Açaí ( Mart) Consumption and Prevention of Chronic Diseases: Is There an Association? A Preliminary Study.

Background: Flavonoids from a variety of fruits, including açaí, have beneficial antioxidant activity in several diseases, including cancer. Breast cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among Brazilian women. Studies have shown the action of flavonoids on neoplastic cells, as well as on diabetes and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.

Cytotoxic analysis and chemical characterization of fractions of the hydroalcoholic extract of the Euterpe oleracea Mart. seed in the MCF-7 cell line.

Objectives: To analyse the antineoplastic activity of fractions derived from the hydroalcoholic extract of Euterpe oleracea Mart. seed in the MCF-7 cell line and to identify the compounds responsible for the antineoplastic action.

Methods: Cells were treated with 10, 20, 40 and 60 μg/ml with the hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of the hydroalcoholic extract of açaí seed, for 24 and 48 h.

Family history in breast cancer in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil.

Background: Familial cancer includes some types of cancer aggregation without a well-defined inheritance pattern. Cancer genetics is an essential component of clinical practice in oncology. In Brazil, breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women.

Cytotoxic effects of Euterpe oleracea Mart. in malignant cell lines.

Background: Euterpe oleracea Mart., a plant from the Amazon region, is commonly known as açaí or juçara; it has high nutritional value and elevated levels of lipids, proteins, and minerals. Açaí is an abundant and much consumed fruit by the Amazon local population, and studies have demonstrated that it is rich in phytochemicals with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities.