Camu-Camu Fruit and from Camu-Camu Fruit Extract (Fruit) (60% Polyphenols)
Also known as: Myrciaria dubia, Camu-Camu, camu camu fruit
Overview
Camu-Camu is a small Amazonian fruit renowned for its exceptionally high vitamin C content and rich polyphenol profile, including flavonoids and anthocyanins. It is primarily utilized as a dietary supplement for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit extract, often standardized to 60% polyphenols, provides a concentrated source of these bioactive compounds. Research on Camu-Camu is emerging but still limited, with a small number of human clinical trials and more extensive animal model studies. The available evidence suggests potential benefits in reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and improving certain metabolic parameters. However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these effects and establish optimal usage guidelines. Camu-Camu is available in various forms, including powders, capsules, and juices, sourced directly from the Amazon region.
Benefits
Camu-Camu exhibits strong antioxidant activity due to its high vitamin C and polyphenol content, potentially reducing oxidative stress markers. Human studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, including reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly in smokers. Emerging evidence suggests potential cardiovascular benefits, such as blood pressure reduction and improved vasodilation, although these findings are based on small human trials. Some studies indicate improvements in metabolic parameters, including reductions in glycemia, total cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol. Animal studies suggest potential liver-protective effects by reducing hepatic steatosis and liver injury markers. While promising, these benefits require confirmation through larger, well-designed human clinical trials to establish their clinical significance and generalizability.
How it works
Camu-Camu's primary biological activity is attributed to its high vitamin C and polyphenol content, which act as antioxidants by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS). The polyphenols and flavonoids contribute to anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine production and inhibiting inflammatory pathways. The fruit's bioactive compounds may influence metabolic pathways related to lipid and glucose metabolism, possibly via gut microbiota modulation, as suggested in animal studies. Absorption of vitamin C and polyphenols is generally good, but bioavailability can vary depending on the extract formulation and co-ingested substances. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action and bioavailability of Camu-Camu's bioactive compounds.
Side effects
Camu-Camu appears to be generally safe, with no serious adverse events reported in human studies. Common side effects are not well-documented but are likely minimal, given the fruit's traditional dietary use. However, due to its high vitamin C content, excessive consumption may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, diarrhea, or stomach cramps, in sensitive individuals. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been reported in the literature. However, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, particularly kidney disorders or iron overload, should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using Camu-Camu supplements. Special populations, such as pregnant women and children, lack sufficient safety data, and use should be approached with caution.
Dosage
Optimal dosage of Camu-Camu is not firmly established, and human studies have used varying doses, often standardized to vitamin C content or polyphenol percentage. Extracts standardized to 60% polyphenols are commonly used to ensure consistent bioactive intake. A typical dosage range is between 500-1500mg of Camu-Camu powder or extract daily, divided into multiple doses. Timing considerations include potential acute cardiovascular effects after a single dose and metabolic effects after repeated dosing. Absorption may be enhanced when taken with food. Due to the high vitamin C content, exceeding the upper tolerable limit for vitamin C (2000mg per day) should be avoided to prevent potential adverse effects.
FAQs
Is Camu-Camu more effective than vitamin C alone?
One study indicated that Camu-Camu had superior anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects compared to an equivalent amount of ascorbic acid alone, suggesting synergistic effects from its polyphenol content.
How quickly can benefits be seen?
Some cardiovascular effects (blood pressure, vasodilation) were observed after a single dose; metabolic and inflammatory benefits may require longer supplementation (weeks) to become noticeable.
Is it safe for daily use?
Current evidence suggests that Camu-Camu is likely safe for short-term daily use; however, long-term safety data are lacking, and caution is advised with prolonged supplementation.
Can Camu-Camu interact with medications?
While no significant drug interactions have been reported, individuals taking medications, especially those affecting blood clotting or blood sugar, should consult with a healthcare professional before using Camu-Camu.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4296744/ – This systematic review examined the antioxidant properties of Camu-Camu, highlighting its high vitamin C and polyphenol content compared to other fruits. It concluded that Camu-Camu has a prospective role in mediating inflammation and oxidative stress but emphasized the need for more clinical trials. The review included 16 peer-reviewed studies, mostly preclinical, indicating a need for more human studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11384942/ – This article discusses the health benefits of various Amazonian fruits, including Camu-Camu, emphasizing their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It highlights the potential of these fruits to contribute to overall health and well-being. The review suggests that further research is warranted to fully understand the therapeutic potential of Camu-Camu and other Amazonian fruits.
- https://www.florajournal.com/archives/2021/vol9issue1/PartB/8-5-44-610.pdf – This human RCT (n≈30) showed that Camu-Camu supplementation significantly increased serum ascorbic acid, reduced glycemia, total cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol levels, and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines in smokers. It demonstrated better antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects than an equivalent ascorbic acid dose. The study's limitations include a small sample size, short duration, and limited population diversity, warranting further investigation.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/30/9/570 – This animal study demonstrated that Camu-Camu reduced liver fat accumulation and injury markers, suggesting potential benefits for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the findings are based on an animal model and require confirmation in human studies to determine their clinical relevance. The study provides a basis for further research into the potential hepatoprotective effects of Camu-Camu.
- https://www.scielo.br/j/rcbc/a/hG6PCLVkG4Dq6dNnSzrRfWG/?format=pdf&lang=en – This study showed that Camu-Camu extract reduced weight and glycemia in obese rats, with effects comparable to sleeve gastrectomy. The study's limitations include its animal model and small sample size, highlighting the need for human studies to validate these findings. The results suggest a potential role for Camu-Camu in managing obesity and related metabolic disorders.
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