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What other names is Acerola known by?

Acérola, Acerola Cherry, Barbados Cherry, Cerise des Antilles, Cerise de la Barbade, Puerto Rican Cherry, West Indian Cherry. Malpighia glabra, Malpighia punicifolia.

What is Acerola?

Acerola is a fruit. It is rich in vitamin C, and also contains vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. People use it for medicine.

Acerola is used to treat or prevent scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. Acerola is also used for preventing heart disease, "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis), blood clots, and cancer.

Some people use it to treat the common cold, pressure sores, bleeding in the eye (retinal hemorrhages), tooth decay, gum infections, depression, hay fever, and collagen disorders. Athletes use acerola for improving physical endurance.

Likely Effective for...

  • As a source of vitamin C to prevent scurvy.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of acerola for these conditions.


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