Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: antimicrobial efficacy and ecotoxicological assessment.

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is usually based on expensive methods that use or generate chemicals that can negatively impact the environment. Our study presents a simple one-step synthesis process for obtaining AgNP using an aqueous extract of Amazonian fruit açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) as the reducing and stabilizing agents. The bio-synthesized AgNP (bio-AgNP) were comprehensively characterized by diverse techniques, and as a result, 20-nm spherical particles (transmission electron microscopy) were obtained. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) confirmed the presence of crystalline AgNP, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) suggested that polyphenolic compounds of açaí were present on the surface. The bio-AgNP showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. In Caenorhabditis elegans exposed to 10 µg/L bio-AgNP for 96 h, there were no significant effects on growth, reproduction, or reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration; however, there was an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzymatic activity. In contrast, when worms were exposed to chemically synthesized AgNP (PVP-AgNP), an increase in ROS, SOD, and GST activity and a reduction in oxidative stress resistance were observed. In conclusion, our study not only showcased the potential of açaí in the simple and rapid production of AgNP but also highlighted the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of the synthesized nanoparticles using our protocol. Moreover, our findings revealed that these AgNPs exhibited reduced toxicity to C. elegans at environmentally realistic concentrations compared with PVP-AgNP.

Euterpe oleracea extract (açaí) exhibits cardioprotective effects after chemotherapy treatment in a breast cancer model.

BACKGROUND: Açaí, a Brazilian native fruit, has already been demonstrated to play a role in the progress of breast cancer and cardiotoxicity promoted by chemotherapy agents. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the combined use of açaí and the FAC-D chemotherapy protocol in a breast cancer model in vivo. METHODS: Mammary carcinogenesis was induced in thirty female Wistar rats by subcutaneous injection of 25 mg/kg 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) in the mammary gland. After sixty days, the rats were randomized into two groups: treated with 200 mg/kg of either açaí extract or vehicle, via gastric tube for 45 consecutive days. The FAC-D protocol was initiated after 90 days of induction by intraperitoneal injection for 3 cycles with a 7-day break each. After treatment, blood was collected for haematological and biochemical analyses, and tumours were collected for macroscopic and histological analyses. In the same way, heart, liver, and kidney samples were also collected for macroscopic and histological analyses. RESULTS: Breast cancer was found as a cystic mass with a fibrotic pattern in the mammary gland. The histological analysis showed an invasive carcinoma area in both groups; however, in the saline group, there was a higher presence of inflammatory clusters. No difference was observed regarding body weight, glycaemia, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, and urea in either group. However, açaí treatment decreased creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CKMB), troponin I and C-reactive protein levels and increased the number of neutrophils and monocytes. Heart histopathology showed normal myocardium in the açaí treatment, while the saline group presented higher toxicity effects with loss of architecture of cardiac tissue. Furthermore, the açaí treatment presented greater collagen distribution, increased hydroxyproline concentration and lower H2AX immunostaining in the heart samples. CONCLUSION: Açaí decreased the number of inflammatory cells in the tumor environment and exhibited protection against chemotherapy drug cardiotoxicity with an increased immune response in animals. Thus, açaí can be considered a promising low-cost therapeutic treatment that can be used in association with chemotherapy agents to avoid heart damage.

What We Know about Euterpe Genus and Neuroprotection: A Scoping Review.

The Euterpe genus (mainly Euterpe oleracea Martius, Euterpe precatoria Martius, and Euterpe edulis Martius) has recently gained commercial and scientific notoriety due to the high nutritional value of its fruits, which are rich in polyphenols (phenolic acids and anthocyanins) and have potent antioxidant activity. These characteristics have contributed to the increased number of neuropharmacological evaluations of the three species over the last 10 years, especially açaí of the species Euterpe oleracea Martius. The fruits of the three species exert neuroprotective effects through the modulation of inflammatory and oxidative pathways and other mechanisms, including the inhibition of the mTOR pathway and protection of the blood-brain barrier, all of them intimately involved in several neuropathologies. Thus, a better understanding of the neuropharmacological properties of these three species may open new paths for the development of therapeutic tools aimed at preventing and treating a variety of neurological conditions.

Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Açai) seed extract improves physical performance in old rats by restoring vascular function and oxidative status and activating mitochondrial muscle biogenesis.

OBJECTIVES: Alterations in cardiovascular and skeletal muscle function are hallmarks of ageing that lead to exercise intolerance. We aimed to examine whether the treatment with Euterpe oleracea Mart. seed extract (ASE) associated with exercise training improves aerobic exercise performance by promoting healthy ageing in the elderly. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Young (3 months), Old (18 months), Old+ASE (ASE 200 mg/kg/day), Old+Training (exercise training 30 min/day; 5 days/week) and Old+Training+ASE, for 4 weeks. KEY FINDINGS: ASE treatment increased the exercise time and the running distance concerning the initial maximal treadmill stress test (MTST) in the Old+Training+ASE group. Exercise training or ASE treatment restored the aorta oxidative damage and antioxidant defence. It reduced the acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasodilation in the aorta of old animals to the same values as the young and improved hypertension. Only the association of both strategies restored the ACh-induced vasodilation in mesentery arteries. Remarkably, exercise training associated with ASE increased the antioxidant defence, nitrite levels and expression of the mitochondrial SIRT-1, PGC1α in soleus muscle homogenates. CONCLUSIONS: ASE treatment associated with exercise training contributes to better exercise performance and tolerance in ageing by improving vascular function, oxidative stress and activating the muscle SIRT-1/PGC-1α pathway.

Effects of the juçara fruit (Euterpe edulis Martius) pulp and lyophilized extract on NRF2, KEAP1, SOD1, and GPX2 expression in human colorectal cancer cell lines.

We investigated the effects of the juçara fruit (Euterpe edulis Martius) pulp and lyophilized extract on the expression of cytoprotective genes nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (NRF2), kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), superoxide dismutase (SOD1), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX2) in human colorectal cancer cell lines (HT-29 and Caco-2). Cells were cultured for 24 h in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium containing juçara fruit pulp (5, 10, or 50 mg/mL) or lyophilized extract (0.05, 0.1, or 0.5 mg/mL), and gene expression was quantified using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. All studied genes showed significant variation in gene expression among different concentrations of pulp or lyophilized extract. Overall, the expression of the selected genes decreased in both cell lines following exposure to the pulp or lyophilized extract in a dose-dependent manner for most of the concentrations studied. In summary, our study showed that the compounds in juçara fruit inhibited the expression of cytoprotective genes associated with the antioxidant response and that, although not cytotoxic at the concentrations studied, they could potentially block the activation of the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway.

Oral Treatment with the Extract of Euterpe oleracea Mart. Improves Motor Dysfunction and Reduces Brain Injury in Rats Subjected to Ischemic Stroke.

Ischemic stroke is one of the principal causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. The pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to the formation of the stroke lesions range from the bioenergetic failure of the cells and the intense production of reactive oxygen species to neuroinflammation. The fruit of the açaí palm, Euterpe oleracea Mart. (EO), is consumed by traditional populations in the Brazilian Amazon region, and it is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We evaluated whether the clarified extract of EO was capable of reducing the area of lesion and promoting neuronal survival following ischemic stroke in rats. Animals submitted to ischemic stroke and treated with EO extract presented a significant improvement in their neurological deficit from the ninth day onward. We also observed a reduction in the extent of the cerebral injury and the preservation of the neurons of the cortical layers. Taken together, our findings indicate that treatment with EO extract in the acute phase following a stroke can trigger signaling pathways that culminate in neuronal survival and promote the partial recovery of neurological scores. However, further detailed studies of the intracellular signaling pathways are needed to better understand the mechanisms involved.

Juçara Fruit (Euterpe Edulis Martius) Valorization Combining Emergent Extraction Technologies and Aqueous Solutions of Alkanediols.

Anthocyanins from juçara fruits were extracted by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) or ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), using aqueous solutions of 1,2-alkanediols and glycerol ethers as biobased solvents. The PLE (100 bar, 13 min, 1 mL/min flow rate) in the optimal extraction conditions originated 23.1 mganthocyanins·gdry biomass-1. On the other hand, the UAE was 10 min long, and the optimal conditions using 1,2-propanediol were 42.6 wt%, 160 W, and pH 7.0, leading to 50 mganthocyanins·gdry biomass-1. Extractions at the UAE optimized conditions, with aqueous solutions of five different 1,2-alkanediols and three glycerol ethers were performed, and compared to water and ethanolic extracts. The biobased solvent solutions presented anthocyanin yields up to 33% higher than water, and were shown to be as efficient as ethanol/water, but generated extracts with higher antioxidant capacity. The anthocyanin-rich extract of juçara, obtained with 1,2-propanediol, was used in the production of a natural soap and incorporated into a cream, showing that the addition of the juçara extract resulted in an antioxidant capacity in both products.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in Health and Disease: A Critical Review.

The açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), a species belonging to the Arecaceae family, has been cultivated for thousands of years in tropical Central and South America as a multipurpose dietary plant. The recent introduction of açaí fruit and its nutritional and healing qualities to regions outside its origin has rapidly expanded global demand for açaí berry. The health-promoting and disease-preventing properties of this plant are attributed to numerous bioactive phenolic compounds present in the leaf, pulp, fruit, skin, and seeds. The purpose of this review is to present an up-to-date, comprehensive, and critical evaluation of the health benefits of açaí and its phytochemicals with a special focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that açaí possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and exerts cardioprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, renoprotective, antilipidemic, antidiabetic, and antineoplastic activities. Moreover, clinical trials have suggested that açaí can protect against metabolic stress induced by oxidation, inflammation, vascular abnormalities, and physical exertion. Due to its medicinal properties and the absence of undesirable effects, açaí shows a promising future in health promotion and disease prevention, in addition to a vast economic potential in the food and cosmetic industries.

Effects of Euterpe oleracea Mart. extract on Candida spp. biofilms.

PROBLEM OF RESEARCH: Candida spp. biofilms are complex microbial communities that have been associated with increasing resistance to clinically available antifungal drugs. Hence, novel pharmacological approaches with ability to inhibit biofilm formation have been investigated. AIM OF STUDY: The aim was to analyze in vitro antifungal activity of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaí berry) extract on biofilm strains of Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis that were formed on abiotic surfaces. REMARKABLE METHODOLOGY: Biofilms of C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis were grown in vitro. They were then treated with E. oleracea Mart. extract at different concentrations (7.8, 15.6, 31.2, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 µg/mL) for evaluation of both biofilm removal and anti-biofilm activity. REMARKABLE RESULTS: All Candida species analyzed formed biofilms on abiotic surfaces. Yet, increased biofilm formation was displayed for C. tropicalis in comparison with the other two species. E. oleracea Mart. extract was shown to inhibit biofilm formation at all concentrations used when compared to no treatment (p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: In the current study, the extract of E. oleracea Mart. demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis biofilms, regardless of the dose utilized. These results are important to evaluate a natural product as antifungal for Candida species.

Photodynamic therapy with acai (Euterpe oleracea) and blue light in oral cells: A spectroscopic and cytotoxicity analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with blue light-emitting diode (LED) 460 nm at 25, 50 and 100 J/cm2 using three concentrations of acai extracts (100, 40, and 10 mg/ml), in the proliferation and viability of head and neck tumor lines (SCC9). METHODS: Three groups of cells were analyzed for 3 days in an in vitro assay with MTT (3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5, -diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and crystal violet: cells in the absence of acai extract and PDT (control group); cells in the presence of acai extract and no light; and cells in the presence of acai extract and LED blue light (PDT groups). RESULTS: When using acai as a PS combined with blue LED (460 nm, 0.7466 cm2 , 1000 mW/cm2 ) and irradiation at 25, 50, and 100 J/cm2 , after 72 h, cell viability (p < 0.0001 vs. control, p = 0.0027 vs. 100 mg/ml açai group, p = 0.0039 vs. 40 mg/ml açai group, p = 0.0135 vs. 10 mg/ml açai group; One-Way ANOVA/Tukey) and proliferation (p < 0.05, One-Way ANOVA/Tukey) decreased. CONCLUSION: The acai in question is a potential photosensitizer (PS), with blue light absorbance and efficacy against head and neck tumor lines (SCC9).

Proteomic changes associated with the development of açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) seeds.

Açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) seeds are a rich source of mannans, which can be used to generate bioethanol or be converted to high-value D-mannose, in addition to being a source of polyphenols with beneficial health properties. Here, we present a quantitative proteome dataset of açaí seeds at four stages of development (S1, S2, S3, and S4 stages), in which 2465 high confidence proteins were identified and 524 of them show statistically different abundance profiles during development. Several enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of nucleotide-sugars were quantified, especially those dedicated to the formation of GDP-mannose, which showed an increase in abundance between stages S1 and S3. Our data suggest that linear mannans found abundantly in endosperm cell walls are initially deposited as galactomannans, and during development lose the galactosyl groups. Two isoforms of alpha-galactosidase enzymes showed significantly increased abundances in the S3 and S4 stages. Additionally, we quantified the enzymes participating in the central pathway of flavonoid biosynthesis responsible for the formation of catechin and epicatechin, which are subunits of procyanidins, the main class of polyphenols in the açaí seeds. These proteins showed the same pattern of deposition, in which higher abundances were seen in the S1 and S2 stages.

Neuroprotective potential of the Amazonian fruits Euterpe oleracea Mart. and Paullinia cupana Kunth

Abstract Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and guarana (Paullinia cupana Kunth) are native species from the Amazon Forest that in folk medicine are used to treat several diseases due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This review brings together findings from different studies on the potential neuroprotective effects of acai and guarana, highlighting the importance of the conservation and sustainable exploitation of the Amazon Forest. A bibliographic survey in the PubMed database retrieved indexed articles written in English that focused on the effects of acai and guarana in in vitro and in vivo models of neurodegenerative diseases. In general, treatment with either acai or guarana decreased neuroinflammation, increased antioxidant responses, ameliorated depression, and protected cells from neurotoxicity mediated by aggregated proteins. The results from these studies suggest that flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids found in both acai and guarana have therapeutic potential not only for neurodegenerative diseases, but also for depressive disorders. In addition, acai and guarana show beneficial effects in slowing down the physiological aging process. However, toxicity and efficacy studies are still needed to guide the formulation of herbal medicines from acai and guarana.

Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Properties in Extracts of Developing Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Seeds.

We investigated changes in the phenolic profile and antioxidant properties in the extracts of developing seeds of açaí (Euterpe oleracea). Four developmental stages were evaluated, with earlier stages displaying higher antioxidant activity and polyphenols content, while mass spectrometry analysis identified procyanidins (PCs) as the major components of the extracts in all stages. B-type PCs varied from dimers to decamers, with A-type linkages in a smaller number. Extracted PCs decreased in average length from 20.5 to 10.1 along seed development. PC composition indicated that (-)-epicatechin corresponded to over 95% of extension units in all stages, while (+)-catechin presence as the starter unit increased from 42 to 78.8% during seed development. This variation was correlated to the abundance of key enzymes for PC biosynthesis during seed development. This study is the first to report PC content and composition variations during açaí seed development, which can contribute to studies on the plant's physiology and biotechnological applications.

Ultrastructural changes induced by açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart) in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart) is an Amazon plant with many biological properties. Previous report of this group evidenced autophagy induction after treatment with açaí seed extract in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines by acridine orange assay. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrastructural changes induced by açaí seed extract in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. First, MCF- 7 breast cancer cell line viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Acridine orange assay showed increase in the acidic compartments, suggesting autophagolysosome formation. These cells were treated with 25 µg/ml for 24 h and evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (MET). This analysis showed that açaí seed extract induced autophagy, confirmed by autophagolysosome formation. Furthermore, açaí seed extract increased the number of mitochondria, suggesting the enrollment of reactive oxygen species in autophagy.

Açaì (Euterpe oleracea) Extract Protects Human Erythrocytes from Age-Related Oxidative Stress.

Aging is a process characterised by a general decline in physiological functions. The high bioavailability of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in the aging rate. Due to the close relationship between aging and oxidative stress (OS), functional foods rich in flavonoids are excellent candidates to counteract age-related changes. This study aimed to verify the protective role of Açaì extract in a d-Galactose (d-Gal)-induced model of aging in human erythrocytes. Markers of OS, including ROS production, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, oxidation of protein sulfhydryl groups, as well as the anion exchange capability through Band 3 protein (B3p) and glycated haemoglobin (A1c) have been analysed in erythrocytes treated with d-Gal for 24 h, with or without pre-incubation for 1 h with 0.5-10 µg/mL Açaì extract. Our results show that the extract avoided the formation of acanthocytes and leptocytes observed after exposure to 50 and 100 mM d-Gal, respectively, prevented d-Gal-induced OS damage, and restored alterations in the distribution of B3p and CD47 proteins. Interestingly, d-Gal exposure was associated with an acceleration of the rate constant of SO42- uptake through B3p, as well as A1c formation. Both alterations have been attenuated by pre-treatment with the Açaì extract. These findings contribute to clarify the aging mechanisms in human erythrocytes and propose functional foods rich in flavonoids as natural antioxidants for the treatment and prevention of OS-related disease conditions.

A Preliminary Assessment of the Nutraceutical Potential of Acai Berry (Euterpe sp.) as a Potential Natural Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterised by progressive neuronal atrophy and the loss of neuronal function as a consequence of multiple pathomechanisms. Current AD treatments primarily operate at a symptomatic level to treat a cholinergic deficiency and can cause side effects. Hence, there is an unmet need for healthier lifestyles to reduce the likelihood of AD as well as improved treatments with fewer adverse reactions. Diets rich in phytochemicals may reduce neurodegenerative risk and limit disease progression. The native South American palm acai berry (Euterpe oleraceae) is a potential source of dietary phytochemicals beneficial to health. This study aimed to screen the nutraceutical potential of the acai berry, in the form of aqueous and ethanolic extracts, for the ability to inhibit acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase (ChE) enzymes and scavenge free radicals via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) or 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assays. In addition, this study aimed to quantify the acai berry's antioxidant potential via hydrogen peroxide or hydroxyl scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and the ability to reduce ferric ions. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were also determined. Acai aqueous extract displayed a concentration-dependent inhibition of acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase enzymes. Both acai extracts displayed useful concentration-dependent free radical scavenging and antioxidant abilities, with the acai ethanolic extract being the most potent antioxidant and displaying the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents. In summary, extracts of the acai berry contain nutraceutical components with anti-cholinesterase and antioxidant capabilities and may therefore provide a beneficial dietary component that limits the pathological deficits evidenced in AD.

Effect of the addition of Euterpe oleracea Mart. extract on the properties of starch-based sachets and the impact on the shelf-life of olive oil.

This study aimed to produce and characterized active biodegradable packages by extrusion of cassava starch, biodegradable polyester, plasticizer, and acai extract (EA 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4%) and to evaluate its effects on extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for 120 days. All analyses were performed at the beginning (day 0) and the end of the experiment (day 120). The oil was characterized for acidity index (IA), peroxide index (IP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes (CD), phenolic compounds (PC) and color parameters. The incorporation of EA at the initial time caused increased thickness, mechanical properties, solubility in water and oil in all formulations. The some values of properties increased or decreased, due to the interaction of the stored product and packaging. At the end of the storage period, the values of IA and IP were below the limits established by current legislation. The EVOO showed a gradual decrease in PC from day 1 to day 120, for all treatments.

Açaí (Euterpe Oleraceae Mart.) Seeds Regulate NF-κB and Nrf2/ARE Pathways Protecting Lung against Acute and Chronic Inflammation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Respiratory diseases are the world's biggest cause of mortality and disability. Specific nutrients have been proposed to positively affect disease progression as novel therapy alternatives to glucocorticosteroids. There has been a lot of attention in the possible health advantages of dietary assumption of Açai Seeds, popular native fruit found in the Amazon region which is rich in bioactive compounds. Until today nobody investigated the beneficial property of Açai Seeds administration in lung disease. METHODS: In our study we use two model of lung disease: for acute lung disease we use an intrapleural injection of Carrageenan; for chronic disease we used an intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Açai Seeds was administered orally dissolved in saline. RESULTS: We found that Açai Seeds was able to reduce histological alteration, cells infiltration, pro inflammatory cytokine release, inflammation, and oxidative stress in both acute and chronic model of lung disease. CONCLUSION: Our data clearly demonstrate for the first time that Açai Seeds administration was useful against lung disease by the reduction of NF-κB nuclear translocation and by the stimulation of Nrf2/ARE pathways promoting the physiological antioxidant defense.

Investigation of the effect of Acai berry on the pharmacokinetics of Atorvastatin, Alogliptin and Empagliflozin: a herb-drug interaction study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the effect of Acai berry on the pharmacokinetics of Atorvastatin (ATR), Alogliptin (ALO) and Empagliflozin (EMPA) in SD rats. METHOD: Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups (n = 6). First three groups were treated with Acai berry (PO; 250 mg/kg); fourth, fifth and sixth groups received sodium CMC (vehicle) for 10 days and on eleventh day, first and fourth groups were administered with ATR (PO; 10 mg/kg); second and fifth groups with ALO (PO; 25 mg/kg) and third and sixth groups received EMPA (PO; 25 mg/kg). KEY FINDINGS: Co-intake of ATR with Acai berry resulted in slight decrease in Cmax from 41.78 to 34.65 ng/ml and AUC from 227.66 to 136.31 (µg/ml) *h, while there was an increase in the Cmax from 43.43 to 68.71 ng/ml and AUC from 117.6 to 207.1 (µg/ml) *h in ALO treated groups and Cmax from 173.99 to 250.1 ng/ml and AUC from 400.37 to 518.35 (µg/ml) *h in the EMPA-treated groups. CONCLUSION: There was a significant change in the AUC0-t and Cmax of ATR, ALO and EMPA after co-administration with Acai berry. Further studies are recommended to confirm the clinical significance of these interactions.

Açai supplementation (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) attenuates cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction in rats through different mechanistic pathways.

Myocardial infarction has a high mortality rate worldwide. Therefore, clinical intervention in cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction is essential. Açai pulp is a natural product and has been considered a functional food because of its antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of açai pulp supplementation on cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction in rats. After 7 days of surgery, male Wistar rats were assigned to six groups: sham animals fed standard chow (SA0, n = 14), fed standard chow with 2% açai pulp (SA2, n = 12) and fed standard chow with 5% açai pulp (SA5, n = 14), infarcted animals fed standard chow (IA0, n = 12), fed standard chow with 2% açai pulp (IA2, n = 12), and fed standard chow with 5% açai pulp (IA5, n = 12). After 3 months of supplementation, echocardiography and euthanasia were performed. Açai pulp supplementation, after myocardial infarction, improved energy metabolism, attenuated oxidative stress (lower concentration of malondialdehyde, P = 0.023; dose-dependent effect), modulated the inflammatory process (lower concentration of interleukin-10, P<0.001; dose-dependent effect) and decreased the deposit of collagen (lower percentage of interstitial collagen fraction, P<0.001; dose-dependent effect). In conclusion, açai pulp supplementation attenuated cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction in rats. Also, different doses of açai pulp supplementation have dose-dependent effects on cardiac remodeling.