Camu Camu

Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a plant native to the floodplains of the Amazon basin, found primarily in Peru and Brazil. The shrub bears small, cherry-like fruits and thrives in swampy or water-rich regions. Camu Camu is especially valued for its exceptionally high vitamin C content, which makes the fruit an extremely rich natural source of this vitamin. In the traditional medicine of the Amazonian peoples, it has been used for centuries for strengthening the immune system, supporting digestion, and promoting general vitality. Due to its tart taste, Camu Camu is usually consumed in powder form or as a dietary supplement.

What benefits does Camu Camu offer?

Camu Camu is used for various health benefits. Not only in traditional medicine does Camu Camu find application; various scientific studies have also already examined the effects of the plant and its fruit. The results of these studies show great potential; however, some of the studies conducted are animal studies, so the results are not readily transferable. As always, the studies are cited and should be interpreted critically.

  • Immune system strengthening: The high vitamin C content can support the body's defenses by triggering various effects in the human body and acting as an antioxidant (1,2,3).
  • Antioxidant effect: In addition to vitamin C, Camu Camu contains valuable polyphenols and flavonoids, which act as antioxidants and could thus reduce oxidative cell damage and have anti-inflammatory effects (1,2,3,4,5).
  • Blood pressure-lowering effect: Various studies have shown that Camu Camu can have a positive effect on blood pressure and could therefore be an effective solution for high blood pressure (6,7,8)
  • Metabolic support: Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia) shows promising anti-obesity effects; in studies, it was able to reduce weight gain, fat accumulation, and inflammation as well as improve glucose metabolism (1,9,10,11).
  • Blood sugar regulation: Investigations suggest that Camu Camu could stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance (1,12,13,14,15).

How does Camu Camu work?

The health-promoting effects of Camu Camu can be attributed to various bioactive constituents. Among other things, Camu Camu contains vitamin C, flavonoids and polyphenols and amino acids

Side effects and risks

Although Camu Camu offers many health benefits, side effects can occur with excessive consumption:

  • Stomach irritation: Due to its high vitamin C content, Camu Camu can cause heartburn or stomach discomfort in large amounts.
  • Interactions with medications: People taking blood-thinning medications or blood sugar-regulating agents should consult a doctor before consumption.
  • Vitamin C overdose: Too much vitamin C can lead to various side effects.

Conclusion

Camu Camu is a remarkable fruit with an exceptionally high vitamin C content and numerous potential health benefits. In studies, Camu Camu was able to demonstrate a whole range of different positive effects. Despite its positive effects, it should be consumed in moderate amounts to avoid side effects, and in case of doubt, consumption should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.

Sources:

  1. García-Chacón, J. M., Marín-Loaiza, J. C., & Osorio, C. (2023). Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh): An Amazonian fruit with biofunctional properties–A review. ACS Omega, 8(6), 5169–5183. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.2c07245
  2. Yuyama K, et al. "Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Properties of Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia)." Food Research International, 2011.
  3. Fujita, A.; Sarkar, D.; Wu, S.; Kennelly, E.; Shetty, K.; Genovese, M. I. Evaluation of phenolic-linked bioactives of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia McVaugh) for antihyperglycemia, antihypertension, antimicrobial properties and cellular rejuvenation. Food Res. Int. 2015, 77, 194– 203, DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2015.07.009
  4. das Chagas, E. G. L.; Vanin, F. M.; dos Santos Garcia, V. A.; Yoshida, C. M. P.; de Carvalho, R. A. Enrichment of antioxidants compounds in cookies produced with camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) coproducts powders. LWT – Food Sci. Technol. 2021, 137, 110472, DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2020.110472
  5. Grigio, M. L.; de Moura, E. A.; Alves Chagas, E.; Berlingieri Durigan, M. F.; Cardoso Chagas, P.; Ferreira de Carvalho, G.; Zanchetta, J. J. Bioactive compounds in and antioxidant activity of camu- camu fruits harvested at different maturation stages during postharvest storage. Acta Sci. Agron. 2021, 43, e50997, DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v43i1.50997
  6. Felkle, D.; Jarczynski, M.; Kaleta, K.; Zięba, K.; Nazimek, K. The immunomodulatory effects of antihypertensive therapy: A review. Biomed. Pharmacother. 2022, 153, 113287, DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113287
  7. Moura, M. H. C.; Cunha, M. G.; Alezandro, M. R.; Genovese, M. I. Phenolic-rich jaboticaba (Plinia jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg) extracts prevent high-fat-sucrose diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice. Food Res. Int. 2018, 107, 48– 60, DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2018.01.071
  8. Miyashita, T.; Koizumi, R.; Myoda, T.; Sagane, Y.; Niwa, K.; Watanabe, T.; Minami, K. Data on a single oral dose of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) pericarp extract on flow-mediated vasodilation and blood pressure in young adult humans. Data Brief. 2018, 16, 993– 999, DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2017.12.009
  9. Salomão-Oliveira, A.; de Souza Costa, S.; Albuquerque Marinho, H. Metabolic syndrome: Intake of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh). Int. J. Food Sci. Nutr. 2018, 3, 5– 13
  10. Vilaça do Nascimento, O.; de Araújo Boleti, A. P.; Schwertz, M.; Lima, E. S. Dietary supplementation with camu-camu and continuous exercises in the treatment of obesity. Rev. Nutr. 2018, 31, 25– 33, DOI: 10.1590/1678-98652018000100003
  11. de Souza Schmidt Gonçalves, A. E.; Lellis-Santos, C.; Curi, R.; Lajolo, F. M.; Genovese, M. I. Frozen pulp extracts of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia McVaugh) attenuate the hyperlipidemia and lipid peroxidation of Type 1 diabetic rats. Food Res. Int. 2014, 64, 1– 8, DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2014.05.074
  12. Abot, A., Brochot, A., Pomié, N., Wemelle, E., Druart, C., Régnier, M., Delzenne, N. M., de Vos, W. M., Knauf, C., & Cani, P. D. (2022). Camu-Camu Reduces Obesity and Improves Diabetic Profiles of Obese and Diabetic Mice: A Dose-Ranging Study. Metabolites, 12(4), 301. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo12040301
  13. Abot, A.; Brochot, A.; Pomié, N.; Wemelle, E.; Druart, C.; Régnier, M.; Delzenne, N. M.; de Vos, W. M.; Knauf, C.; Cani, P. D. Camu-camu reduces obesity and improves diabetic profiles of obese and diabetic mice: A dose-ranging study. Metabolites 2022, 12, 301, DOI: 10.3390/metabo12040301
  14. de Azevedo, J. C. S.; Fujita, A.; de Oliveira, E. L.; Genovese, M. I.; Correia, R. T. P. Dried camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia H.B.K. McVaugh) industrial residue: A bioactive-rich Amazonian powder with functional attributes. Food Res. Int. 2014, 62, 934– 940, DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2014.05.018
  15. Gothai, S.; Ganesan, P.; Park, S.-Y.; Fakurazi, S.; Choi, D.-K.; Arulselvan, P. Natural phyto-bioactive compounds for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: inflammation as a target. Nutrients. 2016, 8, 461, DOI: 10.3390/nu8080461