Overview Description
Aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa) is a Rainforest Fruit found on the Moriche Palm tree, Commonly, it is known as Buriti or Curvy Fruit. Aguaje is considered an economical, social, and ecological fruit in the Amazon. The word ‘Aguaje” is a Spanish word meaning agua or water. In Colombia it is called canangucho and some other names include ita, muriti and buriti.
It is one of the richest sources of Beta Carotene, and contains many other nutrients as well – some of which are quite beneficial for female hormonal health, for skin and hair, and for enhancing breast and butt size due to the high content of phytoestrogens plus vitamins and minerals.
Alexander Von Humboldt, an explorer, referred to it as the tree of life and by locals it is also called the Mother of Forest.
Benefits and Uses
Aguaje Fruit can help alleviate symptoms of PMS and menopause, supporting women’s health that comes from the abundance of phytoestrogens, which are able to lessen the symptoms caused by estrogen deficiency.
With an abundance of Vitamin A compounds which helps prevent xerophthalmia, the progressive loss of vision due to vitamin A deficiency.
Promotes immunity, healthy skin, hair and nails because of its high levels of antioxidant compounds, beta-carotene and Vitamin A and vitamin C, which helps the immune system to function properly.
Potential to help intestinal Inflammation, as shown in a study done on rats which had shown consuming the fruit pulp for 35 days reduced inflammation most likely due to decreasing the enzymes alkaline phosphatase and myeloperoxidase preventing glutathione depletion.
Forms and Sources
Aguaje is available as a powder or extract, in capsules or tablets
Side Effects and Interactions
No side effects have been reported due to aguaje consumption
How to Label
Aguaje powder/extract (Mauritia flexuosa)
Research & Studies (References)
Nutritional and ecological aspects of buriti or aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa Linnaeus filius): A carotene-rich palm fruit from Latin America
In conclusion, this fruit has an enormous potential in preventing vitamin A deficiency in Latin America and elsewhere.
Heat stability and effect of pH on enzyme activity of polyphenol oxidase in buriti (Mauritia flexuosa Linnaeus f.) fruit extract
hese results demonstrate that the enzyme has heat stability at higher temperatures and the possibility of being used to construct biosensors and other analytical methods in various fields of science.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030881461730674X
A study was made in Manaus. Amazonas of the floral biology of Mauritia flexuosa. Several species of insects visit Mauritia flexuosa.
The plant has a cantharophylous pollination syndrome, and Nitidulidae, Curculionidae and Cucujidae are considered to be their possible pollinators, attracted through the odor of their flowers. Mauritia flexuosa is a dioecious species and allogamy is obligatory, since apomixis does not occure. Mauritia flexuosa is a specie of great importance to the Amazonian population and their fruits have the highest level of “pro-vitamin A” found in the nature
https://www.scielo.br/j/aa/a/gPmbwVtbPfYYZ6r6FG7Rmvx/?lang=pt
Bioactive Compounds Found in Brazilian Cerrado Fruits
Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) is a palm found in the Cerrado biome. It produces a fruit with a characteristic color that ranges from yellow to dark reddish brown. These fruits contain high levels of provitamin A carotenoids, mainly β-carotene. In recent work, total phenolics from buriti fruits were quantified using Folin-Ciocalteau reagent. Gallic acid was detected in amounts higher than that in other species of the same family (Arecaceae), such as Oenocarpus bacaba Mart. (bacaba), Euterpe edulis (jussara), Euterpe oleracea (açaí), and Copernicia prunifera (carnaúba). These authors also determined the chromatographic profile of carotenoids, identifying α-carotene, β-carotene, and lutein (a xanthophyll with two hydroxyl groups). These results confirmed the predominance of β-carotene, an important vitamin A precursor. Tocopherol is also found in buriti fruits. However, the content of vitamin E in fruits and vegetables can be affected by species, maturity, growing conditions (weather, growing season, intensity of sunlight, and soil), and time and manner of harvesting.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4632725/
Fruits and frugivores of the Brazilian Cerrado: ecological and phylogenetic considerations
