Acerola Cherry Extract
Latin Name:Malpighia glabra
Description: Acerola is a small tree that grows in dry areas of the
Caribbean and Central and South America. Now it is widely grown in Hainan island China. Traditionally, its fruit has been used to treat diarrhea,
arthritis, fevers, and kidney, heart, and liver problems. Acerola contains 10-50 times more vitamin C by weight than oranges. Other important
substances found in acerola include bioflavonoids, magnesium,
pantothenic acid and vitamin A.
What is Acerola Used for Today?
Acerola is primarily marketed as a source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids.
Because of these constituents, it has substantial antioxidant properties.
One study found that acerola significantly increased the antioxidant activity of soy and alfalfa. It is not clear, however, that this rather theoretical finding
indicates anything of significance to human health. Other powerful antioxidants such as vitamin E and beta-carotene have proved disappointing when they were subjected to studies
that could discern whether their actions as antioxidants translated into
actual health benefits.
Like many plants, acerola has antibacterial and antifungal properties, at
least in the test tube. However, no studies in humans have been reported.
Principal Proposed Uses: Source of Vitamin C
Other Proposed Uses: Antioxidant
Dosage: A typical supplemental dosage of acerola is 40-100 mg daily.
Safety Issues:
As a widely used food, acerola is believed to have a relatively high safety
factor. However, it has been discovered that people who are allergic to latex may be allergic to acerola as well.
Maximum safe doses in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and
people with severe liver or kidney disease have not been established.
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