Animal studies suggest that benefits appear after repeated dosing over several weeks. Human data on the exact time course for observed benefits are currently insufficient.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6098779/ – This review summarizes the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and hepatoprotective properties of acerola cherry, highlighting its rich composition of bioactive compounds. It primarily draws from preclinical data, noting the limited number of human randomized controlled trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10889565/ – This experimental animal study investigated the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects of acerola leaf extract in rats. It found dose-dependent reductions in liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, alongside increased catalase activity, indicating significant protective effects.
https://www.scielo.br/j/babt/a/HYCNp6BcVnMfBdLng3yJssi/ – This systematic review focuses on the genetic variability within acerola genotypes and its influence on the fruit's antioxidant and physicochemical properties. It underscores how genetic factors impact the quality and bioactive content of acerola, which is crucial for understanding supplement consistency.
https://viridian-nutrition.com/en-us/blogs/nutrition-articles/the-health-benefits-of-acerola-cherry – This article provides a general overview of the health benefits of acerola cherry, emphasizing its role as a natural source of vitamin C and other phytonutrients. It discusses its antioxidant properties and potential applications in health and wellness.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-608/acerola – This WebMD entry offers a concise summary of acerola, including its uses, potential side effects, and dosage information. It serves as a general consumer-oriented resource for understanding the supplement.