acai

General

Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.

Pronunciation:
ah-sah-ee


Trade Name(s)

  • acai berry
  • acai palm
  • assai palm
  • cabbage palm
  • palma manaca

Ther. Class.

lipid-lowering agents

antioxidants

Common Uses

  • Detoxification.
  • Erectile dysfunction.
  • Hypercholesterolemia.
  • Metabolic syndrome.
  • Obesity.
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Skin aging.
  • Weight loss.

Action

In vitro, acai pulp and skin powder have potent antioxidant activity against superoxide and peroxyl radical. They also inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 in vitro.

Therapeutic Effect(s):

  • Reduced total cholesterol levels.
  • Reduced inflammation.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.

Half-life: Unknown.

TIME/ACTION PROFILE

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POunknownunknownunknown

Contraindication/Precautions

Contraindicated in:

  • Allergy/hypersensitivity to acai, guarana, soy, and caffeine;
  • Allergy to palm or pollen-related plants of the Arecaceae family.

Use Cautiously in:

  • Bleeding disorders;
  • Diabetes;
  • Hormone-sensitive cancers;
  • Liver disease;
  • Surgery (discontinue ≥2 wk before procedure);
  • OB:   Safety not established in pregnancy;
  • Lactation:  Safety not established in breastfeeding;
  • Pedi:  Safety and effectiveness not established in children.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

GI: bloating, diarrhea, flatus, nausea

Neuro: headache

Misc: allergic reaction

* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.

Interactions

Natural Drug Interaction

Natural-Natural:

May ↑ risk of bleeding with  ginkgo,  garlic, and  ginger .

Route/Dosage

PO (Adults): Acai juice (puree or blend):  30–100 mL/day.  Capsules:  500–1000 mg once or twice daily.  Extracts:  1–2 mL once or twice daily.  Powder:  1–3 g/day.

Availability

Capsules: OTC

Acai powder: OTC

Frozen acai puree/packets: OTC

Acai juice: OTC

Assessment

  • Assess for hypersensitivity reactions (rash, itching, respiratory issues). Discontinue if symptoms occur.
  • Assess BP in patients on antihypertensive medications.

Lab Test Considerations:

  • Monitor coagulation studies in patients on anticoagulant therapy.
  • Monitor cholesterol panel periodically during therapy.
  • Monitor blood glucose periodically during therapy.

Implementation

  • PO Mix frozen acai or powder into smoothie or smoothie bowl. Stir powder into yogurt, oatmeal, or water. Juice is available as a beverage. Swallow capsules daily.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Explain purpose and side effects of herb to patient.
  • Advise patient to consult with health care provider before using any herbal supplement, especially when taken concurrently with Rx or OTC medications or vitamins.
  • Advise patient due to the potential effects on blood clotting or BP to discontinue supplements ≥2 wk before procedures unless directed otherwise.
  • Rep:  Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected or breastfeeding before using this herb.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

  • Reduced inflammation.
  • Reduced total cholesterol levels.