Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulp dietary intake improves cellular antioxidant enzymes and biomarkers of serum in healthy women.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of açai pulp (Euterpe oleracea Martius) intake on the prevention of oxidative damage by measuring the activity of antioxidant enzymes and biomarkers of protein oxidation in women.

METHODS

A nutritional intervention study was conducted with thirty-five healthy women who were asked to consume 200 g/d of açai pulp for 4 wk. Blood samples were collected, and blood pressure and anthropometric parameters were measured before and after the experimental period. Antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, production of reactive oxygen species, and total antioxidant capacity were evaluated in polymorphonuclear cells. Serum concentration of protein carbonyl and sulfhydryl groups were also determined.

RESULTS

The açai intake increased catalase activity, total antioxidant capacity, and reduced the production of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, it reduced serum concentration of protein carbonyl and increased total serum sulfhydryl groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show the antioxidant benefit of dietary açai for the healthy women included in the present study, and may increase understanding of the beneficial health properties of this fruit.

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