Camu Camu

• Overview
• Uses
• Side Effects
• Precautions
• Dosing

Camu camu is a shrub that grows in swampy or flooded areas of the Amazon rain forests of Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia. The fruit and leaves are used as a medicine.

Camu camu is used for viral infections including herpes, cold sores, shingles, and the common cold. It is also used for eye conditions including cataracts and glaucoma. Other uses include treatment of asthma, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, gum disease (gingivitis), headaches, and osteoarthritis.

Some people use camu camu to increase energy and maintain healthy gums, eyes, and skin; and as an antioxidant and immune system stimulant.

People eat the fruit as food.

How does it work?

Camu camu fruit contains many nutrients including vitamin C, beta-carotene, fatty acids, protein, and others. It also contains other chemicals that might have an effect on the body. However, there is not enough information to know how camu camu might work for treating or preventing any medical condition.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

• Arthritis.
• Asthma.
• Cold sores.
• Common colds.
• Depression.
• Cataracts.
• Glaucoma.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Gum disease (gingivitis).
• Headaches.
• Herpes.
• Shingles.
• Other conditions.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

There isn't enough information to know if camu camu is safe when used as a medicine.

The appropriate dose of camu camu depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for camu camu. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.