Potent Acai Compound Identified

Tropical acai berries have powerful antioxidant properties due to high levels of anthocyanins, which are plant pigments. A newly discovered anthocyanin may be primarily responsible for acai’s potency. The compound, called velutin, has stronger anti-inflammatory properties than previously identified components of acai. Researchers spent almost two years isolating and testing velutin.

Fresh acai berries are quite perishable, making them hard to find in the US. Juices and supplements, including powders and tablets, are available.