Açaí (acai) berries are grown on the açaí palm tree (Euterpe oleracea), which is native to Central and South America. Açaí berries contain high levels of anthocyanins, a group of polyphenols that have antioxidant effects. Although laboratory studies have shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects with açaí, no studies to date have tested açaí berry interventions for brain health in humans. While açaí products are popular, some commercially-available products were found to contain little to no açaí. Açaí products also interact with many classes of drugs.
A few preclinical studies have been carried out, but no studies have tested whether açaí berry interventions improve cognitive function or prevent age-related cognitive decline in humans. Our search identified:
No studies have tested whether açaí berries can prevent cognitive decline or dementia in humans.
In various preclinical studies, açaí interventions exerted antioxidant effects, reduced inflammation, and improved cognitive functions [1; 2; 3]. However, these findings have not been confirmed in humans.
No studies have tested whether açaí berries can improve cognitive functions or slow decline in people with dementia. A cell culture study reported that açaí extract protected cells from beta-amyloid? toxicity [4], but no studies in humans have confirmed these findings.
Clinical trials have reported that adverse events are rare with açaí interventions, though all clinical studies have been small and short-term [5; 6; 7]. Rarely, açaí juice consumption has been associated with the oral transmission of Chagas’ disease, a foodborne infectious illness seen in South America, Central America, and Mexico that is caused by a tropical parasite [8].
Açaí berries may interact with many classes of drugs [9]. Açaí products should be used cautiously with lipid-lowering drugs, glucose-lowering drugs, immunosuppressants, and anti-inflammatory agents [7; 9]. People with kidney disease or those using agents that increase potassium levels may also need to be cautious with açaí products as açaí has high potassium content and concurrent use may increase the risk of hyperkalemia, a condition where potassium levels in the blood become too high. Açaí products should also be used cautiously with caffeine as some açaí products contain guarana, an herb that contains caffeine, which together may cause additive stimulant effects.
NOTE: This is not a comprehensive safety evaluation or complete list of potentially harmful drug interactions. It is important to discuss safety issues with your physician before taking any new supplement or medication.
Açaí berry products are available in the forms of puree, juices, powder, tablets, and capsules. However, based on a research study that compared 19 commercially-available açaí berry supplements, significant differences were seen in the total levels of anthocyanin and other compounds, with over half of the supplements containing little or no açaí fruit [10]. Clinical trials in patients with metabolic syndrome or hyperlipidemia have tested different forms and amounts of açaí, such as açaí juice (e.g., 200 mL daily), açaí pulp (e.g., 200 g daily), and freeze-dried açaí (e.g., 2 capsules per day) [6; 7; 11; 12]. The results from these studies have been mixed and inconclusive. It is not known how different forms of açaí compare with regards to their potential effects.
More information on the history, safety, and use of açaí on Drugs.com
Full scientific report (PDF) on Cognitive Vitality Reports