Avocado
Natural Standard evidence-based flashcard. Copyright © 2008 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This flashcard is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions. 		Image
While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

Summary:
Avocados are fruits, not vegetables. They are a nutritious source of potassium. Avocados are also sodium- and cholesterol-free. An avocado has a higher fat content (5g per serving) than other fruit. However, the fat is monounsaturated fat, which is considered healthy when eaten in small amounts. Diets rich in monounsaturated fatty acids can reduce cholesterol and increase the ratio of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Diets rich in avocado may reduce plasma lipid levels, according to many studies. Avocado is also a rich source of beta-sisterol, which is believed to have cholesterol-lowering effects as well as anti-cancer effects.

Uses
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Grade*
High cholesterol B
Osteoarthritis (knee and hip) B
Psoriasis (skin disorder) C
*Key to grades: A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

Safety:
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to avocado, banana, chestnut or natural rubber latex. Use cautiously with anticoagulants (like warfarin), Avoid with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Doses greater than found in a normal diet is not recommended if pregnant or breastfeeding. Some types of avocado may be unsafe when breastfeeding.

Possible side effects:
Angioedema/urticaria, asthma, flu-like symptoms, hemiplegia, migraine headache with fever, nausea, vomiting

Possible interactions:
Anti-inflammatories, drugs that increase the risk of bleeding (blood thinners) like anticoagulants (like warfarin (like Coumadin®)), lipid (fat)-lowering drugs, MAOI drugs, beta-sitosterol, or herbs and supplements with similar effects.

Dosing:

Adults (18 years and older):
Fruit: ½ -1 ½ avocado has been used daily for 2-4 weeks to decrease serum lipids. 300g avocado daily has been used as a substitute for other lipids (fats) for seven days. Avocado-enriched diets, with 75% of the fat coming from the avocado, for 2-4 weeks have been used for high cholesterol.
Combination products: 300 or 600mg of the combination product ASU has been used to treat knee osteoarthritis. 300mg/kg of ASU has been used up to three months and six months for hip and knee osteoarthritis. Doses of 300mg/kg for two years have also been studied for hip osteoarthritis. The cream, Regividerm®, made of avocado oil with 82.9mg/kg vitamin E, has been applied twice daily for 12 months for psoriasis

Children (younger than 18 years):
Not enough scientific data available.
Natural Standard Monograph (www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright © 2008 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited.
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.