Researchers looked at whether a wild berry called agraz (Andean blueberry) could help people with metabolic syndrome—a condition involving high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. They reviewed 6 scientific studies involving 252 people who took agraz supplements for 3-4 weeks. The berry showed promise in reducing one type of cell damage marker in the body, suggesting it has antioxidant powers. However, the results were mixed for other health markers. While agraz appears to have some benefits, scientists need more research with larger groups and longer studies to know if it’s truly helpful for metabolic syndrome.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether taking agraz (a wild blueberry from Colombia) supplements could reduce inflammation and cell damage in people with metabolic syndrome—a cluster of health problems including high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
  • Who participated: 252 people across 6 different research studies who had metabolic syndrome. The studies lasted between 3-4 weeks, and participants took 200-250 milliliters of agraz supplement daily.
  • Key finding: Agraz supplements significantly reduced markers of cell damage (8-OHdG) in both urine and blood. However, only 1 out of 3 studies found that agraz reduced inflammation markers (hs-CRP), so results were mixed on that front.
  • What it means for you: Agraz may have antioxidant benefits that protect your cells from damage, which is encouraging. However, it’s too early to recommend it as a treatment for metabolic syndrome. More research with more people and longer study periods is needed before doctors can confidently suggest it.

The Research Details

This was a systematic review, which means researchers searched multiple scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, and others) for all published studies about agraz and metabolic syndrome up to March 2024. They found 2,616 articles initially but narrowed it down to 6 high-quality randomized controlled trials—the gold standard type of study where some people get the real supplement and others get a fake one (placebo) to compare results fairly.

The researchers carefully checked each study for quality problems using a standard checklist called the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. This helps ensure the studies they included were well-designed and trustworthy. The 6 studies they analyzed involved 252 total participants who took agraz supplements ranging from 200-250 milliliters per day for 21 days to 4 weeks.

A systematic review is powerful because it combines results from multiple studies instead of relying on just one. This gives a clearer picture of whether something actually works. By looking at all the available evidence together, researchers can spot patterns and see if findings are consistent across different groups of people and different study conditions.

The studies included were randomized controlled trials, which is the strongest type of evidence. However, the sample size was relatively small (252 people total), and the studies were short (only 3-4 weeks). The fact that results were mixed—some markers improved while others didn’t—suggests the effects might be modest or that agraz works differently than expected. More research with bigger groups and longer timeframes would strengthen confidence in these findings.

What the Results Show

The most consistent finding was that agraz supplementation reduced 8-OHdG, a marker of cell damage caused by oxidative stress. This happened in both urine and blood samples, suggesting the berry has real antioxidant power—meaning it helps protect cells from harmful damage.

However, when researchers looked at inflammation markers (specifically hs-CRP, which shows how inflamed your body is), the results were disappointing. Only 1 out of 3 studies that measured this marker found a significant improvement. This suggests agraz might not be as helpful for reducing inflammation as scientists hoped.

For other oxidative stress and inflammatory markers that were measured, agraz supplementation showed no significant effects. This mixed pattern of results is important—it tells us that agraz might have some benefits, but they’re limited and not consistent across all health markers.

The studies examined various other markers of inflammation and cell damage, but agraz didn’t significantly improve most of them. This suggests the berry’s benefits may be narrow and specific to certain types of cell damage rather than providing broad protection across multiple health problems. The fact that different studies measured different markers also made it harder to compare results and draw firm conclusions.

This research builds on earlier studies suggesting that berries high in anthocyanins (purple and blue pigments) have antioxidant properties. Agraz is particularly rich in these compounds, which is why researchers thought it might help metabolic syndrome. The findings partially support this theory—the reduction in cell damage markers confirms agraz has antioxidant effects. However, the weak results for inflammation suggest that antioxidant power alone might not be enough to treat metabolic syndrome, which involves multiple health problems beyond just cell damage.

The biggest limitation is that only 6 studies were available, and they involved just 252 people total—a relatively small group. The studies were also very short (3-4 weeks), which might not be enough time to see major health improvements. Additionally, the studies used different doses and measured different health markers, making it hard to compare results directly. Finally, we don’t know if the benefits would last longer than a few weeks or if they’d work in larger, more diverse populations. More research is definitely needed before agraz can be recommended as a treatment.

The Bottom Line

Based on current evidence, agraz supplementation shows modest promise for reducing cell damage markers in people with metabolic syndrome, but the evidence is not strong enough to recommend it as a standard treatment. If you have metabolic syndrome, focus first on proven approaches: regular exercise, a healthy diet, weight management, and medications prescribed by your doctor. Agraz might be worth discussing with your healthcare provider as a potential additional supplement, but don’t rely on it as your main treatment. Confidence level: Low to Moderate.

People with metabolic syndrome might be interested in agraz as a complementary approach alongside standard treatments. However, it’s not recommended as a replacement for proven medical treatments. People without metabolic syndrome probably don’t need agraz supplementation. Anyone considering agraz should talk to their doctor first, especially if they take blood thinners or other medications, as berries can interact with certain drugs.

The studies only lasted 3-4 weeks, so that’s the only timeframe we have data for. It’s unclear if benefits would continue beyond that period or if they’d increase with longer use. Realistic expectations: if agraz helps at all, you might notice improvements in cell damage markers within a few weeks, but major health improvements (like better blood pressure or cholesterol) would likely take much longer and probably require other lifestyle changes too.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you decide to try agraz supplementation with your doctor’s approval, track your daily intake (record the amount in milliliters consumed each day) and monitor related health markers like energy levels, inflammation symptoms (joint pain, swelling), and any digestive changes. Use the app to log 200-250 mL daily and note any physical changes you observe.
  • Add agraz supplementation as a daily habit in your app alongside other metabolic syndrome management strategies. Set a daily reminder to consume your agraz supplement at the same time each day (such as with breakfast). Link this habit to your existing healthy behaviors like exercise or meal tracking to build a comprehensive wellness routine.
  • Track agraz intake consistency over 4-8 weeks and correlate it with other health metrics you’re monitoring (blood pressure, weight, energy levels, inflammation symptoms). Use the app to create a simple log noting: date, amount consumed, and any observable changes in how you feel. Share this data with your healthcare provider at your next visit to discuss whether agraz is helping your specific situation.

This summary is based on a systematic review of limited research and should not replace professional medical advice. Agraz supplementation is not an approved medical treatment for metabolic syndrome. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have metabolic syndrome, take medications, or have other health conditions. Supplements are not regulated the same way as medications and may interact with drugs you’re taking. The findings presented here are preliminary and require further research before clinical recommendations can be made. This information is for educational purposes only.