Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) has anti-inflammatory potential through NLRP3-inflammasome modulation

Abstract There are several diseases, such as bipolar disorder, for example, where a chronic inflammation related to NLRP3 inflammasome is present. So, it is important to search for new anti-inflammatory agents. Acai ( Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is a Brazilian fruit with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the mechanism of acai anti-inflammatory potential is still unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of acai extract and its mechanism. Macrophages were exposed to phytohemagglutinin to induce inflammation and treated with different concentrations of acai extract. Cellular proliferation, cell cycle, oxidative metabolism parameters, inflammatory cytokines and NLRP3 have been assessed. 1 μg/mL of acai extract was able to act as an antioxidant agent. Acai extract decreased NLRP3 inflammasome levels and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines. The extract caused cell cycle arresting and decreased proliferation. Obtained results suggest that acai extract has anti-inflammatory effect and its mechanism of action involve NLRP3 inflammasome modulation.