enciclopedia naturale testata desktop
Malpighia punicifolia
Natural Encyclopaedia

Acerola

FAMILY: Malpighiaceae.

HABITAT: typical of the Caribbean and Brazil, it is cultivated in other warm temperate climate countries.

USED PART: the fruits.

RECOMMENDED PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS: nebulised dry extract titrated in vitamin C (up to 25 %). Its daily dosage is 300 to 400 mg, divided into two doses, preferably between meals.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: is a plant very rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which can account for up to 25% of the dry plant weight, accompanied by other organic acids. Important is the content of flavonoids and especially anthocyanidins.

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES: Vitamin C is water-soluble and thermolabile, i.e. it is destroyed by heat. Promotes intestinal absorption of iron. It also has a good antioxidant action, in combination with vitamin A, vitamin E and selenium. This antioxidant action is present in the natural extractive form but much less so in the synthetic one.
It is also important for the functions of the immune system. In fact, the cells of the immune system consume a lot of vitamin C when they are working intensively, and if they do not receive a constant supply of this vitamin, their functionality is reduced, to the detriment of the body's defences against infection. Smoking reduces the levels of this vitamin and thus lowers the immune system and this action is also possessed by alcohol.
Vitamin C reserves are quickly depleted under stress.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS: It can facilitate the formation of kidney stones due to excessive excretion of oxalate. It can be used in pregnancy, during lactation and in children.

 

You can find it in Imoviral Gola and Imoviral Junior