Acai

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This fact sheet provides basic information about acai (pronounced ahsigh-EE)—common names, what the science says, potential side effects 

and cautions, and resources for more information.

Common Names—acai, açaí, Amazonian palm berry

Latin Name—Euterpe oleracea

The acai palm tree, native to tropical Central and South America, 

produces a reddish-purple berry. The acai berry’s name, which comes

from a language of the native people of the region, means “fruit that 

cries.” The acai berry has long been an important food source for 

indigenous peoples of the Amazon region, who also use acai for a 

variety of health-related purposes.

Acai berry products have become popular in the United States, where 

they have been marketed as folk or traditional remedies for weight-loss 

and anti-aging purposes, but there is no definitive scientific evidence to 

support these claims. Acai fruit pulp has been used experimentally as 

an oral contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the 

gastrointestinal tract.

Acai berry products are available as juices, powders, tablets, and capsules.

What the Science Says 

• There is no definitive scientific evidence based on studies in humans 

to support the use of acai berry for any health-related purpose.

• No independent studies have been published in peer-reviewed 

journals that substantiate claims that acai supplements alone 

promote rapid weight loss. Researchers who investigated the 

safety profile of an acai-fortified juice in animals observed that 

there were no body weight changes in rats given the juice 

compared with controls.

• Laboratory studies have focused on acai berry’s potential 

antioxidant properties (antioxidants are substances that are 

thought to protect cells from damaging effects of chemical reactions 

with oxygen). Laboratory studies also have shown that acai berries 

demonstrate anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity.
Side Effects and Cautions 

• There is little reliable information about the safety of acai as a supplement. It is widely 

consumed as an edible fruit or as a juice.

• People who are allergic to acai or to plants in the Arecaceae (palm) family should not 

consume acai.

• Consuming acai might affect MRI test results. If you use acai products and are scheduled 

for an MRI, check with your health care provider.

• Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give 

them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure 

coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about 

complementary and alternative medicine, see NCCAM’s Time to Talk campaign at 

nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk/. 

Sources

Acai. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on April 19, 2011.

Acai (Euterpe oleracea). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturalstandard.com on April 19, 2011.

Acai berry diet. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturalstandard.com on April 19, 2011.

Marcason W. What is the açaí berry and are there health benefits? Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 

2009;109(11):1968.

Schreckinger ME, Lotton J, Lila MA, et al. Berries from South America: a comprehensive review on chemistry, health 

potential, and commercialization. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2010;13(2):233-246.

For More Information

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view Using Dietary Supplements Wisely

(nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm).

NCCAM Clearinghouse

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov

PubMed®

Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov/

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the 

medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to 

discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of 

any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

National Institutes of Health

♦♦♦

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

D460

Created April 2011

Updated April 2012