Acai Berry
Also known as: Euterpe oleracea, açaí, acai palm fruit, açaí berry
Effective Dosage
No established dose from provided studies
What the Science Says
Acai berry is the fruit of a South American palm tree, packed with anthocyanins — natural pigments that act as antioxidants in the body. In one clinical trial, adding 200 g of acai pulp daily to a calorie-reduced diet for 60 days reduced a key marker of oxidative stress (8-isoprostane) and lowered the inflammatory marker IL-6 in overweight adults. A pharmacokinetic study confirmed that anthocyanins from acai are absorbed into the bloodstream within about 2 hours and can measurably increase plasma antioxidant capacity.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't cure or treat cancer — a prostate cancer trial failed its primary endpoint. No proven effect on blood sugar or cholesterol levels in humans. Brain and nerve protection claims come entirely from mouse studies, not human trials. Not a weight loss supplement — human studies used it alongside a calorie-restricted diet. The dye-removal and antifungal research has nothing to do with human health benefits.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Acai berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Some clinical trials suggest potential benefits for heart health and cholesterol levels, but more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — anthocyanins are absorbed within ~2 hours of consumption, with pulp showing roughly double the bioavailability of clarified juice. Absorption varies significantly by dose volume in a nonlinear relationship.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most exciting claims (brain protection, Parkinson's, diabetes neuropathy) come from animal studies only — not human trials
- The only cancer-related human trial (prostate cancer) failed its primary endpoint
- Human clinical evidence is very limited — only a handful of small trials exist
- Products are often heavily marketed as weight loss or anti-aging cures with no direct human evidence for those claims
- Acai products vary widely in anthocyanin content — juice may have half the bioavailability of whole pulp
Products Containing Acai Berry
See how Acai Berry is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06