Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Abokado, aguacate, ahuacate, ahuacatl, alligator pear, avocado pear, Avocato, Persea americana, Persea americana var. drymifolia Blake, Persea gratissima, Persea leiogyna, Persea nubigena var. guatamalensis L., Persea persea, Laurus persea.
• Combination product examples: Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), Piascledine©, Regividerm®.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Avocados are fruits, not vegetables, belonging to the genus Persea and the Lauraceae family. Avocados are a nutritious source of potassium, containing 60% more potassium than bananas; they are also sodium- and cholesterol-free. An avocado has a higher fat content (5g per serving) than other fruit, but the fat is monounsaturated fat, which is considered healthy when consumed in moderation in the human diet. Diets rich in monounsaturated fatty acids can reduce serum total cholesterol and increase the ratio of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Several studies have reported that diets rich in avocado may reduce plasma lipid levels. Avocado is also a rich source of beta-sisterol, which is believed to have cholesterol-lowering effects as well as anti-cancer effects.
• Avocado is also used for osteoarthritis. Studies suggest avocado and other soybean extracts stimulate collagen growth and reduce the use of NSAIDs. Patients with osteoarthritis of the hip appear to gain a greater benefit.
• The most promising use for avocado is in a combination product, Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), which is a combination of avocado oil and soybean oil. It has been shown in several good human trials that ASU is effective in osteoarthritis. This is supported by in vitro studies that have demonstrated that ASU can reduce cytokines, prostaglandin E2, metalloproteinases and pro-inflammatory mediators produced by human chondrocytes.
• Note: Avocado oil is derived from the fruit pulp, which is a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Mexican avocado is reported to contain estragole and anethole, which have proven to be hepatotoxic in animals and structurally similar to safrole, a known carcinogen.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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