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Organic Acerola Fruit Extract

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

Overview

Acerola, scientifically known as *Malpighia emarginata*, is a tropical fruit native to the Americas and cultivated worldwide. It is renowned for its exceptionally high vitamin C content, often exceeding 1000 mg per 100g of fruit, making it a potent natural source of this essential nutrient. Acerola also contains significant levels of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and other antioxidants. Primarily used to prevent or treat vitamin C deficiency and support immune function, acerola is also being investigated for its anti-inflammatory and potential anticancer properties. It is available in various forms, including powders, capsules, and liquids, and is generally recognized as safe for consumption. Research on acerola is ongoing, with a focus on its composition, in vitro effects, and potential clinical applications.

Benefits

Acerola is primarily recognized for its high vitamin C content, providing well over the recommended daily intake for adults. This makes it effective for preventing and treating vitamin C deficiency. Its antioxidant properties, stemming from vitamin C and other phytonutrients, have been demonstrated in vitro to reduce oxidative stress. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest anti-inflammatory effects, showing a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, in vitro studies indicate potential anticancer properties, but clinical relevance is still unclear. Acerola may be particularly beneficial for individuals at risk of vitamin C deficiency or those experiencing increased oxidative stress. However, clinical effect sizes in humans are not yet well-quantified, and more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

How it works

Acerola's primary mechanism of action is through the direct scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by vitamin C and other phytonutrients, acting as an antioxidant. It also modulates cytokine production and reduces oxidative stress in immune cells, contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects. Acerola primarily affects the immune and antioxidant defense systems within the body. Molecular targets include cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as ROS and cancer cell viability markers. Vitamin C from acerola is bioavailable, supporting its effectiveness as a supplement.

Side effects

Acerola is generally recognized as safe when consumed in typical dietary amounts or as a supplement. Common side effects are rare, but high doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon and rare side effects are not well-documented in clinical studies, although allergic reactions are possible but infrequent. No significant drug interactions have been reported, but high doses of vitamin C may affect certain medications. There are no specific contraindications for acerola, but caution is advised with high-dose vitamin C in individuals with kidney stones or hemochromatosis. It is considered safe for most populations, but pregnant or lactating women and those with specific medical conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of acerola is not well established, but typical vitamin C supplementation doses (e.g., 100–200 mg/day) are easily achieved with small amounts of acerola extract. Optimal dosage ranges are between 100–500 mg of vitamin C equivalent per day, depending on individual needs. The upper limit for vitamin C is 2000 mg/day for adults, and acerola extract should be dosed accordingly. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. Powder, capsule, and liquid forms are available, with generally high bioavailability. Absorption may be enhanced by co-ingestion with food, and no specific cofactors are required.

FAQs

Is acerola safe?

Acerola is safe for most people at typical doses. High doses may cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions.

When should I take acerola?

Acerola can be taken with or without food at any time of day. There are no specific timing requirements for optimal absorption or effectiveness.

What are the expected benefits of taking acerola?

Acerola primarily improves vitamin C status and provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is not a cure-all, and benefits are mainly related to its vitamin C and antioxidant content.

Can acerola cure diseases?

Acerola is not a cure-all; benefits are primarily related to its vitamin C and antioxidant content. Consult a healthcare provider for disease treatment.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6098779/ – This narrative review highlights acerola as a rich source of vitamin C and phytonutrients, attributing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticancer properties to the fruit. It emphasizes the need for further clinical trials to validate these preclinical findings in human populations, noting that current evidence is primarily based on in vitro and animal studies.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-608/acerola – This WebMD page provides general information about Acerola, including its uses, potential benefits, and safety. It is a general overview and not a primary research article.
https://www.scielo.br/j/babt/a/HYCNp6BcVnMfBdLng3yJssC/ – This study focuses on the genetic diversity of acerola and its impact on fruit quality, particularly vitamin C content. It highlights the wide variation in vitamin C levels among different acerola genotypes, emphasizing the potential for selecting and cultivating genotypes with superior nutritional profiles and antioxidant properties.
https://www.alice.cnptia.embrapa.br/alice/bitstream/doc/1160925/1/Genetic-Diversity-on-Acerola-Quality-A-Systematic-Review.pdf – This systematic review analyzes multiple studies on acerola genotypes, revealing wide variations in vitamin C, sugar, and anthocyanin content. The review underscores the high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of acerola, while also acknowledging the limited clinical data available, with most evidence being compositional or in vitro.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10889565/ – This review examines the anti-inflammatory activity of acerola, drawing from in vitro and animal studies. It reports that acerola reduces oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines in these models, and also notes potential antitumor effects observed in cell lines, emphasizing the need for human clinical trials to confirm these findings.