Acerola, L. or D.C.(formerlyknownas L.), is the fruitof the
Acerola bush, a native plant of theWest Indies, original from
Antilhas. IthasbeenpopularlyknownasBarbados cherry,and
stands out among other fruits for its highVitamin C content,
from which it is one of the richest known sources.
Additionally to Vitamin C, Acerola also is rich in other
nutrients, including carotenoids and anthocyanins
compounds with antioxidant activity another outstanding
feature this fruitpresents amongnutraceutics.
Acerola may be consumed in natura or in the form of juices,
and has been intensively marketed in frozen form. The
physical-chemical properties of its frozenjuice or pulp should
be close to those of itsmain components (mainlyVitamin C)
found in the natural fruit. Since the fruit is perishable and
subject to the influence of a number of factors, like genetic
variability of the plants, amount of rain, temperature,
altitude,watering, fertilizing,occurrence of pests and diseases
that affect thepropertiesof theprocessedproduct.
Acerola extracts containing definite amounts of Vitamin C,
and stable physical-chemical and bacteriologic properties,
which allow their use as nutraceutics, this way following the
worldwide trend of increased consumption of tropical fruit
juices andits extracts for thispurpose.
ACEROLA Vitamin C has deficiency conditions, to prevent
gastrointestinal diseases, enhance iron absorption, enhance
the healing rate of injuries, fractures, and ulcers. In high
dosages, itmay be used to acidify urineAcerola extract shows
antioxidant activity, and therefore itmay be useful in diseases
in which free radical production is a part or consequence of
the pathophysiologic process. Moreover, based on its
antioxidant ability, it may be added to formulate for
atherosclerosis and diabetes treatment and prevention, and
may alsoprovide abeneficial effectduring long lasting aerobic
exertion. For nutritional purposes, mainly for children and
elderly people, Acerola extracts may also be added to other
fruit juices in order to increase the amount of Vitamin C
without impairing the tasteof the juices ithasbeenaddedto.
Ascorbic acid plays a key role in muscle, skin, and bone
development and regeneration, in collagen production, in the
regulation of body temperature, in the production of several
hormones.
Malpighia glabra Malpighia emarginata Malpighiapunicifolia
