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Aguaje Fruit Extract

Also known as: Aguaje, Moriche palm fruit, Moriche palm extract, Mauritia flexuosa L.f.

Overview

Aguaje fruit extract is derived from the pulp of *Mauritia flexuosa*, a palm tree native to the Amazon region of South America. Traditionally consumed as food, this extract is a rich source of various beneficial compounds, including high levels of vitamin A (primarily beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, and potent antioxidants such as polyphenols and tocotrienols. It is also notable for its phytoestrogen content, particularly methoxyflavans. Aguaje extract is marketed for its potential benefits in supporting skin health, providing antioxidant protection, and alleviating symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency, such as those experienced during premenstrual syndrome. While research is emerging, current evidence includes biochemical analyses and a limited number of randomized controlled trials, with no comprehensive systematic reviews specific to aguaje alone.

Benefits

Aguaje fruit extract offers several potential benefits, primarily due to its rich phytochemical profile. Preliminary evidence from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=44) suggests that 100 mg/day of aguaje extract can improve subjective indefinite complaints and emotional status related to premenstrual syndrome in Japanese women over 8 weeks. This effect is attributed to its phytoestrogen content, which may modulate hormonal pathways. Aguaje also exhibits strong antioxidant activity, with its pulp and seeds containing high levels of polyphenols (up to ~270 mg GAE/100 g), as demonstrated by DPPH assays, indicating its potential to reduce oxidative stress. While not isolated to aguaje, a 2023 meta-analysis on oral fruit or fruit extract supplementation indicated significant improvements in skin hydration and reductions in transepidermal water loss, suggesting broader skin benefits from antioxidant-rich fruit extracts. Furthermore, aguaje is recognized as one of the richest natural sources of vitamin A and contains tocotrienols, contributing to its overall nutritional and health-promoting properties.

How it works

The primary mechanism of action for aguaje fruit extract's estrogenic effects is attributed to its methoxyflavan content, which acts as phytoestrogens. These compounds can bind to estrogen receptors in the body, thereby modulating hormonal pathways and potentially alleviating symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, such as those seen in premenstrual syndrome. The antioxidant properties of aguaje are due to its high concentration of polyphenols, tocotrienols (a form of vitamin E), and vitamins A and C. These compounds work by scavenging free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative damage to cells and tissues. By neutralizing these free radicals, aguaje helps to reduce oxidative stress. While the specific bioavailability of aguaje's compounds is not fully characterized, it is likely similar to that of other fruit-derived polyphenols and fat-soluble vitamins.

Side effects

Based on current research, aguaje fruit extract appears to have a favorable safety profile. The primary clinical trial investigating its effects on premenstrual symptoms reported no adverse effects in participants who took 100 mg/day for an 8-week period. There are no significant safety concerns or documented drug interactions specifically associated with aguaje extract in the reviewed literature. However, due to its phytoestrogen content, caution may be advisable for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as certain cancers, although no direct contraindications have been established. As a general precaution, individuals with such conditions should consult a healthcare professional before using aguaje extract. Overall, at the studied dosages, aguaje extract seems to be well-tolerated with minimal reported side effects.

Dosage

The only randomized controlled trial conducted on aguaje extract utilized a dosage of 100 mg per day. This specific dosage was standardized to contain 12.6 µg of 5,4'-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-6-methylflavan and was administered daily for a duration of 8 weeks. The extract was provided in capsule form in this study. Currently, there is no established maximum safe dose for aguaje extract, nor is there extensive data available regarding its long-term use. Specific timing considerations for intake or requirements for cofactors to enhance absorption have not been determined. While fresh aguaje pulp is traditionally consumed, the clinical evidence for the extract is based on the standardized capsule form. Further research is needed to define optimal dosages for various applications and to establish safety thresholds for prolonged use.

FAQs

Is aguaje extract effective for menopausal or PMS symptoms?

Preliminary research suggests aguaje extract may help improve premenstrual complaints, likely due to its phytoestrogen content. More research is needed for menopausal symptoms.

Does it improve skin aging?

While direct aguaje-specific evidence is limited, meta-analyses on fruit extracts suggest potential benefits for skin hydration and barrier function due to their antioxidant properties.

Is aguaje extract safe to use?

Short-term use at the studied dose of 100 mg/day appears safe, with no adverse effects reported in clinical trials. Long-term safety data is still limited.

How long does it take to see effects from aguaje extract?

In the clinical trial, participants observed improvements in premenstrual symptoms within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent daily supplementation.

Research Sources

https://ffhdj.com/index.php/ffhd/article/view/742 – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effect of 100 mg/day aguaje extract on premenstrual symptoms in 44 Japanese women. The study found significant improvements in subjective indefinite complaints and emotional status related to PMS over 8 weeks, with no reported adverse effects, suggesting a beneficial role for its phytoestrogen content.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37599694/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of oral fruit or fruit extract supplementation on skin aging parameters across 7 RCTs. It concluded that fruit extracts significantly improved skin hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss, although it did not isolate aguaje-specific effects, suggesting a broader benefit of fruit-derived compounds on skin health.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9145784/ – This experimental biochemical study analyzed the polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of aguaje pulp and seeds. It demonstrated high total polyphenol content and strong antioxidant activity via DPPH assays, indicating aguaje's potential as a natural source of antioxidants, though it was an in vitro study without clinical outcomes.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2022.843772/full – This article discusses the nutritional composition of aguaje, highlighting its richness in vitamin A (beta-carotene) and tocotrienols. It emphasizes the fruit's contribution to antioxidant and health-promoting properties, providing a biochemical basis for its potential health benefits.
https://scalar.usc.edu/works/plants-and-people/aguaje-tree-of-life – This source provides general information about the Aguaje tree (*Mauritia flexuosa*), its traditional uses, and its cultural significance as a 'tree of life' in the Amazon region. It broadly covers the fruit's nutritional value and traditional consumption, contextualizing its use as a food and supplement.