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Safety evaluation of an açai-fortified fruit and berry functional juice beverage (MonaVie Active®)
Abstract
The safety of an açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulp enriched fruit and berry juice, MonaVie Active®, fortified with the functional ingredient, glucosamine, was studied. The beverage was found not to be mutagenic, clastogenic, cytotoxic, or genotoxic, as determined by the bacterial reverse mutation assay, chromosomal aberration assay, mouse micronucleus assay, and mammalian cell gene mutation (L5178Y) assay. The single dose LD50 based on a 14-day acute oral toxicity study is greater than 20,000 mg/kg bw, the highest dose tested. In a repeat dose 90-day oral subchronic toxicity study by gavage, 220 animals were randomly assigned to a control group, an untreated group, or one of three experimental groups (10, 20 and 40 g/kg bw). No treatment-related significant changes in body weight, food and water consumption, ophthalmology, organ weights, urinanalysis, hematological and clinical chemistry, or gross pathology, were observed in surviving animals compared to the control groups. Three animals died midway through the observation period (male, 20 g/kg bw/day; male 40 g/kg bw/day; and, female, 10 g/kg bw/day). These animals died without preceding clinical symptoms, histopathological lesions, or evidence of injury to tissue or organs except for signs of suffocation/aspiration congestion, which was concluded to be due to problems with the gavage administration of the fluid test article, and not due to the test article itself. The NOEAL was determined to be 40 g/kg bw/day for male and female rats, which was the highest dose tested. Phylloquinone (vitamin K1) content averaged 21.7 μg/100 g, comparable to amounts found in iceberg lettuce. In conclusion, the results provide additional experimental evidence that MonaVie Active® juice is non-toxic.
... The absence of toxicity of açai was reported in previous studies after testing açai in experimental models, and no significant differences were reported [25]. DNA damage induced by antitumor medication was evaluated in 3 studies, and no genotoxic effects were observed after açai administration by gavage [26][27][28]. In a study done by Schauss et al., açai did not cause mutagenic effects [28]. ...
... Choi et al. [7] have also shown a protective effect of açai against colon carcinogenesis induced by The absence of toxicity of açai was reported in previous studies after testing açai in experimental models, and no significant differences were reported [25]. DNA damage induced by antitumor medication was evaluated in 3 studies, and no genotoxic effects were observed after açai administration by gavage [26][27][28]. In a study done by Schauss et al., açai did not cause mutagenic effects [28]. ...
... DNA damage induced by antitumor medication was evaluated in 3 studies, and no genotoxic effects were observed after açai administration by gavage [26][27][28]. In a study done by Schauss et al., açai did not cause mutagenic effects [28]. In the same way, Marques et al. evaluated the genotoxic potential of açai in rat cells and showed that on both cytogenetic tests, no significant genotoxic effects were observed at the three tested dosages of açai [27]. ...
Açai fruit has been studied for its antioxidant properties, with positive feedback against many diseases, including cancer. Although açai seeds are not edible, their composition has been studied in order to find new applications and reduce garbage generation. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects and impacts on the cell cycle and apoptosis of açai seed extract (ASE) on human lung carcinoma cell line (A549). Antioxidant activity of açai seed extract (ASE) was measured by DPPH assay, Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (ABTS/TEAC), Ferric Reducing Ability (FRAP) and Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Human lung carcinoma cell viability (A549) was monitored by MTT assay method and the effects on cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. The results indicate high antioxidant activity in ASE and high values of total phenolic compounds (37.08 ± 8.56 g gallic acid/100 g). The MTT assay showed a maximum decrease (72.07%) in the viability of A549 cells after 48 h treatment with ASE (200 µg/mL). Flow cytometer analysis revealed that ASE increased the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase and promoted a high increase of apoptotic cells when compared to the untreated cells. The present study suggests that ASE has a high antioxidant capacity and may have a protective effect against lung cancer.
... The absence of toxicity of açai was reported in previous studies after testing açai in experimental models, and no significant differences were reported [25]. DNA damage induced by antitumor medication was evaluated in 3 studies, and no genotoxic effects were observed after açai administration by gavage [26][27][28]. In a study done by Schauss et al., açai did not cause mutagenic effects [28]. ...
... Choi et al. [7] have also shown a protective effect of açai against colon carcinogenesis induced by The absence of toxicity of açai was reported in previous studies after testing açai in experimental models, and no significant differences were reported [25]. DNA damage induced by antitumor medication was evaluated in 3 studies, and no genotoxic effects were observed after açai administration by gavage [26][27][28]. In a study done by Schauss et al., açai did not cause mutagenic effects [28]. ...
... DNA damage induced by antitumor medication was evaluated in 3 studies, and no genotoxic effects were observed after açai administration by gavage [26][27][28]. In a study done by Schauss et al., açai did not cause mutagenic effects [28]. In the same way, Marques et al. evaluated the genotoxic potential of açai in rat cells and showed that on both cytogenetic tests, no significant genotoxic effects were observed at the three tested dosages of açai [27]. ...
Açai fruit has been studied for its antioxidant properties, with positive feedback against many diseases, including cancer. Although açai seeds are not edible, their composition has been studied in order to find new applications and reduce garbage generation. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects and impacts on the cell cycle and apoptosis of açai seed extract (ASE) on human lung carcinoma cell line (A549). Antioxidant activity of açai seed extract (ASE) was measured by DPPH assay, Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (ABTS/TEAC), Ferric Reducing Ability (FRAP) and Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Human lung carcinoma cell viability (A549) was monitored by MTT assay method and the effects on cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. The results indicate high antioxidant activity in ASE and high values of total phenolic compounds (37.08 ± 8.56 g gallic acid/100 g). The MTT assay showed a maximum decrease (72.07%) in the viability of A549 cells after 48 h treatment with ASE (200 µg/mL). Flow cytometer analysis revealed that ASE increased the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase and promoted a high increase of apoptotic cells when compared to the untreated cells. The present study suggests that ASE has a high antioxidant capacity and may have a protective effect against lung cancer.
... Euterpe oleracea Mart. is a palm fruit native to the Amazonian flood plains of Brazil [6]. It is an economically important exotic fruit with potential human health benefits, that has a growing popularity in worldwide markets [8][9][10][11][12][13]. This fruit is mainly consumed in natura and in a variety of beverages and food preparations, being categorized as a functional food [7,8,11]. ...
... It is an economically important exotic fruit with potential human health benefits, that has a growing popularity in worldwide markets [8][9][10][11][12][13]. This fruit is mainly consumed in natura and in a variety of beverages and food preparations, being categorized as a functional food [7,8,11]. Major polyphenolic components found in açai pulp include the flavonoids anthocyanins and proanthocyanins, besides lignans, ascorbic acid and others [8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. ...
... This fruit is mainly consumed in natura and in a variety of beverages and food preparations, being categorized as a functional food [7,8,11]. Major polyphenolic components found in açai pulp include the flavonoids anthocyanins and proanthocyanins, besides lignans, ascorbic acid and others [8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. This exotic fruit or its specific compounds have been demonstrated to possess potent antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antigenotoxic/antimutagenic activities [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. ...
Açai, fruit from Euterpe oleraceae Martius, is consumed in natura and in a variety of beverages and food preparations and possesses several potential antioxidant compounds. In a first study for anticarcinogenicity screening, male Swiss mice (n = 20/per group) were chemically-induced to urothelial bladder carcinogenesis for 10 weeks and received a standard diet or a standard diet containing 2.5 and 5 % spray-dried açai pulp (AP) for 10 weeks. At week 20, the incidence of simple and nodular hyperplasia and the incidence and multiplicity of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) were evaluated. In a second study for antigenotoxicity screening, male Swiss mice (n = 6/per group) were fed standard diet or standard diet containing 5 % AP for three weeks. Urothelial cell suspensions were obtained and challenged with H(2)O(2) for induction of DNA damage and analyzed by comet assay. Overall, dietary 5 % AP reduced TCC incidence and multiplicity (p = 0.019 and p = 0.015, respectively) and tumor cell proliferation and p63 expression (p = 0.02 and p = 0.007, respectively), Furthermore, the group fed the 5 % AP presented a significant reduction (p < 0.01) in DNA damage induced by H(2)O(2), a notable oxidant agent. The results suggest that the spray-dried açai pulp used here inhibits the TCC development in male Swiss mice, probably due to its potential antioxidant action.
... A considerable body of evidence has been gathered demonstrating that acai berry extract and its bioactive content exhibit many pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and neuroprotective properties (33,35,(37)(38)(39). Furthermore, several in vivo and in vitro toxicity evaluations of acai berry extract showed its safety and lack of genotoxic effects after its administration (38,(40)(41)(42)(43)(44)(45). ...
... A considerable body of evidence has been gathered demonstrating that acai berry extract and its bioactive content exhibit many pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and neuroprotective properties (33,35,(37)(38)(39). Furthermore, several in vivo and in vitro toxicity evaluations of acai berry extract showed its safety and lack of genotoxic effects after its administration (38,(40)(41)(42)(43)(44)(45). On the other hand, an earlier study showed that high acai berry extract concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15% [wt/vol]) caused mutagenic effects when tested in eukaryotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells; however, the mutagenic possibilities on human are little due to the fact that the acai berry extract concentrations used in that investigation were extremely elevated (46). ...
Dietary interventions rich in fruits and vegetables in aging people can reverse or mitigate age-related cognitive declines, delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), and provide long-term health dividends. The novel food, popularly known as "Acai", is a berry belonging to the Euterpe genus of tropical palms trees and natively found in South America. Euterpe oleracea has been given much attention among scientists due to its high antioxidant capacity compared to other fruits and berries. Additionally, acai pulp composition analysis found that it contains various biologically active phytochemicals. In this review, we focused on current evidence relating to acai berry neuroprotection mechanisms and its efficacy in preventing or reversing neurodegeneration and age-related cognitive decline. A number of studies have illustrated the potential neuroprotective properties of acai berries. They have shown that their chemical extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and maintain proteins, calcium homeostasis, and mitochondrial function. Moreover, acai berry extract offers other neuromodulatory mechanisms, including anticonvulsant, antidepressant, and anti-aging properties. This neuromodulation gives valuable insights into the acai pulp and its considerable pharmacological potential on critical brain areas involved in memory and cognition. The isolated chemical matrix of acai berries could be a new substitute in research for NDD medicine development. However, due to the limited number of investigations, there is a need for further efforts to establish studies that enable progressing to clinical trials to consequently prove and ratify the therapeutic potential of this berry for several incurable NDDs.
... Velutin, a flavonoid contained in acai, also suppressed the LPS-induced inflammation in macrophage-derived cells [30]. Acai showed no toxicity in experimental models [25,26,28,[31][32][33] nor any significant differences in the body weight or food consumption [24][25][26]33]. These results suggest that acai therapy is a novel and safe strategy for treating various pathologies, including cancer. ...
... Velutin, a flavonoid contained in acai, also suppressed the LPS-induced inflammation in macrophage-derived cells [30]. Acai showed no toxicity in experimental models [25,26,28,[31][32][33] nor any significant differences in the body weight or food consumption [24][25][26]33]. These results suggest that acai therapy is a novel and safe strategy for treating various pathologies, including cancer. ...
Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart. Palmae, Arecaceae) is a palm plant native to the Brazilian Amazon. It contains many nutrients, such as polyphenols, iron, vitamin E, and unsaturated fatty acids, so in recent years, many of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of acai have been reported. However, the effects of acai on hematopoiesis have not been investigated yet. In the present study, we administered acai extract to mice and evaluated its hematopoietic effects. Acai treatment significantly increased the erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit contents compared to controls for four days. We then examined the hematopoietic-related markers following a single injection. Acai administration significantly increased the levels of the hematopoietic-related hormone erythropoietin in blood compared to controls and also significantly upregulated the gene expression of Epo in the kidney. Furthermore, in the mice treated with acai extract, the kidneys were positively stained with the hypoxic probe pimonidazole in comparison to the controls. These results demonstrated that acai increases the number of blood cells through an increased erythropoietin expression via hypoxic action in the kidney. Acai can be expected to improve motility through hematopoiesis.
... Acai showed no toxicity in experimental models [31][32][33][34][35][36] nor any significant differences in the body weight or food consumption [17,31,32,36], suggesting potential applications in the prevention of various disease. Conversely, Mn, which is abundant in acai, suppresses Fe absorption, suggesting a risk for anemia [37]. ...
... Acai showed no toxicity in experimental models [31][32][33][34][35][36] nor any significant differences in the body weight or food consumption [17,31,32,36], suggesting potential applications in the prevention of various disease. Conversely, Mn, which is abundant in acai, suppresses Fe absorption, suggesting a risk for anemia [37]. ...
Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart. Palmae, Arecaceae) is a palm plant native to the Brazilian Amazon. It contains many nutrients, such as polyphenols, iron, vitamin E, and unsaturated fatty acids, so in recent years, many of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of acai have been reported. However, the effects of acai on hematopoiesis have not been investigated yet. In the present study, we administered acai extract to mice and evaluated its hematopoietic effects. Acai treatment significantly increased the erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit contents compared to controls for four days. Then, we examined the hematopoietic-related markers following a single injection. Acai administration significantly increased the levels of the hematopoietic-related hormone erythropoietin in blood compared to controls and also transiently upregulated the gene expression of Epo in the kidney. Furthermore, in the mice treated with acai extract, the kidneys were positively stained with the hypoxic probe pimonidazole in comparison to the controls. These results demonstrated that acai increases the erythropoietin expression via hypoxic action in the kidney. Acai can be expected to improve motility through hematopoiesis.
... Studies in experimental models reported the absence of toxicity. Parameters, such as animal body weight or food consumption, show no significant differences during açaí supplementation (Fragoso et al., 2012;Fragoso et al., 2013;Schauss et al., 2010). Additionally, açaí administration by gavage presented no genotoxic effect based on DNA damage evaluation induced by antitumor medication (Marques et al., 2016;Ribeiro et al., 2010;Schauss et al., 2010). ...
... Parameters, such as animal body weight or food consumption, show no significant differences during açaí supplementation (Fragoso et al., 2012;Fragoso et al., 2013;Schauss et al., 2010). Additionally, açaí administration by gavage presented no genotoxic effect based on DNA damage evaluation induced by antitumor medication (Marques et al., 2016;Ribeiro et al., 2010;Schauss et al., 2010). A micronucleus test and a comet assay demonstrated the absence of genotoxic effects in mice supplemented with açaí. ...
One of the more significant challenges for the planet is to secure sufficient food security and nutrition on a worldwide scale. A better and sustainable use of biodiversity is of critical importance and characterization of underused but highly nutritional fruit, and vegetable is a priority. This chapter discusses the functional research of eight Amazonian fruits. Four fruits are from trees, Spondias mombin, Myrciaria dubia, Genipa americana and the well-known Brazilian nut (Bertholletia excelsa). Four fruits from palm trees are described, Astrocaryum vulgare, Mauritia flexuosa, Bactris gasipaes and the well-known açaí (Euterpe oleracea). Amazon fruits and nuts are the most abundant sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant action, such as phenolic compounds, carotenoids, tocopherols, vitamin C, unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), terpenoids and steroids. Characteristic compounds, present in a higher amount, are a highlight for some fruits, such as vitamin C in camu-camu fruit, carotenoids in the peach palm and tucuma fruits, iridoids in genipap, and selenium and UFA in Brazil nut. The synergistic effect of all these compounds shows clear evidence of the health benefits of the consumption of these fruits associated with their high antioxidant capacity.
... Among the most promising sources of natural antioxidants are fruits of the Amazonian palm tree Euterpe oleracea Mart., called acai, used to prepare acai pulp, then combined with different amounts of other fruit juices to produce several commercial beverages [10]. The product chosen for this study, mainly because of its proven non-toxicity, was the MonaVie Active juice blend [11]. MonaVie Active is a mixture of the Amazonian palm fruit acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), as a predominant ingredient, and of lesser amounts of some other processed fruits, including wolfberry, pomegranate, camu camu, passion fruit, aronia, acerola, bilberry, known for their antioxidant properties, and some common fruits, including white and purple grapes, nashi pear, cranberry, apricot, prune, kiwi, blueberry, lychee, banana and capuacu, and glucosamine hydrochloride as a functional ingredient, recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [6,12]. ...
... This study attempted to evaluate whether 6 weeks' supplementation with acai berry-based juice blend (MonaVie Active) would enhance sprint performance, improve pro/antioxidant status and affect cholesterol homeostasis in junior hurdlers. We demonstrated that regu-lar consumption of this flavonoid-rich juice blend at a daily dose of 100 ml had no effect on sprint performance of junior hurdlers, as that acai berry-based juice blend is non-toxic, and no adverse events related to oral consumption of this beverage were reported [11]. Our results on the in vitro antioxidant activity of this juice measured by the FRAP method, as well as total polyphenol content (see Table 1), are very close to those reported previously by Jensen et al. [6], namely 22.2 µmol TE · mL -1 as assessed by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 1.48 mg GAE · mL -1 of juice, respectively. ...
The purpose of this pilot study was to examine whether regular consumption of an acai berry-based juice blend would affect sprint performance and improve blood antioxidant status and lipid profile in junior athletes. Seven junior hurdlers (17.5±1.2 years) taking part in a pre-season conditioning camp were supplemented once a day, for six weeks, with 100 ml of the juice blend. At the start and the end of the camp the athletes performed a 300-m sprint running test on an outdoor track. Blood samples were taken before and immediately after the test and after 1 h of recovery. Blood antioxidant status was evaluated based on activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px], glutathione reductase [GR]), concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione [GSH], uric acid), total plasma polyphenols, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and activities of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as muscle damage markers. In order to evaluate potential health benefits of the acai berry, the post-treatment changes in lipid profile parameters (triglycerides, cholesterol and its fractions) were analysed. Six weeks’ consumption of acai berry-based juice blend had no effect on sprint performance, but it led to a marked increase in the total antioxidant capacity of plasma, attenuation of the exercise-induced muscle damage, and a substantial improvement of serum lipid profile. These findings strongly support the view of the health benefits of supplementation with the acai berry-based juice blend, mainly attributed to its high total polyphenol content and the related high in vivo antioxidant and hypocholesterolaemic activities of this supplement.
... Similarly, the statistically significant differences that occurred in certain clinical chemistry parameters were not treatment-related; they were not caused by lactase. Such differences are often found in other 90-day feeding tests, but they have no toxicological significance [28,29,30]. It should be noted that the doses were approximately 10-, 100-and 1000-fold greater than human daily exposure. ...
... One juice was found not to be mutagenic, clastogenic, cytotoxic, or genotoxic, as determined by safety evaluation methods same as my research. The no-observedadverse-effect level (NOEAL) was determined to be 40 g/kg?BW/ day for male and female rats [28]. Coenen reported a lactase enzyme preparation derived from Kluyveromyces lactis that had a one-day NOAEL in the acute toxicity study under 10,000 mg/kg body weight, and the preparation did not induce noticeable signs of toxicity at that dosage, even after 28 days of feeding [37]. ...
A recombinant lactase was expressed in Pichia pastoris, resulting in enzymatic activity of 3600 U/mL in a 5 L fermenter. The lactase product was subjected to a series of toxicological tests to determine its safety for use as an enzyme preparation in the dairy industry. This recombinant lactase had the highest activity of all recombinant strains reported thus far. Acute oral toxicity, mutagenicity, genotoxic, and subchronic toxicity tests performed in rats and mice showed no death in any groups. The lethal dose 50% (LD50) based on the acute oral toxicity study is greater than 30 mL/kg body weight, which is in accordance with the 1500 L milk consumption of a 50 kg human daily. The lactase showed no mutagenic activity in the Ames test or a mouse sperm abnormality test at levels of up to 5 mg/plate and 1250 mg/kg body weight, respectively. It also showed no genetic toxicology in a bone marrow cell micronucleus test at levels of up to 1250 mg/kg body weight. A 90-day subchronic repeated toxicity study via the diet with lactase levels up to 1646 mg/kg (1000-fold greater than the mean human exposure) did not show any treatment-related significant toxicological effects on body weight, food consumption, organ weights, hematological and clinical chemistry, or histopathology compared to the control groups. This toxicological evaluation system is comprehensive and can be used in the safety evaluation of other enzyme preparations. The lactase showed no acute, mutagenic, genetic, or subchronic toxicity under our evaluation system.
... Toxicology studies of açai indicate that it is nontoxic in doses customarily consumed by the general population [70,71]. Marques et al. [72] evaluated the genotoxic potential of açai oil gavage in male Wistar rat cells at doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg for 14 days, with a 24-h interval between gavages. ...
The rapid growth of the world population has increased the demand for new food sources, constituting a major challenge concerning the maximum use of existing food resources. The fruits of Amazonian palm trees have excellent nutritional composition and bioactive compounds. This review highlights four fruits of Amazonian palm trees that are still little explored by the food industry: açai (Euterpe oleracea), pupunha (Bactris gasipaes), buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), and tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum). This paper aims to inspire new ideas for researching and developing products for the food industry. It also explores the impacts of Amazonian palm fruits on health, highlighting their role in disease prevention through their nutritional effects.
... The scientific data proves what is written above-blood and urine samples at 12 and 24 hours after the consumption of acai berries had high concentration of antioxidants [17]. Also with the participation of twelve healthy people, improvements to metabolic levels and protection against cancer cells were noticed [3] [18]. What is more, they contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, electrolytes, fibers, sterols, vitamin A, B1, C and E, iron, calcium, potassium and zinc [19]. ...
Introduction and purpose Functional food also known by the term “superfoods” are rich in bioactive compounds with specific biological properties and due to that beneficial effects within the human body. Nowadays chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and cancer are increasingly common in the population. Therefore the need to support treatment but also reduce the risk of these diseases in the first place increases as well. This is the reason for the great interest and growing trend in the consumption of superfoods, especially in Europe and the United States. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the impact of selected superfoods on human health. State of knowledge Superfoods are considered nutrient-dense and rich in bioactive compounds that are beneficial for physical and mental health. Antioxidant activity is one of the most important properties for human health improvement. This activity is scavenging free radicals, thus preventing the development of various degenerative diseases. Today, more and more products are considered superfoods. Fruits, the examples of superfoods which will be discussed in this work, are well-available and require no heat treatment therefore incorporating them in one's diet seems to be an easy way to improve health as a consequence. Summary The potential beneficial role of superfoods is considered in health promotion and even preventing the development of diseases. However, this can only be possible if superfoods are part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. The following article is a review of current knowledge and data available in publications in Pubmed and Google Scholar databases related to correlation between selected superfoods consumption and disease prevention.
... Although there are different species of açaí, in Brazil, the best known, Euterpe oleracea Martius or "açaí-do-pará", Euterpe precatoria Martius or "açai-do-amazonas", Euterpe edulis Martius or "juçara", (Martinot, Pereira & Silva, 2017), Euterpe Catinga Wallace or "Açaizinho", Euterpe Longibracteata Barbosa Rodrigues or "Açaí da Terra firma" (Kang et al., 2012;Schauss, 2010). ...
Açaí is a species of plant of the genus Euterpe, which is part of the tribe Euterpeinae and belongs to the family Arecaceae (Palmae), distributed in the Brazilian biome, mainly in the Amazon rainforest, cerrado and Atlantic forest, throughout Central America and up to the north of South America. Traditionally, açaí pulp has been used for artisanal consumption in the form of sweets, ice cream, creams, yoghurts, liqueurs, popsicles, jellies, porridge, sweets, nectars, teas, shakes, smoothies, energy and isotonic drinks, in natura, juices, fermented drinks, given its chemical properties and the presence of bioactive compounds, being also used for therapeutic and medi cinal purposes. As a food, açaí is rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, lipids and phenolic substances, mainly anthocyanins from the flavonoid group. In the pharmacological and therapeutic sector, the genus Euterpe spp. it has several important biological implications, such as antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, immunomodulatory, cardioprotective, antidiarrheal, anticarcinogenic, reducing reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokine production and muscle stress markers. The present review summarizes the knowledge about the chemical composition, pharmacological and therapeutic effects, clinical, food and medicinal applications of the genus Euterpe spp.
... Consumption of this superfood seems to strengthen the human immune system, exerting intense antioxidant activity and preventing cell destruction by free radicals. 51 They also provide to the human body fatty acids such as ω-3 and ω-9, which improve the lipidemic profile and exert antiinflammatory action. Additionally, it appears that strengthening the anthocyanins human immune system anti-inflammatory ω-3 and ω-9 fatty acids action protection against vitamins A, B1, C and cancer cells E and anthocyanins help human body by excretion of harmful toxins. ...
By the term functional food we mean food, processed or not, which on the basis of scientific studies can contribute to the achievement of specific operational objectives within the human body and play an important role in the direction of prevention degenerative diseases and health promotion. The possible beneficial properties of functional foods are due to their content in bioactive ingredients, with specific biological properties and effects within the human body. Some examples of processed functional foods are calcium-enriched milk, enriched juices with ω-3 fatty acids, yoghurt with probiotic organisms and phytosterol-enriched margarines. At the same time, constantly new scientific findings confirm the potential beneficial properties of different conventional food, such as tea, blueberries, pomegranate, berries, hippophaes and many others, which are known by the term "superfoods". Recently, the appearance of a multitude of chronic degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and cancer, has led to ways of defending human health through the adoption of appropriate dietary patterns. Hence, functional foods, provided that they fit inside hygiene and balanced nutrition, are suggested as a potential solution to reinforcing the prevention strategy, avoiding the need for therapy, with the aim of promoting the health of the population. This is the reason why there is an ever-increasing trend particularly in Europe and USA. Also, improved accessibility knowledge and information from consumers, promotes an increased search for information about their beneficial properties.
... Posebna pažnja usmerena je na formiranju toksikoloških profila pojedinačnih supstanci, sastojaka biljnih uljai ekstrakata, kao i gotovih biljnih proizvoda koji se koriste kao kozmetičke sirovine. Za biljna ulja i ekstrakte obuhvaćene ovim radom, podaci o toksikološkom profilu dostupni su u bazi Cosmetic Ingredient Review -CIR [114], kao i u mnogobrojnim naučnim i stručnim radovima [115][116][117], koji ukazuju na njihovu bezbednost i svrstavaju ih u kozmetičke sirovine. ...
It is known that long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes skin redness, solar erythema or burns, affects the structure of dermal connective tissue, increases the production of free radicals and the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, and can lead to the development of skin cancer. The World Health Organization recommends protective measures from the adverse effects of UV radiation, including the topical application of sunscreen products. One of the strategies for improving the quality and effectiveness of sunscreen products is introduction of new, more efficient and safer active molecules that absorb, reflect or disperse UV photons, as well as the introduction of substances that can prevent, neutralize or even repair damage caused by UV radiation. Significant potential for skin protection against harmful UV radiation is recognized in plant origin substances, which primarily exhibit an antioxidant effect, and additionally possess other photoprotective properties, which makes them interesting for further investigation. This paper presents an overview of the physicochemical properties of plant-based antioxidants, which are important for the formulation of the final cosmetic product and an overview of the potential effects of these substances in skin protection against UV radiation.
... Similar results were also observed for the genotoxic evaluation of E. oleracea fruit pulp extract, when Ribeiro et al. (2010), also after treating mice during 14 consecutive days, reported the absence of genotoxic effects of açaí pulp in mouse bone marrow, liver, and kidney cells, by using micronucleus and comet assays. Schauss et al. (2010) evaluated the safety of an açaí-fortified fruit and berry functional juice beverage (MonaVie Active ® ) done in vivo and in vitro using some tests to analyze of genotoxicity and mutagenicity. MonaVie Active ® was negative for mutagenic effects of the bacterial reverse mutation assay, the chromosomal aberration assay, the mammalian cell mutation assay (L5178Y), and the in vivo micronucleus study. ...
Euterpe oleracea Mart., popularly known as “açaí”, is a tropical fruit from the Amazon region where it has considerable economic importance. Açaí has been used as food and for several medicinal purposes. Despite the widespread use of this fruit, there is a lack of data regarding the safety of using this fruit oil exclusively. Therefore, we evaluated the in vitro cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic effects of E. oleracea fruit oil (EOO) in cultured human lymphocytes (non-metabolizing cells) and HepG2 cell line (human hepatoma) (metabolizing cells) by using MTT, comet, and micronucleus assays. A wide range of EOO concentrations was tested with a preliminary MTT assay, which allowed selecting five concentrations for comet and micronucleus assays: 2.5, 10, 100, 500, and 1000 µg/mL. The results showed that none of the EOO tested concentrations presented cytotoxic effects. The genotoxic assessment revealed an absence of significant DNA and chromosome damage in human lymphocytes and HepG2 cells but did not show chemoprotection against the DNA damage induced by methyl methanesulfonate and benzo[a]pyrene, used as DNA-damaging agents.
... In addition, liver dysfunction also has the capacity to initiate immune reactions, which contribute to the progression of liver injury through the production of inflammatory cytokines (Lacour, Gautier, Pallardy, & Roberts, 2005). According to Schauss et al. (2010), the lyophilized pulp of E. oleraceae does not present mutagenic, clastogenic, cytotoxic or genotoxic effects. However, the biosafety of the pulp of E. edulis requires analysis to determine its effects on biochemical, oxidative and cellular parameters and, consequently, to observe its action on energy metabolism. ...
Fruits of Euterpe spp. are rich in phenolic compounds, mainly anthocyanins, which are endowed with a high antioxidant capacity. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of derivatives from Euterpe spp. fruits on oxidative metabolism and inflammatory mediators. The oil (OE), total lyophilized pulp (LEE) and defatted pulp (LEDE) were obtained from the fruits of Euterpe edulis. Thirty-six animals were divided into four experimental groups: G1: Control; G2: OE (4%), G3: LEE (10%), G4: LEDE (10%), each of which received a particular extract in their diet for 50 days. The activities of catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde produced in liver and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines tissue were lower in G4 than in the other groups. The study indicates that dietary supplementation with extracts of E. edulis has no deleterious effects and may be beneficial, especially for LEDE extracts containing high concentrations of anthocyanin.
... The mixture was neither cytotoxic nor genotoxic. The LD 50 based on a 14-day acute oral toxicity study was greater than 2000 mg/kg body weight (Schauss et al., 2010). In another study, the genotoxicity of açai fruit pulp was investigated in Swiss albino mice by using a doxorubicin (DXR)-induced DNA damage model. ...
The açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart) fruit pulp is extensively used in Brazil as food among other uses. The health benefits of açai are largely reported by the Amazon inhabitants. Nonetheless, just a few pharmacological and toxicological studies were made to probe the innocuousness and the safety of the use of this product. The aims of this work were to update knowledge about the chemical composition, pharmacological and toxicological studies of the fruits and to identify possible vacuum of knowledge in the use, evaluation, and characterization of E. oleracea Mart (Açai) as a promising Amazon superfruit. It was made a draw out internet revision, especially in databases as NCBI, SCOPUS, PUBMED, SCIELO, and ELSEVIER by using the keywords E. oleracea, açai, nutraceuticals and food supplementations. Also, it was looked for each one of the ethnobotanical uses reported for this plant species combined with the first keywords. A complete record of the chemical composition of this species was achieved. Just two studies in humans were found in the literature using the açai fruit pulp. There is no sufficient systematic evidence to assure that all of the ethnobotanical uses of this species are true. A great emptiness of scientific knowledge related to the real benefits of this plant species exist. There exist neither pharmaceutical forms nor standardized product derived from the açai fruit. Until now, the number of scientific studies that allow the validaton of the ethnopharmacological practices, the innocuousness and the safety of the use of this plant fruit is insufficient.
... The acai berry (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) has gained popularity in recent years as a "superfood" due to its high levels of superoxides [1]. From this, it has been assumed that it rivals other highly anti-oxidant foods, although little is currently known about its risks and benefits. ...
... Evaluation of oral toxicity via a repeated dose 28day experiment has been advocated as a fundamental requirement for assessing safety and has been applied in many safety assessment studies (Rosidah et al., 2009;Mohamed et al., 2011;Hor et al., 2012). For instance, famous fruit juice namely MonaVie Active ® (containing 19 fruits and berries) had been evaluated for its safety or identify any concerns before releasing to the public market (Schauss et al., 2010). Pomegranate juice that has received much attention related to its antioxidant compound, punicalagins, was also been assessed for potential adverse effects using rats (Patel et al., 2008). ...
The interest in dietary antioxidants which are mainly found in fruits, has prompted research in the field of commercial high antioxidant juice for healthy purposes. Fruits also are rich with antioxidants that help in reducing of degenerative diseases such as cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and inflammation. Based on the health claims from the natural antioxidants, a new healthy juice called Mixed Fruit Juice (MFJ) has been developed by using three combinations of local fruits (soursop, mango and kasturi lime). In order to promote the commercial use of this product, the safety evaluation is needed to be carried out. The 28-days repeated toxicity test has been conducted in female and male rats for pre-clinical safety assessment prior to human study. There was no mortality observed when varying doses of the MFJ (5, 10 and 20%) administered to all rats. Hematological analysis showed no significant differences in most parameters examined. There were no significant changes observed in the liver and kidney functions tests of all treated-rats as compared to control normal rats. Furthermore, lipid profiles and blood glucose level were also within the normal range as noted in control rats. The present data demonstrate that the supplementation of MFJ did not produce adverse effects on the body system of experimental rats. This is the first documented report on the safety assessment of MFJ in rats.
... The fruit of Euterpe oleracea, known as the açai berry is a nutritious food consumed by the indigenous people of the Amazon. A functional juice beverage named MonaVie Active®, having good safety profile was recently launched in the USA 17 . It has açai berry as the predominant ingredient, along with lesser amounts of 18 fru its and berries in descending order of do minance 18 . ...
... Recently, mangosteen extract has been used as a botanical dietary supplement in the United States, as mangosteen peel has been reported to contain a variety of bioactive compounds with potential applications as therapeutic agents or as functional food additives such as phenolic acids, tannins, xanthones, anthocyanins, and other bioactive compounds (Mahabusarakam et al. 1987). Nowadays, there is a worldwide pursuit of designing new functional beverages and healthy food products based on tropical fruits (Sabbe et al. 2009;Granato et al. 2010;Schauss et al. 2010). In this sense, a design of new beverages combining mangosteen with green tea, aloe vera, and antioxidant vitamins was favorable on the basis of the antioxidant synergistic effects among these bioactives. ...
This study was to investigate the absorption and antioxidant effect of a mangosteen-based functional beverage in humans. The beverage contained mangosteen, aloe vera, green tea, and multivitamins. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with generally healthy male and female subjects between 18 and 60 years of age. Ten men and 10 women participated in this study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups, treatment and placebo group. Participants received either a daily single dose (245 mL) of the beverage or a placebo. Blood samples were collected from each participant at time points 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h. The plasma samples were analyzed by LC/MS for α-mangostin and vitamins B2 and B5. Results indicated that the three analytes were bioavailable, with observed Cmax at around 1 h. The antioxidant capacity measured with the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay was increased with a maximum effect of 60% after 1 h, and the elevated antioxidant level lasted at least 6 h. This study demonstrated the bioavailability of α-mangostin and B vitamins from a xanthone-rich beverage and the mechanisms of the increase in plasma antioxidant may be direct effects from antioxidants, enhancement of endogenous antioxidant activity through activation of Nrf2 pathway, and synergism of the antioxidants.
... Similar results were also observed for the genotoxic evaluation of E. oleracea fruit pulp extract, when Ribeiro et al. (2010), also after treating mice during 14 consecutive days, reported the absence of genotoxic effects of açaí pulp in mouse bone marrow, liver, and kidney cells, by using micronucleus and comet assays. Schauss et al. (2010) evaluated the safety of an açaí-fortified fruit and berry functional juice beverage (MonaVie Active ® ) done in vivo and in vitro using some tests to analyze of genotoxicity and mutagenicity. MonaVie Active ® was negative for mutagenic effects of the bacterial reverse mutation assay, the chromosomal aberration assay, the mammalian cell mutation assay (L5178Y), and the in vivo micronucleus study. ...
... Composed of a mixture of açaí frozen and freezedried pulp and numerous fruit and berry concentrates (to enhance flavor), the beverage has been the subject of a battery of safety studies. 94 The beverage was selected because it did not contain açaí that is clarified and/or filtered, which can affect the bioavailability of açaí polyphenols. The beverage was found not to be mutagenic, cytotoxic, genotoxic, or clastogenic. ...
Euterpe oleracea Martius (Arecaceae), commonly known as açaí, is one of several Amazonian palm trees of the genus Euterpe that produce a small edible fruit. A viscous liquid prepared from the fruit's pulp has a long history of use among endogenous people living in the Amazon floodplains. Açaí contains various polyphenols including anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and flavonoids, as part of its phytochemical composition. In 1996, it was determined that the fruit's pulp had potent antioxidant properties. The free radical scavenging potential of this fruit was eventually shown to have potential health benefits beyond its nutritional value attributed to its nutritional composition and vast array of polyphenols, including a class of flavones that exhibit both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivity. Among these flavones is a compound determined to be the most potent anti-inflammatory flavonoid found in nature. Animal and human studies have demonstrated that the combination of polyphenols and fatty acids in açaí may have the potential to attenuate the adverse effects associated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Polysaccharides in the pulp and compounds in the seed have also shown promising health benefits warranting further investigation.
... Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-␣) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were lower in resident macrophages with or without LPS stimulation, as well. The açai-enriched juice has assembled a body of experimental evidence of safety [47], allowing for future studies on the juice's impact on various disease processes and their progression. ...
The terms “superfood” and “superfruit” first appeared in food advertising at the beginning of the 21st century to describe a food that possessed functional health properties beyond its nutritive value. Familiar foods such as blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, walnuts], and pomegranates, were the first to be categorized as superfoods, which resulted in a significant increase in their consumption based on the assumption that food sources containing exogenous nutrient and/or phytochemical antioxidants could protect the body from damage arising from chronic oxidative stress – caused by excessive production of free radicals. However, initial clinical evidence for any potential health benefits of superfoods was open to question based on clinical trial outcomes. For example, a walnut consumption randomized crossover trial did not see a significant change in plasma antioxidant capacity in healthy, well-nourished older adults, while a cranberry juice randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial of female subjects with metabolic syndrome observed a significant reduction in lipid oxidation and an increase in plasma antioxidant capacity. Evidence is accumulating that certain superfoods, such as the subject of this chapter, not only have antioxidant bioactivity but also possess potent anti-inflammatory properties.
There is a growing consensus in the medical community that chronic non-resolved inflammation contributes to numerous diseases including: atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, cancer, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, type-2 diabetes, end-stage renal disease, and auto-immune disorders, among others.
Of all fruits that quickly became identified as superfruits based on growing and increased year-to-year consumer interest through 2010, none captured as much attention and interest among food scientists as that of a small Amazonian palm fruit known as “açai” (pronounced, “ah-sigh-ee”). From virtual obscurity in the 1990’s to superfruit status a decade later, this small and tasteless nutritionally dense fruit has been found by numerous investigators to possess significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo supporting its claim to be a superfruit. This chapter discusses its compositional and nutrition characteristics, phytochemistry, in vitro and in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and traditional preparation and methods for commercial production.
... It has become an important crop produced and consumed in Brazil and one of the main exports of the Amazon estuary (Schauss et al., 2006a,b;Carvalho, 2010). Over the past years, açaí has gained popularity as a functional food ingredient that can be consumed in natura or in a variety of beverages and food preparations (Mertens-Talcott et al., 2008;Schauss et al., 2010) because of its colorant and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties (Hogan et al., 2010;Poulose et al., 2012). Açaí is known to possess high amounts of polyphenols, especially anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin (mainly cyanidin 3-O-glucoside and cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside) (Gallori et al., 2004;Schauss et al., 2006a,b;Rodrigues et al., 2006;Poulose et al., 2012). ...
This study investigated the protective effect of spray-dried açaí powder (AP) intake on colon carcinogenesis induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in male Wistar rats. After 4 weeks of DMH administrations, the groups were fed with standard diet, a diet containing 2.5% or 5.0% AP or a diet containing 0.2% N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for 10 weeks, using aberrant crypt foci (ACF) as the endpoint. Additionally, two groups were fed with standard diet or a diet containing 5.0% AP for 20 weeks, using colon tumors as the endpoint. In ACF assay, a reduction in the number of aberrant crypts (AC) and ACF (1-3 AC) were observed in the groups fed with 5.0% AP (37% AC and 47% ACF inhibition, p= 0.036) and 0.2% NAC (39% AC and 41% ACF inhibition, p= 0.042). In tumor assay, a reduction in the number of invasive tumors (p< 0.005) and tumor multiplicity (p= 0.001) was observed in the group fed with 5.0% AP. Also, a reduction in tumor Ki-67 cell proliferation (p= 0.003) and net growth index (p= 0.001) was observed in the group fed with 5.0% AP. Therefore the findings of this study indicate that AP feeding may reduce the development of chemically-induced rat colon carcinogenesis.
... In particular, dietary phytochemicals, including resveratrol, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), [6]-gingerol, myricetin curcumin, quercetin and luteolin, have been recognized as antioxidants and directly regulate a variety of signal pathways in human diseases (3). The antioxidant function of the acai berry in a variety of human diseases has become the subject of some attention (4)(5)(6)(7)(8). The acai berry, the fruit of Euterpe oleraceae Martius, is a small round berry that grows in the Amazon region and is used medicinally as an antidiarrheal agent (8). ...
Paraquat (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium chloride, PQ) is a non-selective herbicide, and PQ poisoning by accidental or intentional ingestion is a cause of numerous fatalities around the world every year. Although a great deal of research has been conducted into the development of an acceptable treatment for PQ poisoning, no effective guidelines for patients have been developed thus far. Acai berry extract and juice have been highlighted in this regard, due to their observed antioxidant effects in various diseases. Furthermore, the acai berry has been used in dietary supplements, as it contains a variety of nutrients, including proteins, lipids, vitamins A, C and E and polyphenols. In this study, we conducted proteomic analysis of PQ-poisoned rat lungs to evaluate the changes in protein expression induced by PQ and to identify any protective effects of acai berry on the PQ poisoning. Our data revealed that the expression of the calcium signaling-related proteins calcium binding protein 1 (CaBP1), FK506 binding protein 4 (FKBP4), S100A6 and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (Sparc, also known as osteonectin) were induced by PQ treatment and downregulated by acai berry treatment. However, the levels of protein kinase C substrate 80K-H were shown to be downregulated as the result of PQ treatment. Our results indicated that these proteins may function as biomarkers for acute poisoning by PQ exposure. Further studies may be necessary to understand their clinical relevance with regard to PQ poisoning.
Vegetable euterpe (Euterpe oleracea) belongs to the Arecaceae family, grows in tropical and subtropical areas. The people call the fruits of acai. Of the wild species of Brazil, the most important are Euterpe oleracea, Euterpe edulis and Euterpe precatoria. A botanical description, a review of the chemical composition of secondary metabolites, a description of the biological and pharmacological activity of Euterpe oleracea are presented. The main biologically active compounds are anthocyanins (cyanidin–3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinosideo), flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), tannins (catechin, gallic acid), phenylpropanoids (chlorogenic acid), carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene). There is evidence of antioxidant, vasodilating, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antitumor activity. A wide variety of biologically active compounds that cause a multidirectional pharmacological effect in this plant makes vegetable euterpe a promising object for the development of pharmaceutical substances.
The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of 8 palm tree (Euterpe edulis (juçara) and Euterpe oleracea (açaí))-derived ingredients as used in cosmetic products; these ingredients are reported to function mostly as skin conditioning agents. The Panel reviewed relevant data relating to the safety of these ingredients in cosmetic formulations. Industry should continue to use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities. The Panel concluded that palm tree (açaí and juçara)-derived ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.
Goji berry leaf (GL) has been used for medicinal foods for its pharmacological effects, including anti-oxidative and anti-obesity activities. Nevertheless, toxicological information on GL is limited for developing health functional ingredient. The aim of the research was to evaluate the single dose acute, 14-day repeated oral toxicity, and genotoxicity of standardized roasted GL extract (rGL) rich in kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside-7-O-glucoside. Tested rGL was found to be stable as kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside-7-O-glucoside, showing 0.7-2.1% of analytical standard variance. According to the single dose toxicity for 14 days, the lethal dose of rGL was determined to be ≥ 2000 mg/kg. Repeated doses of 0-1000 mg/kg of rGL per day for 14 days did not show any toxicity signs or gross pathological abnormalities. No genotoxic signs for the rGL treatment appeared via bacterial reverse mutation up to 5000 μg/plate. There was no significant increase in chromosomal aberration of rGL irrespective of metabolic activation by using CHO-K1 cells (p > 0.05). Regarding carcinogenic toxicity, chromosomal aberrations were not induced at 2000 mg of rGL/kg by using the in vivo bone marrow micronucleus test (p > 0.05). Results from the current study suggest that rGL could be used as a functional ingredient to provide various effects with safety assurance.
Cancer is an increasingly frequent malignancy worldwide, and despite the advances in drug development, it is still necessary to develop new plant-derived medicines. Euterpe oleracea (açaí) is abundant in South and Central America and has health benefits due to its high levels of phytochemicals, including lignans and polyphenols. The aim of this review was to systematically describe the safety and antitumor effects of açaí in preclinical models using rodents to provide a more comprehensive assessment of açaí for both therapeutic uses and the development of future clinical studies in cancer. Eligible studies were identified using four international databases (PubMed, Medline, Lilacs and SciELO) from their inception date through December 2017. The included studies were analyzed with methodological rigor (QATRS) to enable better quality control for these experimental studies. Sixty publications were identified in the databases, but only 9 articles were eligible: 6 evaluated the pharmacological effects of açaí in animal models of cancer (1 model each of esophageal cancer, urothelial cancer, melanoma and Walker-256 tumor and 2 models of colon cancer), and 3 were toxicological assays using preclinical models with rodents. Overall, 747 animals were analyzed. On a QATRS score scale of 0–20, the quality of the studies ranged from 16 to 20 points. Pulp was the main fraction of açaí administered, and an oral administration route was most common. The açaí dosage administered by gavage ranged from 30 mg/kg to 40,000 mg/kg, and açaí fed in the diet accounted for 2.5% to 5% of the diet. The anticarcinogenic and chemopreventive activities of açaí were observed in all experimental models of cancer and reduced the incidence, tumor cell proliferation, multiplicity and size of the tumors due to the antiinflammatory, antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties of açaí. No genotoxic effects were observed after açaí administration. The results of this review suggest that açaí is safe and can be used as a chemoprotective agent against cancer development. Açaí therapy may be a novel strategy for treating cancer.
In view of the continuous growth of the botanical dietary supplement industry and the increased popularity of lesser known or exotic botanicals, recent findings are described on the phytochemical composition and biological activities of five selected fruits consumed in the United States, namely, açaí, noni, mangosteen, black chokeberry, and maqui berry. A review of the ethnomedicinal uses of these plants has revealed some similarities ranging from wound-healing to the treatment of fever and infectious diseases. Laboratory studies on açaí have shown both its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro, and more importantly, its neuroprotective properties in animals. Anthraquinones and iridoid glucosides isolated from noni fruit induce the phase II enzyme quinone reductase (QR), and noni fruit juice exhibited antitumor and antidiabetic activities in certain animal models. Antitumorigenic effects of mangosteen in animal xenograft models of human cancers have been attributed to its xanthone content, and pure -mangostin was shown to display antineoplastic activity in mice despite a reported low oral bioavailability. Work on the less extensively investigated black chokeberry and maqui berry has focused on recent isolation studies and has resulted in the identification of bioactive secondary metabolites with QR-inducing and hydroxyl-radical scavenging properties. On the basis of the safety studies and toxicity case reports described herein, these fruits may be generally considered as safe. However, cases of adulteration found in a commercialized açaí product and some conflicting results from mangosteen safety studies warrant further investigation on the safety of these marketed botanical dietary supplements. © 2018 Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University.
Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) emerged as a source of herb has a long history in South America, which was approved by the Ministry of Health used in China and it has been introduced planting in Guangdong and Taiwan. This article summarized applied history of Açai and its present status in China. Did theoretical study on the Chinese herbal properties of Açai based on the Chinese traditional philosophical culture to analysis the function and symptom preliminary, combining with used for medical recordation, chemical component, biological activity. It is aiming at establishing the theoretical foundation for the application under the guidance of TCM theory.
The demand for tropical fruits high in polyphenolics including açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) has been increasing based on ascribed health benefits and antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory activities of açai polyphenolics in human colon myofibroblastic CCD-18Co cells to investigate the suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mRNA and protein expression of inflammatory proteins. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of açai extract, 1-5 mg gallic acid equivalent/L, were selected. The generation of ROS was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and açai extract partially reversed this effect to 0.53-fold of the LPS-control. Açai extract (5 mg GAE∙L-1) down-regulated LPS-induced mRNA-expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNF-α (to 0.42-fold), cyclooxygenase 2, COX-2 (to 0.61-fold), toll-like receptor-4, TLR-4 (to 0.52-fold), TNF receptor-associated factor 6, TRAF-6 (to 0.64-fold), nuclear factor kappa-B, NF-ĸB (to 0.76-fold), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, VCAM-1 (to 0.71-fold) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1, ICAM-1 (to 0.68-fold). The protein levels of COX-2, TLR-4, p-NF-ĸB and ICAM-1 were induced by LPS and the açai extract partially reversed this effect in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest the anti-inflammatory effect of açai polyphenolic extract in intestinal cells are at least in part mediated through the inhibition of ROS and the expression of TLR-4 and NF-ĸB. Results indicate the potential for açai polyphenolics in the prevention of intestinal inflammation. Keywords: açai, polyphenolics, intestinal, colon, inflammation.
Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment, is the most common type of dementia in aging populations due to severe loss of cholinergic neurons in a specific area. Oxidative stress is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of this condition. Therefore, the cognition-enhancing and neuroprotective effects of rice berry (Oryza sativa), a purple-pigmented rice that is rich in antioxidant substances, was evaluated. Young adult male Wistar rats, weighing 180-220 g, were orally given rice berry once daily at doses of 180, 360, and 720 mg/kg of body weight for a period of 2 weeks before and 1 week after the induction of memory deficit and cholinergic lesions with AF64A, a specific cholinotoxin, via bilateral intracerebroventricular administration. One week following AF64A administration the rats were evaluated for spatial memory, neuron density, acetylcholinesterase activity, and hippocampal lipid peroxidation products. Our results showed that rice berry could significantly prevent memory impairment and hippocampal neurodegeneration in hippocampus. Moreover, it also decreased hippocampal acetylcholinesterase activity and lipid peroxidation product formation. These results suggest that rice berry has potential as an effective agent for neurodegeneration and memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease.
Dietary interventions involving antioxidants are of interest for reducing inflammation, improving joint motion, and altering pain perception. We evaluated the effect of oral consumption of a fruit and berry blend on pain and range of motion (ROM). This open-label clinical pilot study involved 14 study participants with limitations in ROM that was associated with pain and affected daily living. Participants included but were not limited to those with age-related osteoarthritis. Study participants consumed 120 mL MonaVie Active® fruit juice, predominantly containing açai pulp (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and other fruit concentrates, daily for 12 weeks. Study participants were assessed at baseline and 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks by structured nurse interviews, pain and activities of daily living (ADL) questionnaires, blood samples, and ROM assessment. Pain was scored by using a visual analogue scale. ROM was assessed by using dual digital inclinometry as recommended by American Medical Association guidelines. Consumption of the juice resulted in significant pain reduction, improved ROM measures, and improvement in ADLs. Serum antioxidant status, as monitored by the cell-based antioxidant protection in erythrocytes (CAP-e) assay, was improved within 2 weeks and continued to improve throughout the 12 weeks of study participation (P<.01). The inflammatory marker C-reactive protein was reduced at 12 weeks, but this change did not reach statistical significance. Lipid peroxidation decreased mildly at 12 weeks. The antioxidant status, as measured by the CAP-e bioassay, showed the best correlation with improvements in physical well-being (pain, ROM, and ADL). The significant association among increased antioxidant status, improved ROM, and pain reduction warrants further study.
Soursop (A. muricata) fruit is useful as a processed product due to its high pulp recovery and many flavor compounds, particularly rich volatiles. Some constraints to processing are: short storage life of the soursop fruit; fragile peel; uneven ripening of soursop fruit, which makes the selection for processing tedious; loss of flavor by thermosensitive processing methods; and the need to inactivate the enzymes in soursop pulp. Soursop is a good source of nutrition, yet A. muricata, including its fruit, contains annonacin, the most abundant acetogenin, which has been experimentally demonstrated to be toxic in vitro and in vivo to dopaminergic and other neurons. Epidemiological evidence in several regions of the world has linked consumption of the fruit to an increased risk of developing atypical parkinsonism. The absence of family histories of parkinsonism and the cross-ethnic origins found among islands around the world led to the suggestion that consumption of soursop fruit and other consumables derived from this plant places those who consume the fruit at possible risk. Risk, associated with cross-interactions with compounds found in other foods, is suggested by the continued consumption of soursop in places like the North Marianna Islands and the virtual disappearance of atypical parkinsonism in recent decades. A clearer understanding of the risks associated with chronic intake of soursop is warranted given the presence of acetogenins and other alkaloids in the fruit so that competent and reliable dietary advice can be given.
Reducing oxidative damage is thought to be an effective aging intervention. Açai, a fruit indigenous to the Amazon, is rich in phytochemicals that possesses high anti-oxidant activities, and has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-cardiovascular disease properties. However, little is known about its potential anti-aging properties especially at the organismal level. Here we evaluated the effect of açai pulp on modulating lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster. We found that açai supplementation at 2% in the food increased the lifespan of female flies fed a high fat diet compared to the non-supplemented control. We measured transcript changes induced by açai for age-related genes. Although transcript levels of most genes tested were not altered, açai increased the transcript level of l(2)efl, a small heat-shock-related protein, and two detoxification genes, GstD1 and MtnA, while decreasing the transcript level of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (Pepck), a key gene involved in gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, açai increased the lifespan of oxidative stressed females caused by sod1 RNAi. This suggests that açai improves survival of flies fed a high fat diet through activation of stress response pathways and suppression of Pepck expression. Açai has the potential to antagonize the detrimental effect of fat in the diet and alleviate oxidative stress in aging.
Oxidative stress is implicated in several human illnesses, including neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Acai is largely consumed in Brazil and contains high levels of antioxidant compounds. This work aims to study the antioxidant activity of acai frozen fruit pulp in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum of rats treated with the oxidizing agent hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). Pretreatment of tissue with acai decreased H(2)O(2)-induced damage of both lipids and proteins in all tissues tested. This fruit was also able to reduce the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase to basal levels. We observed a negative correlation between the polyphenol content of acai and the levels of lipid (r = -0.689; P <or= .05) and protein damage (r = -0.569; P <or= .05), suggesting the participation of polyphenols in the observed antioxidant activity. These data suggest that acai has a positive contribution in the development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of a juice blend (JB), MonaVie Active, containing a mixture of fruits and berries with known antioxidant activity, including acai, a palm fruit, as the predominant ingredient. The phytochemical antioxidants in the JB are primarily in the form of anthocyanins, predominantly cyanidin 3-rutoside, cyanidin 3-diglycoside, and cyanidin 3-glucoside. The cell-based antioxidant protection of erythrocytes (CAP-e) assay demonstrated that antioxidants in the JB penetrated and protected cells from oxidative damage ( p < 0.001), whereas polymorphonuclear cells showed reduced formation of reactive oxygen species ( p < 0.003) and reduced migration toward three different pro-inflammatory chemoattractants: fmlp ( p < 0.001), leukotriene B4 ( p < 0.05), and IL-8 ( p < 0.03). A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with 12 healthy subjects examined the JB's antioxidant activity in vivo. Blood samples at baseline, 1 h, and 2 h following consumption of the JB or placebo were tested for antioxidant capacity using several antioxidant assays and the TBARS assay, a measure of lipid peroxidation. A within subject comparison showed an increase in serum antioxidants at 1 h ( p < 0.03) and 2 h ( p < 0.015), as well as inhibition of lipid peroxidation at 2 h ( p < 0.01) postconsumption.
The objective of this study was to compare three tests frequently used for evaluation of antioxidant potential in natural products: (1) oxygen radical absorbance assay (ORAC), (2) cell-based antioxidant protection in an erythrocyte model (CAP-e), and (3) reactive oxygen species formation in polymorphonuclear cells (ROS PMN). The methods were applied to four natural products, all containing antioxidants capable of entering and protecting cells in the CAP-e assay. The magnitude of this effect was not directly correlated to the ORAC value of each product. Furthermore, the products showed different effects in the ROS PMN assay. Acai provided strong inhibition of ROS formation, indicating anti-inflammatory properties. In contrast, Immunel and EpiCor mildly enhanced ROS formation, suggesting activation of the innate immune response. HA Joint Formula showed a complex, nonlinear dose-response in the ROS PMN assay. This illustrates that complex natural products may have similar antioxidant properties but different effects on human cells. Cell-based antioxidant protection is addressed best in the CAP-e assay, since some natural products contain compounds that may provoke cellular signaling in other cell types. The PMN cell type is a useful model for assessment of overall anti-inflammatory versus immune supportive properties of a product. The sequential use of the three methods serves to bridge analytical and biological testing methods.
The fruit of Euterpe oleraceae, commonly known as acai, has been demonstrated to exhibit significantly high antioxidant capacity in vitro, especially for superoxide and peroxyl scavenging, and, therefore, may have possible health benefits. In this study, the antioxidant capacities of freeze-dried acai fruit pulp/skin powder (OptiAcai) were evaluated by different assays with various free radical sources. It was found to have exceptional activity against superoxide in the superoxide scavenging (SOD) assay, the highest of any food reported to date against the peroxyl radical as measured by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay with fluorescein as the fluorescent probe (ORACFL), and mild activity against both the peroxynitrite and hydroxyl radical by the peroxynitrite averting capacity (NORAC) and hydroxyl radical averting capacity (HORAC) assays, respectively. The SOD of acai was 1614 units/g, an extremely high scavenging capacity for O2*-, by far the highest of any fruit or vegetable tested to date. Total phenolics were also tested as comparison. In the total antioxidant (TAO) assay, antioxidants in acai were differentiated into "slow-acting" and "fast-acting" components. An assay measuring inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in freshly purified human neutrophils showed that antioxidants in acai are able to enter human cells in a fully functional form and to perform an oxygen quenching function at very low doses. Furthermore, other bioactivities related to anti-inflammation and immune functions were also investigated. Acai was found to be a potential cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 inhibitor. It also showed a weak effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide but no effect on either lymphocyte proliferation and phagocytic capacity.
Euterpe oleraceae is a large palm tree indigenous to the Amazon River and its tributaries and estuaries in South America. Its fruit, known as acai, is of great economic value to native people. In this study, a standardized freeze-dried acai fruit pulp/skin powder was used for all analyses and tests. Among many findings, anthocyanins (ACNs), proanthocyanidins (PACs), and other flavonoids were found to be the major phytochemicals. Two ACNs, cyandin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside were found to be predominant ACNs; three others were also found as minor ACNs. The total content of ACNs was measured as 3.1919 mg/g dry weight (DW). Polymers were found to be the major PACs. The concentration of total PACs was calculated as 12.89 mg/g DW. Other flavonoids, namely, homoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, scoparin, and taxifolin deoxyhexose, along with several unknown flavonoids, were also detected. Resveratrol was found but at a very low concentration. In addition, components including fatty acids, amino acids, sterols, minerals, and other nutrients were analyzed and quantified. Total polyunsaturated fatty acid, total monounsaturated fatty acid, and total saturated fatty acids contributed to 11.1%, 60.2%, and 28.7% of total fatty acid. Oleic acid (53.9%) and palmitic acid (26.7%) were found to be the two dominant fatty acids. Nineteen amino acids were found; the total amino acid content was determined to be 7.59% of total weight. The total sterols accounted for 0.048% by weight of powder. The three sterols B-sitosterol, campesterol, and sigmasterol were identified. A complete nutrient analysis is also presented. Microbiological analysis was also performed.
Many studies have focused on the effect of fresh fruits on the risk of developing cancer and other diseases involved with reactive species and free radicals. The intake of frozen fruits has spread widely in the last years, but, until now, their biological activity is not completely known. In this study, 23 samples of frozen fruits were analyzed for their nutritional composition, total polyphenols, total carotenoids, and vitamin C content. Antioxidant, mutagenic, and antimutagenic effects were also evaluated. Antioxidant assays included 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH(.)) scavenging activity and determination of superoxide dismutase (SOD)- and catalase (CAT)-like activities. Mutagenic and antimutagenic evaluations were performed in eukaryotic cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. Most samples (74%) showed antioxidant activity similar to vitamin C in the DPPH(.) assay, and this activity was positively correlated (r = 0.366; P <or= .01) with carotenoid contents. All samples showed CAT-like activity. SOD-like activity was detected in 56% of samples assayed. Only four fruits (acai, cashew apple, kiwi fruit, and strawberry) showed mutagenic activity when tested in high (5%, 10%, and 15% [wt/vol]) concentrations. Twelve samples presented antimutagenic effects against hydrogen peroxide, and this effect was positively correlated with CAT-like activity (r = 0.400; P <or= .01). Evaluation of polyphenols, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid showed considerable levels of these compounds in frozen fruits, even after freezing. These data suggest that frozen fruits contribute to the prevention of biological damages.
Metaphase chromosome preparations from primary cultures are usually of better quality than those from bone marrow. However, in a number of cases bone marrow is the only practical material for cytological preparations; therefore, mastering this technique is essential in studies of mammalian karyotypes. These reasons include:
1
Not every investigator has a tissue culture laboratory at his disposal.
2
Direct bone marrow preparations reduce the cost.
3
In field trips, bone marrows can be processed with relative ease without large pieces of equipment and supply items, such as fresh growth media.
4
Bone marrow preparations should be made as an insurance in case primary cultures fail or become contaminated.
5
In case of mosaicism, bone marrow offers an excellent second material.
Euterpe is a genus of native tropical palm trees found in the Amazon and a few Caribbean islands. E. edulis fruit harvest starts in December and runs through February in Maranhao state, the coastal region of Bahia state, and Espirito Santo. E. precatoria fruit is harvested in February and continues through June, with most of the fruit coming from Rondonia, Acre, and Mato Grosso. E. oleracea fruit starts its harvest as early as May, but usually in mid-June to late July, and continues into December in Para and Amapa states. The açaí fruit contains 19 amino acids, including the essential amino acids, along with virtually all vitamins, with the exception of phylloquinone and menaquinone, and a wide range of all essential minerals and numerous trace elements. With regard to heavy metal content, many samples of açaí fruit tested have found extraordinarily low concentrations of cadmium and mercury in the range of 36 to 1 ppb, respectively. The significance of açaí fruit’s high antioxidant capacity in vitro in terms of potential health benefits is illustrated by comparing the antioxidant capacity of skin-bearing apples with açaí.
Acai fruit (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) has been demonstrated to exhibit extremely high anti-oxidant capacity. Seven major flavonoids were isolated from freeze-dried acai pulp by various chromatographic methods. Their structures were elucidated as orientin (1), homoorientin (2), vitexin (3), luteolin (4), chrysoeriol (5), quercetin (6), and dihydrokaempferol (7) by NMR, MS and compared with the reported literature. Compounds 3 and 6 were reported from acai pulp for the first time. Anti-oxidant capacities of these flavonoids were evaluated by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, cell-based anti-oxidant protection (CAP-e) assay and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells (ROS PMN assay). ORAC values varied distinctly (1420–14,800 μmol TE/g) among the seven compounds based on numbers and positions of hydroxyl groups and/or other substitute groups. The ORAC values of aglycones are generally higher than that of glycosides. CAP-e results indicated that only three compounds (4, 6 and 7) could enter the cytosol and contribute to the reduction of oxidative damage within the cell. The ROS PMN assay showed that five compounds (2–3 and 5–7) demonstrated exceptional effects by reducing ROS formation in PMN cells, which produced high amounts of ROS under oxidative stress. In evaluating the anti-oxidant capacity of natural products, combining both chemical and cell-based assays will provide more comprehensive understanding of anti-oxidant effects and potential biological relevance.
Assessment of vitamin K (VK) dietary intakes has been limited by the incompleteness of VK food composition data for the U.S.
food supply, particularly for VK-rich oils. The phylloquinone (VK-1) and 2′,3′-dihydrophylloquinone (dK) concentrations of
margarines and spreads (n=43), butter (n=4), shortening (n=4), vegetable oils (n=6), and salad dressings (n=24) were determined by RP-HPLC with fluorescence detection. Each sample represented a composite of units or packages obtained
from 12 or 24 outlets, which were geographically representative of the U.S. food supply. Butter, which is derived from animal
fat sources, had less VK-1 compared to vegetable oil sources. The VK-1 and dK of the margarines and spreads increased with
fat content and the degree of hydrogenation, respectively. In some margarines or spreads and in all shortenings, the dK concentrations
were higher than the corresponding VK-1 concentrations. As the fat content of salad dressings increased, the VK-1 concentrations
also increased. Fat-free foods had <1 μg/100 g of either form of the vitamin. No dK was detected in the salad dressings or
oils tested. Some margarines, spreads, and salad dressings may be significant sources of vitamin K in the U.S. food supply.
Assessment of vitamin K (VK) dietary intakes has been limited by incomplete VK food composition data for the US food supply. The phylloquinone (VK-1 or vitamin K1) concentrations of a variety of geographically representative vegetables (n=218) were determined by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescent detection. Green leafy and flower vegetables including broccoli, broccoli raab, spinach, and certain lettuces, contained >100 μg phylloquinone/100 g vegetable. In contrast, raw tubers and roots contained <10 μg phylloquinone/100 g vegetable. Iceberg lettuce, a primary dietary source of phylloquinone, contained 24.1 μg phylloquinone/100 g vegetable, which is less than previously listed in nutrient databases. Potential factors affecting phylloquinone concentrations include processing and varietal type of leafy vegetables.
Numerous risk factors for instability of oral anticoagulation have been identified, including variability in vitamin K intake. However, few studies have directly tested the feasibility of manipulating dietary vitamin K to achieve stable oral anticoagulation. Recent findings from a randomized clinical trial suggest that dietary vitamin K manipulation is a viable option for managing stability of oral anticoagulant therapy. The approach appears to be effective for those patients who are under-anticoagulated and consume a small number of vitamin K-rich food sources. While an encouraging option for management of warfarin therapy, longer-term studies in different patient populations are required.
The dietary supplement, 112 Degrees, was formulated with the goal of supporting sexual functioning in men. Due to rampant problems with drug adulteration for this category of products, a comprehensive screening for active pharmaceutical agents, with an emphasis on drugs prescribed for erectile dysfunction such as type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE-5) inhibitors, and known unapproved PDE-5 drug analogues, was performed along with preclinical toxicology studies prior to the introduction of this product into the marketplace. 112 Degrees was found to be free of all pharmaceutical adulterants tested, and was not mutagenic, clastogenic, or genotoxic as demonstrated by the Ames test, chromosomal aberration assay, and mouse micronucleus assay, respectively. The LD(50) in the 14-day acute oral toxicity study was greater than 5000 mg/kg, the highest dose tested.
Açai, the fruit of a palm native to the Amazonian basin, is widely distributed in northern South America, where it has considerable economic importance. Whereas individual polyphenolics compounds in açai have been extensively evaluated, studies of the intact fruit and its biological properties are lacking. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the in vivo genotoxicity of açai and its possible antigenotoxicity on doxorubicin (DXR)-induced DNA damage. The açai pulp doses selected were 3.33, 10.0 and 16.67g/kg b.w. administered by gavage alone or prior to DXR (16mg/kg b.w.) administered by intraperitoneal injection. Swiss albino mice were distributed in eight groups for acute treatment with açai pulp (24h) and eight groups for subacute treatment (daily for 14 consecutive days) before euthanasia. The negative control groups were treated in a similar way. The results of chemical analysis suggested the presence of carotenoids, anthocyanins, phenolic, and flavonoids in açai pulp. The endpoints analyzed were micronucleus induction in bone marrow and peripheral blood cells polychromatic erythrocytes, and DNA damage in peripheral blood, liver and kidney cells assessed using the alkaline (pH >13) comet assay. There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between the negative control and the groups treated with the three doses of açai pulp alone in all endpoints analyzed, demonstrating the absence of genotoxic effects. The protective effects of açai pulp were observed in both acute and subacute treatments, when administered prior to DXR. In general, subacute treatment provided greater efficiency in protecting against DXR-induced DNA damage in liver and kidney cells. These protective effects can be explained as the result of the phytochemicals present in açai pulp. These results will be applied to the developmental of food with functional characteristics, as well as to explore the characteristics of açai as a health promoter.
The triage theory posits that some functions of micronutrients (the approximately 40 essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids) are restricted during shortage and that functions required for short-term survival take precedence over those that are less essential. Insidious changes accumulate as a consequence of restriction, which increases the risk of diseases of aging. For 16 known vitamin K-dependent (VKD) proteins, we evaluated the relative lethality of 11 known mouse knockout mutants to categorize essentiality. Results indicate that 5 VKD proteins that are required for coagulation had critical functions (knockouts were embryonic lethal), whereas the knockouts of 5 less critical VKD proteins [osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein (Mgp), growth arrest specific protein 6, transforming growth factor beta-inducible protein (Tgfbi or betaig-h3), and periostin] survived at least through weaning. The VKD gamma-carboxylation of the 5 essential VKD proteins in the liver and the 5 nonessential proteins in nonhepatic tissues sets up a dichotomy that takes advantage of the preferential distribution of dietary vitamin K1 to the liver to preserve coagulation function when vitamin K1 is limiting. Genetic loss of less critical VKD proteins, dietary vitamin K inadequacy, human polymorphisms or mutations, and vitamin K deficiency induced by chronic anticoagulant (warfarin/coumadin) therapy are all linked to age-associated conditions: bone fragility after estrogen loss (osteocalcin) and arterial calcification linked to cardiovascular disease (Mgp). There is increased spontaneous cancer in Tgfbi mouse knockouts, and knockdown of Tgfbi causes mitotic spindle abnormalities. A triage perspective reinforces recommendations of some experts that much of the population and warfarin/coumadin patients may not receive sufficient vitamin K for optimal function of VKD proteins that are important to maintain long-term health.
Anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) has been shown to be effective in the prevention and treatment of thrombotic complications in various clinical settings, including atrial fibrillation (AF), venous thromboembolism (VTE), acute coronary syndromes and after invasive cardiac procedures. Bleeding is the most important complication of VKAs and a major concern for both physicians and patients. The occurrence of bleeding during treatment is not only important for the treated subjects, but also for a correct and complete use of this therapy in all the subjects who have a clear clinical indication for anticoagulation. This review analyses the treatment- and person-associated risk factors for bleeding during VKAs and their combination in clinical prediction rules that have been proposed in the attempt to identify those patients at higher risk for bleeding. The clinical prediction rules may help physicians stratify patients into categories of risk and thus to evaluate their individual risk/benefit ratio of starting or prolonging an anticoagulant treatment.
Recent interest in vitamin K has been motivated by evidence of physiological roles beyond that of coagulation. Vitamin K and vitamin K-dependent (VKD) proteins may be involved in regulation of calcification, energy metabolism, and inflammation. However, the evidence for many of these proposed roles in the maintenance of health is equivocal. There is also an emerging viewpoint that the biochemical function of vitamin K may extend beyond that of a cofactor for the VKD carboxylation of glutamyl residues (Glus) to carboxylated Glus in VKD proteins.
The micronucleus test (m.t.) in vivo is a method devised primarily for screening chemicals for chromosome-breaking effects. The test substances are normally applied sub-acutely to small mammals, and the effect is read in direct smears from bone marrow. This testing procedure, developed by SCHMID and coworkers1~3~5~6 has a number of important advantages over the analysis of bone-marrow metaphase chromosomes. In technique of preparation as well as the reading of the slides, it is simpler and faster than chromosome analysis in the same material, but not at the expense of accuracy.
This chapter describes the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determination of phylloquinone in various food matrices. Phylloquinone is generally present in low concentrations relative to other lipophilic compounds, so crude lipid extracts cannot be used for direct HPLC analysis. Owing to their instability under alkaline conditions, vitamin K compounds cannot be isolated from triglycerides using saponification. Different analytical conditions have been successfully used for HPLC analyses of phylloquinone in foods. Whereas adsorption HPLC is required for separation of the cis from the trans form of phylloquinone, reversed-phase HPLC separates phylloquinone from the menaquinones. For the analysis of phylloquinone in foods, a reversed-phase HPLC system is used with postcolumn reduction of the quinone, followed by fluorometric detection. The application of HPLC in the determination of phylloquinone in various food matrices has facilitated the routine analyses of food items, thereby allowing accurate description of the phylloquinone and, more recently, the dihydrophylloquinone content of common food items.
Sildenafil is an oral therapy for erectile dysfunction of a broad range of causes. By selectively inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5, it allows corpus cavernosum smooth muscle to relax, potentiating erections during sexual stimulation. Blood pressure is reduced transiently by sildenafil, but more marked hypotension may occur during concurrent administration of sildenafil and organic nitrates; this combination is contraindicated. Sildenafil is rapidly absorbed, with dose-proportional peak plasma concentrations within 1 hour of administration. The elimination half-life is 3 to 5 hours. Dosages usually begin at 50mg taken when needed =1 hour before sexual activity no more than once daily. The maximum dose is 100mg when needed once daily and lower doses (e.g. 25mg) may be used in elderly patients and those with hepatic or renal impairment or receiving cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ritonavir, saquinavir, ketoconazole, erythromycin or cimetidine. More than 3000 patients with erectile dysfunction of organic (e.g. diabetes or spinal cord injury), psychogenic or mixed origin received sildenafil 5 to 100mg or placebo in fixed- or titrated-dose trials. Sildenafil was associated with dose-related improvements in the frequency, hardness and duration of erections and in patients' abilities to achieve and maintain erections adequate for successful sexual intercourse. In titrated-dose trials, the most commonly effective doses were 50 or 100mg, although lower doses were effective in some patients. Sildenafil was significantly more effective than placebo in erectile dysfunction of all tested causes. The efficacy of sildenafil was not affected by patient age (> or < or =65 years) or by antihypertensive or antidepressant medications. The drug was effective in patients with severe erectile dysfunction. Efficacy was maintained in long term (1-year) studies. Sildenafil also appears to improve the quality of life of both patients and their sexual partners. Common adverse events associated with sildenafil were transient and mild or moderate and included headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion and abnormal vision. Tolerability was maintained in long term (< or =1 year) studies. No serious sildenafil-related adverse events occurred in clinical trials; cardiovascular events seen in postmarketing surveillance generally occurred in patients with other known risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil is an effective oral treatment in men with erectile dysfunction. It was significantly superior to placebo in improving erections and allowing successful penetrative sexual intercourse. Although its place in disease management is still emerging and there are contraindications to its use, if preliminary positive reports are confirmed, sildenafil will be the pre-eminent first-line therapy for erectile dysfunction.
Both lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant capacities were determined using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC(FL)) assay with fluorescein as the fluorescent probe and 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride as a peroxyl radical generator on over 100 different kinds of foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, dried fruits, spices, cereals, infant, and other foods. Most of the foods were collected from four different regions and during two different seasons in U.S. markets. Total phenolics of each sample were also measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Hydrophilic ORAC(FL) values (H-ORAC(FL)) ranged from 0.87 to 2641 micromol of Trolox equivalents (TE)/g among all of the foods, whereas lipophilic ORAC(FL) values (L-ORAC(FL)) ranged from 0.07 to 1611 micromol of TE/g. Generally, L-ORAC(FL) values were <10% of the H-ORAC(FL) values except for a very few samples. Total antioxidant capacity was calculated by combining L-ORAC(FL) and H-ORAC(FL). Differences of ORAC(FL) values in fruits and vegetables from different seasons and regions were relatively large for some foods but could not be analyzed in detail because of the sampling scheme. Two different processing methods, cooking and peeling, were used on selected foods to evaluate the impact of processing on ORAC(FL). The data demonstrated that processing can have significant effects on ORAC(FL). Considering all of the foods analyzed, the relationship between TP and H-ORAC(FL) showed a very weak correlation. Total hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant capacity intakes were calculated to be 5558 and 166 micromol of TE/day, respectively, on the basis of data from the USDA Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (1994-1996).
A liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) method was developed to screen for the presence of synthetic phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors including sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil. The method was applied to the analysis of dietary supplements and bulk herbal materials. Bulk powders or composites of tablets, capsules or liquids were prepared and an extraction of PDE-5 inhibitors was performed using a mixture of acetonitrile and water with sonication. Identification of sildenafil, vardenafil or tadalafil was accomplished using a single quadrupole mass spectrometer coupled to a liquid chromatograph with an electrospray interface. Positive ion detection in the full scan mode was used while in-source collision induced dissociation (CID) provided several structurally significant fragment ions to aid in the mass spectral identification. Approximately half of the 40 botanical products analyzed were found to contain undeclared synthetic PDE-5 inhibitors. For products found to contain one of these three compounds by LC-MS, HPLC with UV detection was used for quantitation.
Anthocyanins in common foods in the United States, other than fruits and berries, were identified and characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry coupled with diode array detection. Of all of the 40+ vegetables, nuts, and grains screened, seven vegetables, one nut, and one grain were found to contain anthocyanins; the number of anthocyanins detected varied from two in pistachio nuts to 34 in red radishes. The individual anthocyanins were identified by comparing their mass spectrometric data and retention times with those of standards, published data, and reference food samples. In all of the samples analyzed, except for sorghum, only six common anthocyanidins (delphinidin, cyanidin, pelargonidin, petunidin, peonidin, and malvidin) were found as their glycosides. Anthocyanins in certain vegetables such as red cabbage and red radish were highly conjugated with sugars and acylated groups, and thus, their structures were very complicated. Eight different either aliphatic or aromatic acylated groups (acetoyl, coumaroyl, malonoyl, p-hydroxybenzoyl, feruoyl, caffeoyl, sinapoyl, and oxaloyl) were identified in the anthocyanins. In addition to glucose, six other sugar moieties (galactose, xylose, rhamnose, rutinose, sambubiose, and laminaribiose) were observed. Three varieties of sorghum were found to contain 3-deoxyanthocyanidins and their derivatives as major anthocyanins. A number of new anthocyanins were identified in the foods studied. This paper presents complete HPLC profiles and MS spectrometric data, obtained under the same experimental conditions, for common vegetables, pistachio nuts, and sorghum that contain anthocyanins.
Genotoxic agents: the effects
- D B Zimonjic
- N Savkovic
- M Andjelkovic
Zimonjic, D.B., Savkovic, N., Andjelkovic, M., 1990. Genotoxic agents: the effects. In:
Principles and Methodology of Detection. Naucna Knjiga, Beograd, pp. 1-395.
Genotoxic agents: the effects
- Zimonjic