Jabuticaba Powder
Also known as: Plinia trunciflora (O. Berg) Kausel, Plinia jaboticaba, Jabuticaba, Jaboticaba
Overview
Jabuticaba is a fruit native to Brazil, characterized by its unique growth directly on the trunk of the tree. It is a rich source of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and other bioactive compounds, making it a popular dietary supplement. These compounds contribute to its potential health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic improvements. Jabuticaba is available in various forms, including fresh fruit, juice, and powder extracts, with the powder often derived from the fruit's peel due to its high concentration of beneficial compounds. Research on jabuticaba is emerging, with preclinical and clinical studies suggesting positive effects on glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. However, more extensive and long-term studies are needed to fully validate these benefits and establish comprehensive safety guidelines. The quality of available evidence is primarily from small-scale clinical trials and preclinical studies, highlighting the need for larger, more rigorous research.
Benefits
Jabuticaba offers several potential health benefits, primarily attributed to its high content of polyphenols and anthocyanins. Clinical trials have demonstrated improvements in glucose metabolism and reduced levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in individuals with metabolic syndrome following daily intake of jabuticaba peel powder (15 g/day). Additionally, consumption of jabuticaba juice has been shown to enhance postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) concentrations and antioxidant status in healthy subjects. Preclinical studies in diabetic rats indicate that jabuticaba peel extract can improve mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative damage to lipids. These findings suggest that jabuticaba may be beneficial for managing metabolic syndrome, reducing inflammation, and improving antioxidant status. However, the strength of evidence varies, with more robust data supporting its effects on glucose metabolism and antioxidant status compared to other potential benefits.
How it works
Jabuticaba's bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols and anthocyanins, exert their effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. These compounds improve mitochondrial function by targeting enzymes and proteins involved in oxidative stress, such as SIRT3, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. They also modulate glucose metabolism by influencing glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, jabuticaba interacts with the immune system, reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines like IL-6. The bioavailability of these compounds can be influenced by the method of preparation, such as spray drying or freeze-drying, and the presence of other dietary components. These mechanisms collectively contribute to the observed benefits in metabolic health and overall well-being.
Side effects
Jabuticaba is generally considered safe based on available studies, but comprehensive long-term safety data is limited. No common side effects have been reported in the available studies. Due to limited data, uncommon and rare side effects are not well-defined. There is no evidence of significant drug interactions, but caution should be exercised when using jabuticaba with medications for diabetes or inflammation due to potential synergistic effects, which could lead to hypoglycemia or excessive reduction in inflammation. Individuals with allergies to fruits or specific compounds in jabuticaba should avoid it. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with chronic diseases should consult healthcare providers before using jabuticaba supplements. It is important to monitor for any adverse reactions and discontinue use if they occur. Further research is needed to fully characterize the safety profile of jabuticaba, especially with long-term use.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of jabuticaba is not well established, but clinical trials have shown benefits with 15 g/day of jabuticaba peel powder. Optimal dosage ranges are not clearly defined and may vary based on the specific preparation and individual health status. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses up to 15 g/day have been used without adverse effects in clinical trials. Timing can be flexible, but consuming it before meals may enhance its metabolic benefits. Spray-dried or freeze-dried forms may be preferred due to better preservation of bioactive compounds. It is advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it while monitoring for any adverse effects. Individuals should consult with healthcare providers to determine the appropriate dosage based on their specific needs and health conditions.
FAQs
Is jabuticaba safe to consume?
Jabuticaba is generally safe, but long-term use and interactions with medications need further study. Consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
When is the best time to take jabuticaba?
It can be taken at any time, but pre-meal consumption may be beneficial for metabolic effects. Consistency in timing can help in observing its effects.
What kind of results can I expect from taking jabuticaba?
Improvements in glucose metabolism, antioxidant status, and inflammation can be expected, but individual responses may vary. It is not a quick fix but a complementary dietary approach.
Can jabuticaba cure metabolic syndrome or diabetes?
No, it is not a cure for metabolic syndrome or diabetes but can be a complementary dietary approach to help manage these conditions. Consult with a healthcare provider for comprehensive treatment.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2021.665747/full – This animal study investigated the effects of jabuticaba peel extract on diabetic rats. The findings indicated that the extract improved mitochondrial function and reduced oxidative stress in the liver, suggesting a potential protective effect against diabetes-related complications. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously as they are derived from an animal model and may not directly translate to humans.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9276/13/8/102 – This review discusses the impact of different drying methods on the bioactive compounds of jabuticaba peel. It highlights that spray-drying and freeze-drying techniques can better preserve the beneficial compounds compared to other methods. This is important for ensuring the efficacy of jabuticaba-based supplements and food products.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38493538/ – This study examined the effects of jaboticaba peel powder on individuals with metabolic syndrome. The results showed that daily intake of the powder improved glucose metabolism and reduced levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. These findings suggest that jaboticaba peel powder may be a beneficial dietary supplement for managing metabolic syndrome.
- 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 investigated the effects of jabuticaba juice on healthy adults. The study found that jabuticaba juice improved postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) concentrations and antioxidant status. These results suggest that jabuticaba juice may have beneficial effects on metabolic health and antioxidant defense.
- http://ve.scielo.org/scielo.php?pid=S0004-06222012000100006&script=sci_arttext – This article discusses the chemical and pharmacological aspects of jabuticaba. It highlights the presence of various bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins and other polyphenols, and their potential health benefits. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on jabuticaba's properties and applications.