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.

Açai Berry Administration Promotes Wound Healing through Wnt/ß-Catenin Pathway.

Recently, wound healing has received increased attention from both a scientific and clinical point of view. It is characterized by an organized series of processes: angiogenesis, cell migration and proliferation, extracellular matrix production, and remodeling. Many of these processes are controlled by the Wnt pathway, which activates them. The aim of the study was to evaluate the molecular mechanism of açai berry administration in a mouse model of wound healing. CD1 male mice were used in this research. Two full-thickness excisional wounds (5 mm) were performed with a sterile biopsy punch on the dorsum to create two circular, full-thickness skin wounds on either side of the median line on the dorsum. Açai berry was administered by oral administration (500 mg/kg dissolved in saline) for 6 days after induction of the wound. Our study demonstrated that açai berry can modulate the Wnt pathway, reducing the expression of Wnt3a, the cysteine-rich domain of frizzled (FZ)8, and the accumulation of cytosolic and nuclear ß-catenin. Moreover, açai berry reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-18, which are target genes strictly downstream of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. It also showed important anti-inflammatory activities by reducing the activation of the NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, Wnt can modulate the activity of growth factors, such as TGF-ß, and VEGF, which are the basis of the wound-healing process. In conclusion, we can confirm that açai berry can modulate the activity of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, as it is involved in the inflammatory process and in the activity of the growth factor implicated in wound healing.

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.

Açai Berry Mitigates Parkinson's Disease Progression Showing Dopaminergic Neuroprotection via Nrf2-HO1 Pathways.

The current pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD) is focused on symptom alleviation rather than disease prevention. In this study, we look at a new strategy to neuroprotection that focuses on nutrition, by a supplementation with Açai berry in an experimental models of PD. Daily orally supplementation with Açai berry dissolved in saline at the dose of 500 mg/kg considerably reduced motor and non-motor symptom and neuronal cell death of the dopaminergic tract induced by 4 injections of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Furthermore, Açai berry administration reduced α-synuclein aggregation in neurons, enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter activities, and avoided dopamine depletion. Moreover, Açai berry administration was able to reduce astrogliosis and microgliosis as well as neuronal death. Its beneficial effects could be due to its bioactive phytochemical components that are able to stimulate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by counteracting the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation that are the basis of this neurodegenerative disease.

Increased Systemic Antioxidant Power Ameliorates the Aging-Related Reduction in Oocyte Competence in Mice.

Ovarian aging is associated with elevated oxidative stress and diminished oocyte developmental competence. We aimed to determine the impact of systemic antioxidant treatment in aged mice. Female outbred CF-1 mice were aged for 9 months prior to an 8-week 45 mg Euterpe oleracea (açaí) daily supplement. The açaí treatment induced a threefold increase in serum antioxidant power (FRAP) compared to both young and aged mice (p < 0.0001). Compared to young mice, aged mice had fewer oocytes and reduced blastocyst development (p < 0.0001); açaí did not affect the oocyte numbers, but improved blastocyst formation (p < 0.05). Additionally, açaí alleviated the aging-related decrease in implantation potential (p < 0.01). The aged mice showed evidence of elevated ovarian ER stress (increased whole-ovary PDIA4 expression, granulosa cell and oocyte GRP78 expression, and oocyte PDIA4 protein), reduced oocyte mitochondrial quality (higher PRKN activation and mitochondrial DNA oxidative damage), and dysregulated uterine glandular epithelium. Antioxidant intervention was sufficient to lessen these effects of ovarian aging, likely in part by the upregulation of NRF2. We conclude that açaí treatment is a promising strategy to improve ER and mitochondrial function in the ovaries, thereby ameliorating the decreased oocyte competence that occurs with ovarian aging.

Effect of microwave-assisted processing on polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase inactivation kinetics of açai-berry (Euterpe oleracea) pulp.

Microwave heating has been considered a promising technology for continuous flow thermal processing of fluid foods due to better retention of quality. Considering the importance of açai-berry pulp and its perishability, the inactivation kinetics of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were investigated under conventional and microwave heating. First-order two-component model was well fitted to the data, indicating the presence of at least two fractions with different resistances. POD was more thermally resistant (90% inactivation for 40 s at 89 °C) and could be considered as a processing target. Inactivation curves dependency on heating technology suggests specific effects of microwaves on the protein structure. Additionally, the dielectric properties of açai-berry pulp were evaluated at 915 and 2,450 MHz for temperatures up to 120 °C. Power penetration depth dropped with temperature at 915 MHz (from 29 to 11 mm), but was less affected at 2,450 MHz (between 8 and 11 mm).

Proteome Dynamics of the Developing Açaí Berry Pericarp (Euterpe oleracea Mart.).

Quantitative proteome analysis of four developmental stages of pericarp tissues of the açaí berry (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) was performed by the isobaric labeling of peptides with iTRAQ 4-plex, hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography pre-fractionation of labeled peptides, and high-performance mass spectrometry analysis. This analysis resulted in the identification of 4286 proteins, of which 476 presented differential abundance between the stages. The differential abundance of these proteins was seen to be coordinated with the metabolic demands during cell division, lignification, and cell expansion at developmental stages 1 and 2 as well as phenolic acid accumulation and metabolic changes in the fruit maturation at developmental stages 3 and 4. The distinct accumulation of anthocyanins observed in the pericarp at developmental stage 4 was correlated with the increase in abundance of some key biosynthetic enzymes, such as leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase, anthocyanidin O-3-glycosyltransferase, and UDP-glycosyltransferase. Here, evidence is also provided for the presence in the açaí berry of secondary metabolites not previously described in açaí, such as pterostilbene, matairesinol, and furaneol. Together, these results will pave the way for studies aimed at the genetic improvement of the nutritional properties of this important fruit crop.

Agrometeorological models to forecast açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) yield in the Eastern Amazon.

BACKGROUND: The increasing demand in Brazil and the world for products derived from the açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart) has generated changes in its production process, principally due to the necessity of maintaining yield in situations of seasonality and climate fluctuation. The objective of this study was to estimate açaí fruit yield in irrigated system (IRRS) and rainfed system or unirrigated (RAINF) using agrometeorological models in response to climate conditions in the eastern Amazon. Modeling was done using multiple linear regression using the 'stepwise forward' method of variable selection. Monthly air temperature (T) values, solar radiation (SR), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), precipitation + irrigation (P + I), and potential evapotranspiration (PET) in six phenological phases were correlated with yield. The thermal necessity value was calculated through the sum of accumulated degree days (ADD) up to the formation of fruit bunch, as well as the time necessary for initial leaf development, using a base temperature of 10 °C. RESULTS: The most important meteorological variables were T, SR, and VPD for IRRS, and for RAINF water stress had the greatest effect. The accuracy of the agrometeorological models, using maximum values for mean absolute percent error (MAPE), was 0.01 in the IRRS and 1.12 in the RAINF. CONCLUSION: Using these models yield was predicted approximately 6 to 9 months before the harvest, in April, May, November, and December in the IRRS, and January, May, June, August, September, and November for the RAINF. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fluorescence spectroscopic and dynamics simulation studies on isoorientin binding with human serum albumin.

Isoorientin (ISOO) a glycosylated flavonoid found in acai berry exhibits relevant activities such as antidiabetic and antidepressant. However, its physicochemical action on any molecular target is scarcely known. In this work, we tackle the problem about the binding of ISOO to human serum albumin (HSA) applying fluorescence spectroscopy bimodal analysis aided by computational simulations. A static quenching process was detected having hypsochromic shift with implication in the polarizability around the endogenous probe (Trp 214) during complex formation. The binding mechanism reveals that all sites are equivalents and independents with binding constant value of 9.1 × 104 M-1 and, a total of six sites accessed whereas three of them were identified experimentally. The thermodynamic evaluation indicates that the complex formation is spontaneous (ΔG<0). The dynamics and docking simulations corroborated the experimental data by adding details of each site and its respective microenvironment.

Milk with Juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) Pulp: Fermentation by L. reuteri LR92 and Reuterin Production in Situ

Abstract This study aimed to develop and evaluate fermented milk by Lactobacillus reuteri LR92 with addition of juçara pulp (FMJ) and reuterin production in situ. The fermentation process was analyzed for 24 hours and the storage of FMJ for 30 days at 4 °C. During the fermentation, there was consumption of 25% (w / v) of lactose and increase of 0.01 to 0.85% (w / v) of lactic acid. The FMJ presented 0.43 ± 0.01 mM of reuterin, inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus strains under in vitro test. For the carbohydrates, the percentages (g.100g-1) found were 7.31 ± 1.07; 9.19 ± 0.82; 1.60 ± 0.50 and 0.08 ± 0.00 for sucrose, lactose, galactose and fructose respectively. The survival of L. reuteri, present in FMJ, was 2.47 log CFU / mL after 6 hours of gastrointestinal simulation. In sensory analysis FMJ received a grade 7 for global acceptance indicating good acceptance of the product.

Impacts of the supplementation of açai lump flour in the diet of laying hens on productive performance, and fatty acid profiles and antioxidant capacity in the fresh and stocked eggs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the supplementation with açaí flour in the feed of laying hens at the end of the production cycle has beneficial effects on the health and performance of the birds and on the quality of the eggs. Groups received basal diets supplemented with 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% açaí lump flour. We observed better productivity linked to oviposition and egg mass in a dose-dependent manner. We also observed higher shell resistance in stored eggs and higher % albumen and peel in fresh eggs. Lower levels of lipoperoxidation were observed in fresh eggs (2.0%). In stored eggs, lipoperoxidation levels were lower in all supplemented groups. The antioxidant capacity levels in fresh or stored eggs was higher (2.0%). We also observed a higher content of monounsaturated fatty acids in the supplemented groups, whereas saturated fatty acids were lower in the egg yolks. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Based on a regression analysis, we verified that 1.47% of açaí flour is ideal in terms of productive efficiency. Dietary supplementation with açaí flour improved performance, egg quality, and had positive effects on the health of hens. Supplementation with açaí flour increased egg shelf life, reducing lipid peroxidation, biochemical reaction responsible for egg putrefaction.

Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Açai) Supplementation Attenuates Acute Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Doxorubicin, a chemotherapy drug used successfully for years, could induce cardiotoxicity. Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açai) is a fruit high in antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity prevention after açai administration. METHODS: A total of 64 male Wistar rats were allocated into 4 groups: control (C), açai (A), doxorubicin (D) and açai-doxorubicin (DA). Rats received regular chow (C and D groups) or chow supplemented with açai 5% (A and DA groups) for 4 weeks. Subsequently, rats received doxorubicin 20 mg/kg (D and DA groups) or saline (C and A groups). Euthanasia was performed 48 hours after doxorubicin injection. Left ventricular function was evaluated by echocardiography in vivo and by isolated heart study ex vivo. Oxidative stress, myocardial metabolism and nitric oxide metabolite were evaluated by spectrophotometry, MMP-2 activity by zymography and caspase-3 and Bcl-2 protein expression by Western blot. RESULTS: Doxorubicin induced decreases in body weight, food and water ingestion. We observed decreases in left ventricular fractional shortening in rats treated with doxorubicin. Additionally, the same rats showed lower +dP/dt and -dP/dt during isolated heart study than those who did not receive doxorubicin. Doxorubicin injection increased caspase-3 protein expression, myocardium lipid hydroperoxide concentration, MMP-2 activity, phosphofructokinase and lactate dehydrogenase activity, and decreased ß-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, complex I, complex II and ATP synthase activity in myocardium. Açai supplementation improved left ventricular fractional shortening, decreased myocardium lipid hydroperoxide concentration, MMP-2 activity, and improved ß-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, phosphofructokinase, citrate synthase, complex II and ATP synthase enzymatic activities. We did not observe differences in nitric oxide metabolite concentrations between groups. CONCLUSION: Doxorubicin induced left ventricular dysfunction, increases in oxidative stress, changes in myocardium metabolism and MMP-2 activation. Açai supplementation was able to prevent these alterations.

Antidepressant and Antiaging Effects of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in Mice.

Depression is a mental disorder that affects 300 million people of all ages worldwide, but fewer than half of those with the condition receive adequate treatment. In addition, the high pharmacological refractoriness (affecting 30%-50% of patients) and toxicity of some classical antidepressants support the pursuit of new therapies. People with this condition show depressed mood, loss of pleasure, high levels of oxidative stress, and accelerated biological aging (decreased telomere length and expression of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), the enzyme responsible for telomere maintenance). Because of the close relationship between depression and oxidative stress, nutraceuticals with antioxidant properties are excellent candidates for therapy. This study represents the first investigation of the possible antidepressant and antiaging effects of commercial samples of clarified açaí (Euterpe oleracea) juice (EO). This fruit is rich in antioxidants and widely consumed. In this study, mice were treated with saline or EO (10 µL/g, oral) for 4 days and then with saline or lipopolysaccharide (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce depressive-like behavior. Only four doses of EO were enough to abolish the despair-like and anhedonia behaviors and alterations observed in electromyographic measurements. The antidepression effect of EO was similar to that of imipramine and associated with antioxidant and antiaging effects (preventing lipid peroxidation and increasing TERT mRNA expression, respectively) in three major brain regions involved in depression (hippocampus, striatum, and prefrontal cortex). Additionally, EO significantly protected hippocampal cells, preventing neuronal loss associated with the depressive-like state and nitrite level increases (an indirect marker of nitric oxide production). Moreover, EO alone significantly increased TERT mRNA expression, revealing for the first time a potent antiaging action in the brain that suggests neuroprotection against long-term age-related consequences.

Innovative pH sensors developed from ultrafine fibers containing açaí (Euterpe oleracea) extract.

This work describes the development of ultrafine fibers with açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) extract (AE) for use as pH sensors with potential applications in the food industry. The fibers were produced by electrospinning with polymeric solutions composed of 7% (w v-1) polycaprolactone, 2% (w v-1) polyethylene oxide and 3% (w v-1) AE solubilized in chloroform and methanol (3:1). The mean diameter of the fibers was 1635 ±â€¯277 nm, with hydrophilic characteristics (contact angle < 90°), a melting point of 58 °C and a maximum degradation temperature of 408 °C. The total color difference (ΔΕ) of the colorimetric response was greater than 5, corresponding to the human ability for color differentiation. This new material can be used as a pH sensor for foods such as pork and fish to ensure quality and safety for the consumer, who can visually check the condition of the products.

Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) dietary intake affects plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, cholesteryl ester transfer to high-density lipoprotein and redox metabolism: A prospective study in women.

The açai fruit (Euterpe oleracea Martius), which is native to the Brazilian Amazon region, was shown to have high polyphenols and MUFA contents. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of açai consumption on plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, the transfer of lipids to HDL (which is a relevant HDL function), and some biomarkers of redox metabolism. Forty healthy volunteer women aged 24 ± 3 years consumed 200 g of açai pulp/day for 4 weeks; their clinical variables and blood sample were obtained before and after this period. Açai pulp consumption did not alter anthropometric parameters, systemic arterial pressure, glucose, insulin and total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein (apo) B, but it did increase the concentration of apo A-I. Açai consumption decreased the ROS, ox-LDL and malondialdehyde while increasing the activity of antioxidative paraoxonase 1. Overall, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was increased. Regarding the transfer of plasma lipids to HDL, açai consumption increased the transfer of cholesteryl esters (p = 0.0043) to HDL. Unesterified cholesterol, phospholipids and triglyceride transfers were unaffected. The increase in apo A-I and the cholesteryl ester transfer to HDL after the açai intake period suggests that an improvement in the metabolism of this lipoprotein occurred, and it is well known that HDL is protective against atherosclerosis. Another important finding was the general improvement of the anti-oxidant defences elicited by açai consumption. Our data indicate that açai has favourable actions on plasma HDL metabolism and anti-oxidant defence; therefore açai could have a beneficial overall role against atherosclerosis, and it is a consistently good candidate to consider as a functional food.

Development of Yoghurt with Juçara Pulp (Euterpe edulis M.) and the Probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus La5.

Yoghurts are dairy products consumed worldwide and can be supplemented with substances that provide extra health benefits as well as probiotic strains. In this context, the present study aimed to prepare a yoghurt added of juçara (Euterpe edulis M.) pulp and the commercial probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus La5. Moreover, the probiotic survival during storage and after in vitro exposure to simulated gastric and enteric conditions was evaluated. Four formulations of yoghurt were prepared: (a) natural yoghurt, (b) yoghurt added of probiotic, (c) yoghurt added of juçara pulp, and (d) yoghurt added of probiotic culture and juçara pulp. The preparations were evaluated for survival of probiotic strain during storage and its tolerance to gastric and enteric conditions in vitro. The probiotic population in yoghurt remained unchanged during 28 days of storage. In addition, juçara pulp increased the probiotic resistance to simulated gastric and enteric conditions in the first day of storage. These data indicate that juçara pulp is a potential ingredient for the production of probiotic yoghurts.

Malvidin and cyanidin derivatives from açai fruit (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) counteract UV-A-induced oxidative stress in immortalized fibroblasts.

UV-A radiations are known to induce cellular oxidative stress, leading to premature skin aging. Consumption of açai fruit (Euterpe oleracea Martius) is known to have many health benefits due to its high level of antioxidants. Herein, we analyzed the ability of phenolic compounds extracted from this fruit to attenuate UV-A-induced oxidative stress in immortalized fibroblast. A methanol/water açai extract was fractionated by HPLC and each fraction tested for anti-oxidant stress activity. Immortalized fibroblasts were pre-incubated with açai fractions and then exposed to UV-A radiations. Açai extract was found to be able to strongly protect cells from oxidative stress. In particular, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, GSH depletion, lipid peroxidation and no increase in the phosphorylation levels of proteins involved in the oxidative stress pathway was observed in cells pre-incubated with the extract and then irradiated by UV-A. Mass spectrometry analyses of HPLC fractionated extract led us to the identification of malvidin and cyanidin derivatives as the most active molecules able to counteract the negative effects induced by UV-A irradiation. Our results indicate, for the first time, that açai fruit is a valuable natural source for malvidin and cyanidin to be used as anti-stress molecules and represent good candidates for dietary intervention in the prevention of age related skin damage.

Retinal Toxicity of Acai Fruit (Euterpe Oleracea) Dye Concentrations in Rabbits: Basic Principles of a New Dye for Chromovitrectomy in Humans.

PURPOSE: Evaluate toxicity of acai fruit (Euterpe oleracea) dye concentrations in a rabbit model. METHODS: Rabbits were injected intravitreously with 10%, 25%, and 35% acai dye concentrations. Control eyes received balanced salt solution (BSS). Electroretinogram (ERG), fundus imaging, fluorescein angiography (FA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and light and transmission electron microscopy (LM/TEM) were performed. RESULTS: Fundus imaging showed increased vitreous opacity with increased dye concentrations. FA and OCT showed normality with all concentrations. Comparisons between BSS and dye concentrations were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mood's median test (p < 0.05). At 24 h, ERGs showed reduced amplitudes from baseline in all eyes. Median b-wave amplitudes nonsignificantly decreased and latency increased with 10% and 25%; findings were significant (p < 0.05) for 35%. LM and TEM showed no abnormalities for 10% and 25%. With 35%, TEM showed ganglion cell edema at 24 h that resolved after 7 days. Vacuolization, multilamellar bodies, and nerve bundle damage occurred at 24 h/7 days in the inner nuclear layer. Mitochondrial cristae disruption occurred in the inner photoreceptor segment at 24 h that decreased by 7 days. CONCLUSION: Ten and twenty-five percent concentrations were safe and may improve identification of the posterior hyaloid and internal limiting membrane during chromovitrectomy in humans.

Synbiotic Amazonian palm berry (açai, Euterpe oleracea Mart.) ice cream improved Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG survival to simulated gastrointestinal stress.

The effect of açai pulp ice cream and of its supplementation with inulin (I), whey protein concentrate (WC), and/or whey protein isolate (WI) on the viability and resistance to simulated gastrointestinal stress of the probiotic Lactobacillus (Lb.) rhamnosus GG strain throughout storage at -18 °C for up to 112 days was evaluated and morphological changes during stress were monitored. Lb. rhamnosus GG viability was stable in all formulations for up to 112 days of storage, preserving populations around 9 log CFU g-1. Compared to the fresh culture, Lb. rhamnosus GG showed higher survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions when incorporated into açai ice cream, indicating that the presence of the food matrix contributed to the microorganism survival. A reduction of at least 5 log cycles of Lb. rhamnosus GG was observed in all formulations after the gastrointestinal simulation in all storage periods assessed. The addition of I, WC, and/or WI did not show any significant effect on the probiotic survival under simulated gastrointestinal stress (p < 0.05). Compared to the fresh culture, fewer morphological changes were observed when the probiotic was added to ice cream. Thus, the açai pulp ice cream was shown to be a suitable matrix for Lb. rhamnosus GG, improving its survival under in vitro simulated gastrointestinal conditions.