Metabolic syndrome is a disease composed of different risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidemia. The prevalence of this syndrome is increasing worldwide in parallel with the rise in obesity. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is now the most frequent chronic liver disease in western countries, affecting more than 30% of the general population.

 

 

Despite of being used for long time by Brazilian people that live on the Amazon bay, as food and beverages, only in the beginning of this century, acai berries have been object of scientific research. Acai berries are rich in polyphenols that probably explain its versatile pharmacological actions and huge consumption, not only in Brazil but also in Europe and United States. Polyphenols from the seed of açaí increase endothelial NO production leading to endothelium-dependent relaxation, reduce reactive oxygen species and regulate key targets associated with lipid metabolism in different conditions such as hypertension, renal failure and metabolic syndrome.

 

Several studies review the novel mechanisms of actions of acai on different targets that could trigger the health benefits of the açaí, such as antioxidant, vasodilator, antihypertensive, cardio-protector, renal protector, anti-dyslipidemic, anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects in cardiovascular and metabolic disturbances (1).

 

 

 CLINICAL TRIAL RESULTS

 Anti_Obesity_Effect_Power_Seed_Acai

 

A study (2) was to investigate the effect of a polyphenol-rich Acai seed extract (ASE) on adiposity and hepatic steatosis in subjects that were fed a high-fat (HF) diet and its underlying mechanisms based on hepatic lipid metabolism and oxidative stress.

Four groups were studied: subjects that were fed with standard diet (10% fat, Control), 10% fat + ASE (ASE), 60% fat (HF), and 60% fat + ASE (HF + ASE) for 12 weeks.

 

1. Anti-Obesity Effect of Acai Seed Extract (ASE)

Anti Obesity Effect of Acai Seed Extract

The group in the standard diet (10% Fat) that received the Acai Seed Extract (ASE) reduced the weight gain in half when compared to control group.

The group HF (High Fat Diet) without ASE presented a weight gain of about 10 times the control group, while the group HF + ASE presented half of the weight gain of the HF group.

 

2. Visceral Fat Reduction Effect of Acai Seed Extract (ASE)
  

Visceral Fat Reduction Acai Seed Extract

The HF group presented 407.29% visceral fat weight gain when compared to control group. For the HF+ASE there was a reduction of 69.75% of the visceral fat weight when compared to the HF group.  
 

Liver_Fat_Reduction_with_Acai_Seed_Extract

 

Photomicrographs of the liver structure: Sections of the liver were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and each photomicrograph is shown at the same magnification. (CONTROL) The usual liver appearance in the control group; (ASE) ASE did not change the liver appearance; (HF) macro- and micro-vesicular steatosis in the High Fat group; (HF+ASE) steatosis was reduced in the HF+ASE group.

 

3. Glycemic Levels Improvement Effect of Acai Seed Extract (ASE)
 

Glycemia Effects Acai Seed Extract

The HF Group presented 54.04% increase in glycemic levels compared with control group. The HF+ASE presented a reduction of 22.57% of glycemic levels when compared to HF group.

 

4. Lipid Profile Effects of Acai Seed Extract (ASE)
 

Cholesterol Improvement Acai Seed Benefits

The HF Group presented 104.78% increase in cholesterol levels when compared with control group. The HF+ASE presented a reduction of 34.96% of cholesterol levels when compared to HF group.

 

LDL_Improvement_Acai_Seed_BenefitsThe HF Group presented 27,81% increase in LDL levels when compared with control group. The HF+ASE presented a reduction of 91.68% of LDL levels when compared to HF group.

 

REFERENCES:

(1) Complete Research - Cardiovascular Effects of Acai

(2) Complete Clinical Trial Results