The powerful antioxidant effects of acai

Acai (Euterpe oleracea) seeds, which have been reported to be rich in polyphenols with antihypertensive and antioxidant properties, also have potential in treating and preventing renal hypertension. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food has found that acai seeds’ antihypertensive and antioxidant properties make a great natural agent for preventing and treating renal hypertension.

• Researchers assessed the renal protective effects of acai seed extracts on mice with renal hypertension.
• They gave mice either 250 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of acai seed extract daily or a placebo for 40 days.
• Then, they measured serum and urinary parameters, renal structural changes, and oxidative status.
• The treatment of acai seed extract prevented the increase of systolic blood pressure, glomerular volume, and collagen deposition.
• It also improved the levels of urea and creatinine and urinary protein excretion, which were increased due to renal hypertension.
• Moreover, it prevented increased oxidative damage and restored nitrite content and the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes.
• In addition, the treatment significantly reduced renal injury and prevented renal dysfunction.

The findings of the study suggested that acai seed extract can help treat and prevent renal hypertension and its symptoms.

To read more stories on medicinal foods like acai, visit Superfoods.news today.

Journal Reference:

da Costa CA, Ognibene DT, Cordeiro VSC, de Bem GF, Santos IB, Soares RA, Resende AC. EFFECT OF EUTERPE OLERACEA MART. SEEDS EXTRACT ON CHRONIC ISCHEMIC RENAL INJURY IN RENOVASCULAR HYPERTENSIVE RATS. Journal of Medicinal Food. 1 October 2017; 20(10). DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2017.0011