Amazonian Superfruit May Reverse Fatty Liver Disease, Study Suggests

Camu Camu: A Potential Treatment for NAFLD

Camu camu, a small yet potent berry from the Amazon rainforest, might be beneficial in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), according to recent research. André Marette, a medical professor at Laval University in Quebec and the primary author of the study, stated in an interview that there was over a 15 percent difference in liver fat in just 12 weeks when comparing camu camu to a placebo. Camu camu is a South American berry, known for its deep red color when ripe, tart flavor, and size similar to a grape. NAFLD starts with fat accumulation in the liver, potentially leading to severe liver conditions like liver scarring. Without intervention, NAFLD could progress to fatal liver failure. Currently, over a quarter of adults in the United States are affected by this condition. The study was released on Aug. 20 in Cell Reports Medicine.

How Camu Camu Reduces Liver Fat

In a randomized, double-blind trial, Marette and his research team from Laval University examined 30 overweight adults with high blood lipid levels, a marker for NAFLD. The participants were given either 1.5 grams of camu camu powder or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. The group taking camu camu saw a nearly 7.5 percent reduction of fat in their livers, as measured by magnetic resonance imaging, while those on the placebo experienced a nearly 8.5 percent increase. This is more than a 15 percent difference, according to the study’s authors, emphasizing camu camu’s potential as a powerful natural remedy for fatty liver disease. Camu camu is known for its high vitamin C levels and contains a unique mix of beneficial polyphenols, including ellagic acid and castalagin, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties. The study authors noted that there is a lack of pharmacological treatments for managing NAFLD, which currently relies primarily on lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, as the condition is closely tied to obesity and diabetes.

Polyphenols and Gut Health

The benefits of camu camu are largely attributed to its impact on fat metabolism. The researchers believe that camu camu’s health effects come from its high concentration of polyphenols, which assist in breaking down fat in the liver and inhibit the formation of new fat. Marette stated that the hypothesis was that even a short-term treatment with camu camu would help burn the fat out of the liver. He added that camu camu’s effectiveness is enhanced by having a healthy gut microbiome, which consists of beneficial bacteria that help metabolize the polyphenols in camu camu. Marette explained that the microbiota metabolizes the large polyphenol molecules that cannot be absorbed by the intestine, transforming them into smaller molecules that the body can assimilate to decrease liver fat. Those with a well-balanced microbiome are likely to benefit most from camu camu’s effects. Participants in the camu camu group also showed reductions in key liver enzymes that are typically elevated in NAFLD and indicate liver damage. Additionally, their gut microbiomes exhibited beneficial changes, indicating that gut health is linked to metabolic health. These improvements occurred without significant changes in body weight or overall body fat, suggesting that camu camu specifically targets liver health rather than general weight loss.

Looking Ahead: Advancing Treatment for All Ages

The incidence of NAFLD has surged across all age groups between 2017 and 2021, with the most significant increase observed in children under 17. According to data from Trilliant Health, NAFLD diagnoses in this age group more than doubled during this period, reflecting a rise in childhood obesity and diabetes. Future research aims to enhance the benefits of camu camu by identifying which gut bacteria are essential for metabolizing its polyphenols. Marette mentioned that not all participants experienced the same level of liver fat reduction, which the researchers attribute to variations in the participants’ gut microbiota composition. Marette said that the next step will be to pinpoint the key bacteria needed for metabolizing these polyphenols. Researchers will also investigate the metabolic products of camu camu’s polyphenols to understand their role in reducing liver fat. The team is optimistic that camu camu could become a valuable tool for both prevention and treatment.

Bottom Line

The potential of camu camu as a natural remedy for fatty liver disease is promising. Its high concentration of beneficial polyphenols and their interaction with the gut microbiome seem to play a significant role in reducing liver fat. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play and to identify the key bacteria involved in metabolizing these polyphenols. What are your thoughts on this study? Share this article with your friends and sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is every day at 6 pm.