Jabuticaba Fruit Extract
Also known as: Jabuticaba, Myrciaria cauliflora, Brazilian grape tree fruit, Plinia jabuticaba
Overview
Jabuticaba fruit extract is derived from the berries of Plinia jabuticaba, a tree native to Brazil. This extract is highly valued for its rich content of polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins and ellagitannins, which are potent antioxidants. It is primarily utilized as a dietary supplement ingredient, with research exploring its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and hypolipidemic properties. While there are approximately 200 published articles on jabuticaba, human clinical evidence remains limited and preliminary. Most of the current data is derived from in vitro studies, animal models, and a few small human trials. There is a notable absence of large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or comprehensive meta-analyses specifically on jabuticaba supplements, indicating that its full therapeutic potential and safety profile in humans are still under investigation. The extract is typically consumed for general wellness and metabolic support.
Benefits
The primary and most well-documented benefit of jabuticaba fruit extract is its significant antioxidant activity. Some human studies suggest it can improve postprandial antioxidant status in healthy adults after consuming jabuticaba juice. Regarding metabolic effects, a randomized crossover trial in healthy adults indicated that jabuticaba juice improved postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels, a hormone involved in glucose regulation. However, this trial did not show significant alterations in postprandial glucose, insulin, or insulin sensitivity markers, suggesting a potential modulation of incretin hormones without clear glycemic control benefits in healthy subjects. Animal studies have indicated secondary benefits such as hypolipidemic (cholesterol-lowering) and hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects. A liquid extract from jabuticaba residues also reduced plasma uric acid levels in cholesterol-fed hamsters, hinting at possible benefits in hyperuricemia. Evidence in humans is currently limited to healthy adults, and its effects in populations with diabetes or metabolic syndrome are not yet well-established. The human trial reported small or no clinically relevant effects on glycemic control, and benefits observed were acute (within hours of ingestion), with longer-term effects remaining unstudied.
How it works
The health benefits of jabuticaba fruit extract are primarily attributed to its high concentration of polyphenols, including anthocyanins and ellagitannins. These compounds exert their effects through potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. The polyphenols may also modulate gut hormone secretion, specifically influencing incretin hormones like GLP-1, which plays a role in glucose metabolism. Furthermore, these compounds interact with various biological pathways to potentially influence lipid metabolism and reduce inflammation. Upon ingestion, jabuticaba polyphenols undergo extensive metabolism, largely by gut microbiota, and are absorbed in conjugated forms. These metabolites are believed to contribute significantly to the extract's overall biological activity and systemic effects.
Side effects
Based on the limited available human data, jabuticaba fruit extract appears to have a favorable safety profile, with no reported adverse events in the referenced randomized controlled trial. However, the overall safety assessment is preliminary due to the small sample sizes and short duration of human studies. Animal studies have generally not reported significant toxicity, though one study noted an increase in glycemia in hamsters fed jabuticaba residue extract with a regular diet. This observation suggests potential metabolic effects that warrant caution and further investigation, as it could imply a different response depending on dietary context or pre-existing conditions. There are currently no documented drug interactions or contraindications for jabuticaba fruit extract due to the limited clinical data. Safety in specific populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or individuals with chronic diseases, remains unstudied. Therefore, caution is advised for these groups until more comprehensive research is conducted.
Dosage
Due to the limited human clinical research, there are no established standardized dosing guidelines for jabuticaba fruit extract. Human studies have primarily utilized jabuticaba juice in acute doses, but the exact polyphenol content was not consistently standardized across trials. Consequently, there is no defined minimum effective dose or maximum safe dose for jabuticaba supplements. Dose-ranging studies and standardized supplement formulations are currently lacking. The timing of administration in existing studies has been acute, typically postprandial (after meals), suggesting that consumption with meals might be relevant for optimizing its effects, particularly for metabolic benefits. While absorption may generally be enhanced by co-consumption with food, no specific cofactors have been identified to improve the bioavailability of jabuticaba polyphenols. Without further research, it is difficult to provide precise recommendations for daily intake or upper safety limits.
FAQs
Is jabuticaba extract effective for blood sugar control?
Current evidence in healthy adults shows no significant impact on glucose or insulin levels, though it may increase GLP-1 levels, a hormone involved in glucose regulation.
Is jabuticaba fruit extract safe to consume?
Based on limited human data, it appears safe with no reported adverse events. However, more extensive research is needed to confirm long-term safety and effects in diverse populations.
How long until benefits from jabuticaba extract appear?
Acute effects on antioxidant status and GLP-1 levels have been observed within hours of ingestion. Long-term benefits and their onset are currently unknown due to a lack of extended studies.
Does jabuticaba extract interact with medications?
There is no data available on potential drug interactions. Caution is advised, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended, especially if taking other medications.
Research Sources
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/jabuticaba-juice-improves-postprandial-glucagonlike-peptide1-and-antioxidant-status-in-healthy-adults-a-randomised-crossover-trial/B0A475B3D148CB5E7FA649FB649180BC – This randomized crossover trial in healthy adults found that jabuticaba juice improved postprandial GLP-1 levels and antioxidant status. However, it did not significantly alter postprandial glucose, insulin, or insulin sensitivity markers, indicating limited direct glycemic control benefits in this population. The study was well-controlled but had a small sample size and focused on acute effects.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34399496/ – This comprehensive review summarizes the chemical composition, metabolism, and biological effects of jabuticaba polyphenols, primarily from in vitro and animal studies. It highlights the fruit's potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties but emphasizes the critical need for more human metabolism and bioactivity studies to confirm these effects.
- https://www.scielo.br/j/bjb/a/vpjMR46KF6xC4hJJ6RHz7Js/ – This animal study in Chinese hamsters investigated the effects of jabuticaba residue extract. It showed an increase in glycemia in animals on a regular diet and a reduction in uric acid levels in cholesterol-fed animals. The findings suggest biological activity but highlight the need for further research to understand its relevance and implications for human health.
