Buriti: Functional Medicine Uses of the Amazon Rainforest Palm for Skin, Vision & Beyond

There is a beloved plant known as the ‘tree of life’ by Amazonian communities. This majestic palm tree is actually called buriti, and it’s rich in bioactive compounds that can contribute to restoring wellness from the inside-out. 

At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, plant-based remedies can be integrated into your treatment plan, including botanical extracts from buriti and other Amazonian plants. This fact sheet discloses the background of this medicinal plant and how it might support skin health, vision, digestion, and more.   

What is Buriti?

• Buriti palm trees (Mauritia flexuosa) thrive in the Amazon rain forest, flooded wetlands and riverbanks across Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana. The tree’s fleshy fruit is embraced by local communities as food and medicine and for cosmetic uses. 
• Amazonian indigenous people eat the fruit on its own or concoct it into juices, fermented beverages, jams and desserts. The oil is naturally golden-red and high in nutrients, which is why some locals apply it to the skin for sun protection or to soothe burns. The oil is thought to soften hair and potentially act as a postpartum care tonic, helping to restore strength after giving birth. 
• Buriti’s leaves, trunk, and roots have significant roles in Amazonian communities – these materials are woven into mats and ropes, or used in remedies for fevers, infections, and wound healing. This history highlights buriti as a source of nourishment, resilience, and healing interwoven into Indigenous traditions.

Buriti’s Influence on Anti-Aging Skin Health

Buriti stands out for its skin effects, making it potentially ideal for anti-aging regimes. As a topical, it can help defend against harmful molecules generated by pollution, UV radiation, and other stressors – these are all factors that can accelerate visible aging! Some of buriti’s skin benefits are as follows:  

• It can offer antioxidant protection: The plant’s beta-carotene content is higher than that of carrots and sweet potatoes! Beta-carotene is a carotenoid, a pigment that can protect against cellular damage. Beta-carotene and other carotenoids are capable of neutralizing free radicals in the body, which are known contributors of premature aging, sun damage, and skin dullness.
• May naturally moisturize the skin barrier: Buriti oil contains a high concentration of oleic acid (omega-9 fatty acids), which has softening effects on human skin. This nutrient can help strengthen the natural lipid barrier, which encourages moisture to stay in and help keep irritants out! It may be suitable for those struggling with dry, sensitive, and aging skin. 
• Contains anti-inflammatory properties: “Many studies document that vitamin E occupies a central position as a highly efficient antioxidant, thereby providing possibilities to decrease the frequency and severity of pathological events in the skin,” reports a Journal of Molecular Medicine piece. Luckily, buriti oil is rich in vitamin E and phytosterols, which are beneficial for calming skin redness and irritation. 
• Appears to offer some UV protection: Though not a replacement for sunscreen, its carotenoid content can mildly protect against UV radiation by absorbing rays and entrapping free radical molecules. It may also promote skin recovery from harsh sunlight exposure. 
• May be non-comedogenic: The oil has a low comedogenic rating, meaning it has a small chance of clogging pores. This makes it appropriate for a wide range of skin types, especially acne-prone skin, where buriti oil might help balance oil and reduce inflammation. 

Beyond Skin: Additional Beneficial Effects

Though it’s a botanical powerhouse in natural skincare, consuming this fruit may lead to other health bonuses! These may include: 

• Dietary and vision support: As the plant is rich in beta-carotene and its oil is capable of enhancing nutrient absorption, scientists have studied buriti for its function in vitamin A deficiency. In some Brazilian trials, it was shown that consuming buriti can replenish vitamin A stores in children, especially for treating and preventing an eye disorder called xerophthalmia. 
• Fostering cardiovascular health: Due to its oleic acid content, buriti oil has been associated with healthy effects on lipid profiles, inflammation, and metabolism. The balancing of unsaturated fats and antioxidants may support overall cardiovascular resilience and reduce oxidative stress, helping to balance cholesterol and inflammation. 
• Regulating digestion: Historically, buriti fruit was incorporated into the daily diet as a delicacy and nutrient-dense food staple. Its fibre content supports digestive health, while its antioxidants may benefit liver function. Buriti fibre, micronutrients, and oils contribute to both nutritional balance and regulating gut health.

Striving Towards Planetary Health

Making use of Amazonian plants, like buriti, goes beyond eating a healthy ingredient – it’s a living link between the Amazon rainforest, traditional wellness, and modern science. 

Botanical medicine from the rainforest reminds us of what Indigenous communities have valued for nourishment and healing, guiding us to improve our own skin care and holistic health. This traditional knowledge must be preserved, as the Brazilian Amazon has undergone deforestation since the 1960s. This has slashed the use of medicinal plants for both Amazonian communities and international use. 

In particular, the Indigenous groups are crucially affected by deforestation. “Many of these medicinal plants have no botanical substitute, and pharmaceuticals do not yet exist for some of the diseases for which they are used,” explains a BioScience journal article. “Degradation of Amazonian forests may signify not only the loss of potential pharmaceutical drugs for the developed world but also the erosion of the sole health care option for many of Brazil’s rural and urban poor.”

Recognizing the significance of the rainforest can go a long way – for our health and for the planet’s. Let’s introduce you to our integrative health care that also acknowledges eco-friendly practices. 

Suggested reading: Finding Light: Novel Toronto Functional Medicine Approaches for Confronting SAD

Meet Your New Partner in Health and Wellness 

Our functional medicine protocols are suitable for managing chronic inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, diabetes, weight management, and more. Taking a root-cause approach to your health may be valuable for treatment and disease prevention – so allow us to be your ally towards optimal functioning! 

At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, our practitioners integrate treatment modalities so that you can tackle symptoms with several strategies. We recognize the mind-body connection, so therapies may interlace Western treatments with naturopathic medicine, psychotherapy, hormone optimization, personalized supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbal medicine, etc.), compression therapy, IV vitamin therapy, frequency meditation, and more. 

Our botanical/herbal medicine involves scrutinizing your current health, including your use of medications and supplements. As our naturopathic doctor is acquainted with plant-based medicine, we can add these ingredients into your treatment plan while avoiding medication interactions. All doses of plant remedies are tailored for biological needs with the principles of functional medicine. These plant-based supplements can be arranged into teas, topicals, oils, and more, and are available from our in-house dispensary. 

We also blend IV therapy drips freshly on a daily basis, and these IV therapies are administered in our IV Lounge. IV drips are not meant as stand-alone therapies – when they’re united with healthy lifestyle changes and additional functional medicine advice, they can contribute to wellness optimization.  

Let’s steer you towards health promotion with functional naturopathic medicine, holistic modalities, herbal medicine, and more. Experience a patient-centred approach to health – simply fill in our contact form to meet one of our Toronto area functional medicine providers. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

References

Amorim VR, Rodrigues DCDN, Silva JDN, Ramos CLS, Almeida LMN, Almeida AAC, Pinheiro-Neto FR, Almeida FRC, Rizzo MS, Pereira-Freire JA, Ferreira PMP. Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of fruits and by-products from Mauritia flexuosa, an exotic plant with functional benefits. J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2021 Jun 3;84(11):441-457. doi: 10.1080/15287394.2021.1881672. Epub 2021 Feb 28. PMID: 33641623.

Barbosa MU, Silva MA, Barros EML, Barbosa MU, Sousa RC, Lopes MADC, Coelho NPMF. Topical action of Buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) in myositis induced in rats. Acta Cir Bras. 2017 Nov;32(11):956-963. doi: 10.1590/s0102-865020170110000007. PMID: 29236800.

Marcelino G, Hiane PA, Pott A, de Oliveira Filiú WF, Caires ARL, Michels FS, Júnior MRM, Santos NMS, Nunes ÂA, Oliveira LCS, Cortes MR, Maldonade IR, Cavalheiro LF, Nazário CED, Santana LF, Di Pietro Fernandes C, Negrão FJ, Tatara MB, de Faria BB, Asato MA, de Cássia Freitas K, Bogo D, do Nascimento VA, de Cássia Avellaneda Guimarães R. Characterization of Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) Pulp Oil and the Effect of Its Supplementation in an In Vivo Experimental Model. Nutrients. 2022 Jun 19;14(12):2547. doi: 10.3390/nu14122547. PMID: 35745276; PMCID: PMC9229003.

Nachbar F, Korting HC. The role of vitamin E in normal and damaged skin. J Mol Med (Berl). 1995 Jan;73(1):7-17. doi: 10.1007/BF00203614. PMID: 7633944.

Santos, Leonor. (2005). Nutritional and ecological aspects of buriti or aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa Linnaeus filius): A carotene-rich palm fruit from Latin America. Ecology of Food and Nutrition – ECOL FOOD NUTR. 44. 345-358. 10.1080/03670240500253369.

Shanley, Patricia, and Leda Luz. “The Impacts of Forest Degradation on Medicinal Plant Use and Implications for Health Care in Eastern Amazonia.” BioScience, vol. 53, no. 6, 2003, pp. 573-584, https://doi.org/10.1641/0006-3568(2003)053[0573:TIOFDO]2.0.CO;2. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

Souto, Renata N., et al. “Buriti (Mauritia Flexuosa L.F.) and Acuri (Attalea Phalerata Mart. Ex Spreng) Oils As Functional Lipid Sources in Bakery Products: Bioactive Composition, Sensory Evaluation, and Technological Performance.” Foods, vol. 14, no. 17, 2025, p. 3089, https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14173089. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

Speranza, Paula & Leão, Karina Magna & Gomes, Tauan & Reis, Lívia & Rodrigues, Alexsandra & Macedo, J. & Ribeiro, A. & Macedo, Gabriela. (2018). Improving the chemical properties of Buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) by enzymatic interesterification. Grasas y Aceites. 69. 282. 10.3989/gya.0229181.

Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.

Stacking NAD IV Therapy in Toronto with Glutathione and Red-Light Therapy

In the functional medicine realm, treatments are often merged to provide well-rounded care. For some cases, our IV Lounge might stack NAD IV therapy in Toronto with a glutathione drip and red light session. When these therapies are part of a nourishing lifestyle, they may lead to healthy synergistic effects.

Each therapy offers unique benefits on its own – but combining them may produce complementary effects for mitochondrial function, oxidative stress balance, mental clarity, and healthy aging. And guess what – all three can be administered in one visit! 

So, if you’re a busy professional, athlete, shift worker, or battling chronic inflammation, stress and fatigue, this article may inspire you to adopt new ways to target your health – after all, you only have one body and it deserves as much TLC as possible.

Review: What is NAD IV therapy?

To recap, NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) drives energy production and mitochondrial function in the body; it supports brain and nervous system functions; and promotes DNA repair. It’s a coenzyme in each cell and it naturally decreases in the body with age. Due to this decline, scientists reason that low NAD+ levels may contribute to aging symptoms, including chronic fatigue, brain fog, metabolic issues, and slow muscle recovery. 

Because the coenzyme helps create adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is like your energy ‘battery bank’, the beneficial effects of a NAD drip may lead to improvements to mental clarity, focus, physical energy and recovery. 

The goal of NAD IV therapy is to deliver NAD+ directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive tract for systemic delivery. Unlike some nutrients, NAD+ itself is not believed to be well absorbed orally, which is why it is commonly administered intravenously or through sublingual formulations designed for absorption through the tissues under the tongue. Oral supplements more commonly contain NAD+ precursors, such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which the body may convert into NAD+. For individuals with swallowing difficulties, digestive concerns, or those seeking higher-dose administration, IV NAD therapy may be considered as part of a personalized treatment plan after clinical assessment.

Why Add Glutathione IV therapy to the Mix

When combined with NAD, glutathione may further help combat oxidative stress; after all, glutathione is nicknamed the ‘master antioxidant’! It helps neutralize free radicals and supports liver detoxification pathways. It also helps recycle other antioxidants in the body, including both vitamins C and E.

Unfortunately, stress, lack of sleep, toxin exposures, infections, high alcohol intake, and excessive exercise can deplete glutathione amounts. Functional medicine providers might recommend combining NAD and glutathione to manage the production of reactive oxygen species, which are byproducts of cellular metabolism. Though this is a normal process, the extreme buildup of oxidative stress can impair your body’s recovery over time. That said, NAD and glutathione may further help reduce inflammation and fatigue, while enhancing detoxification support, immune function, and anti-aging appearances.  

Added Benefits of Red Light Therapy

What’s the reason for stacking NAD+ and glutathione IV therapy with red light? Well, research suggests that red light wavelengths might be beneficial for enhancing mitochondrial functioning and tissue repair. Red light therapy pairs well with NAD treatments because they both target mitochondrial health through different mechanisms. NAD revs ATP production and red light can potentially stimulate enzymes in the mitochondria, driving the conversion of nutrients into much-needed energy. In our clinic, red light therapy can be administered. It’s an easy process: Patients are positioned under a light canopy with eye protection; then, they’re comfortably exposed to red and near-infrared lighting. 

The Surprising Pros of All Three Treatments in One Visit

As we explained, functional medicine protocols might combine treatment modalities. Scheduling your NAD IV therapy, glutathione drip, and red light session on the same day isn’t just about treating yourself to justified ‘me’ time – it may offer healthy advantages, like: 

• Wide-ranging cellular support: Rather than focusing on only energy or only detoxification, the NAD-glutathione-red light approach fosters cellular performance and recovery, targeting multiple aspects of cell health. 
• Synergistic effects: Each therapy impacts mitochondrial health in different ways: NAD drips replenish coenzyme levels and regulate cellular functions; red light may stimulate mitochondrial respiration; and glutathione IV can reduce oxidative damage to the mitochondria. Targeting cell health through multiple angles can potentially expand your health benefits. 
• Time efficiency: Scheduling multiple wellness sessions into your calendar can be a conundrum! But combining them into one visit potentially opens the door for recovery acceleration.  At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, NAD, glutathione, and red light treatments can be administered under one roof with flexible scheduling – this reduces your travel time and adds efficiency to your personal schedule.  

Keep in mind, these treatments are not replacements for foundational lifestyle habits! Proper sleep, nutritious meals, physical activity, and stress management should be continued, along with regular consults with a functional medicine provider. Combination therapies, such as grouping NAD, glutathione, and red light treatments, are gaining the attention of functional medicine patients in Toronto. Are you ready to one-up your wellness? Stop by our clinic to arrange your personal health stack today. 

Suggested reading: Is Your Vision Waning with Age? Consider Exploring NAD IV therapy in Toronto

Treat Your Mind and Body with Our Functional Medicine and IV Therapy Services

Let’s face it – self-care is needed to keep up with a busy life. So why not book your ‘me’ time at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre? Our shared space with Supernatural Yorkville is designed to nurture your mind and body. We can customize your treatment plan with conventional and naturopathic medicine, Amazonian plant remedies, cold laser acupuncture, hormone optimization strategies, and more. You’re also welcome to book time with Supernatural’s longevity-related tools (i.e. skin treatments, cryotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen chamber, and light pd therapy sessions). 

Our healthcare providers adhere to functional integrative health care, so our goal is to target your specific health needs. Personalized treatments can be supportive for health outcomes, which is why we tailor NAD IV therapy based on your lab results. An initial consult is mandatory to get a NAD prescription from our IV Lounge – if you’re a candidate for NAD infusion therapy, you can get your drip administered after your consult or scheduled for another day. All of our IV drips are freshly blended on a daily basis and we only use natural ingredients! Rest assured, we follow strict safety protocols and supervision is conducted by our team of naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioners and registered nurses. 

If you’re stuck with brain fog or slow athletic recovery, or simply can’t stop feeling ‘blah’, let’s chat. Each person has the potential to experience optimal function – and we’re ready to help unlock your inner power today. 

When was the last time you felt rejuvenated? Heighten your wellness routine with the help of NAD IV therapy from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – jump-start now by requesting your consult.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media.

 IV NAD, glutathione, and red-light therapies are supportive wellness interventions and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Individual responses vary, and evidence for some applications continues to evolve.”

References

Alzahrani, Taif F., et al. “Exploring the Safety and Efficacy of Glutathione Supplementation for Skin Lightening: A Narrative Review.” Cureus, vol. 17, no. 1, 2025, p. e78045, https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.78045. Accessed 17 May 2026.

Conlon NJ. The Role of NAD+ in Regenerative Medicine. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 Oct 1;150(4 Suppl ):41S-48S. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000009673. Epub 2021 Sep 28. PMID: 36170435; PMCID: PMC9512238.

de Almeida AJPO, de Oliveira JCPL, da Silva Pontes LV, de Souza Júnior JF, Gonçalves TAF, Dantas SH, de Almeida Feitosa MS, Silva AO, de Medeiros IA. ROS: Basic Concepts, Sources, Cellular Signaling, and its Implications in Aging Pathways. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022 Oct 19;2022:1225578. doi: 10.1155/2022/1225578. PMID: 36312897; PMCID: PMC9605829.

Gallagher, Cory, and Owoturo O. Emmanuel. “NAD⁺ Supplementation for Anti-aging and Wellness: A PRISMA-guided Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Evidence.” Ageing Research Reviews, vol. 116, 2026, p. 103057, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2026.103057. Accessed 17 May 2026.

News-Medical article on Red Light Therapy. Francisco de Souza, Hugo. “Red Light Therapy: How Light Improves Cellular Energy and Repair.” News-Medical, 15 Mar. 2026, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Red-Light-Therapy-How-Light-Improves-Cellular-Energy-and-Repair.aspx. Accessed 17 May 2026.

“Red Light Therapy: Benefits, Side Effects & Uses.” Cleveland Clinic, 1 Dec. 2021, Cleveland Clinic Red Light Therapy Article. Accessed 17 May 2026.

Pan R, Zhang G, Deng F, Lin W, Pan J. Effects of red light on sleep and mood in healthy subjects and individuals with insomnia disorder. Front Psychiatry. 2023 Aug 24;14:1200350. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1200350. PMID: 37692298; PMCID: PMC10484593.

Pizzorno J. Glutathione! Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014 Feb;13(1):8-12. PMID: 26770075; PMCID: PMC4684116.

Umino Y, Denda M. Effect of red light on epidermal proliferation and mitochondrial activity. Skin Res Technol. 2023 Sep;29(9):e13447. doi: 10.1111/srt.13447. PMID: 37753678; PMCID: PMC10462800.

Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.