Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) byproduct reduces tumor size and modulates inflammation in Ehrlich mice model

Açaí, Euterpe oleracea Mart. is rich in several phytochemical substances with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. The açaí seed is a waste product, being little used in the economy, being relevant to study the antitumor properties of this by-product. This study aims to analyze the effects of hydroalcoholic açaí seed extract in Ehrlich mice model in preventive and treatment schemes. The animals were treated with different concentrations of the extract (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg) by gavage in preventive (30 days before tumor induction) and intervention (15 days after tumor induction) regimens. In in vivo experiments, the use of the extract at a dose of 1000 mg/kg in preventive regimens reduced tumor volume, decreased tumor weight, maintained the weight of treated animals and induced an immunomodulatory response, with an increase in TNF-α. The treatment also increased the area of tumor necrosis when compared to the control. Our results suggest the antitumor potential of açaí seed extract in in vivo models of breast cancer, contributing to obtain an active drug from a known natural product. In addition, the use of açaí seed residue will contribute to the local economy and sustainability.