Camu Camu

Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a type of shrub common throughout the Amazon rainforest. It is well known for its high vitamin C content, as well as beta-carotene, fatty acids, and protein.^[1] Camu camu berries are edible and have a very sour taste. Therefore, it's preferable to consume it as a supplement in capsule or powder form.

Benefits

Traditionally, camu camu has been used to treat the following:

• Viral infections (herpes, shingles)

• Eye conditions (cataracts, glaucoma)

• Asthma

• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Gingivitis

• Headaches

• Osteoarthritis

There is, however, no conclusive evidence indicating its effectiveness.

That isn't to say there aren't any benefits to the vegetation. Camu camu has very high vitamin C content -- about 2% to 3% of its fresh weight.^[2] Some preliminary studies have indicated that camu camu may be useful for treating inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as diabetes.^[5] Research also suggests that camu camu may be high in anthocyanins, a flavonoid with antioxidant effects.

Antioxidant effects

Camu camu

Researchers at Japan's Saga University studied 20 male smokers, giving one group 70ml of 100% camu camu juice daily, and the control group 1050mg of vitamin C. The camu camu group had a significant decrease in oxidative stress markers, reactive oxygen species, and inflammatory markers. The study concluded that there may be some unknown antioxidant substances besides vitamin C in camu camu.^[2]

Anti-Inflammatory effects

A study at the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology showed that oral supplementation of camu camu extract in mice reduced the formation of edema (the collection of fluid in tissues). In a test tube, camu camu suppressed the release of nitric oxide from cells.^[6] The source of these anti-inflammatory properties was found to be betulinic acid, a compound with anti-inflammatory, antiretroviral, and antimalarial properties. According to the American Cancer Society, it "may hold promise as an anticancer agent."^[7] The study concluded that camu camu seed extract can potentially be used to prevent immune-related diseases.

Obesity

Lose weight with camu camu

Camu camu has shown potential for aiding in obesity reduction in some studies conducted with rats. Rats with diet-induced obesity were put in two groups: an experimental group ingested camu camu pulp, the control group did not. After 12 weeks, their tissues were collected. The rats that consumed pulp saw a reduction of fat in white adipose tissues, glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL "bad" cholesterol, and insulin blood levels.^[3] However, it's very important to note that no such studies have been performed on humans and this is not a miracle weight loss cure.

Negative side effects

There isn't enough research to indicate dangers of consuming camu camu. However, some studies suggest it may interact with drugs used in chemotherapy treatments.^[5] Consuming abnormally high amounts of camu camu may result in side effects associated with vitamin C megadosage, such as diarrhea.

Conclusion

Although camu camu shows potential for many health benefits, research is limited and not many claims regarding it have been proven. In addition, because it only grows in specific areas, it's very expensive compared to other sources of vitamin C. The only thing we know for sure is that it's not harmful, and including it in your diet isn't a bad idea if you want to try it out.