Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.)

Zusammenfassung

Die Früchte der Kohlpalme Euterpe oleracea Martius (»Açaí-Beeren«) werden als Nahrungsergänzungsmittel mit einem breiten Spektrum gesundheitlicher und therapeutischer Wirkungen propagiert, die auf den hohen Gehalt an Antioxidanzien zurückzuführen sein sollen. In vielen Regionen Brasiliens hat die Palme eine lange Geschichte als Heilpflanze sowie als Nahrungslieferant. Traditionell werden die Früchte zur Behandlung von Fieber, Hauterkrankungen, Verdauungsstörungen und Parasitenbefall eingesetzt. Die Açaí-Beere besitzt einen relativ hohen Gehalt an Polyphenolen, der in verschiedenen (meist In-vitro-) Studien mit antioxidativen, entzündungshemmenden, antiproliferativen und kardioprotektiven Eigenschaften in Verbindung gebracht wird. Der vorliegende Beitrag fasst das gesicherte Wissen über die Phytochemie und Pharmakologie der Pflanze (sowie deren Grenzen) zusammen. Da es bisher nur wenige Studien gibt, sind die Ergebnisse größtenteils nicht eindeutig. Açaí besitzt ein vielversprechendes Potenzial im Bereich antiproliferativer und kardioprotektiver Wirkung, doch weitere Untersuchungen sind notwendig. Die vielfach geltend gemachten gesundheitlichen Wirkungen der Pflanze können nur in begrenztem Umfang bestätigt werden.

Summary

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) - a phytochemical and pharmacological assessment of the species’ health claims

The palm Euterpe oleracea Martius (açaí) has been acclaimed to have a wide range of health-promoting and therapeutic benefits due to its reportedly high levels of antioxidants. Açaí has a history of use as a medicinal plant and as a staple food in many parts of Brazil. Traditionally, it has been used to treat fevers, skin complications, digestive disorders and parasitic infections. Açaí has a relatively high content of polyphenols, which in turn has been linked to a range of reported (mostly in vitro) antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and cardioprotective properties. This review highlights the scientific knowledge about its phytochemistry and pharmacology (and its limitations). Since there have been very limited studies the results are mostly inconclusive. Açaí demonstrates promising potential with regard to antiproliferative activity and cardioprotection but further studies are required. Claims about alleged health benefits can generally only be substantiated to a very limited degree.

Schlüsselwörter

Euterpe oleracea Mart. - Açaí - Arecaceae (Palmae) - Gewichtsabnahme - kardiovaskuläre Gesundheit - Nutrazeutika - traditionelle Medizin - traditionelle Nahrungsmittel

Key words

Euterpe oleracea Mart. - açai - Arecaceae (Palmae) - weight loss - cardiovascular health - nutraceuticals - traditional medicine - traditional food

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