Jabuticaba Juice Powder
Also known as: Plinia trunciflora, Myrciaria jaboticaba, Jabuticaba, Brazilian grape tree fruit, Plinia jabuticaba
Overview
Jabuticaba juice powder is derived from the fruit of the jabuticaba tree, native to Brazil. It is recognized as a functional food ingredient or nutraceutical, primarily valued for its rich content of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and dietary fiber. This supplement is primarily investigated for its antioxidant properties, potential metabolic benefits related to glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, and its ability to modulate gut microbiota. While research is still emerging, with a limited number of human clinical trials, existing animal and in vitro studies show promising results. The overall evidence quality is moderate, with no large-scale systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on jabuticaba juice powder identified to date.
Benefits
Jabuticaba juice powder offers several potential health benefits, primarily due to its rich polyphenol content. A randomized crossover trial in healthy adults demonstrated that jabuticaba juice significantly increased serum antioxidant capacity postprandially, indicating improved oxidative status. This study also showed an increase in Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels, a hormone crucial for glucose regulation and appetite control. However, the same trial found no significant acute changes in postprandial glucose or insulin in healthy individuals, suggesting limited immediate glycemic effects in non-diabetic populations. Animal studies provide further insights, indicating that jabuticaba peel powder can modulate gut microbiota composition, leading to an increase in beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acid production, which correlates with improved glucose metabolism and reduced inflammation. In diabetic rat models, jabuticaba peel extract reduced oxidative stress markers, improved mitochondrial function, and regulated SIRT3 expression, suggesting potential benefits in managing diabetes-related complications. The strength of evidence for antioxidant and GLP-1 effects in humans is moderate, based on a well-designed RCT, while metabolic and gut microbiota benefits are primarily supported by animal studies, requiring further human confirmation.
How it works
Jabuticaba's health benefits stem from its high concentration of polyphenols and anthocyanins. These compounds exert antioxidant effects by directly scavenging free radicals and enhancing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase. The fruit's components are also believed to enhance GLP-1 secretion from enteroendocrine cells, a gut hormone that promotes insulin secretion and satiety, thereby influencing glucose metabolism. Furthermore, jabuticaba modulates gut microbiota composition, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Muribaculaceae and Lachnospiraceae, which in turn increases the production of short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids play a crucial role in influencing metabolic and inflammatory pathways. In diabetic conditions, jabuticaba has been shown to regulate mitochondrial function and SIRT3 expression, which are vital for cellular energy metabolism and controlling oxidative stress. The exact absorption and bioavailability of jabuticaba's phenolics are still being characterized but are likely influenced by gut microbiota metabolism.
Side effects
Based on current research, jabuticaba juice powder appears to have a favorable safety profile. No adverse effects have been reported in human clinical trials where participants consumed 250 ml of jabuticaba juice. Similarly, animal studies have not indicated any toxicity at tested doses, such as 0.5 g/kg of jabuticaba peel extract. There are no known drug interactions or contraindications documented in the existing scientific literature. However, it is important to note that the safety of jabuticaba in specific populations, including pregnant or lactating women and children, has not been established due to a lack of dedicated research in these groups. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking medications should consult a healthcare professional before incorporating jabuticaba juice powder into their regimen, especially given the limited long-term safety data.
Dosage
Based on human clinical trials, a common dosage for jabuticaba is 250 ml of jabuticaba juice, administered immediately before a carbohydrate-rich meal. This timing is suggested to optimize the GLP-1 response and antioxidant effects. In animal studies, doses of 0.5 g/kg of jabuticaba peel extract administered orally have been used. It is important to note that there are no established maximum safe doses or long-term dosing guidelines for jabuticaba juice powder due to the limited amount of human research. Different forms of the supplement (juice vs. powder) may have varying concentrations of active compounds, which could influence effective dosages. Currently, no specific cofactors have been identified as necessary to enhance the absorption or efficacy of jabuticaba's beneficial compounds. Users should adhere to dosages used in research or consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
FAQs
Does jabuticaba juice lower blood sugar?
Acute intake does not significantly reduce postprandial glucose or insulin in healthy adults, but it may improve GLP-1 levels, which could have longer-term metabolic benefits.
Is it safe?
Yes, no adverse effects have been reported in human clinical trials at the studied doses, and animal studies also indicate a good safety profile.
How quickly do benefits appear?
Antioxidant and GLP-1 enhancing effects have been observed within 2 hours following consumption in human studies.
Is jabuticaba powder the same as juice?
Juice is a liquid extract, while powder is typically freeze-dried peel or whole fruit, potentially offering higher fiber and concentrated polyphenol content.
Research Sources
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/jabuticaba-juice-improves-postprandial-glucagonlike-peptide1-and-antioxidant-status-in-healthy-adults-a-randomised-crossover-trial/B0A475B3D148CB5E7FA649FB649180BC – This randomized crossover trial in healthy adults investigated the acute effects of jabuticaba juice. It found that 250 ml of jabuticaba juice significantly increased postprandial serum antioxidant capacity and GLP-1 levels, suggesting benefits for oxidative status and glucose regulation. However, it did not significantly alter postprandial glucose or insulin levels.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8290295/ – This animal study on diabetic rats explored the effects of jabuticaba peel extract. The research demonstrated that the extract reduced oxidative stress markers, improved mitochondrial function, and regulated SIRT3 expression, indicating potential therapeutic benefits for managing diabetes-related complications.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8850559/ – This animal study in mice investigated the impact of jabuticaba peel on gut microbiota. It found that jabuticaba peel modulated gut microbiota composition, leading to an increase in beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acid production, which correlated with improved glucose metabolism markers.