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Tropical fruit camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.

Inoue T, Komoda H, Uchida T, Node K.

Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Medicine, Saga University Faculty of Medicine, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress as well as inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Although, various anti-oxidative dietary supplements have been evaluated for their ability to prevent atherosclerosis, no effective ones have been determined at present. "Camu-camu" (Myrciaria dubia) is an Amazonian fruit that offers high vitamin C content. However, its anti-oxidative property has not been evaluated in vivo in humans. METHODS: To assess the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of camu-camu in humans, 20 male smoking volunteers, considered to have an accelerated oxidative stress state, were recruited and randomly assigned to take daily 70ml of 100% camu-camu juice, corresponding to 1050mg of vitamin C (camu-camu group; n=10) or 1050mg of vitamin C tablets (vitamin C group; n=10) for 7 days. RESULTS: After 7 days, oxidative stress markers such as the levels of urinary 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (P<0.05) and total reactive oxygen species (P<0.01) and inflammatory markers such as serum levels of high sensitivity C reactive protein (P<0.05), interleukin (IL)-6 (P<0.05), and IL-8 (P<0.01) decreased significantly in the camu-camu group, while there was no change in the vitamin C group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that camu-camu juice may have powerful anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, compared to vitamin C tablets containing equivalent vitamin C content. These effects may be due to the existence of unknown anti-oxidant substances besides vitamin C or unknown substances modulating in vivo vitamin C kinetics in camu-camu.

PMID: 18922386 [PubMed - in process]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18922386?dopt=Citation


Camu-camu Myrciaria dubia (HBK) McVaugh: Chemical composition of fruit

Abstract: The chemical composition of the Peruvian camu-camu fruit Myrciaria dubia(HBK) McVaugh was analysed at three stages of maturity (immature, midripe and ripe). As fruit matured, levels of ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids, reducing sugars (fructose and glucose were the major sugars), amino acids (serine, valine and leucine) and soluble solids increased. Citric acid was the major acid (from 19.8 up to 29.8 g kg-1) and was responsible for the fruit's sour taste. Unlike citric acid, malic acid increased with maturation. Among the macronutrients, potassium was the most abundant mineral (711 mg kg-1) and could be considered, like vitamin C, nutritionally significant. During maturation, the fruit pulp colour turned from yellow-green to pink, presumably due to the migration of anthocyanin pigments from the peel.

Sergio M Zapata, Jean-Pierre Dufour * Unité de Brasserie et des Industries Alimentaires, Catholic University of Louvain, Place Croix du Sud 2, Bte 7, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium *Correspondence to Jean-Pierre Dufour, Unité de Brasserie et des Industries Alimentaires, Catholic University of Louvain, Place Croix du Sud 2, Bte 7, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. Keywords Myrciaria dubia (HBK) McVaugh • camu-camu • chemical composition • fruit maturation.
Received: 25 March 1992; Revised: 11 November 1992; Accepted: 21 December 1992, Digital Object Identifier (DOI)http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/113322680/abstract


Vitamin C and Cognition
A high vitamin C intake may protect against both cognitive impairment and cerebrovascular disease.
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/conten/abstract/312/7031/608
Cognitive impairment and mortality in a cohort of elderly people Catharine R Gale, research student,a Christopher N Martyn, clinical scientist,a Cyrus Cooper, clinical scientist a
a MRC Environmental Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD
Correspondence to: Dr Martyn.


Vitamins C/E and Dementia; Cognition
These results suggest that vitamin E and C supplements may protect against vascular dementia and may improve cognitive function in late life.
Association of vitamin E and C supplement use with cognitive function and dementia in elderly men
K. H. Masaki, MD, K. G. Losonczy, MA, G. Izmirlian, PhD, D. J. Foley, MS, G. W. Ross, MD, H. Petrovitch, MD, R. Havlik, MD and L. R. White, MD From the Honolulu–Asia Aging Study (Drs. Masaki, Petrovitch, and White), Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, HI; the Division of Geriatric Medicine (Drs. Masaki, Petrovitch, and Ross), University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI; the Epidemiology, Demography, and Biometry Program (Drs. Izmirlian, Havlik, and White, and K. Losonczy and D. Foley), National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD; and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (Dr. Ross), Honolulu, HI.
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Kamal H. Masaki, The Honolulu Heart Program, 347 North Kuakini Street, HPM 9, Honolulu, HI 96817; e-mail: kamal@hhp2.hawaii-health.com
http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/54/6/1265


Vitamins C/E and Cognition
Long-term, current users of vitamin E with vitamin C had significantly better mean performance, as judged by a global score that combined individual test scores, than did women who had never used vitamin E or C.
High-dose antioxidant supplements and cognitive function in community-dwelling elderly women.
Grodstein F, Chen J, Willett WC. Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
fran.grodstein@channing.harvard.edu
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12663300?dopt=Abstract


Vitamins C/E/Carotene and Cognition/Delay
High antioxidant intake from food and supplement sources of vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotene may delay cognitive decline in the elderly.
Antioxidant intake and cognitive function of elderly men and women: the Cache County Study
Alternative Medicine Review, Sept, 2007 by H.J. Wengreen, R.G. Munger, C.D. Corcoran
Nutr Health Aging 2007;11:230-237.
COPYRIGHT 2007 Thorne Research Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDN/is_3_12/ai_n21066505


Flavonol and Dementia/Stroke/Cardio
A pilot study evaluated the relationship between cerebral blood flow and a single acute dose (450 mg flavanols) of flavanol-rich cocoa and showed that flavanol-rich cocoa can increase the cerebral blood flow to gray matter, suggesting the potential of cocoa flavanols for treatment of vascular impairment, including dementia and strokes, and thus for maintaining cardiovascular health.
fMRI = functional magnetic resonance imaging
The Effect of Flavanol-rich Cocoa on the fMRI Response to a Cognitive Task in Healthy Young People
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology. 47 Supplement 2:S215-S220, June 2006.
Francis, S. T. PhD *; Head, K. BSc(Hons) *; Morris, P. G. PhD *; Macdonald, I. A. PhD +
http://www.cardiovascularpharm.com/pt/re/jcardiopharm/abstract.00005344-200606001-00018.htm;jsessionid=Lh1Vp56vbJQbLpYjQD3VZh67NFKKjr6ScpcS60Wq8tsnJdzK5Ttf!-1052912739!181195629!8091!-1


Flavonol and Dementia/Stroke/Cardio
In summary, we show that dietary intake of FRC(flavonol rich cocoa) is associated with a significant increase in cerebral blood flow velocity in the MCA (middle cerebral artery) as measured by TCD (transcranial Doppler). Our data suggest a promising role for regular cocoa flavanol’s consumption in the treatment of cerebrovascular ischemic syndromes, including dementias and stroke.
Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2008 April; 4(2): 433–440. PMCID: PMC2518374
Published online 2008 April.
Copyright © 2008 Sorond et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd.
Cerebral blood flow response to flavanol-rich cocoa in healthy elderly humans
Farzaneh A Sorond,1,2 Lewis A Lipsitz,2,4 Norman K Hollenberg,3,5 and Naomi DL Fisher3
1Department of Neurology, Stroke Division, Boston, MA
2Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA
3Department of Medicine, Endocrine-Hypertension Division, Boston, MA, USA
4Department of Medicine, Gerontology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
5Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
Correspondence: Farzaneh A Sorond Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Neurology, Stroke Division, 45 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA Tel +1 617 732 7432 Fax +1 617 278 6963 Email fsorond@partners.org
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2518374&rendertype=abstract


Cinnamon and insulin/anti-inflammatory response/anti-angiogenesis
These results suggest that cinnamon exhibits the potential to increase the amount of proteins involved in insulin signaling, glucose transport, and anti-inflammatory/anti-angiogenesis response.
Cinnamon extract and polyphenols affect the expression of tristetraprolin, insulin receptor, and glucose transporter 4 in mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes Heping Cao, a, Marilyn M. Polanskya and Richard A. Anderson, a,
aNutrient Requirements and Functions Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Building 307C, BARC-East, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
Received 8 November 2006;
revised 20 December 2006.
Available online 25 January 2007.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WB5-4MWY18K-1&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=21d95479a677c618a1fad8d9b584477b


Cinnamon and anti-inflammatory response
The present results provided evidence that HCA, among cinnamaledhyde derivatives, has the most inhibitory effect on NO production through inhibition of NF-kappa B activation, and thus can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Biochem Pharmacol. 2005 Mar 1;69 (5):791-9 15710356 (P,S,G,E,B)
Inhibitory effect of 2'-hydroxycinnamaldehyde on nitric oxide production through inhibition of NF-kappa B activation in RAW 264.7 cells.
Seung Ho Lee, Sun Young Lee, Dong Ju Son, Heesoon Lee, Hwan Soo Yoo, Sukgil Song, Ki Wan Oh, Dong Cho Han, Byoung Mog Kwon, Jin Tae Hong College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Heungduk-gu, Cheongju 361-763, South Korea.
http://lib.bioinfo.pl/pmid:15710356


Bromelain and anti-inflammatory response/anti-edema/anti-blood clotting
Bromelain is a crude extract from the pineapple that contains, among other components, various closely related proteinases, demonstrating, in vitro and in vivo, antiedematous, antiinflammatory, antithrombotic and fibrinolytic activities.
Bromelain: biochemistry, pharmacology and medical use.
Maurer HR.
Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany. hrmaurer@zedat.fu-berlin.de
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11577981?dopt=Abstract


Bromelain and anti-inflammatory response/musculoskeletal
In recent years, a number of clinical studies have appeared to substantiate one of the traditional therapeutic uses of extracts of bromelain, namely, in the treatment of inflammatory disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Bromelain as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: a Review of Clinical Studies
Sarah Brien1,*, George Lewith1, Ann Walker2, Stephen M. Hicks2 and Dick Middleton3
1University of Southampton Southampton, UK, 2University of Reading Reading, UK, and 3Medic Herb UK Ltd UK
http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/1/3/251?maxtoshow=&HITS=60&hits=60&RESULTFORMAT=1&andorexacttitle=and&titleabstract=bromeline%2Cbromelain&andorexacttitleabs=or&andorexactfulltext=and&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&tdate=//&resourcetype=HWCIT


Mango and bio-availability in juice
A comparison between the three forms (juice, fresh and dried fruit) revealed that papaya and mangoes consumed in form of juice or fresh fruit are the best forms because they had higher bioavailability values. CONCLUSION: Association of these different forms of consumptions could lead to a better availability of these fruits throughout the year and therefore efficiently contribute to improve vitamin A status of the population.
Systemic levels of carotenoids from mangoes and papaya consumed in three forms (juice, fresh and dry slice).
Gouado I, Schweigert FJ, Ejoh RA, Tchouanguep MF, Camp JV. Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon. gouadoi@yahoo.fr
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17637601?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum


Antioxidants and their role in aging
Therefore, since the immune system is an indicator of health and a longevity predictor, the protection of this system afforded by dietary antioxidant supplementation may play an important role in order to achieve a healthy ageing.Effects of antioxidants on immune system ageing
M De la Fuente
Departmento de Fisiología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Correspondence to: M de la Fuente, Departmento de Fisiología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2002) 56, Suppl 3, S5-S8.
doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601476
http://www.nature.com/ejcn/journal/v56/n3s/abs/1601476a.html


Antioxidants and immune response
Diets contain naturally occurring antioxidant compounds that can stabilize highly reactive, potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are generated during normal cellular metabolism and result from the metabolism of certain drugs or xenobiotics. Exposure to UV light, cigarette smoke, and other environmental pollutants also increases the body's free radical burden. The harmful activities of free radicals are associated with damage to membranes, enzymes, and DNA. The ability of antioxidants to destroy free radicals protects the structural integrity of cells and tissues. This review focuses on data indicating that the functions of the human immune system depend on the intake of micronutrients, which can act as antioxidants. Recent clinical trials have found that antioxidant supplementation can significantly improve certain immune responses. Specifically, supplementation with vitamins C, E, and A or ß-carotene increased the activation of cells involved in tumor immunity in the elderly. Supplementation with the antioxidant vitamins also protected immune responses in individuals exposed to certain environmental sources of free radicals.
Physiological Role of Antioxidants in the Immune System
Adrianne Bendich 1
1 Human Nutrition Research, Hoffmann-LaRoche Inc., Nutley, NJ 07110
http://jds.fass.org/cgi/content/abstract/76/9/2789


Cinnamon and glucose/triglyceride/cholesterol
The results of this study demonstrate that intake of 1, 3, or 6 g of cinnamon per day reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes and suggest that the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes Alam Khan, MS, PHD1,2,3, Mahpara Safdar, MS1,2, Mohammad Muzaffar Ali Khan, MS, PHD1,2, Khan Nawaz Khattak, MS1,2 and Richard A. Anderson, PHD3
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/26/12/3215


Cinnamon Glucose
These data illustrate that cinnamon spice supplementation may be important to in vivo glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity in humans, and not only are its effects immediate, they also appear to be sustained for 12 h.
Solomon TP, Blannin AK.
Diabetes Obes Metab. 2007 Nov;9(6):895-901
Effects of short-term cinnamon ingestion on in vivo glucose toleranceSchool of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17924872?ordinalpos=4&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum


Bromelain and anti-inflammatory response/non osteoperosis
We conclude that bromelain may be effective in ameliorating physical symptoms and improving general well-being in otherwise healthy adults suffering from mild knee pain in a dose-dependant manner
Note regarding this study: There is preliminary clinical evidence to support the contention that the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of bromelain help to reduce symptoms of osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis. However, there have been no controlled studies of its effects on joint health in healthy subjects who lack such diagnosis. The current study investigated the effects of bromelain on mild acute knee pain of less than 3 months duration in otherwise healthy adults.
Bromelain reduces mild acute knee pain and improves well-being in a dose-dependent fashion in an open study of otherwise healthy adults.
Walker AF, Bundy R, Hicks SM, Middleton RW.
Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, The University of Reading, UK.
a.f.walker@reading.ac.uk
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12587686?ordinalpos=7&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum


Effects of chocolate consumption on enhancing cognitive performance
We Rosanna Drake, Daniel Felbaum, Lauren Matthews, Alex Reed, & Bryan Raudenbush

Previous research has found that the nutrient content of foods aids in glucose release and increased blood flow. These increases have subsequently been implicated in augmenting cognitive performance. The present study assessed the effects of various chocolate types on cognitive performance, mood, and task workload. In a within-subjects design, participants completed the protocol under four conditions: 85g milk chocolate (total fat 26g, saturated fat 18g, carbohydrates 50g, fiber 2g, sugar 44g, protein 6g), 85g dark chocolate (total fat 34g, saturated fat 20g, carbohydrates 46g, fiber 6g, sugar 34g, protein 4g), 85g carob (total fat 20g, saturated fat 14g, carbohydrates 45g, fiber 11g, sugar 40g, protein 11g), and a non-consumption control condition. After a 15 minute digestive period, participants completed a variety of computer-based neuropsychological tests assessing word discrimination, verbal memory, design memory, attention span, reaction time, problem solving, and response variability. Mood and task workload were assessed via the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Gender and age served as co-variates for the analyses. Composite scores for verbal and visual memory were significantly higher for milk chocolate than the other conditions. Consumption of milk or dark chocolate showed improved impulse control and reaction time. These findings provide support for nutrient release via chocolate consumption to enhance cognitive performance.

http://www.wju.edu/academics/psy/recentresearchs2006.asp


Dr. James Duke - World renowned Rainforest Ethno-Botanical Scientist

Dr. James Duke
With over thirty years of experience working and researching for the United States Department of Agriculture, Dr. Duke is an expert in the field of holistic herbal healing. He has studied over 500 Rainforest botanicals in detail and has compiled extensive data on each species.

Download Camu Camu article from his Amazon Handbook of Medicinal Herbs

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