Acerola cherry

What is acerola?

Acerola, also known as the acerola cherry, is used in the production of medicine. Acerola is rich in vitamin C and also contains vitamin A, thianin, riboflavin and niacin. Acerola is used to treat and prevent scurvy - a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C. Acerola is also used to prevent heart disease, arteriosclerosis, blood clots and cancer. Some people use acerola to treat colds, pressure sores, bleeding in the eye, tooth decay, gum infections, depression, hay fever and collagen disorders. Athletes use acerola to increase their physical endurance.

How does acerola work?

The health benefits of acerola are based on the fruit's high vitamin C content.

How effective is acerola?

Acerola is probably effective as a source of vitamin C to prevent scurvy. There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of acerola in preventing heart disease and cancer, as well as treating colds, tooth decay and depression. Further scientific research is required for this.

Are there any safety concerns?

Acerola is potentially safe and harmless for most adults. Possible side effects include nausea, stomach cramps and insomnia. Excessive doses may cause diarrhea.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of acerola during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid acerola products to be on the safe side.

Gout: The vitamin C contained in acerola could increase uric acid levels and aggravate gout.

Kidney stones: In high doses, acerola could increase the risk of developing kidney stones. This is due to the high vitamin C content of acerola.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining acerola with the following medications:

Care should be taken when combining acerola with the following medications:

Estrogens

Acerola contains large amounts of vitamin C. Large amounts of vitamin C can increase the amount of estrogen absorbed by the body. An increase in the absorption of estrogen can increase the effects and side effects of estrogen.

Dosage

There is currently insufficient scientific data available to be able to make a statement regarding optimal dosages of acerola. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label or consult a doctor or pharmacist.

References

1. Back DJ, Breckenridge AM, MacIver M, et al. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1516.
2. Bowry VW, Ingold KU, Stocker R. Vitamin E in human density lipoprotein. When and how this antioxidant becomes a pro-oxidant. Biochem J 1992;288:341-4.
3. Burnham TH, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons, Updated Monthly. Facts and Comparisons, St. Louis, MO.
4. Kagan VE, Serbinova EA, Forte T, et al. Recycling of vitamin E in human low density lipoproteins. J Lipid Res 1992;33:385-97.
5. Morris JC, Beeley L, Ballantine N. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man [letter]. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:503.