Acai Berry

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. © The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected].

To examine the effects of 7-days juçara powder (JP) intake on oxidative stress biomarkers and endurance and sprint cycling performances. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, and triple-blind study, 20 male trained cyclists were assigned to intake 10 g of JP (240 mg anthocyanins) or placebo (PLA) for 7 days and performed a cycling time-to-exhaustion (TTE). A 5 s cycling sprint was performed before and after the cycling TTE. Blood oxidative stress biomarkers and lactate concentration where evaluated 1 h before (T-1), immediately after (T0), and 1 h after (T1) the cycling TTE. The mean duration time for the cycling TTE was 8.4 ± 6.0% (63 ± 17 s) longer in the JP condition (JP: 751 ± 283 s) compared to PLA (688 ± 266 s) (P < 0.019). Two-way repeated measures Analysis of variance showed an increase in the JP condition for reduced glutathione (GSH) (P = 0.049) at T0 (P = 0.039) and T1 (P = 0.029) compared to PLA with a moderate effect size at T0 (d = 0.61) and T1 (d = 0.57). Blood lactate levels increased over time in both conditions (P ≤ 0.001). No differences were observed for the post-TTE sprint fatigue index, total phenols, protein carbonyls, and glutathione peroxidase activity. Seven-day intake of JP improved cycling endurance performance and increased GSH levels but had no effect on lactate and cycling sprint-induced fatigue.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of acai supplementation (AS) on markers of muscle damage. Twelve men participated in the 21-day study. All performed the damage protocol (DP) in two moments, separated by 7 days. The DP consisted of 10 sets of 10 CMJs, with a recovery of 1 min between sets. The AS was performed for 7 days with 40 g/day of dehydrated acai (GA) or placebo (GP). Blood parameters (CK, LDH and Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity - TEAC) were evaluated at 0 h and 24 h. Ultrasound images (VL, RF and GM), DOMS in lower limbs and isometric peak torque (IPT) of knee extensors and flexors were evaluated at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after DP. A time-treatment interaction was observed for TEAC (p = 0.01), in which the GA presented increases of 11% after 24 h. Similarly, time-treatment interaction was observed for knee flexors IPT (p = 0.02), where GA showed superior recovery after 24 h (GA = 108 ± 23 vs. GP = 92 ± 24 N∙m) and 72 h (GA = 113 ± 31 vs. GP = 98 ± 26 N∙m). No significance was observed in the fatigue index for knee extensors (p = 0.75) and flexors (p = 0.89), indicating similar fatigue in both situations. We concluded that AS increased the TEAC and promoted faster recovery of the knee flexors IPT when compared to GP.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of antioxidant supplementation with açaí extract on the discomfort with chronic tinnitus and the relationship with the levels of anxiety and oxidative metabolism, not excluding the overlap of diseases. METHODS: Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. 30 individuals participated, with an average of 50.5 years, 14 males and 16 females, with normal hearing thresholds or sensorineural hearing loss up to mild degree, divided into two groups: Placebo Group (without active) and, Açaí Group (100mg of açaí extract). The following procedures were applied before and after three months of treatments: Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and blood samples for evaluation of oxidative stress biomarkers (Lipid Peroxidation and Protein Carbonylation). RESULTS: There was a reduction in the discomfort of tinnitus for the açaí group verified through THI (p = 0.006). Significant differences were found in the score of common symptoms for anxiety disorders in the placebo group (p = 0.016), however, the same was not observed for oxidative metabolism biomarkers, although there was a decrease in post-treatment values for all groups. CONCLUSION: Oral antioxidant supplementation, with açaí extract, showed favorable effects on tinnitus, reducing discomfort with the symptom, regardless of the underlying etiology, and can be considered a treatment modality. However, the effect of this supplementation on anxiety symptoms and oxidative stress biomarkers needs further investigation. Publisher: OBJETIVO: Investigar os efeitos da suplementação antioxidante com extrato de açaí no incômodo com o zumbido crônico e a relação com os níveis de ansiedade e metabolismo oxidativo, não excluindo a sobreposição de enfermidades. MÉTODO: Ensaio clínico, randomizado, controlado por placebo. Participaram 30 indivíduos, com média de 50,5 anos, 14 do sexo masculino e 16 do feminino, com limiares auditivos normais ou perda auditiva sensorioneural até grau leve bilateralmente, divididos em dois grupos: Grupo Placebo (sem ativo) e Grupo Açaí (100mg de extrato de açaí). Aplicaram-se os seguintes procedimentos antes e após três meses dos tratament

PURPOSE: Obesity is an inflammatory-related disease, which recruits immune system cells triggering to imbalanced production of cytokines. Obesity management and treatment using foods bioactive compounds have gained clinical and scientific relevance. Juçara (Euterpe edulis Mart.) fruit is rich in fibers, unsaturated lipids and, anthocyanins showing potential health benefits. Thus, we investigated the effect of juçara pulp intake on inflammatory status of monocytes from obese individuals. METHODS: It is a placebo-controlled, randomized double-blind trial. Twenty-seven obese participants (BMI between 30.0 and 39.9 kg/m2) of both genders from 31 to 59-year-old, divided into two groups: 5 g juçara freeze-dried pulp or 5 g of placebo for 6 weeks. Before and after supplementation, blood samples were collected and monocytes obtained and stimulated with lipopolysaccharides. After 24 h of incubation, the cells and supernatants were analyzed. RESULTS: Post-treatment, juçara reduced TLR4, and IL-6 mRNA compared to placebo. Juçara also increased IL-10 mRNA in post-treatment. The protein expression of TLR4 pathway post-treatment, MYD88 expression reduced in juçara group compared to placebo. The juçara post-treatment reduced pIKKα/β compared to the placebo. Ob-R protein levels were higher in the juçara group post-treatment compared to pre-treatment. IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 production by monocytes were reduced by juçara in post-treatment compared to pre-treatment levels. The supplementation increased IL-10 in juçara group with LPS compared to pre-treatment and versus juçara group without LPS. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated a proinflammatory state at the beginning, which was improved by juçara pulp consumption. Our results suggest juçara pulp as a potential tool against the proinflammatory status of obesity.

Nutrigenomics is an emerging field in obesity since epigenetic markers can be modified by environmental factors including diet. Considering juçara composition-rich in anthocyanins, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and fibers-it has the potential for epigenetic modulation. We evaluated the juçara supplementation modulating the serum fatty acids profile and epigenetic markers in monocytes of adult obese humans. It was a randomized double-blind, controlled trial with 27 obese (Body mass index between 30.0 and 39.9 kg/m²) participants of both genders aged from 31 to 59 years, divided into juçara group (5 g juçara freeze-dried pulp) or placebo group (5 g of maltodextrin) for 6 weeks. Before and after supplementation, blood samples were collected. The serum and monocytes cells obtained were cultured and stimulated with lipopolysaccharides as proinflammatory stimulus. After 24 h of incubation, the cells and supernatants were collected and analyzed. Juçara improved the serum fatty acids profile on unsaturated fatty acids levels. The epigenetic markers evaluated were improved post-treatment. Also, the methylated DNA level was increased after treatment. We find that juçara supplementation is a predictor of methyl CpG binding proteins 2 (MeCP2) in monocytes. Concluding, juçara supplementation improved the serum fatty acids profile, modulating the epigenetic markers in monocytes from obese individuals.

Conditions such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases represent significant global public health challenges, driven by their increasing prevalence and profound effects on morbidity and mortality. Dyslipidemia, defined by abnormal lipid concentrations, performs a pivotal role in the onset of cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis. Dietary strategies and other nonpharmacological interventions are crucial for the management of dyslipidemia. Açaí (Euterpe oleracea), a fruit native to the Amazon, is recognised for its antioxidant properties and potential impact on lipid metabolism. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of açaí consumption on lipid profile markers. A systematic search was performed across several databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus. We included non-randomised, randomised, no blind, blind and control trials involving adult participants who received açaí in any form. The outcome measures included triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-c and HDL-c. The screening of studies and data extraction were independently conducted by four reviewers. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, and meta-analyses were completed where applicable. Out of 188 identified studies, 8 met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of 411 participants displayed no significant effect of açaí on LDL-c (MD = 6.06 mg/dL 95% CI: -0.03, 12.48, p = 0.06), HDL-c (MD = 0.30 mg/dL 95% CI: -1.54, 2.13, p = 0.75), total cholesterol (MD = 2.94 mg/dL 95% CI: -6.44, 12.31, p = 0.54) and triglycerides (MD = 2.05 mg/dL 95% CI: 1.79, 2.28, p = 0.59). Additionally, açaí consumption was related to a significant reduction in total lipids (MD = -9.80 g, 95% CI: -13.94 to -5.66, p < 0.001). GRADE evaluation pointed to low/very low certainty of evidence. Açaí consumption may lessen total lipid levels, but no significant effect was noted for cholesterol parameters and triglycerides. Further trials with more demanding research methodologies are required to clarify the effects of açaí on lipid profiles. Trial Registration: CRD42024549531. © 2025 British Nutrition Foundation.

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), as defined by DSM-5-TR and CDDR, comprise heterogeneous early-onset conditions involving executive dysfunction, motor planning deficits, language impairments, and socio-emotional dysregulation. Evidence from neuroimaging and clinical studies suggests that music-based interventions may engage distributed neural networks-including fronto-striatal, temporo-parietal, limbic, and brainstem circuits-through predictive timing, cross-modal synchronization, and adaptive plasticity. However, clinical translation has been hindered by methodological heterogeneity, insufficient standardization, and reduced reproducibility, together with limited integration of clinical, functional, and neurophysiological indicators, absence of unified protocols combining individualized and orchestral modules with explicit transfer mechanisms, and insufficient monitoring of fidelity and multisite feasibility. This perspective proposes the IncluSive Orchestral mUsic therapy accordiNg to the euterpe methoD (I-SOUND), a clinically adapted orchestral framework structured to integrate three complementary modules: Individual Music Therapy (IMT), an Orchestral Music Therapy module (OMT), and a Multidirectional and Iterative Transfer Process (MIT-P). Developed from the progressive refinement of the Euterpe Method and the pediatric EM Active algorithm, the model is intended to target specific neurofunctional domains and to explore generalization to everyday contexts. A two-phase evaluation-comprising an observational study followed by a randomized controlled trial-is planned to assess feasibility, fidelity, sustainability, and clinical applicability in heterogeneous NDD populations. Particular attention is given to the methodological challenge of balancing ethical inclusion with internal validity. No efficacy claims are advanced, as the framework requires empirical verification before clinical conclusions can be drawn.

AIMS: Postprandial hyperlipidaemia (PPL), characterized by elevated triglyceride (TG) concentrations after a meal, is common in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and is often recognized as an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Here, we aimed to assess the effect of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition by alirocumab on PPL in patients with T2D. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EUTERPE is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial conducted in male patients with T2D. Participants received sequentially two sequences of 10-week treatment (alirocumab 75 mg Q2W or placebo s/c) with a wash-out period of 10 weeks. The primary end-point was the percentage reduction in plasma TG response after an oral fat load (incremental area under the curve [iAUC]0-8h TG). Secondary end-points included mass spectrometry-based apolipoprotein measurements and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based lipoprotein profiling. RESULTS: Fourteen participants were included: age 59 ± 9 years, BMI 32.8 ± 5.5 kg/m2, HbA1C 6.7 ± 0.5%. Compared to placebo, alirocumab did not reduce PPL (iAUC0-8h TG: -5% [CI 95%: -28, +25], p = 0.68). Alirocumab decreased fasting non-HDL cholesterol (-38.5 ± 5.6%, p = 0.0003), remnant cholesterol (-20.0 ± 13.3%, p = 0.04), apoB100 (-21.2 ± 6.4%, p = 0.004) and apoE (-15.3 ± 6.6%, p = 0.02) concentrations. NMR analyses showed that alirocumab decreased both postprandial VLDL2 cholesterol (-42% [-55, -25], p < 0.001) and IDL cholesterol (-26% [-38, -12], p = 0.0007), without effect on VLDL1 cholesterol or TG concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of PCSK9 by alirocumab did not reduce PPL in T2D, confirming that PCSK9 controls remnant cholesterol catabolism rather than intestinal chylomicron production. © 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the three leading causes of maternal mortality. Herbal medicine is one of the well-known methods of treatment in the world. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine and compare the effect of dates, grape seed and dill seed extracts on the PPH rate in women in the fourth stage of labor. METHODS: Two hundred eligible multiparous women visiting the maternity ward in Hamadan for normal delivery participated in this double-blind parallel-group clinical trial. They were randomly divided into four 50-member groups of experiment (3 groups) and control (1 group). The data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. In the experimental groups, in addition to routine care and oxytocin administration, the mothers received a capsule containing 15 mg of dill seeds extract or 20 mg of grape seed extract or 5 g of dates extract immediately after the delivery, and then their hemorrhage rates were measured one and two hours after delivery. The control group received routine care, oxytocin, and placebo. Data were analyzed in SPSS 21. RESULTS: The hemorrhage changes in the placebo group were much less than the intervention groups at 1 and 2 hours after delivery, and the four groups had a significant difference in terms of hemorrhage in both hours (p <0.001). The overall difference between the dates extract group and the placebo and grape seed groups was also statistically significant (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: All three extracts of dates, grape seed and dill seeds, especially dates, can be effective in PPH reduction.

Excess body weight has been associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial stiffness. Foods rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins such as açaí-juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) fruit may have protective vascular effects. Thus, we examined the effect of dietary intake of anthocyanins (açaí-juçara fruit) on endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation [FMD]) and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity [PWV]) in individuals with excess body weight. Fifty-five individuals with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 were randomized into non-anthocyanin (N-ATH, n = 25) or anthocyanin (ATH, n = 30) intake groups. A 12-week individualized diet plan (20% reduction in total energy intake) was prescribed and included daily intake of açaí-juçara 200 g (anthocyanins 293.6 mg) in the ATH diet plan. We evaluated anthropometric and biochemical parameters, FMD, PWV, and peripheral vascular resistance (PVR). A GEE (Bonferroni post-hoc) was used (p ≤ 0.05). No change in FMD was observed. However, PWV showed a reduction from baseline in the ATH (p = 0.002) and vs. N-ATH (p = 0.036). Both groups showed reduced peripheral vascular resistance (N-ATH, p = 0.005; ATH, p = 0.040) with no significant differences between them. In conclusion, dietary intake of anthocyanins proved effective in protecting against arterial stiffness (by PWV) in individuals with excess weight. PVR was reduced in both diet groups regardless of dietary intake of anthocyanins. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

OBJECTIVE: High-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) may enhance the antiinflammatory status. The juçara fruit juice (JFJ) has well-established antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. This study investigated the effect of JFJ consumption on the inflammatory response to HIIE in physically active subjects. METHODS: In a randomized crossover design, 15 men were assigned to drink 250 mL of either JFJ or water (control) 1 h before a cycling HIIE session (seven sets of 60 s at 100% peak power output; 75 s recovery between sets). Blood samples were obtained before and at 0, 30, and 60 min post-HIIE, and the serum was analyzed for interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cortisol. RESULTS: After HIIE, the IL-6 levels were higher than baseline (percent change) at 30 min (P = 0.041) and 60 min (P = 0.038) for the control, but were unaffected by JFJ. IL-10 was higher in the JFJ group than in the control at 30 min (d = ‒0.63). Tumor necrosis factor-α was lower than baseline at 30 min for the control (d = ‒0.71) and at 60 min for the JFJ group (d = ‒0.60). For control, cortisol increased to higher than the baseline at 30 and 60 min (d = 0.54 and d = 0.76, respectively). For the JFJ group, the cortisol levels were significantly higher than the baseline at 30 min (P = 0.022). Performance during sprints was higher in the JFJ group than in the control (P = 0.002). In the control group, performance was with both IL-6 (semipartial correlation; sr = -0.59, large effect size) and cortisol at 0 h (sr = -0.52, large effect size). CONCLUSIONS: JFJ intake attenuated the antiinflammatory response to HIIE, possibly resulting from a lower degree of muscle stress.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of moderate-term açaí and juçara juice intake on fasting glucose, lipid profile, and oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy subjects. METHODS: A randomized cross-over study was performed with 30 healthy adults. The subjects were assigned to drink 200 mL/day of açaí or juçara juice for four weeks with a 4-week washout period. Before and after each nutritional intervention, blood samples were obtained to evaluate the outcomes: fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), small, dense LDL-c (sd-LDL-c), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), uric acid, and activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). RESULTS: After four weeks, açaí and juçara juices increased the concentrations of HDL-c by 7.7% and 11.4%, respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, açaí juice intake promoted significant increases in TAC (66.7%), CAT (275.1%), GPx (15.3%), and a decrease in OSI (55.7%) compared to baseline (P < 0.05 for all). Juçara juice intake significantly increased CAT activity (~15.0%) in relation to baseline. No significant intergroup differences were observed for any outcomes (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicated a positive impact of regular consumption of açaí and juçara juices on the HDL-c levels, as well as on the antioxidant enzyme activities, which may contribute to cardiovascular health.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a hypoenergetic diet (HD)associated with açaí pulp consumption on oxidative stress, antioxidant status and inflammatory biomarkers in overweight, dyslipidemic individuals. RESEARCH METHODS & PROCEDURES: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted for 90 days. The study began with a 30-day run-in period, during which the intervention was exclusively a HD. Following this period, volunteers were randomized into 2 groups, and 200 g of either açaí pulp or placebo were added to the HD for 60 days. Anthropometric measurements, arterial pressure, oxidative stress and antioxidant status biomarkers, inflammatory and biochemical biomarkers were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty-nine volunteers completed the clinical trial, 30 of which were in the HD + açaí group and 39 in HD + placebo group. Plasma 8-isoprostane concentrations significantly reduced 60 days after the intervention in the açaí group (p = 0.000), and there was a significant difference between the groups (açaí versus placebo; p = 0.037). Regarding inflammatory status parameters, a significant reduction in IL-6 was observed in the HD + açaí group (p = 0.042), and IFN-γ decreased significantly in both groups, HD + açaí (p = 0.001) and HD + placebo (p = 0.008); there were, however, no differences between the groups. Lipid profile parameters and blood glucose levels did not show change, regardless of nutritional intervention. CONCLUSION: The addition of açaí to a HD, for 60 days, reduced oxidative stress and improved inflammation in overweight, dyslipidemic individuals.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) berries, characterized by high polyphenol concentrations (predominantly anthocyanins), have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities. The study objective was to determine the modulation of lipid and glucose-metabolism, as well as oxidative stress and inflammation, by an açaí-beverage (containing 1139 mg L-1 gallic acid equivalents of total polyphenolics) in 37 individuals with metabolic syndrome (BMI 33.5 ± 6.7 kg m-2) who were randomized to consume 325 mL twice per d of a placebo control or açaí-beverage for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, and blood and urine samples were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks of consumption. Two functional biomarkers, plasma level of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and urinary level of 8-isoprostane, were significantly decreased after 12 weeks of açaí consumption compared to the placebo control (p = 0.0141 and 0.0099, respectively). No significant modification of biomarkers for lipid- and glucose-metabolism was observed in this study. Findings from this small pilot study provide a weak indication that the selected dose of açaí polyphenols may be beneficial in metabolic syndrome as only two biomarkers for inflammation and oxidative stress were improved over 12 weeks. Follow-up studies should be conducted with higher polyphenol-doses before drawing conclusions regarding the efficacy of açaí polyphenols in metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Açai (Euterpe oleracea) is a polyphenol-rich fruit marketed as beneficial for health. Experimental data showing improvements in health markers arising from açai consumption in humans is limited. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of açai consumption on acute changes in vascular function and on other disease risk markers, including postprandial plasma insulin, glucose, and oxidative stress. DESIGN: Twenty-three healthy male volunteers, aged 30-65 y and with a body mass index (in kg/m2) of 25-30, completed a randomized, controlled, high-fat challenge, double-blind, crossover, acute dietary intervention trial. The volunteers consumed either an açai-based smoothie (AS) or a macronutrient-matched control smoothie (PS) together with a high-fat breakfast meal challenge. The primary endpoint was the assessment of endothelial function in the brachial artery by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). RESULTS: The acute consumption of an AS containing 694 mg total phenolics improved vascular function, with postprandial increases in FMD from baseline of 1.4% at 2 h compared with 0.4% after consumption of the PS (P = 0.001) and increases at 6 h of 0.8% for the AS compared with -0.3% for the PS (P < 0.001). There was also a significantly lower incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for total peroxide oxidative status after açai consumption relative to the control. No significant changes were observed in blood pressure, heart rate, or postprandial glucose response. However, the first postprandial insulin peak (after breakfast) and the iAUC for insulin were elevated for the AS relative to the PS. CONCLUSIONS: In this acute study in overweight men, açai consumption was associated with improvements in vascular function, which may lower the risk of a cardiovascular event. Future intervention studies, perhaps with a chronic design, in wider populations and with other biomarkers of disease risk are needed to fully elucidate the benefits of açai to health. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02292329. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

The study analyzed the effect of an açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) functional beverage (AB) on muscle and oxidative stress markers, cardiorespiratory responses, perceived exertion, and time-to-exhaustion during maximal treadmill running. The beverage was developed as an ergogenic aid for athletes and contained 27.6 mg of anthocyanins per dose. Fourteen athletes performed 3 exercise tests: a ramp-incremental maximal exercise test and 2 maximal exercise bouts performed in 2 conditions (AB and without AB (control)) at 90% maximal oxygen uptake. Blood was collected at baseline and after maximal exercise in both conditions to determine biomarkers. AB increased time to exhaustion during short-term high-intensity exercise (mean difference: 69 s, 95% confidence interval = -296 s to 159 s, t = 2.2, p = 0.045), attenuating the metabolic stress induced by exercise (p < 0.05). AB also reduced perceived exertion and enhanced cardiorespiratory responses (p < 0.05). The AB may be a useful and practical ergogenic aid to enhance performance during high-intensity training.