NIH funding to Raner for acai berry study

Repost from Campus Weekly

Dr. Gregory Raner (Chemistry and Biochemistry) received new funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the project “Antioxidant activities of freeze dried acai berry (Euterpe Oleracea) extracts.” Cellular oxidative stress is a major cause of illness and death worldwide, and many are turning to natural products or complementary and alternative medicines to combat this condition. The current study is intended to identify constituents in the very popular acai berry [Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Arecaceae)] with the potential to reduce oxidative stress, thereby preventing the pathogenic conditions associated with disruptions in redox balance. In addition, the study will identify biological targets for these constituents, thus providing insight into the mechanism by which this “superfruit” confers these protective effects in humans. The long term goals for the project are to provide scientific knowledge concerning mode of action of acai products in reducing cellular oxidative stress, and improving human health.