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Royal Camu Light

Name: Royal Camu Light
SKU: 6711
Availability: InStock

Camu-Camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a non-citrus rainforest berry that grows wild in the Amazon river of Peru and Brazil. It is the most potent food-source of natural Vitamin C on Earth!

Camu-Camu berries contain 50 times more natural Vitamin C than oranges, pound for pound.

SUPPORTS

Healthy function of the immune system*
Maintenance of healthy eyes, gums, and skin*
Healthy function of the central nervous system*
Good energy levels*
Reduction of white adipose tissue (fat)*
Healthy brain function*
Relief from occasional minor pain*

The Camu-Camu berry contains 50 times more vitamin C by weight than an orange! A teaspoon of Royal Camu powder has 1180% of the recommended daily intake for vitamin C.

½-1 teaspoon (2-5 capsules) will produce dramatic results within 15 minutes!

Description

POWDERS
Serving size: ½ teaspoon
Bottle sizes: 32g, 100g powder
Servings per bottle: 32, 96
CAPSULES
Serving size: 2 Capsules
Bottle sizes: 70, 140 vegetarian capsules, 140 gelatin capsules
Servings per bottle: 35, 70, 70
One serving contains:
Myrciaria dubia 700mg
(Certified organic, non-GMO corn maltodextrin used to stabilize the high Vitamin C content)

Minerals, Amino acids and Secondary Metabolites in Camu-Camu Berries

Camu-Camu also contains thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin and is rich in bioflavonoids and other antioxidants. In addition, 71.1 milligrams of potassium are found in every 100 grams of Camu – Camu. It also contains the amino acids valine, leucine, and serine (see below for descriptions) – all essential acids that our bodies can’t produce.

Camu-Camu has several different flavonoids, including Gallic Acid and Ellagic Acid, which are compounds found in plants and are part of what gives fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors. They mostly function in the body as antioxidants, neutralizing harmful free radicals.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF VITAMIN C

Supports the immune system*
Relieves low mood and anxiety*
Enhances energy levels*
Provides powerful pain relief*
Provides seasonal allergy relief*
Neutralizes free radicals*
Helps people with ADHD, ADD, bipolar disorder, and addictions*
Supports the cardiovascular system* and MUCH MORE!

Botanicals in the Wild

Camu berries in Peru

More Health Benefits of Vitamin C

Immune support*
Energy increase*
Mood balance*
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
Hormone balance*
Supports energy and vitality*
Can be taken during transition period from HRT (or other estrogenic products) to Royal Maca^®
Pain relief*
Boosting immune system function*
Beautiful skin*
Maintaining healthy gums*
Helps relieve asthma and seasonal allergies*
Reducing effects of sun exposure, such as sunburn or redness*
Healing burns and wounds*
Helps maintain healthy blood sugar in people with diabetes*
Some studies have also shown that Vitamin C may be helpful in maintaining healthy body cells in people with immune compromise. *
Helps to prevent macular degeneration*

Camu-Camu also contains thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin and is rich in bioflavonoids and other antioxidants. In addition, 71.1 milligrams of potassium are found in every 100 grams of Camu-Camu. It also contains the amino acids valine, leucine, and serine (see below for descriptions) – all essential acids that our bodies can’t produce.

Amino Acids Found in Camu – Camu Berries

Valine is used by the body to prevent muscle breakdown and is important for nervous system and cognitive function.
Leucine is needed for muscle and bone tissue growth. It also aids in the production of growth hormones.
Serine is key for digestion by helping to break down the bonds in proteins and polypeptides so they can be used by our bodies.

The Gallic Acid found in Camu-Camu has anti-fungal and anti-viral properties and acts as an antioxidant.
Ellagic Acid is another acid with antioxidant properties, found in Camu-Camu. It has been studied for anti-cancer effects, though research is still very early. Some research also indicates that ellagic acid helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Camu-Camu berries are a rich source of anthocyanins. These are the pigments that give various fruits and vegetables their color, including red sweet potatoes, red cabbage or red, blue and violet berries. Studies have long indicated that moderate and regular intake of anthocyanins, for example by drinking red wine, may lower the risk of heart disease.

Each Serving Contains

1000mg Camu-Camu powder concentrate (9:1 potency)

Vegan	Gluten-Free	Wildcrafted	Irradiated	Pesticides /chemical fertilizers	Additives (see FAQ)	Excipients or flow agents	Certified Organic
Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Organic, non-GMO maltodextrin	No	Maltodextrin

Dosing Considerations

Royal Camu Light powder and capsules are best taken twice a day between meals for maximum absorption.

Royal Camu Light is safe and beneficial for children and adults.

Dosing May Vary Upon Need
The daily recommended intake is 1/2 teaspoon (2-3 capsules) per day. Because Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, it can be taken in larger quantities without concern. What the body cannot use, it will simply flush out in the urine. This means that more Royal Camu can be taken as a low maintenance (preventative), high maintenance (chronic symptoms) or immediate/urgent use (acute symptoms) with dosing amounts increasing as needed for maximum effect. For example, 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon (2-3 capsules) a day would be beneficial to prevent getting a cold or the flu. If you are in a susceptible environment or are feeling vulnerable, you could take a high maintenance dose of 1 teaspoon (4-6 capsules) twice a day. Once you know you’ve caught a cold or have the flu, you could take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (3-6 capsules) three times or more a day.

Directions

For Immediate and Urgent Use: Take 1/2 to one teaspoon (3-6 capsules) in cool water every 1 to 3 hours. For maintenance: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (3-6 capsules) daily or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (2-4 capsules) twice a day on an empty stomach. Mood Balance: Take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (2-4 capsules) upon rising and again mid-afternoon.

Contraindications

No known drug interactions.

Serving Suggestions

The powder form of Royal Camu may be enjoyed with just water or may be mixed into smoothies or combined with juices. We do not put any excipients or flow agents into this product, so you will need to use a shaker cup or blender for best mixing results. Some customers even take it right off the spoon and wash it down with a liquid. The taste is similar to a slightly tart lemonade, something between a tangerine and a lemon.

Royal Camu Light powder and capsules are best taken twice a day between meals for maximum absorption.

As a Hormone Balancer in Transitioning from HRT (or other estrogenic element) to Royal Maca

Most women eventually want to stop taking hormone replacement drugs. In the experience of our customers, Royal Camu is an effective hormone-balancing supplement which can be taken for 4 weeks after stopping HRT to make the transition to optimal natural hormone balance nearly seamless. One teaspoon (5 capsules) of Royal Camu taken 3 times daily away from food will usually reduce hot flashes by 60-70%. After the transition period is complete, most women we know will choose to reduce their intake of Royal Camu to a small amount suitable for immune support and start taking Royal Maca for an almost completely symptom-free perimenopause and menopause.

Why Choose Royal Camu^®?

Camu is a non-citrus rainforest fruit that grows wild in the Amazon River Basin of Peru. It is the most potent food-sourced Vitamin C on the planet. Royal Camu^® is standardized to 8-10% Natural Vitamin C Complex derived from Camu-Camu fruit. Unfortunately, some companies are adding synthetic ascorbic acid to their Camu product, but there is not yet a way to detect the origin of the vitamin C. The best way to tell what kind of Vitamin C you are getting is to evaluate the immediate and dramatic health results from sufficient amounts of fruit-derived Vitamin C. Synthetic Vitamin C does not give the same benefit.

Royal Camu^® contains powerful antioxidant flavonol glycosides that provide nutritional support for many body systems, including the immune system.

Royal Camu^® has a 9:1 potency ratio – it takes nine pounds of fresh Camu-Camu to make one pound of Royal Camu^® powder.

Royal Camu^® Light powder is produced by spray drying Camu-Camu pulp with a certified organic, non-GMO maltodextrin medium to stabilize the high Vitamin C content. Without this stabilization, the Vitamin C quickly loses its potency. Whole World Botanicals guarantees the potency of its Camu-Camu product.

Royal Camu^® Light has a superior flavor (somewhere between a tangerine and a lemon). Royal Camu^® is also available in capsule form for convenience and portability.

What is the difference between Royal Camu^® Light and Dark Royal Camu^®?

Our brown-colored Dark Royal Camu^® appeals to people who want no additives in this fruit product. It contains only dehydrated fruit and peel and has the same 8-10% Natural Vitamin C Complex (with flavonoids) as our light-colored Camu-Camu produced by spray drying. The Vitamin C in the dark powder is not as stable as in the light powder, but it’s still very effective. Be sure to use the dark powder quickly. Although the taste is a little bitter and a little astringent compared to the tangy-tart taste of the light powder, it is delicious in smoothies or added to other juices.

Why is maltodextrin added to the Royal Camu^® in this product?

The Royal Camu^® Light powder is produced by spray drying Camu-Camu pulp with a certified organic, non-GMO maltodextrin (cornstarch) medium to stabilize the high Vitamin C content. The maltodextrin is a starch made from corn, from which allergens are removed. Without this stabilization, the Vitamin C would quickly lose its potency. Whole World Botanicals, unlike most companies, can guarantee the potency of its Camu-Camu product and the addition of the maltodextrin is a primary reason.

Is ascorbic acid Vitamin C?

Natural ascorbic acid is one part of a food-sourced Vitamin C. It keeps the other parts of the vitamin from oxidizing. Some companies extract the ascorbic acid from a food source, which makes it an isolate. Your body has to scavenge the other elements from other sources to build the vitamin. Synthetic ascorbic acid is simply a chemical made in a drug lab.

In addition to ascorbic acid, vitamin C must include rutin, bioflavonoids, Factor K, Factor J, Factor P, Tyrosinase, Ascorbinogen, and other components. Mineral co-factors must be available in proper amounts in order to have vitamin activity. If any of these parts are missing, there is no vitamin C, no vitamin activity. When some of them are present, the body will draw on its own stores to make up the differences, so that the whole vitamin may be present. Only then will vitamin activity take place, provided that all other conditions and co-factors are present. Ascorbic acid is described merely as the “antioxidant wrapper” portion of vitamin C; ascorbic acid protects the functional parts of the vitamin from rapid oxidation or breakdown.

Which is more effective as a Vitamin C source - Camu-Camu or ascorbic acid?

A food source of Vitamin C is far more effective than a synthetic ascorbic acid made in a lab. In a scientific study with 27 smokers, half were given Camu-Camu and the other half given synthetic ascorbic acid tablets. At the end of just one week, the smokers who took the Camu-Camu had significantly reduced anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory markers. That means there was less oxidation (can cause cell damage) and inflammation (can cause pain and other issues). There was NO CHANGE in the synthetic Vitamin C tablet group. Study: “Tropical fruit Camu-Camu (Myrciaria dubia) has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties“ Authors: Nascimento, OV, Boleti, AP, Yuvama, LK, Lima, ES
Journal of Cardiology, 2008, Oct.: 53 (2) 127-32

The natural Vitamin C in Camu-Camu is 50 times as potent as synthetic Vitamin C (a.k.a. ascorbic acid). Royal Camu^® contains Vitamin C from a food source. Synthetic ascorbic acid is made in a lab and doesn’t have the cofactors includinge rutin, bioflavonoids, Factor K, Factor J, Factor P, Tyrosinase, and Ascorbinogen.

Which works better – a high quality time-released Vitamin C tablet (synthetic Vitamin C made in a lab) or Royal Camu^®?

Clinical Case: A 70-year-old man from the Bronx in New York woke up every morning with blood from his gums on his pillow. He needed 10,000 mg of Ester-C^® daily to control the severe bleeding. He was delighted to get better results by taking 210 mg (3 capsules twice a day) of Vitamin C derived from Royal Camu^®.

Is it desirable to take Royal Camu^® every day?

Yes, Vitamin C is what is known as an “essential vitamin” meaning the body cannot make it on its own. We need Vitamin C every day from food sources for optimum health.

Is there any danger in taking high doses of Royal Camu^®?

There is no danger, actually, because the number of milligrams will never be in the thousands like an ascorbic acid product. With synthetic ascorbic acid, taking too much is an issue because it has been linked to the formation of kidney stones, hemorrhoids and other issues. This is never a danger with taking Royal Camu^® because, as a food, it is absorbed well and has all the cofactors of Vitamin C. It is in a natural form that your body likes and you’re not in danger of overdosing. Also, you will find Royal Camu^® to be very bioavailable, so you will not have to take as much compared to a synthetic Vitamin C to see dramatic benefits. You don’t need high doses of Royal Camu^®. Some customers take one teaspoon (5 capsules) three times a day if they are dealing with an acute health condition, but the maintenance dose is not very high.

Can children take Royal Camu^®?

For children younger than 12 months, consult your physician. Cut the adult dosages (given on label for urgent and immediate use and for maintenance) to one third the adult amount for children 12 to 18 months old; give half of adult dosages for children 12 months to age 10. For 11 years and up, adult dosages may be given.

How does Royal Camu^® help with pain?

As an anti-inflammatory, Royal Camu^® is excellent for relieving pain due to inflammation. It has also been found effective for those suffering from migraines or cluster headaches if they take one teaspoon when the headache is first coming on.

Can Royal Camu^® help me lose weight?

In a study of obese rats, Camu-Camu pulp was shown to reduce white adipose tissue (fat). It also reduced their glucose levels, total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and insulin blood levels. This makes Royal Camu^® an excellent supplement as part of a weight-loss program for those wanting to maintain a healthy weight. Study: “Effects of diet supplementation with Camu-Camu (Myrciaria dubia HBK McVaugh) in a rat model of diet-induced obesity” Authors: Inoueu T., Komoda H., Uchida T., Node K. An Acad Bras Cienc 2013 Mar. 85 (1) 355-63 Epub 2013 Mar 1

How do Camu-Camu berries compare to oranges?

Camu-Camu has 50 times the amount of Vitamin C as oranges.
One teaspoon (2 grams) of Royal Camu^® has 200mg of natural Vitamin C, which is equal to 4 oranges. What is the relative cost? You would need to eat 4 oranges to equal one serving of Royal Camu^® and do this three or four times a day if you were not feeling well. That’s a lot of oranges!

How do I get the Royal Camu^® powder to mix well with water?

No excipients or flow agents are added to Royal Camu^® to aid in mixing. Here are some methods that help it dissolve:

Put the powder and water in a blender for a few seconds.
Put the powder in a glass of water and let it stand for 15 minutes before stirring.
Add a pinch of salt to the water and stir, then add the powder.
Use a shaker cup until you see the chunks dissolve and shake for one to two minutes.

Note: Do not add Royal Camu^® powder to hot drinks. Heat makes Vitamin C break down quickly.

DISCLAIMER: Whole World Botanicals does not recommend self-treatment with any of our products. Our products are not sold to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any illness. They are sold to support the organs and systems of the body. If you are suffering from a serious illness or a potentially serious illness, it is very important that you seek the help of a licensed, expert health practitioner.

Cold relief anywhere
“I just love the Royal Camu^® Light powder and it’s one of the few products that I travel with. I feel that my system absorbs its benefits quickly, it’s easy to take, and it tastes great when simply added to water. I was in central India in the middle of nowhere when I came down with a bad cold. I took copious amounts of the Royal Camu^® Light powder and swear that that is why the cold went away so quickly. As an Ayurvedic practitioner I also tell my clients about the product and recommend it above all other forms of Vitamin C since I think the system is greatly benefited by this particular source. I will continue to order this wonderful product.” ~Parthena R., Sebastian, FL

Prevention for the whole family
“I use Royal Camu^® once daily. My children who are 8 and 9 also get 1 tsp about 4 or 5 times a week. I have noticed they do not get sick as often as in previous years. When they do get sick, their illness does not last as long.” ~Elizabeth K., Chicago, IL

Better Quality of Life
“My life just seems so much smoother and easier when I’m taking Royal Camu^® (two capsules first thing in the morning and two capsules mid-afternoon). I tend to take the good effects for granted but if I run out of Royal Camu^® , after 2 or 3 days, I really notice the difference. It has changed the quality of my life in a major way.” ~J. T., New York, NY

Immune system support
“I love Royal Camu^® , tell everyone I know about it. As a personal trainer, I influence my clients’ nutritional intake, so I’m a big fan. Every illness, any down time with immune system, I take it and I’m right shortly after.” ~Rick S., Providence, RI

See more testimonials

Do You Have a Testimonial?
If you have used this product and have a story to tell, please fill in the form below. With your permission, we may also publish your testimonial on this website. We will not publish your full name or your email address!

Additional information

Size	32 g. powder, 100 g. powder, 70 Veg capsules, 140 Veg capsules, 140 Gelatin capsules

To see the full studies, do a search on www.pubmed.gov.

Camu-Camu Effective for Inflammation and Pain

A large body of scientific evidence demonstrating the powerful analgesic effects of Vitamin C and other antioxidants on pain. Camu-Camu is the most potent food source of natural VC

1,004 published studies on effects of Vitamin C demonstrate benefits for:

Sore throat*
Joint pain*
Osteoarthritis*
Post-surgical pain*
Lung issues*

Camu-Camu as effective as Vitamin C tablets in fighting free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in the brain

According to another study published in a 2008 issue of the “Journal of Cardiology,” when taking regular doses of Camu-Camu juice, patients exhibited significant benefits in their oxidative stress and inflammation levels after seven days. The study shows that camu-camu may be as effective as vitamin C tablets in fighting free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in the brain.

Camu-Camu helpful in slowing the aging process

J Altern Complement Med. 2015 Jan;21(1):8-14. doi: 10.1089/acm.2014.0130. Epub 2014 Oct 2. Antioxidant and associated capacities of Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia): a systematic review. Langley PC1, Pergolizzi JV Jr, Taylor R Jr, Ridgway C. PMID: 25275221

An aging population in the United States presents important challenges for patients and physicians. The presence of inflammation can contribute to an accelerated aging process, the increasing presence of comorbidities, oxidative stress, and an increased prevalence of chronic pain. As patient-centered care is embracing a multimodal, integrative approach to the management of disease, patients and physicians are increasingly looking to the potential contribution of natural products. Camu-camu, a well-researched and innovative natural product, has the potential to contribute, possibly substantially, to this management paradigm. The key issue is to raise camu-camu’s visibility through increased emphasis on its robust evidentiary base and its various formulations, as well as making consumers, patients, and physicians more aware of its potential. A program to increase the visibility of camu-camu can contribute substantially not only to the management of inflammatory conditions and its positive contribution to overall good health but also to its potential role in many disease states.

Camu-Camu May Help with Depression and Central Nervous System Issues

In more than 400 published studies, research has shown oxidative stress to be highly correlated with depression. Vitamin C has been established to be an excellent reducer of free radicals (oxidative stress).
Vitamin C, often in mega doses, has been demonstrated in more than 200 published studies to relieve depression and anxiety
249 published studies on effects of Vitamin C on the Central Nervous System show benefits for those with ADHD, ADD, bipolar disorder, and addictions

Ellagic acid is antidiabetic

Antidiabetic Efficacy of Ellagic Acid in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Albino Wistar Rats.

Anthocyanins beneficial for mutated cell apoptosis

Hou DX. “Potential mechanisms of cancer chemoprevention by anthocyanins.” 2003 Mar;3(2):149-59. PMID: 12630561

Camu-Camu has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

De Souza Schmidt Gonçalves AE, Lajolo FM, Genovese MI. “Chemical composition and antioxidant/antidiabetic potential of Brazilian native fruits and commercial frozen pulps.” J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Apr 28;58(8):4666-74.PMID: 20337450

Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of Camu-Camu

Inoue T, Komoda H, Uchida T, Node K. “Tropical fruit camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.” J Cardiol. 2008 Oct;52(2):127-32. PMID: 18922386

Without stabilization Vitamin C in Camu pulp diminishes quickly

Justi KC, Visentainer JV, Evelázio de Souza N, Matsushita M. “Nutritional composition and vitamin C stability in stored camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) pulp.” Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2000 Dec;50(4):405-8. PMID: 11464674

Camu-Camu is high in anthocyanins

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. “Camu-camu”. May 2011.
Zanatta CF, Cuevas E, Bobbio FO, Winterhalter P, Mercadante AZ. “Determination of anthocyanins from camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) by HPLC-PDA, HPLC-MS, and NMR.” J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Nov 30;53(24):9531-5. PMID: 16302773

Camu-Camu rich in health promoting phytochemicals

Mst. Sorifa Akter, Sejong Oh, Jong-Bang Eun, Maruf Ahmed, Nutritional compositions and health promoting phytochemicals of camu-camu (myrciaria dubia) fruit: A review, Food Research International, Volume 44, Issue 7, August 2011, Pages 1728-1732, ISSN 0963-9969, 10.1016/j.foodres.2011.03.045.

Vitamin C reduces risk of cataracts

María Pastor Valero, et al. “Vitamin C Is Associated with Reduced Risk of Cataract in a Mediterranean Population” J Nutr. 2002, 132(6):1299-1306. PMID: 12042450

Camu-Camu contains antimicrobial compounds

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2017 Aug;81(8):1461-1465. doi: 10.1080/09168451.2017.1320517. Epub 2017 May 5. Antimicrobial constituents of peel and seeds of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia). Kaneshima T1, Myoda T1, Toeda K1, Fujimori T1, Nishizawa M1. PMID:28475419

Camu-Camu a functional food for prevention of immune-related diseases

Anti-inflammatory effects of seeds of the tropical fruit camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia). Yazawa K, Suga K, Honma A, Shirosaki M, Koyama T.
J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2011;57(1):104-7. PMID: 21512298

Color Catalog – lists all the Whole World Botanicals products in a summary format
Royal Camu^® trifold
Royal Camu^® Light, 1-Page Printable – one page you can print to show to others

Article on Camu-Camu

By Viana Muller, Ph.D.
© Copyright 2017
This material may not be copied in part or in its entirety without prior written permission from the author.

Camu-Camu (Myrciaria dubia) is the name of a bush which grows in the Amazonian rain forest of Peru. The Camu-Camu bush produces a fruit with the same name which contains powerful phytochemicals with health benefits, including the amino acids serine, valine, and leucine, and more Vitamin C than any other known plant in the world. The camu-camu fruit has a surprising range of therapeutic effects. Many people have stopped using large dosages of synthetic Vitamin C because they find that Camu-Camu is energizing, mood-lifting and highly effective in strengthening the immune system.*

The Camu-Camu fruit is about the size of a large grape and has a purplish red skin with a yellow pulp. It grows wild, is harvested directly into a freezer boat, which travels down the river ways of the Amazon where the fruit is picked at the height of its ripeness and flash-frozen. It is then taken to a processing plant where it is thawed, peeled, liquefied and spray dried. The resulting powder is a pale pink to yellow beige with very potent effects.

Although the number of milligrams of Vitamin C, which Camu-Camu contains, is low compared to the milligrams in synthetically derived Vitamin C tablets, it has more natural Vitamin C than any known botanical on the planet, the effects on the human body are incomparable. Because of its food form, with bioflavanoids and other phytochemicals, clinical evidence suggests that it is far more effective, milligram for milligram, than synthetic Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Many people report that just two capsules daily (1/3 tsp.) is sufficient to significantly increase their wellness.

Camu-Camu is very well known and prized in Japan but is almost unknown in the U.S. Nevertheless, the Peruvian government expects that it will become a major export when its amazing properties are discovered in the United States. It is preparing for the expected large increase in demand by making Camu-Camu seedlings available free of charge to communities of native people who are rain-forest dwellers for them to plant and to tend. It takes four to five years for the Camu-Camu bush to bear fruit. The growing popularity of this wild rainforest fruit is contributing to the sustainable development of the Amazon River basin and helping the forest dwellers to maintain their traditional way of life.

Some of the extraordinary medicinal properties of this Amazon rain forest fruit are described by Gary Null, Ph.D., a nationally known nutritionist and researcher, (1996). The camu-camu fruit has a surprising range of health-promoting effects. Camu-Camu helps to strengthen the immune system, maintain healthy gums, eyes and skin. Some extraordinary properties of this Amazon rainforest fruit are described by Gary Null, Ph.D., a nationally known nutritionist and researcher. In his Clinician’s Handbook of Natural Healing, (1998), Null lists disease conditions and the herbs that have been found effective for their health promoting properties in reference to specific organ/system weaknesses and problems. In discussing the holistic treatment of mood-support, he lists 19 plants containing chemical compounds with mood-balancing properties, in order of potency. Camu-Camu is number two on his list.*

Anecdotally and in clinical experience, Null’s assessment of Camu-Camu has proven to be correct. Much of the information provided by Null is derived from the work of Dr. James Duke, which appears on his database (see reference at end of article).

It appears to provide nutritional support for the brain to optimize its own mood balancing chemistry. Additionally, published research suggests that Vitamin C supports an increased serotonin level in the brain. Some health care practitioners have reported that Camu-Camu has same day mood-balancing effects. There are no side effects, such as photo-sensitivity or gastrointestinal problems, and it can be used safely in combination with pharmaceutical antidepressants.* There have been no reports of its interference with the effectiveness of any pharmaceutical drugs.

The Camu-Camu fruit has a surprising range of medicinal effects as measured both by traditional use and by quantity of a variety of phytochemical compounds which experimentally have demonstrated therapeutic effects. Dr. James Duke, retired chief botanist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pre-eminent New World tropical botanist, and author of many botanical books, including the popular Green Pharmacy, lists some of these effects in his Ethnobotanical website, based on amounts of various phytochemicals which Myrciaria dubia contains.

Recent research in two recent clinical studies on Camu-Camu reveal the extra benefits of this fruit on human health and the huge difference in terms of clinical effects between synthetic VC and Camu-Camu fruit.

“Effects of diet supplementation with Camu-Camu (Myrciaria dubia HBK McVaugh) in a rat model of diet-induced obesity” Authors: Inoueu T., Komoda H., Uchida T., Node K. An Acad Bras Cienc 2013 Mar. 85 (1) 355-63 Epub 2013 Mar 1

This research investigates Camu-Camu’s effect on the diseases of obesity. Obese people have an increased risk for high total cholesterol, high triglycerides, high LDL, and high blood sugar levels. The study was performed on two groups of rats which were first made obese through the diet they were fed. Then for 12 weeks, in addition to food, the experimental group was treated with Camu-Camu pulp and a control group got sugar water instead.

Results: The rats taking Camu-Camu reduced their weights of the fat in white adipose tissues; reduced glucose levels, total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, LDL-c, and insulin blood levels. There was also an increase in HDL-c levels.

Conclusion: Camu-Camu pulp was able to improve the biochemical profile of obesity in rats suggesting that this Amazonian fruit can be further used as a functional food ingredient in the control of chronic diseases linked to obesity.

“Tropical fruit Camu-Camu (Myrciaria dubia) has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties“ Authors: Nascimento, OV, Boleti, AP, Yuvama, LK, Lima, ES Journal of Cardiology, 2008, Oct.: 53 (2) 127-32

Subjects: 27 male smokers with high levels of oxidative stress (at high risk for developing atherosclerosis)
The Study: Half of the smokers were given 70 ml of Camu-Camu juice for7 days. The other half were given 1080 mg of Vitamin C tablets. (These were considered to have equivalent amounts of Vitamin C.)

Results: In the Camu-Camu group of smokers, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory markers were significantly reduced. There was NO CHANGE in the synthetic Vitamin C tablet group.

Implications: Camu-Camu may offer significant protective value to smokers for prevention of atherosclerosis. Taking synthetic Vitamin C tablets or powder for this purpose offers NO VALUE at 1,000 mg

References:
Dr. James Duke’s Ethnobotanical database: www.ars-grin.gov/duke/
Null, Gary. A Woman’s Encyclopedia of Natural Healing, Seven Stories Press, New York, N.Y., 1997.
Null, Gary, The Clinician’s Handbook of Natural Healing, Kensington Press, New York, N.Y., 1998