Last verified: 17 days ago
Acerola Cherry
Also known as: Malpighia emarginata, Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry, acerola, acerola cherry extract, ACE
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Tropical fruit extremely rich in vitamin C. Antioxidant properties are promising but human trial data is lacking.
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What it does
Acerola cherry is a small tropical fruit that contains one of the highest natural concentrations of vitamin C found in any food. It is used as a natural vitamin C source in supplements and is...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose from provided studies
What the Science Says
Acerola cherry is a small tropical fruit that contains one of the highest natural concentrations of vitamin C found in any food. It is used as a natural vitamin C source in supplements and is studied for its antioxidant activity. The limited available research suggests it may enhance the antioxidant effects of other plant compounds and could influence cell growth pathways, but these findings come from lab and animal studies only — not human clinical trials.
What It Doesn't Do
No proven immune-boosting effect beyond what vitamin C normally provides. No human evidence it prevents cancer. No clinical proof it fights aging, boosts collagen, or detoxifies the body on its own. The 'superfood' label is mostly marketing — the research just isn't there yet.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Acerola's vitamin C content enhances the antioxidant power of other plant compounds against LDL oxidation in lab studies.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established human dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Acerola extract slowed abnormal cell growth in mouse lung tumor models at the promotion stage.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established human dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown for whole extract; vitamin C from acerola is generally considered well-absorbed, similar to synthetic ascorbic acid, but no dedicated bioavailability studies were provided
Red Flags to Watch For
- All available research is from animal or lab (in vitro) studies — no human clinical trials have been provided to support health claims
- High doses of vitamin C from concentrated acerola supplements can cause digestive upset, diarrhea, or kidney stones in susceptible individuals
- Products vary widely in actual vitamin C content — standardization is inconsistent across brands
- Often used as a 'natural vitamin C' label claim in products that may contain mostly synthetic ascorbic acid
Products Containing Acerola Cherry
See how Acerola Cherry is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Acerola Cherry do?
Tropical fruit extremely rich in vitamin C. Antioxidant properties are promising but human trial data is lacking.
What is the effective dose of Acerola Cherry?
No established dose from provided studies
Is Acerola Cherry safe?
All available research is from animal or lab (in vitro) studies — no human clinical trials have been provided to support health claims
What doesn't Acerola Cherry do?
No proven immune-boosting effect beyond what vitamin C normally provides.
Research Sources
- PMID: 11170593
- PMID: 12026193
- General knowledge — clearly labeled as such
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25