Camu-camu

(Myrciaria dubia)

Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Myrciaria
Species: dubia
Synonyms: Eugenia divaricata, E. grandiglandulosa, Marliera macedoi, Myrciaria caurenisis, M. divarticata, M. lanceolata, M. obscura, M. paraensis, M. phillyraeoides, M. riedeliana, M. spruceana, Psidium dubium
Ethnic names: Camu-camu, Rumberry
Parts Used: Fruit

HERBAL PROPERTIES AND ACTIONS

Main Actions: nutritious fights free radicals

Other Actions: dries secretions

Standard Dosage: Fresh Juice: 1 cup 2-3 times daily; Tablets: 1-2 g twice daily or follow label directions based on Vitamin C content

Camu-camu is a low-growing shrub found throughout the Amazon rainforest, mainly in swampy or flooded areas. It produces round, light orange-colored fruits about the size of lemons, which contain a significant amount of vitamin C. Its high vitamin C content has created a demand for camu-camu fruit in the natural products market. Some groups are now beginning to study cultivation methods for this important new rainforest resource, which is still harvested wild throughout the Amazon region.

Camu-camu fruit has the highest recorded amount of natural vitamin C known on the planet. Oranges provide 500-4,000 ppm vitamin C, or ascorbic acid; acerola has tested in the range of 16,000 to 172,000 ppm. Camu-camu provides up to 500,000 ppm, or about 2 grams of vitamin C per 100 grams of fruit. In comparison to oranges, camu-camu provides thirty times more vitamin C, ten times more iron, three times more niacin, twice as much riboflavin, and 50% more phosphorus. Camu-camu is also a significant source of potassium, providing 711 mg per kg of fruit. It also has a full complement of minerals and amino acids that can aid in the absorption of vitamin C. Alpha-pinene and d-limonene (compounds known as terpenes) predominate as the volatile compounds in this fruit.

In addition to the chemicals mentioned above, camu-camu contains beta-carotene, calcium, leucine, protein, serine, thiamin, and valine.

There has been no research conducted or published on any medicinal or therapeutic properties of camu-camu. However, there are a few herbal supplement companies in the United States marketing camu-camu extracts in powders and pills and alluding to claims of its benefits-from curing viral infections and colds/flu and cold sores and autoimmune disorders to even weight loss. The fact is there just isn't any research to back up these claims. There is some research suggesting high dosages of vitamin C offer a benefit for various illnesses and conditions, yet even some of those studies are controversial. And, remember, this research is on vitamin C, not on camu-camu specifically.

Camu-camu has never been documented as a traditional herbal remedy for any condition in the Amazon region. In fact, it was not widely eaten as a fruit by the indigenous people, due to its sour, acidic taste. In recent years, the fruits have become popular in Iquitos, Peru, where they are made into drinks and ice creams.

CAMU-CAMU PLANT SUMMARY

Main Preparation Method:	fruit juice
Main Actions (in order):	antioxidant, nutritive, astringent
Main Uses:	for its natural high vitamin C content for colds/flu (for its vitamin C content) for skin care/anti-aging (for its antioxidant, mineral, and vitamin content)
Properties/Actions Documented by Research:	antioxidant (vitamin C)
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:	nutritive
Traditional Preparation:	None documented.
Contraindications:	None reported. Side effects for high or excessive dosages of vitamin C include gastrointestinal disturbances and diarrhea.
Drug Interactions:	None reported.

WARNINGS: Information, statements and products on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The natural properties of the botanicals are only referred to their common uses among folk and herbal traditions. Our products are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease as well. It's not meant to give any suggestion of diagnosis or disesase treatment. Please see a doctor when needed.