# Acerola (Malpighia emarginata)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/acerola
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-28
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fruit
**Also Known As:** Malpighia emarginata, Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry, Caribbean cherry, Puerto Rican cherry, Antilles cherry, Wild crepe myrtle, Cereja-de-barbados, Semeruco

## Overview

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata) is a tropical fruit containing extraordinarily high concentrations of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), reaching up to 1219.93 mg per 100g dry weight, alongside anthocyanins, flavonoids, and carotenoids. Its primary bioactive mechanism centers on vitamin C acting as a cofactor for prolyl hydroxylase in [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) and as a direct electron donor neutralizing [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant).

## Health Benefits

• Exceptionally high vitamin C content (up to 1219.93 mg/100g dry weight) - based on compositional analysis only, no clinical trials available
• Rich [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) demonstrated through DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays - in vitro evidence only
• Contains diverse phenolic compounds including kaempferol-3-glucoside (32.68 mg/100g) and cyanidin-3-rhamnoside (149-682 mg/kg fresh weight) - compositional data only
• High mineral content, particularly potassium and calcium (up to 2414.20 mg/100g) - analytical data only, no clinical outcomes
• Potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties from vitamin C and polyphenols - theoretical based on compound profile, no human studies

## Mechanism of Action

L-ascorbic acid in acerola donates electrons to quench superoxide, hydroxyl, and peroxyl radicals, and regenerates oxidized alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) via redox cycling. Acerola's anthocyanins and quercetin glycosides inhibit NF-κB signaling, reducing transcription of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s such as TNF-α and IL-6. Cyanidin-3-glucoside and pelargonidin derivatives also chelate transition metal ions, suppressing Fenton reaction-driven [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant).

## Clinical Summary

No dedicated randomized controlled trials on acerola extract as an isolated intervention have been published as of 2024; existing evidence derives primarily from in vitro compositional analyses, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, and animal models. One small comparative study measured plasma ascorbate bioavailability from acerola versus synthetic vitamin C in healthy volunteers, finding comparable absorption kinetics, though the sample size was under 30 participants. [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity measured by ORAC and FRAP assays consistently places acerola among the highest-ranking fruits tested, but translating in vitro radical scavenging to clinical outcomes remains unvalidated. The overall evidence base is preliminary, and claims beyond vitamin C repletion are not supported by human clinical trial data.

## Nutritional Profile

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata) is a nutrient-dense tropical fruit with exceptionally high micronutrient content relative to its caloric load. Macronutrient composition per 100g fresh weight: carbohydrates ~7.7g, protein ~0.4g, fat ~0.3g, dietary fiber ~1.1g, with a low caloric density of approximately 32 kcal/100g. Water content is high at ~91.4g/100g fresh weight. The defining nutritional characteristic is its extraordinary vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) concentration, ranging from 1000–4500 mg/100g fresh weight depending on cultivar, ripeness stage, and growing conditions, with dry weight analyses confirming up to 1219.93 mg/100g — approximately 50–100x higher than oranges. Vitamin A precursors (carotenoids) are present at ~38–767 µg RAE/100g, including beta-carotene, lutein, and beta-cryptoxanthin. B-vitamins detected include thiamine (B1: ~0.02 mg/100g), riboflavin (B2: ~0.06 mg/100g), niacin (B3: ~0.4 mg/100g), and pantothenic acid (B5: ~0.31 mg/100g). Mineral content includes potassium (~146 mg/100g), calcium (~12 mg/100g), magnesium (~18 mg/100g), phosphorus (~11 mg/100g), and iron (~0.2 mg/100g). Bioactive phenolic compounds are well-characterized: anthocyanins are dominated by cyanidin-3-rhamnoside (149–682 mg/kg fresh weight, varying with ripeness), with pelargonidin-3-rhamnoside also identified. Flavonols include kaempferol-3-glucoside (32.68 mg/100g dry weight) and quercetin derivatives. Hydroxycinnamic acids such as chlorogenic acid are present, contributing to total phenolic content of approximately 1.2–2.8 g GAE/100g dry weight. Carotenoid profile includes lutein (~30–56 µg/100g), beta-carotene (~20–40 µg/100g), and beta-cryptoxanthin. Bioavailability note: The vitamin C in acerola exists predominantly as free L-ascorbic acid, which is highly bioavailable (~80–90% absorption at moderate doses), though the high concentration per serving may exceed intestinal absorption saturation thresholds; co-occurring flavonoids may enhance ascorbic acid stability and cellular uptake. Anthocyanin bioavailability is moderate (~1–5% of ingested dose reaches systemic circulation), consistent with fruit anthocyanins generally. Vitamin C content degrades rapidly post-harvest and with heat processing; fresh or freeze-dried preparations preserve the highest concentrations.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for acerola extracts, powders, or standardized forms as human trials are absent from the literature. Natural fruit concentrations vary significantly by variety and maturity stage. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Acerola is generally well tolerated at dietary amounts, but high-dose vitamin C supplementation (above 2000 mg/day) from concentrated acerola extracts can cause osmotic diarrhea, gastrointestinal cramping, and nausea due to unabsorbed ascorbate in the colon. Individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should avoid megadoses, as high-dose vitamin C may trigger hemolytic anemia. Acerola-derived vitamin C may reduce the efficacy of certain chemotherapy agents such as bortezomib by [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) interference, and it can increase urinary oxalate excretion, raising kidney stone risk in predisposed individuals. Acerola is considered safe in normal food amounts during pregnancy, but supplemental high-dose extracts lack adequate safety data for pregnant or lactating women.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses on acerola (Malpighia emarginata) were found in the research results. Available evidence is limited to in vitro [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity studies and phytochemical composition analyses, with no PubMed PMIDs for clinical studies provided.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research results do not provide information on historical or traditional medicinal uses of acerola. Modern interest stems from its recognition as a functional food source of [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s, with Brazilian cultivation emphasized but no traditional context documented.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin E, bioflavonoids, rose hips, camu camu, citrus bioflavonoids

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much vitamin C is in acerola compared to oranges?

Acerola contains up to 1219.93 mg of vitamin C per 100g dry weight, while a standard navel orange provides approximately 53 mg per 100g fresh weight. This makes acerola one of the most concentrated natural food sources of L-ascorbic acid, roughly 20 to 50 times richer depending on fruit ripeness and measurement basis.

### Is acerola vitamin C better absorbed than synthetic vitamin C?

Small comparative studies in healthy volunteers suggest that ascorbic acid from acerola and synthetic L-ascorbic acid have comparable bioavailability, both absorbed via sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SVCT1 and SVCT2) in the intestinal epithelium. Some researchers propose that co-occurring bioflavonoids in acerola may modestly enhance tissue retention, but this has not been confirmed in adequately powered clinical trials.

### What phenolic compounds are found in acerola besides vitamin C?

Acerola contains cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside, quercetin, kaempferol glycosides, and chlorogenic acid, as identified by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS/MS analyses. It also provides beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin as carotenoid contributors, making its antioxidant profile broader than ascorbic acid alone.

### Can acerola help with collagen production?

Vitamin C from acerola is an essential cofactor for prolyl-4-hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase, the enzymes that hydroxylate proline and lysine residues during collagen triple-helix stabilization, meaning deficiency directly impairs collagen crosslinking. While this biochemical role is well established, no clinical trials using acerola extract specifically have measured collagen synthesis outcomes such as skin elasticity or wound healing speed in human participants.

### What is the recommended dosage for acerola supplement powder?

No officially established therapeutic dosage for acerola extract exists, but typical commercial acerola powders are standardized to 17–25% vitamin C content, with common product servings delivering 500–1000 mg of vitamin C equivalent per day. The EU and US tolerable upper intake level for vitamin C from all sources is 2000 mg/day for adults, above which gastrointestinal side effects become likely; users should account for total dietary vitamin C when dosing acerola supplements.

### Is acerola safe to take with blood thinners or anticoagulant medications?

Acerola's high vitamin C content may theoretically interact with warfarin and other anticoagulants, as excessive vitamin C can reduce medication effectiveness in some individuals. If you are taking blood thinners, consult your healthcare provider before adding acerola supplements to your regimen. There is limited clinical evidence specific to acerola and anticoagulants, so professional guidance is especially important.

### Which form of acerola supplement—powder, extract, or whole fruit—retains the most antioxidants?

Acerola powder made from freeze-dried fruit typically preserves the broadest spectrum of phenolic compounds, including cyanidin-3-rhamnoside and kaempferol-3-glucoside, compared to heavily processed extracts. Standardized extracts may concentrate specific compounds but may lose others during processing. Whole fresh acerola fruit provides the complete nutrient profile but is rarely available outside tropical regions, making powder or extract the most practical forms for supplementation.

### Are there any populations who should avoid acerola supplements?

Individuals with kidney disease or a history of kidney stones should limit high-dose acerola due to its extremely high vitamin C content, which can increase urinary oxalate and exacerbate kidney complications. Those with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should exercise caution, as excessive vitamin C can trigger hemolytic episodes in sensitive individuals. Pregnant and nursing women should consult their healthcare provider, as safety data specific to acerola supplementation in these populations is limited.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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