Acai (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 acai 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 agai 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 acai 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 acai for the healthy women included in the present study, and may increase understanding of the beneficial health properties of this fruit. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.