Barbados Cherry
Malpighia emarginata
Malpighia emarginata, commonly known as acerola or Barbados cherry, originates from tropical regions of Central and South America. Traditionally, it has not been extensively used in medicine; however, its fruits are valued for their high vitamin C content and are often consumed fresh or processed into jams and juices. Scientifically, the plant shows promise in bioactive compound extraction under specific conditions: an optimal sample-to-solvent ratio of 1:10, 80% ethanol, a speed of 9,000 rpm, and a temperature of 40°C. Studies indicate that acerola fruits contain various bioactive compounds linked to redox homeostasis, inflammation, and lipid metabolism modulation; however, clinical evidence supporting these effects is currently limited. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant, suggesting it may be used without significant risk in most cases.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that foam-mat drying temperatures affected the effective moisture diffusion coefficient and nutritional composition of acerola pulp, with 60°C being optimal.
- The study found that acerola fruits hosted fruit fly pupae and supported parasitoid emergence, with A. obliqua being the predominant species.
- The study found that acerola (Malpighia emarginata) fruits and by-products contain various bioactive compounds linked to redox homeostasis, inflammation, and lipid metabolism modulation, though clinical evidence is limited.
- Optimal conditions for extracting bioactive compounds from Malpighia emarginata included a sample-to-solvent ratio of 1:10, 80% ethanol, 9,000 rpm, and 40°C.
- Ferrisia dasylirii, a polyphagous mealybug species, was reported for the first time in China on 12 tropical fruit species.
Frequently asked questions
What is Barbados Cherry?
Barbados Cherry (Malpighia emarginata) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Barbados Cherry?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Barbados Cherry; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that foam-mat drying temperatures affected the effective moisture diffusion coefficient and nutritional composition of acerola pulp, with 60°C being optimal.
How strong is the evidence for Barbados Cherry?
The strongest finding for Barbados Cherry carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Barbados Cherry safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Barbados Cherry in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Barbados Cherry interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Barbados Cherry in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Barbados Cherry?
Barbados Cherry is also known as: Cerisier des Antilles, Acérolier, Cerisier de Barbade, Cerisier de Cayenne.
Is Barbados Cherry a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) and their parasitoids associated with a commercial acerola orchards in Parnaíba River Valley, Brazil. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Mathematical Modeling and Physicochemical Characterization of Foam-Mat Drying of Acerola (Malpighia emarginata) Pulp. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Extractive optimisation of bioactive compounds from Malpighia emarginata DC. through Box-Behnken experimental design. literature abstract metadata
- T2 First report of the invasive mealybug Ferrisia dasylirii (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) from China based on integrated taxonomy. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Acerola and Its By-Products as Sources of Bioactive Compounds: Phytochemical Profile and Biological Effects in Experimental and Clinical Studies. literature abstract metadata