Effects of diet supplementation with Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia HBK McVaugh) fruit in a rat model of diet-induced obesity

Emerging berries from the Brazilian Amazon and Atlantic Forest biomes: new sources of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits

Brazil has a broad geographic biodiversity spread across its six different biomes. However, it has been suffering from the abusive exploitation of its resources, which poses a threat to the local fauna and flora. The Amazon and Atlantic Forest, for example, are birthplaces to rare and edible native species, such as bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba, Arecaceae) and camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia, Myrtaceae), and cereja-do-Rio Grande (Eugenia involucrata, Myrtaceae) and grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis, Myrtaceae), respectively. These plants produce fruits which are sources of macro and micronutrients, including sugars, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, and/or lipids. Nutritionally, their consumption have the ability to reach partially or totally the daily recommendations for adults of some nutrients. More recently, these fruits have also been exposed as interesting sources of minor bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, terpenes, and/or polyphenols, the latter which include anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and tannins. Particularly, bacaba stands out for being a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (around 22%, dry weight) and dietary fibers (6.5-21%, dry weight); camu-camu has very high contents of vitamin C (up to 5000 mg per 100 g of pulp, dry basis); and cereja-do-Rio-Grande and grumixama are abundant sources of anthocyanins. Although they are still underexplored, several in vitro and in vivo studies with different parts of the fruits, including the peel, seed, and pulp, indicate their health potential through anti-oxidative, anti-obesity, antihyperglycemic, antidyslipidemic, antimicrobial, and/or anticancer effects. All things considered, the focus of this research was to highlight the bioactive potential and health impact of native fruits from the Amazon and Atlantic Forest biomes.

Effects of Supplementation of Murici (Byrsonima crassifolia) and Taperebá (Spondias mombin) Pulp Extracts on Food Intake, Body Parameters, and Oxidative Stress Markers in Healthy Rats

This study evaluates the effects of supplementation of murici (Byrsonima crassifolia) and taperebá (Spondias mombin) pulp extracts on dietary intake, body composition, biochemical parameters, and markers of oxidative stress. Two experiments were conducted with a total of 80 healthy male Wistar rats and a 30-day supplementation. In the first experiment, animals were divided into control (C) group, murici group 50 mg/(kg⸱day) (50Mu), murici group 100 mg/(kg⸱day) (100Mu), and murici group 200 mg/(kg⸱day) (200Mu). In the second experiment, animals were divided into C group, taperebá group 50 mg/(kg⸱day) (50Tap), taperebá group 100 mg/(kg⸱day) (100Tap), and taperebá group 200 mg/(kg⸱day) (200Tap). Results showed lower feed intake in 50Mu, 100Mu, and 100Tap groups (13%, 12%, and 10%, respectively, P < .05) and lower body fat in 200Mu, 100Tap, and 200Tap groups (16.0%, 29.1%, and 27.1%, respectively, P < .05). Only the 100Tap group showed reduced adipose tissue content (30.4%; P < .05). Increased plasma antioxidant capacity was observed at all doses for both fruits. Taperebá supplementation reduced ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange levels (50Tap: 8.4%, 100Tap: 16.1%, 200Tap: 24.3%; P < .05) and increased thiol levels (50Tap: 39%, 100Tap: 31%; P < .05). Serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels were reduced in all groups receiving taperebá (50Tap: 77.7%, 100Tap: 73.1%, 200Tap: 73.8%; P < .05) and murici (50Mu: 44.5%, 100Mu: 34%, 200Mu: 43%; P < .05). Therefore, it is suggested that the inclusion of these fruits in the diet can contribute to health maintenance and disease prevention, through their effects on controlling food intake, improving body composition, and in combating oxidative stress.

Unraveling Obesity: Transgenerational Inheritance, Treatment Side Effects, Flavonoids, Mechanisms, Microbiota, Redox Balance, and Bioavailability-A Narrative Review

Obesity is known as a transgenerational vicious cycle and has become a global burden due to its unavoidable complications. Modern approaches to obesity management often involve the use of pharmaceutical drugs and surgeries that have been associated with negative side effects. In contrast, natural antioxidants, such as flavonoids, have emerged as a promising alternative due to their potential health benefits and minimal side effects. Thus, this narrative review explores the potential protective role of flavonoids as a natural antioxidant in managing obesity. To identify recent in vivo studies on the efficiency of flavonoids in managing obesity, a comprehensive search was conducted on Wiley Online Library, Scopus, Nature, and ScienceDirect. The search was limited to the past 10 years; from the search, we identified 31 articles to be further reviewed. Based on the reviewed articles, we concluded that flavonoids offer novel therapeutic strategies for preventing obesity and its associated co-morbidities. This is because the appropriate dosage of flavonoid compounds is able to reduce adipose tissue mass, the formation of intracellular free radicals, enhance endogenous antioxidant defences, modulate the redox balance, and reduce inflammatory signalling pathways. Thus, this review provides an insight into the domain of a natural product therapeutic approach for managing obesity and recapitulates the transgenerational inheritance of obesity, the current available treatments to manage obesity and its side effects, flavonoids and their sources, the molecular mechanism involved, the modulation of gut microbiota in obesity, redox balance, and the bioavailability of flavonoids. In toto, although flavonoids show promising positive outcome in managing obesity, a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the advantageous impacts of flavonoids-achieved through translation to clinical trials-would provide a novel approach to inculcating flavonoids in managing obesity in the future as this review is limited to animal studies.

Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh): An Amazonian Fruit with Biofunctional Properties-A Review

Amazonian Camu camu fruit (Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh) has been called a "superfruit" due to its high levels of bioactive and antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamin C. The biofunctional properties of camu camu fruit (including pulp, peel, and seeds) have been well established through several in vitro and in vivo studies. Several reports confirmed the nutritious and biofunctional value of camu camu extracts or its food-derived products, exhibiting antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, and antiobesity activity, contributing to quality life improvement. Other studies showed antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antihepatotoxic, antihemolytic, antimutagenic, and cell rejuvenation bioactivities. This Review summarizes the bioactive profile of camu camu fruit through the understanding of some physiological modulation processes and its contribution to the Amazon bioeconomy under the development of biofunctional food ingredients exhibiting health benefits.

Mono-n-butyl Malate-Derived Compounds from Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) Malic Acid: The Alkyl-Dependent Antihyperglycemic-Related Activity

Malic acid derivatives from camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) fruit exhibited a strong in vitro inhibitory activity toward pancreatic α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. During a bioguided chromatographic fractionation process of the whole fruit (pulp and peelings) polar extract, isomers (S)-4-butoxy-2-hydroxy-4-oxobutanoic acid (1) and (S)-4-butoxy-3-hydroxy-4-oxobutanoic acid (2) (84:16) were isolated and identified as a potent inhibitor of α-amylase (IC₅₀= 11.69 ± 1.75 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 102.69 ± 4.16 μg/mL). The chemical structures were confirmed by HPLC-ESIMS and ¹H and ¹³C NMR (one- and two-dimensional) analyses. The structure-based virtual screening demonstrated that the aliphatic moiety plays a significant role in the binding mode of the test alkyl malate esters. Compound 1 exhibited the best interaction profile to bind both enzymes, having key structural features to form relevant contacts by involving adequate enzyme-ligand complex stabilization and compactness over time.

Camu-Camu Reduces Obesity and Improves Diabetic Profiles of Obese and Diabetic Mice: A Dose-Ranging Study

Overweight, obesity, and their comorbidities are currently considered a major public health concern. Today considerable efforts are still needed to develop efficient strategies able to attenuate the burden of these diseases. Nutritional interventions, some with plant extracts, present promising health benefits. In this study, we evaluated the action of Camu-Camu (Myrciaria dubia), an Amazonian fruit rich in polyphenols and vitamin C, on the prevention of obesity and associated disorders in mice and the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila in both cecum and feces. Methods: We investigated the dose-response effects of Camu-Camu extract (CCE) in the context of high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity. After 5 weeks of supplementation, we demonstrated that the two doses of CCE differently improved glucose and lipid homeostasis. The lowest CCE dose (62.5 mg/kg) preferentially decreased non-HDL cholesterol and free fatty acids (FFA) and increased the abundance of A. muciniphila without affecting liver metabolism, while only the highest dose of CCE (200 mg/kg) prevented excessive body weight gain, fat mass gain, and hepatic steatosis. Both doses decreased fasting hyperglycemia induced by HFD. In conclusion, the use of plant extracts, and particularly CCE, may represent an additional option in the support of weight management strategies and glucose homeostasis alteration by mechanisms likely independent from the modulation of A. muciniphila abundance.

A Comprehensive Review on Anti-obesity Potential of Medicinal Plants and their Bioactive Compounds

Background:

Obesity is a complex health and global epidemic issue. It is an increasing global health challenge covering significant social and economic costs. Abnormal accumulation of fat in the body may increase the health risks including diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and cancer. Synthetic drugs available on the market reported to have several side effects. Therefore, the management of obesity got to involve the traditional use of medicinal plants which helps to search the new therapeutic targets and supports the research and development of anti-obesity drugs.

Objective:

This review aim to update the data and provide a comprehensive report of currently available knowledge of medicinal plants and phyto-chemical constituents reported for their anti-obesity activity.

Methodology:

An electronic search of the periodical databases like Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Scielo, Niscair, ScienceDirect, Springerlink, Wiley, SciFinder and Google Scholar with information reported the period 1991-2019, was used to retrieve published data.

Results:

A comprehensive report of the present review manuscript is an attempt to list the medicinal plants with anti-obesity activity. The review focused on plant extracts, isolated chemical compounds with their mechanism of action and their preclinical experimental model, clinical studies for further scientific research.

Conclusion:

This review is the compilation of the medicinal plants and their constituents reported for the managements of obesity. The data will fascinate the researcher to initiate further research that may lead to the drug for the management of obesity and their associated secondary complications. Several herbal plants and their respective lead constituents were also screened by preclinical In-vitro and In-vivo, clinical trials and are effective in the treatment of obesity. Therefore, there is a need to develop and screen large number of plant extracts and this approach can surely be a driving force for the discovery of anti-obesity drugs from medicinal plants.

Anti-Allergic Effects of Myrciaria dubia (Camu-Camu) Fruit Extract by Inhibiting Histamine H1 and H4 Receptors and Histidine Decarboxylase in RBL-2H3 Cells

Although Myrciaria dubia (camu-camu) has been shown to exert anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in both in vitro and in vivo studies, its use in allergic responses has not been elucidated. In the present study, the anti-allergic effect of 70% ethanol camu-camu fruit extract was tested on calcium ionophore (A23187)-induced allergies in RBL-2H3 cells. The RBL-2H3 cells were induced with 100 nM A23187 for 6 h, followed by a 1 h camu-camu fruit extract treatment. A23187 sanitization exacerbated mast cell degranulation; however, camu-camu fruit extract decreased the release of histamine and β-hexosaminidase, which are considered as key biomarkers in cell degranulation. Camu-camu fruit extract inhibited cell exocytosis by regulating the calcium/nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) signaling. By downregulating the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, camu-camu fruit extract hindered the activation of both histamine H1 and H4 receptors and inhibited histidine decarboxylase (HDC) expression by mediating its transcription factors KLF4/SP1 and GATA2/MITF. In A23187-induced ROS overproduction, camu-camu fruit extract activated nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to protect mast cells against A23187-induced oxidative stress. These findings indicate that camu-camu fruit extract can be developed to act as a mast cell stabilizer and an anti-histamine. This work also “opens the door” to new investigations using natural products to achieve breakthroughs in allergic disorder treatment.

Combination of cafeteria diet with intraperitoneally streptozotocin in rats. A type-2 diabetes model

Purpose

To develop a model of induction of type-2 diabetes (DM2) by combining low doses of streptozotocin (STZ) and a cafeteria diet.

Methods

Forty male Wistar rats (200 g) were allocated into four groups: control (non-diabetic, n = 10); STZ 30 mg/kg (diabetic, n = 10); STZ 35 mg/kg (diabetic,n = 10); and STZ 40 mg/kg (diabetic, n = 10). DM2 was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ after four weeks of cafeteria diet in the three diabetic groups. All animals were evaluated as for anthropometric, and biochemical analyses, as well as liver, kidney and pancreas histological analyses.

Results

Lower weight gain, higher water intake, higher Lee index, hyperglycemia and modified total protein, urea, alpha-amylase, as well as insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, pancreas, and kidney injury were observed in animals treated with 35 and 40 mg/kg of STZ.

Conclusions

The results show that the experimental model using cafeteria diet associated with 35 mg/kg of STZ is a low-cost model and efficient in order to develop DM2, confirmed by the presence of polydipsia, hyperglycemia, altered biochemical tests, insulin resistance and damages to the liver, pancreas and kidney, which is similar to the disease found in humans.

Amazon-derived nutraceuticals: Promises to mitigate chronic inflammatory states and neuroinflammation

Nutraceuticals have been the focus of numerous research in recent years and accumulating data support their use for promoting some health benefits. Several nutraceuticals have been widely studied as supplements due to their functional properties ameliorating symptoms associated with neurological disorders, such as oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory states. This seems to be the case of some fruits and seeds from the Amazon Biome consumed since the pre-Columbian period that could have potential beneficial impact on the human nervous system. The beneficial activities of these food sources are possibly related to a large number of bioactive molecules including polyphenols, carotenoids, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements. In this context, this review compiled the research on six Amazonian fruits and seeds species and some of the major nutraceuticals found in their composition, presenting brief mechanisms related to their protagonist action in improving inflammatory responses and neuroinflammation.

Anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and analgesic activities of Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel (Brazilian grape) epicarp

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel, known in Brazil as jabuticaba or jaboticaba has been used by Brazilian native populations for medicinal purposes, including those related to inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, diarrhea, disorders in female genitourinary tract, and tonsillitis. Inflammation has emerged as a main factor for the oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia present in chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Such disturbances have been a leading cause of death worldwide for decades, despite significant efforts in developing new therapies. Therefore, strengthening the relevance of ethnobotanic approaches, as P. cauliflora has the potential to become a natural, native, and traditional product to prevent and treat inflammation-associated diseases more effectively for more people.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Evaluate anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and analgesic properties of hydroethanolic extract of P. cauliflora epicarps (PcE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phytochemical compound from the PcE were identified through HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSⁿ analysis. Antioxidant activity was determined by measuring 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging. The anti-inflammatory potential was investigated by carrageenan-induced paw edema and peritonitis in mice. Analgesic effect was assessed, in mice, though hot plate test and acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing. Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potential were evaluated using alloxan-induced diabetic mice.

RESULTS

Tannins, phenolic acids, and their derivatives were the predominant phytochemicals found. Overall, PcE showed different properties related to the treatment of clinical conditions associated with chronic diseases as a potent antioxidant activity, demonstrating a radical scavenging action similar to gallic acid. PcE oral administration also significantly reduced inflammation induced by paw edema and partially blocked leukocyte migration. Moreover, PcE produced peripheral and central analgesic effects, as evaluated in the writhing model and hot plate tests. Treatment with PcE significantly improved glucose levels and lipid markers in diabetic mice.

CONCLUSIONS

P. cauliflora fruits are rich sources of secondary metabolites, mainly tannins and phenolic acids with high biological potential, which can effectively contribute to the approach of preventing and controlling chronic NCDs.

Fruit Seeds as Sources of Bioactive Compounds: Sustainable Production of High Value-Added Ingredients from By-Products within Circular Economy

The circular economy is an umbrella concept that applies different mechanisms aiming to minimize waste generation, thus decoupling economic growth from natural resources. Each year, an estimated one-third of all food produced is wasted; this is equivalent to 1.3 billion tons of food, which is worth around US$1 trillion or even $2.6 trillion when social and economic costs are included. In the fruit and vegetable sector, 45% of the total produced amount is lost in the production (post-harvest, processing, and distribution) and consumption chains. Therefore, it is necessary to find new technological and environmentally friendly solutions to utilize fruit wastes as new raw materials to develop and scale up the production of high value-added products and ingredients. Considering that the production and consumption of fruits has increased in the last years and following the need to find the sustainable use of different fruit side streams, this work aimed to describe the chemical composition and bioactivity of different fruit seeds consumed worldwide. A comprehensive focus is given on the extraction techniques of water-soluble and lipophilic compounds and in vitro/in vivo functionalities, and the link between chemical composition and observed activity is holistically explained.

Antigenotoxic and antimutagenic effects of Myrciaria dubia juice in mice submitted to ethanol 28-day treatment

Myrciaria dubia is a native plant from the Amazon region which produces red-purplish fruit rich in antioxidant compounds such as ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and phenolic. M. dubia fruit is used to prepare juices considered to possess high nutritional content providing health benefits. The aim of this study was to examine the ability of M. dubia juice to protect DNA against genomic instability induced by sub-acute ethanol consumption attributed to oxidative stress. Mice were treated for 28 days with juice at 25% and 50% diluted in distilled water or with the diluted combination juice plus ethanol (5 g/kg). The genotoxic/antigenotoxic and mutagenic/antimutagenic effects were assessed using comet assay in blood, liver, and kidney and micronucleus (MN) test with bone marrow. In addition, the mutagenicity was also evaluated using Salmonella/microsome assay. Phytochemical compounds were determined using HPLC/PDA/MS/MS. The juice did not induce genotoxic effects in blood, kidney, and liver cells at both doses. In combination with ethanol, the juice reduced the alcohol-mediated DNA damage in all tissues analyzed. Further, the juice did not produce mutagenic effects and decreased mutagenicity induced by ethanol in the bone marrow. The anthocyanins were major compounds detected by HPLC/PDA/MS/MS, which modulated genotoxic and mutagenic effects initiated by ethanol and at least in part appeared responsible for the observed antigenotoxic and antimutagenic effects of M. dubia juice.

Dietary supplementation with Camu-Camu versus sleeve gastrectomy in Wistar rats weight control

OBJECTIVE

to compare the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract from the peel of Camu-Camu, a fruit plant belonging to the Myrtaceae family, widely distributed in the Amazon basin, with those of sleeve gastrectomy, on the weight and glycemia of Wistar rats.

METHODS

twenty-four Wistar rats underwent obesity induction through a hyperlipid diet for eight weeks (fat period), and were randomized into three groups: Control Group (CG), Camu-Camu Group (CCG) and Bariatric Surgery Group (BSG). After this period, all animals returned to a normal diet and the intervention period began: CG did not undergo any intervention beyond diet change; CCG animals underwent gavage procedure for administration of Camu-Camu hydroalcoholic extract, 1g/kg/day, for four weeks; and the BSG was submitted to the surgical procedure of sleeve gastrectomy. We followed all animals for four weeks.

RESULTS

there was only one loss in BSG due to a gastric fistula. We observed significant variations in the animals' mean weight: the CG evolved with weight gain even after the withdraw of the hypercaloric diet, while the other two groups presented weight reduction. BSG presented a significant reduction of weight and BMI (p<0.05); CCG achieved a significant reduction only of the BMI (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant changes in the glycemic levels.

CONCLUSION

in spite of reducing weight, the crude hydroalcoholic extract of the Camu-Camu peel was not able to be as efficient as sleeve gastrectomy in the control of body weight in Wistar rats.

Anthocyanin is involved in the activation of pyroptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The anti-carcinogenic effects of anthocyanin are well documented. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common and lethal cancer types due to its high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis. The main purpose of the current study was to investigate the potential inhibitory effects of anthocyanin on oral squamous cell carcinoma and identify effective targets for therapy.

METHODS

Cell viability was measured using cell counting kit-8 (CCK8). Cell migration and invasion abilities were determined using scratch-wound and Transwell invasion assays, respectively. mRNA and protein expression patterns of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1 and IL-1β were detected using qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence and western blot. The gasdermin D (GSDMD) level was determined via confocal microscopy and western blot.

RESULTS

Anthocyanin reduced the viability of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells and inhibited migration and invasion abilities. Simultaneously, activation of pyroptosis was associated with enhanced expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β. Upon administration of caspase-1 inhibitors, anthocyanin-activated pyroptosis was suppressed and cell viability, migration, and invasion rates concomitantly enhanced.

CONCLUSION

Anthocyanin promotes the death of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells through activation of pyroptosis and inhibits tumor progression.

Dietary supplementation with camu-camu and continuous exercises in the treatment of obesity

ABSTRACT Objective The goal of this study were to investigate the effects of continuous exercise with/or without the ingestion the Camu-camu pulp in a rat model of obesity. Methods Neonate male Wistar rats, receiving monosodium glutamate, subcutaneously were separated into foour groups: sedentary group S (no treatment), exercise group E (continuous swimming training), Camu-camu group C (25mL of pulp of Camu-camu/day) and exercise and Camu-camu group EC (25mL of pulp of Camu-camu/day, continuous swimming). After 12 weeks, the animals were received euthanasia. Results The exercise program was conducted for five days for 12 weeks and the effects of supplementation with or without Camu-camu in obese rats were analyzed, showing that the relative levels of the variables cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, High Density Lipoprotein and Low Density Lipoprotein and in all groups there was a significant reduction (.<0.001), except for the control group. Body weight and feed intake, epididymal and visceral fat deposits were not significantly different between the means of groups C and E, but these groups showed a significant difference when compared to the EC group (.<0.001). Conclusion The results demonstrate the effectiveness of continuous exercise and diet supplemented with Camu-camu fruit pulp to control obesity.

Superfruits: Phytochemicals, antioxidant efficacies, and health effects - A comprehensive review

The term "superfruit" has gained increasing usage and attention recently with the marketing strategy to promote the extraordinary health benefits of some exotic fruits, which may not have worldwide popularity. This has led to many studies with the identification and quantification of various groups of phytochemicals. This contribution discusses phytochemical compositions, antioxidant efficacies, and potential health benefits of the main superfruits such as açai, acerola, camu-camu, goji berry, jaboticaba, jambolão, maqui, noni, and pitanga. Novel product formulations, safety aspects, and future perspectives of these superfruits have also been covered. Research findings from the existing literature published within the last 10 years have been compiled and summarized. These superfruits having numerous phytochemicals (phenolic acids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, iridoids, coumarins, hydrolysable tannins, carotenoids, and anthocyanins) together with their corresponding antioxidant activities, have increasingly been utilized. Hence, these superfruits can be considered as a valuable source of functional foods due to the phytochemical compositions and their corresponding antioxidant activities. The phytochemicals from superfruits are bioaccessible and bioavailable in humans with promising health benefits. More well-designed human explorative studies are needed to validate the health benefits of these superfruits.

Antioxidant and associated capacities of Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia): a systematic review

An aging population in the United States presents important challenges for patients and physicians. The presence of inflammation can contribute to an accelerated aging process, the increasing presence of comorbidities, oxidative stress, and an increased prevalence of chronic pain. As patient-centered care is embracing a multimodal, integrative approach to the management of disease, patients and physicians are increasingly looking to the potential contribution of natural products. Camu camu, a well-researched and innovative natural product, has the potential to contribute, possibly substantially, to this management paradigm. The key issue is to raise camu camu's visibility through increased emphasis on its robust evidentiary base and its various formulations, as well as making consumers, patients, and physicians more aware of its potential. A program to increase the visibility of camu camu can contribute substantially not only to the management of inflammatory conditions and its positive contribution to overall good health but also to its potential role in many disease states.