acai

Therapeutic Classification: lipid-lowering agents, antioxidants

Indications ⬆ ⬇

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

REMS

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

Action ⬆ ⬇

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

Therapeutic effects:

Reduced total cholesterol levels.
Reduced inflammation.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	unknown	unknown	unknown

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

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

Use Cautiously in:

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

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

GI: bloating, diarrhea, flatus, nausea

Neuro: headache

Misc: allergic reaction

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Natural-Drug Products:

Antidiabetics may ↑ risk of hypoglycemia.Antihypertensives may ↑ risk of hypotension.
May ↑ risk of bleeding with antiplatelets and anticoagulants.

Natural-Natural Products:

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

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

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

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Capsules: OTC
Acai powder: OTC
Frozen acai puree/packets: OTC
Acai juice: OTC

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

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

Lab Test Considerations:

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

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

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

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

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

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Pronunciation ⬇

Classifications ⬆ ⬇