Safety and whole-body antioxidant potential of a novel anthocyanin-rich formulation of edible berries

Assessment of oral toxicity and safety profile of cyanidin: acute and subacute studies on anthocyanin

Aim: Purified anthocyanins lack a detailed safety profile, prompting the need for comprehensive oral toxicity research. Materials & methods: Sprague-Dawley rats aged 8 weeks received 300 mg/kg cyanidin orally for 14 days in acute toxicity (OECD 423). In the subacute study (OECD 407), adult SD rats were administered 7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg/day cyanidin orally for 28 days. Results: Acute toxicity indicated an LD50 exceeding 300 mg/kg/day without adverse effects. Subacute toxicity at 7.5-30 mg/kg/day showed well-tolerated responses in both genders. No significant alterations in organ weights, hematological parameters, liver/kidney functions or adverse histopathological findings were observed. Conclusion: Oral cyanidin administration demonstrated high safety and tolerance in rats, establishing a NOAEL at 30 mg/kg/day, affirming cyanidin's safety for oral use.

Elderberry Diet Restores Spermatogenesis in the Transient Scrotal Hyperthermia-Induced Mice

Over the past years, several studies have also reported the adverse effects of hyperthermia on normal testicular tissues in several species including mice, rats, and humans. These deleterious impacts include temporarily drop in relative weight of testis along with a temporary partial or complete infertility. Sambucus nigra, also known as elderberry or sweet elder, is a source of bioactive compounds that has drawn growing attention for its potential beneficial effects in preventing and treating several diseases. This experimental research divided 30 mice into the following three groups: (1) control, (2) hyperthermia, and (3) hyperthermia receiving elderberry diet for 35 days. Scrotal hyperthermia was induced by water bath with 43 °C for 30 min. Then, the mice were euthanized, and their sperm samples were collected for sperm parameters analysis. Then, we took the testis samples for histopathological experimentations, immunohistochemistry against TNF-α and caspase-3 and serum testosterone, FSH and LH levels. Our outputs indicated that elderberry diet could largely improve the sperms parameters and stereological parameters, like spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte, round spermatid, and Leydig cells together with an increasing level of the serum testosterone compared to the scrotal hyperthermia induced mice. In addition, it was found that the expression of TNF-α and caspase-3 significantly decreased in the treatment groups by elderberry diet compared to the scrotal hyperthermia-induced mice. In conclusion, it could be concluded that elderberry diet may be regarded as an alternative treatment for improving the spermatogenesis process in the scrotal hyperthermia induced mice.

Influence of Altitudes and Development Stages on the Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Capacity of the Wild Andean Blueberry (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth)

The chemical composition and biological capacities of berries depend on environmental parameters, maturity, and location. The Andean blueberry (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth), also known as mortiño, presents a unique combination of several phytochemicals, which play a synergistic role in its characterization as a functional food. We aimed to expose the possible variations that exist in the profile of the phenolic compounds as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity of the wild Andean blueberry with respect to three ripeness stages and two different altitudes. We found that polyphenols are the predominant compounds in the berry during the early ripeness stage and are the main bioactive compounds that give rise to the antioxidant capacity and inhibition effect on the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, the accumulation of ascorbic acid, free amino acids, and anthocyanins increases as the ripening process progresses, and they were the main bioactive compounds in the ripe berry. The latter compounds influence the production of the typical bluish or reddish coloration of ripe blueberries. In addition, it was determined that environmental conditions at high altitudes could have a positive influence in all cases. Overall, our data provide evidence regarding the high functional value of the wild Andean blueberry.

Physiological and biochemical evaluation of high anthocyanin pigmented tea (Camellia sinensis L. O. Kuntze) germplasm for purple tea production

Finding promising purple tea germplasm that would target new tea products for diversification and value addition boost the tea industry’s economic growth. Accordingly, 10 tea germplasm viz. TRA St. 817, TRA St. 293, TRA St. 400, TRA 177/3, TRA 376/2, TRA 376/3, TRA 427/7, TRA P7, TRA P8, and TV1 were evaluated in terms of gas exchange parameters, multiplication performance, and biochemical markers such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanin content, which are related to the purple tea quality. The investigated gas exchange and biochemical parameters revealed significant differences. Germplasm TRA St.817 was physiologically more efficient (24.7 μmol m^–2 s^–1), followed by TRA St. 293, exhibiting the highest net photosynthesis, water use efficiency (19.02 μmol mmol^–1), carboxylation efficiency (0.73), chlorophyll fluorescence or photochemical efficiency of PSII (0.754) and mesophyll efficiency (ci/gs ratio: 2.54). Net photosynthesis was positively correlated with water use efficiency, carboxylation efficiency, mesophyll efficiency, and photochemical efficiency of PSII (r = 0.965^**, 0.937^**, 0.857^**, 0.867^**; P = 0.05), respectively, but negatively correlated with the transpiration ratio (r = −0.878^**; P = 0.05) based on Pearson correlation analysis. The total anthocyanin content (4764.19 μg.g^–1 fresh leaf weight) and carotenoid content (3.825 mg.g^–1 fresh leaf weight) were highest in the TRA St.817 germplasm, followed by germplasm TRA St. 293 (2926.18 μg.g^–1 FW). In contrast, total chlorophyll content was significantly low (1.779 mg.g^–1 fresh weight), which is very suitable for manufacturing purple tea. The highest carotenoid concentration in TRA St. 817 was 3.825 mg.g^–1 FW, followed by TRA P8 (3.475 mg.g^–1 FW), favoring the formation of more volatile flavor constituents. The promising germplasm, TRA St 817, has a multiplication success rate of 91.4% through cleft grafting. The outcome reveals that TRA St.817 is a promising germplasm that can be used to make speciality teas, i.e., purple tea.

Sambucus Nigra Extracts-Natural Antioxidants and Antimicrobial Compounds

Due to the health-promoting properties of elderberry fruits, which result from their rich chemical composition, this raw material is widely used in herbal medicine and the food industry. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the antibacterial activity of the elderberry fruit extracts. The research showed that the content of phenolic acids and flavonoids in the extracts determined their antibacterial activity. The research showed that the content of phenolic acids and flavonoids in the extracts determined their antibacterial activity. The following phenolic acids were predominant: chlorogenic acid, sinapic acid, and t-cinnamic acid. Their average content was, respectively, 139.09, 72.84, 51.29 mg/g extract. Rutin and quercetin (their average content was 1105.39 and 306.6 mg/g extract, respectively) were the dominant flavonoids. The research showed that the elderberry polyphenol extracts exhibited activity against selected strains of bacteria within the concentration range of 0.5–0.05%. The following bacteria were the most sensitive to the extracts: Micrococcus luteus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas fragii, and Escherichia coli. Of the compounds under analysis, apigenin, kaempferol and ferulic, protocatechuic, and p-coumarin acids had the greatest influence on the high antibacterial activity of elderberry extracts. The results of the microbiological and chemical analyses of the composition of the extracts were analyzed statistically to indicate the bioactive compounds of the greatest antimicrobial significance.

Plant-Based Foods and Their Bioactive Compounds on Fatty Liver Disease: Effects, Mechanisms, and Clinical Application

Fatty liver disease (FLD), including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), is a serious chronic metabolic disease that affects a wide range of people. Lipid accumulation accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver is the most important pathogenesis of FLD. The plant-based, high-fiber, and low-fat diet has been recommended to manage FLD for a long time. This review discusses the current state of the art into the effects, mechanisms, and clinical application of plant-based foods in NAFLD and AFLD, with highlighting related molecular mechanisms. Epidemiological evidence revealed that the consumption of several plant-based foods was beneficial to alleviating FLD. Further experimental studies found out that fruits, spices, teas, coffee, and other plants, as well as their bioactive compounds, such as resveratrol, anthocyanin, curcumin, and tea polyphenols, could alleviate FLD by ameliorating hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and apoptosis, as well as regulating autophagy and ethanol metabolism. More importantly, clinical trials confirmed the beneficial effects of plant-based foods on patients with fatty liver. However, several issues need to be further studied especially the safety and effective doses of plant-based foods and their bioactive compounds. Overall, certain plant-based foods are promising natural sources of bioactive compounds to prevent and alleviate fatty liver disease.

Lower concentrations of curcumin inhibit Her2-Akt pathway components in human breast cancer cells, and other dietary botanicals potentiate this and lapatinib inhibition

Her2-dependent breast cancer is treated with pharmacological drugs (eg, Herceptin, lapatinib) that target Her2 signaling. Curcumin has emerged as a potential co-treatment for this and other cancers, but prior studies have focused on non-attainable concentrations. Here we test the hypothesis that attainable in vivo levels of dietary curcumin can reduce Her2 signaling. Consistent with previous studies, higher dose curcumin (18 μmol/L) inhibits Her2-Akt pathway signaling (pHer2, total Her2 and pAkt levels) and cell growth using AU565 human breast cancer cells. We then examined lower, more physiologically relevant concentrations of curcumin, alone and in combination with other dietary botanicals (quercetin and OptiBerry fruit extract). At 4 μmol/L, curcumin reduced Her2 signaling, and even more when combined with quercetin or OptiBerry. At 1.5 μmol/L curcumin, pHer2 and Her2 (but not pAkt) were reduced, with all three pathway markers reduced more in the presence of quercetin. We also found that 1.5 μmol/L curcumin strongly potentiated lapatinib inhibition of Her2-Akt pathway signaling, and more so for pAkt, when combined with quercetin plus OptiBerry (CQO). Parallel analyses revealed cell growth inhibition at 18 and 4 μmol/L but not 1.5 μmol/L curcumin, and potentiation of 1.5 μmol/L curcumin growth arrest with other botanicals +/- lapatinib. These studies demonstrate that a physiological attainable level of curcumin (1.5 μmol/L) can reduce some components of the critical Her2-Akt pathway; that even more complete inhibition can be achieved by combination with other dietary botanicals; and that curcumin and other botanicals can potentiate the action of the Her2-cancer metastatic drug lapatinib, in turn suggesting the potential anti-cancer clinical use of these botanicals.

Effects of Bilberry Supplementation on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of interrelated conditions that is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Oxidative stress may impair normal physiological functions, leading to various illnesses. T2DM is considered to be associated with increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia, which may play a significant role in the development of cardiovascular complications, cancer and vision loss through cataracts and retinopathy. While conventional therapies are a cornerstone for the management of the major risk factors of metabolic syndrome, increasing antioxidant defense by increasing intake of antioxidant-rich foods may improve long term prospects in CVD, obesity and T2DM. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) is one of the richest natural sources of anthocyanins which give berries their red/purple/blue coloration. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants and are reported to play an important role in the prevention of metabolic disease and CVD as well as cancer and other conditions. This review focuses on the potential effects of bilberry supplementation on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. Although there is evidence to support the use of bilberry supplementation as part of a healthy diet, the potential benefits from the use of bilberry supplementation in patients with T2DM or CVD needs to be clarified in large clinical trials.

Nanoencapsulation of synergistic antioxidant fruit and vegetable concentrates and their stability during in vitro digestion

BACKGROUND

Natural antioxidants have received increased attention owing to their safe use without side effects; however, their application has been limited because of lower antioxidant activity and stability during digestion when compared with those of synthetic antioxidants. Although research is ongoing to overcome these problems, it is still challenging to find effective solutions. In this study, we aimed to improve the properties and stability of natural antioxidants during in vitro digestion by synergistic combination and nanoencapsulation.

RESULTS

Ten selected fruit and vegetable concentrates (acai berry, aronia, blackberry, cranberry, wild berry, raspberry, blueberry, red grape, cabbage, and spinach) were evaluated for their antioxidant capacity when combined via the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Among the 45 combinations, the highest synergistic ORAC value was noted for the blueberry and cabbage concentrates (BUCA; 0.8 and 1.2 mg mL^-1 ) at an antioxidant ratio of 5:5. Chitosan/carrageenan (CSCR) nanoparticles are physically more stable than chitosan/gum arabic nanoparticles during in vitro digestion and were selected for the oral delivery of BUCA. Under simulated intestinal conditions, BUCA-loaded CSCR nanoparticles showed significantly more stable antioxidant activity and total phenolic content than non-nanoencapsulated BUCA. The highest antioxidant stability was observed in the BUCA-loaded CSCR nanoparticles prepared with 0.2 mg mL^-1 carrageenan, which showed two-times higher ORAC value and ten-times higher total phenolic content than non-nanoencapsulated BUCA after 12 h of in vitro digestion.

CONCLUSION

CSCR nanoencapsulation of natural antioxidants could be an effective technique for improving antioxidant stability during digestion. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of a combined protein and antioxidant supplement on recovery of muscle function and soreness following eccentric exercise

BACKGROUND

An acute bout of eccentric contractions (ECC) cause muscle fiber damage, inflammation, impaired muscle function (MF) and muscle soreness (MS). Individually, protein (PRO) and antioxidant (AO) supplementation may improve some aspects of recovery from ECC, though have yet to be combined. We sought to determine if combined PRO and AO supplementation (PRO + AO) improves MS and MF following damaging ECC over PRO alone.

METHODS

Sixty sedentary college-aged males participated in a randomized, single-blind, parallel design study of peak isometric torque (PIMT), peak isokinetic torque (PIKT), thigh circumference (TC), and muscle soreness (MS) of knee extensor muscles measured at baseline, immediately after and 1, 2, 6, and 24 h after completion of 100 maximal ECC. Immediately, 6 h, and 22 h post-ECC, participants consumed either: carbohydrate control (CHO; n = 14), PRO (n = 16), or PRO + AO (n = 17).

RESULTS

At baseline MS, TC, MF, macro- and micro-nutrient intakes, and total work during the ECC were not different between groups (p > 0.05). PIMT and PIKT (both -25%∆), TC (~1%∆) and MS (~35%∆) all changed with time (p < 0.05). We observed a group by time effect for PIKT (PRO + AO and PRO > CHO, p < 0.05). At 24 h post ECC, there was a trend towards improved relative PIMT (~11%) and PIKT (~17%) for PRO + AO (~17%) and PRO (~11%) compared to CHO. An interaction indicated PRO + AO had lowest MS over time (PRO + AO > PRO & CHO, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest PRO facilitates recovery of muscle function within 24 h following ECC, and addition of AO ameliorates MS more than PRO or CHO alone.

Anthocyanins enriched purple tea exhibits antioxidant, immunostimulatory and anticancer activities

Purple coloured tea shoot clones have gained interest due to high content of anthocyanins in addition to catechins. Transcript expression of genes encoding anthocyanidin reductase (ANR), dihydroflavonol-4-reductase (DFR), anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), flavonol synthase (FLS) and leucoantho cyanidin reductase (LAR) enzymes in three new purple shoot tea clones compared with normal tea clone showed higher expression of CsDFR, CsANR, CsANS and lower expression of CsFLS and CsLAR in purple shoot clones compared to normal clone. Expression pattern supported high content of anthocyanins in purple tea. Four anthocyanins (AN_1-4) were isolated and characterized by UPLC-ESI-QToF-MS/MS from IHBT 269 clone which recorded highest total anthocyanins content. Cyanidin-3-O-β-d-(6-(E)-coumaroyl) glucopyranoside (AN₂) showed highest in vitro antioxidant activity (IC_50 DPPH = 25.27 ± 0.02 μg/mL and IC_50 ABTS = 10.71 ± 0.01 μg/mL). Anticancer and immunostimulatory activities of cyanidin-3-glucoside (AN₁), cyanidin-3-O-β-d-(6-(E)-coumaroyl) glucopyranoside (AN₂), delphinidin-3-O-β-d-(6-(E)-coumaroyl) glucopyranoside (AN₃), cyanidin-3-O-(2-O-β-xylopyranosyl-6-O-acetyl)-β-glucopyranoside (AN₄) and crude anthocyanin extract (AN₅) showed high therapeutic perspective. Anthocyanins AN_1-4 and crude extract AN₅ showed cytotoxicity on C-6 cancer cells and high relative fluorescence units (RFU) at 200 μg/mL suggesting promising apoptosis induction activity as well as influential immunostimulatory potential. Observations demonstrate potential of purple anthocyanins enriched tea clone for exploitation as a nutraceutical product.

Anthocyanin can arrest the cone photoreceptor degeneration and act as a novel treatment for retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of heterogeneous inherited retinal diseases that is characterized by primary death rod photoreceptors and the secondary loss of cones. The degeneration of cones causes gradual constriction of visual fields, leaving the central islands that are eventually snuffed out. Studies indicate that the hyperoxia causes oxidative damage in the retina and contributes to the cone death of RP. Moreover, abundant reactive oxidative species (ROS) which are generated in cones may result in mitochondria membrane depolarization, which has been ascribed a central role in the apoptotic process and has been proposed to act as a forward feeding loop for the activation of downstream cascades. Anthocyanin is a potent antioxidant which has been evidenced to be able to counteract oxidative damages, scavenge surplus ROS, and rectify abnormities in the apoptotic cascade. Taken together with its ability to attenuate inflammation which also contributes to the etiology of RP, it is reasonable to hypothesize that the anthocyanin could act as a novel therapeutic strategy to retard or prevent cone degeneration in RP retinas, particularly if the treatment is timed appropriately and delivered efficiently. Future pharmacological investigations will identify the anthocyanin as an effective candidate for PR therapy and refinements of that knowledge would ignite the hope of restoring the visual function in RP patients.

Preserving neural retina through re-emerging herbal interventions

Eye related diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, conjunctivitis are very common worldwide. With the current scenario India will be among the top five countries in the number of glaucoma cases. Limited discovery of successful drugs for the treatment of such diseases led scientists to look towards the use of conventional sources for treatment. Herbal extracts from Ayurveda have remained an important part of treatment regime in many parts of world even today. For this reason, local herbs possessing curative properties are still being used by local inhabitants due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Because retinal damage involves alterations in oxidative enzymes, blood flow changes and increase in apoptotic signals, herbal extracts are being tested for their ability to moderate antioxidant machinery and trigger neuroprotective pathways. The present review summarizes some of such herbal extracts which have been tested for their neuroprotective role in eye related diseases. The active components that exert neuroprotective effects have also been discussed along with possible mechanisms of action.

Determination of Anthocyanins and Total Polyphenols in a Variety of Elderberry Juices by UPLC-MS/MS and Other Methods

Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) juice contains a variety of polyphenols, mostly anthocyanins. In order to understand the variation of polyphenol levels by genotype, various elderberry juice samples were analyzed for total phenolics (TP), total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA) and individual anthocyanin content. The Folin-Ciocalteu total phenolic method and pH differential method were used to measure the TP and TMA content, respectively. The TP and TMA concentrations of elderberry were found to vary greatly among different genotypes. TMA content varied from 2.1% for 'Sperandio' to 60.6% for the 'Bob Gordon' cultivar. In addition, ultra-performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was used to separate and detect individual anthocyanins from samples prepared by solid phase extraction. Multiple-reaction-monitoring was used to process data for the reduction of false positives, maximizing selectivity, and reliable quantification. The quantitative performance of the method was validated, and a detection limit of 0.3 ng·ml^-1 for cyanidin 3-O-glucoside was determined. This newly developed method may serve to characterize and profile various anthocyanins in elderberry juices for quality control, assessment of dietary intake, and anthocyanin-based biomedical studies.

Peptidomics study of anthocyanin-rich juice of elderberry

Biologically active peptides play a role in plant signaling and defense. Elderberry juice is known to contain a variety of anthocyanin compounds, a sub-set of polyphenols, which are responsible for the deep purple color of the juice. In this paper, we describe a method utilizing solid phase extraction (SPE) to remove anthocyanins from peptides. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used to separate and identify the peptides. The results showed that the use of SPE was an effective method to separate peptides from anthocyanins and other background compounds including high polyphenol content in the juice samples. More than 1000 peptides present in elderberry juice were successfully identified.

The free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of pod and seed extract of Clitoria fairchildiana (Howard)- an underutilized legume

We evaluated the phenolic content and antioxidant capacities of pod and seed extracts (in methanol, ethanol, and water) of an underutilized legume, Clitoria fairchildiana (Howard). The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was determined using the ferric reducing antioxidant potential assay, and the free radical-scavenging capacity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging and ABTS assays. In addition, the total flavonoids, flavonols, and tannin contents were also determined. Overall, the methanol extracts of the pod contained high concentration of phenolics and showed high antioxidant capacities compared to seed extracts. In addition, a positive correlation was found between total phenol and tannin versus antioxidant capacity. Results of the present study indicate pods and seeds of C. fairchildiana to possess rich amount of natural antioxidants, and can be further explored for their possible use as a natural additive in food or in pharmaceutical industries.

Structure prediction of Bestrophin for the induced - fit docking of anthocyanins

Bestrophin, an integral membrane protein existing in basolateral region of the retina is a propitious target for drug discovery. Mutations in the Bestrophin protein cause Best Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy (BVMD) leading to retinal damages and loss of visual acuity. Owing to the lack of three dimensional structure and related structural homologs in the protein data bank, we modeled the bestrophin protein using Robetta ab initio method. Further, no treatment is available for the disease. In this situation, anthocyanins from natural sources are reported to combat retinal damages. Hence, we identified anthocyanins from Syzygium cumini fruit skin using Electrospray Ionization tandem mass spectrometry. These compounds were docked into the predicted bestrophin model to study the interactions within the active site. The results may provide a valuable insight into the structure of bestrophin and efficacy of anthocyanins in molecular docking studies.

ABBREVIATIONS

PTP - Putative transmembrane proteins, VMD - Vitelliform macular dystrophy, BVMD - Best's vitelliform macular dystrophy, RPE - Retinal pigment epithelium, ESI-MS/MS - Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry, UNIPROT - Universal Protein Resource, PSIPRED - Protein secondary structure prediction, TMH - Transmembrane Helices, SCFS - Syzygium cumini fruit skin DP - Declustering Potential IFD - Induced Fit Docking.

Optimization of the extraction of anthocyanins from the fruit skin of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk and identification of anthocyanins in the extract using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS)

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring polyphenols that impart bright color to fruits, vegetables and plants. In this study, the extraction of anthocyanins from freeze-dried fruit skin of downy rose-myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk var. Gangren) was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Using 60% ethanol containing 0.1% (v/v) hydrochloric acid as extraction solvent, the optimal conditions for maximum yields of anthocyanin (4.358 ± 0.045 mg/g) were 15.7:1 (v/w) liquid to solid ratio, 64.38 °C with a 116.88 min extraction time. The results showed good fits with the proposed model for the anthocyanin extraction (R(2) = 0.9944). Furthermore, the results of high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) analysis of the anthocyanins extracted from the fruit skin of downy rose-myrtle revealed the presence of five anthocyanin components, which were tentatively identified as delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, petunidin-3-glucoside and malvidin-3-glucoside.

Standardized extract of Syzygium aqueum: a safe cosmetic ingredient

Syzygium aqueum, a species in the Myrtaceae family, commonly called the water jambu is native to Malaysia and Indonesia. It is well documented as a medicinal plant, and various parts of the tree have been used in traditional medicine, for instance as an antibiotic. In this study, we show S. aqueum leaf extracts to have a significant composition of phenolic compounds, protective activity against free radicals as well as low pro-oxidant capability. Its ethanolic extract, in particular, is characterized by its excellent radical scavenging activity of EC(50) of 133 μg mL(-1) 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 65 μg mL(-1) 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and 71 μg mL(-1) (Galvinoxyl), low pro-oxidant capabilities and a phenolic content of 585-670 mg GAE g(-1) extract. The extract also displayed other activities, deeming it an ideal cosmetic ingredient. A substantial tyrosinase inhibition activity with an IC(50) of about 60 μg mL(-1) was observed. In addition, the extract was also found to have anti-cellulite activity tested for its ability to cause 98% activation of lipolysis of adipocytes (fat cells) at a concentration of 25 μg mL(-1). In addition, the extract was not cytotoxic to Vero cell lines up to a concentration of 600 μg mL(-1). Although various parts of this plant have been used in traditional medicine, this is the first time it has been shown to have cosmeceutical properties. Therefore, the use of this extract, alone or in combination with other active principles, is of interest to the cosmetic industry.

Anthocyanins as Antimicrobial Agents of Natural Plant Origin

Anthocyanins are particularly abundant in different fruits, especially in berries. The beneficial effects of these compounds for human health have been known from at least the 16th century. Despite the great number of papers devoted to the different biological effects exerted by anthocyanins only a limited number of studies is focused on the antimicrobial activity of these compounds. Anthocyanin content of berry fruits varies from 7.5 mg/100 mg fresh fruit in redcurrant ( Ribes rubum) up to 460 mg/100 g fresh fruit in chokeberry ( Aronia melanocarpa). After consumption, anthocyanins are intensively metabolized, mainly in the intestines and liver. Glucorination, methylation and sulfation are the most typical metabolic reactions. Antimicrobial activity of crude extracts of plant phenolic compounds against human pathogens has been intensively studied to characterize and develop new healthy food ingredients as well as medical and pharmaceutical products. However, there is very little information available about the antimicrobial activity of the pure anthocyanins. In the last part of this review we present the collection of papers describing the anthocyanin profiles of different fruits (mainly berries) and the antimicrobial properties of the identified compounds. Generally, anthocyanins are active against different microbes, however Gram-positive bacteria usually are more susceptible to the anthocyanin action than Gram-negative ones. Mechanisms underlying anthocyanin activity include both membrane and intracellular interactions of these compounds. Antimicrobial activity of berries and other anthocyanin-containing fruits is likely to be caused by multiple mechanisms and synergies because they contain various compounds including anthocyanins, weak organic acids, phenolic acids, and their mixtures of different chemical forms. Therefore, the antimicrobial effect of chemically complex compounds has to be critically analyzed.

Prevention of age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the developed world. Although effective treatment modalities such as anti-VEGF treatment have been developed for neovascular AMD, there is still no effective treatment for geographical atrophy, and therefore the most cost-effective management of AMD is to start with prevention. This review looks at current evidence on preventive measures targeted at AMD. Modalities reviewed include (1) nutritional supplements such as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) formula, lutein and zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acid, and berry extracts, (2) lifestyle modifications, including smoking and body-mass-index, and (3) filtering sunlight, i.e. sunglasses and blue-blocking intraocular lenses. In summary, the only proven effective preventive measures are stopping smoking and the AREDS formula.

Select phytochemicals suppress human T-lymphocytes and mouse splenocytes suggesting their use in autoimmunity and transplantation

We have considered a novel "rational" gene targeting approach for treating pathologies whose genetic bases are defined using select phytochemicals. We reason that one such potential application of this approach would be conditions requiring immunosuppression such as autoimmune disease and transplantation, where the genetic target is clearly defined; i.e., interleukin-2 and associated T-cell activation. Therefore, we hypothesized that select phytochemicals can suppress T-lymphocyte proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. The immunosuppressive effects of berry extract, curcumin, quercetin, sulforaphane, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), resveratrol, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C and sucrose were tested on anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28-activated primary human T-lymphocytes in culture. Curcumin, sulforaphane, quercetin, berry extract and EGCG all significantly inhibited T-cell proliferation, and this effect was not due to toxicity. IL-2 production was also reduced by these agents, implicating this important T-cell cytokine in proliferation suppression. Except for berry extract, these same agents also inhibited mouse splenic T-cell proliferation and IL-2 production. Subsequent in vivo studies revealed that quercetin (but not sulforaphane) modestly suppressed mouse splenocyte proliferation following supplementation of BALB/c mice diets. This effect was especially prominent if corrected for the loss of supplement "recall" as observed in cultured T-cells. These results suggest the potential use of these select phytochemicals for treating autoimmune and transplant patients, and support our strategy of using select phytochemicals to treat genetically-defined pathologies, an approach that we believe is simple, healthy, and cost-effective.

Prunella vulgaris extract and rosmarinic acid suppress lipopolysaccharide-induced alteration in human gingival fibroblasts

Periodontitis is a chronic disease associated with inflammation of the tooth-supporting tissues. The inflammation is initiated by a group of gram-negative anaerobic bacteria. These express a number of irritating factors including a lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which plays a key role in periodontal disease development. Plant extracts with anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties have been shown to inhibit bacterial plaque formation and thus prevent chronic gingivitis. In this study we tested effects of Prunella vulgaris L. extract (PVE; 5, 10, 25microg/ml) and its component rosmarinic acid (RA; 1microg/ml) on LPS-induced oxidative damage and inflammation in human gingival fibroblasts. PVE and RA reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, intracellular glutathione (GSH) depletion as well as lipid peroxidation in LPS-treated cells. Treatment with PVE and RA also inhibited LPS-induced up-regulation of interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and suppressed expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The results indicate that PVE and RA are able to suppress LPS-induced biological changes in gingival fibroblasts. The effects of PVE and RA are presumably linked to their anti-inflammatory activities and thus use of PVE and RA may be relevant in modulating the inflammation process, including periodontal disease.

Delphinidin, a dietary anthocyanidin, inhibits platelet-derived growth factor ligand/receptor (PDGF/PDGFR) signaling

Most cancers are dependent on the growth of tumor blood vessels and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis may thus provide an efficient strategy to retard or block tumor growth. Recently, tumor vascular targeting has expanded to include not only endothelial cells (ECs) but also smooth muscle cells (SMCs), which contribute to a mature and functional vasculature. We have reported previously that delphinidin, a major biologically active constituent of berries, inhibits the vascular endothelial growth factor-induced phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 and blocks angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we show that delphinidin also inhibits activation of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB receptor-beta [platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFR-beta)] in SMC and that this inhibition may contribute to its antitumor effect. The inhibitory effect of delphinidin on PDGFR-beta was very rapid and led to the inhibition of PDGF-BB-induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2 signaling and of the chemotactic motility of SMC, as well as the differentiation and stabilization of EC and SMC into capillary-like tubular structures in a three-dimensional coculture system. Using an anthocyan-rich extract of berries, we show that berry extracts were able to suppress the synergistic induction of vessel formation by basic fibroblast growth factor-2 and PDGF-BB in the mouse Matrigel plug assay. Oral administration of the berry extract also significantly retarded tumor growth in a lung carcinoma xenograft model. Taken together, these results provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the antiangiogenic activity of delphinidin that will be helpful for the development of dietary-based chemopreventive strategies.

Bilberry extract reduces UVA-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT keratinocytes: a pilot study

Exposure to UVA radiation is known to cause many adverse biological effects by inducing the stricken cells to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). In recent years the use of botanicals has received considerable interest in the skin protection. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruit contains several polyphenols with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study we evaluated potential UVA preventive effect of V. myrtillus fruit extract (VME; anthocyanins, 25% w/w) in HaCaT keratinocytes. Pre-treatment (1 h) or post-treatment (4 h) of HaCaT with VME resulted in attenuation of UVA-caused damage. Application of the extract significantly reduced UVA-stimulated ROS formation in keratinocytes. VME also prevented/reduced UVA-caused peroxidation of membrane lipids and depletion of intracellular GSH. The observed cytoprotective effect may be linked to the antioxidant activity of the plant constituents, namely anthocyanins.

Berry anthocyanins as novel antioxidants in human health and disease prevention

Edible berries, a potential source of natural anthocyanin antioxidants, have demonstrated a broad spectrum of biomedical functions. These include cardiovascular disorders, advancing age-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and diverse degenerative diseases. Berry anthocyanins also improve neuronal and cognitive brain functions, ocular health as well as protect genomic DNA integrity. This chapter demonstrates the beneficial effects of wild blueberry, bilberry, cranberry, elderberry, raspberry seeds, and strawberry in human health and disease prevention. Furthermore, this chapter will discuss the pharmacological benefits of a novel combination of selected berry extracts known as OptiBerry, a combination of wild blueberry, wild bilberry, cranberry, elderberry, raspberry seeds, and strawberry, and its potential benefit over individual berries. Recent studies in our laboratories have demonstrated that OptiBerry exhibits high antioxidant efficacy as shown by its high oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values, novel antiangiogenic and antiatherosclerotic activities, and potential cytotoxicity towards Helicobacter pylori, a noxious pathogen responsible for various gastrointestinal disorders including duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer, as compared to individual berry extracts. OptiBerry also significantly inhibited basal MCP-1 and inducible NF-kappabeta transcriptions as well as the inflammatory biomarker IL-8, and significantly reduced the ability to form hemangioma and markedly decreased EOMA cell-induced tumor growth in an in vivo model. Overall, berry anthocyanins trigger genetic signaling in promoting human health and disease prevention.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma proliferative phenotype is modulated by proanthocyanidins: a potential prevention and treatment alternative for oral cancer

Background

Despite the recently reported drop in the overall death rate from cancer, the estimated survival rate and number of deaths from oral cancer remain virtually unchanged. Early detection efforts, in combination with strategies for prevention and risk-reduction, have the potential to dramatically improve clinical outcomes. The identification of non-toxic, effective treatments, including complementary and alternative therapies, is critical if the survival rate is to be improved. Epidemiologic studies have suggested a protective effect from certain plant-derived foods and extracts; however, it has been difficult to isolate and identify the compounds most responsible for these observations. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the response of human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to proanthocyanidin (PAC), a plant-derived compound that may inhibit the progression of several other cancers.

Methods

Using a series of in vitro assays, we sought to quantify the effects of PAC on OSCC, cervical carcinoma, and non-cancerous cell lines, specifically the effects of PAC on cell proliferation. Recent data suggest that infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) may also modulate the proliferative potential of OSCC; therefore, we also measured the effects of PAC administration on HPV-transfected OSCC proliferation.

Results

Our results demonstrated that PAC administration was sufficient to significantly suppress cellular proliferation of OSCC in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the increased proliferation of OSCC after transfection with HPV 16 was reduced by the administration of PAC, as was the proliferation of the cervical cancer and non-cancerous cell lines tested. Our results also provide preliminary evidence that PAC administration may induce apoptosis in cervical and oral cancer cell lines, while acting merely to suppress proliferation of the normal cell line control.

Conclusion

These results signify that PAC may be a compelling candidate for testing in both animal and human models. Furthermore, these data provide adequate justification for elucidating the divergent mechanisms of PAC-induced proliferation, inhibition, and apoptosis among these and other cell lines.