Survey of bioactive components in Western Canadian berries

Phenolic profiles and their responses to pre- and post-harvest factors in small fruits: a review

The consumption of small fruits has increased in recent years. Besides their appealing flavor, the commercial success of small fruits has been partially attributed to their high contents of phenolic compounds with multiple health benefits. The phenolic profiles and contents in small fruits vary based on the genetic background, climate, growing conditions, and post-harvest handling techniques. In this review, we critically compare the profiles and contents of phenolics such as anthocyanins, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and phenolic acids that have been reported in bilberries, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, black and red currants, raspberries, and strawberries during fruit development and post-harvest storage. This review offers researchers and breeders a general guideline for the improvement of phenolic composition in small fruits while considering the critical factors that affect berry phenolics from cultivation to harvest and to final consumption.

Polyphenols from blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea var. edulis) berry inhibit lipid accumulation in adipocytes by suppressing lipogenesis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea var. edulis) berry has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and metabolic diseases. There is evidence to support its pharmacological effects in improving diabetes, fatty liver, and obesity.

AIM OF STUDY

To investigate the effect of blue honeysuckle berry extract (BHBE) on lipid accumulation in adipocytes and the underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) was applied to analyze the polyphenolic compounds in BHBE. 3T3-L1 cells were used to induce into adipocytes. Oil Red O staining combined with triglyceride (TG) content determination were carried out to evaluate intracellular lipid accumulation. Western blot was used to determine the expression of lipogenic enzymes and transcription factors. Real-time PCR was used to determine the expression of lipolytic enzymes and adipocyte markers.

RESULTS

The primary polyphenols in BHBE are flavonoids (mainly flavonols and anthocyanins). BHBE dose-dependently inhibited lipid accumulation in adipocytes by reducing the expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and increasing the phosphorylation level of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Moreover, BHBE was found to promote the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and further reduce the expression of lipogenic transcription factors (PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SREBP-1c), while the selective AMPK inhibitor attenuated the suppressive effect of BHBE on lipogenesis. In addition, BHBE increased the expression of beige adipocyte markers (Cd137 and Tmem26) and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) without affecting the expression of brown adipocyte markers (Ebf3 and Eva1).

CONCLUSION

BHBE inhibits lipid accumulation in adipocytes by suppressing lipogenesis via AMPK activation as well as by promoting beiging of adipocytes, which supports the anti-obesity potential of blue honeysuckle berry.

Phytochemical Characterization of Blue Honeysuckle in Relation to the Genotypic Diversity of Lonicera sp

The phytochemical characteristic analysis of a group of 30 haskap berry genotypes was carried out bearing in mind the concern for the consumption of food with high nutraceutical value that helps maintain good health. Phytochemical fruit composition and antioxidant activity were assessed by the Folin–Ciocalteau, spectrophotometric, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) as well as ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) method. Evaluation of antioxidant activity was referred to as the Trolox equivalent. The observed differences in the content of phenolics, flavonoids, vitamin C and antioxidant activity allowed us to select genotypes which, due to the high level of the analyzed compounds, are particularly recommended in everyone’s diet. In addition, the analysis of the prospects of increasing the analyzed phytochemical properties, estimated by parameters such as heritability and genetic progress, indicates the effectiveness of breeding in relation to each of the analyzed traits. The results of the presented research can be used in the implementation of future breeding programs for this valuable species.

Beneficial effects of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) supplementation on metabolic and inflammatory adverse effects induced by high-fat diet in a mouse model of obesity

Obesity is a constantly increasing health problem worldwide. It is associated with a systemic low-grade inflammation, which contributes to the development of metabolic disorders and comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes. Diet has an important role in the prevention of obesity and its adverse health effects; as a part of healthy diet, polyphenol-rich berries, such as lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) have been proposed to have health-promoting effects. In the present study, we investigated the effects of lingonberry supplementation on high-fat diet induced metabolic and inflammatory changes in a mouse model of obesity. Thirty male C57BL/6N mice were divided into three groups (n = 10/group) to receive low-fat (LF), high-fat (HF) and lingonberry-supplemented high-fat (HF+LGB) diet for six weeks. Low-fat and high-fat diet contained 10% and 46% of energy from fat, respectively. Lingonberry supplementation prevented the high-fat diet induced adverse changes in blood cholesterol and glucose levels and had a moderate effect on the weight and visceral fat gain, which were 26% and 25% lower, respectively, in the lingonberry group than in the high-fat diet control group. Interestingly, lingonberry supplementation also restrained the high-fat diet induced increases in the circulating levels of the proinflammatory adipocytokine leptin (by 36%) and the inflammatory acute phase reactant serum amyloid A (SAA; by 85%). Similar beneficial effects were discovered in the hepatic expression of the inflammatory factors CXCL-14, S100A10 and SAA by lingonberry supplementation. In conclusion, the present results indicate that lingonberry supplementation significantly prevents high-fat diet induced metabolic and inflammatory changes in a murine model of obesity. The results encourage evaluation of lingonberries as a part of healthy diet against obesity and its comorbidities.

Health Properties and Composition of Honeysuckle Berry Lonicera caerulea L. An Update on Recent Studies

Lonicera caerulea L., also known as haskap or honeysuckle berry, is a fruit commonly planted in eastern Europe, Canada and Asia. The fruit was registered as a traditional food from a third country under European Union regulations only on December 2018. It is resistant to cold, pests, various soil acidities and diseases. However, its attractiveness is associated mostly with its health properties. The fruit shows anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity-important factors in improving health. These features result from the diverse content of phytochemicals in honeysuckle berries with high concentrations of phytocompounds, mainly hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavanols, flavones, isoflavones, flavonols, flavanones and anthocyanins but also iridoids, present in the fruit in exceptional amounts. The content and health properties of the fruit were identified to be dependent on cultivar, genotype and the place of harvesting. Great potential benefits of this nutritious food are its ability to minimize the negative effects of UV radiation, diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases, and to exert hepato- and cardioprotective activity.

Bioactive Components and Health Benefits of Saskatoon Berry

In response to the recent rise in numbers of diabetes patients, many treatments have been developed; but currently, oral antihyperglycemic agents and insulin are still the main clinical treatments. Since current drugs have limitations and harmful side effects, research in alternative treatments has been sought. This article reviews recent research updates of Saskatoon berries (SB), covering its background information, its main active ingredients, its structure, and its function. Flavonoid compounds in Saskatoon berries, in particular flavanol, anthocyanin, and proanthocyanin, possess anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antidiabetes impacts. The current review synthesizes the latest research on the health benefits of Saskatoon berry in a variety of domains. With further research, SB has the potential to help treat and prevent diabetes in the future.

Promising Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Food Colourants from Lonicera caerulea L. var. Kamtschatica

Lonicera caerulea L. (haskap) berries are widely known for their richness in anthocyanins. In this study, such fruits were assessed for their nutritional and chemical composition, but also as sources of anthocyanins with great colouring properties to be applied in foodstuff. Haskap presented high levels of water, four free sugars (mainly fructose and glucose), five organic acids (mainly citric, malic, and quinic), α- and γ-tocopherol, twenty fatty acids (with prevalence of linoleic acid), and eight phenolic compounds, among which six were anthocyanins (mainly cyanidin-3-O-glucoside). The extract presented great antioxidant properties, evaluated through TBARS and OxHLIA assays, as well as antimicrobial capacity against six bacteria and six fungi. Two colourants were obtained by spray-drying haskap juice with maltodextrin and a mixture of maltodextrin and arabic gum. These formulations were stable over 12 weeks of storage at room and refrigerated temperature, without significant variations in colour parameters and in anthocyanins concentration. They were considered safe for consumption once neither microbial contamination nor cytotoxicity in non-tumour cells were detected. The results obtained allow for the consideration of haskap as a promising source of colourants to be applied not only in the food industry, but also in other fields that rely on artificial colourants.

Phenolic composition and antioxidant activities of saskatoon berry fruit and pomace

Total phenolic chromatographic indices (TPCI) of three commercially grown saskatoon berry varieties and a pomace from commercial juice production were determined. Northline was shown to have the highest TPCI of 504.2 mg/100 g FW. These results agreed with total phenolic content results for these varieties. The TPCI of the commercial pomace was 404.2 mg/100 g pomace indicating that a significant concentration of phenolics were present in this co-product, showing the commercial relevance of this material. A phenolic rich extract (PRE; 500 ppm) of the Northline variety was compared to BHT (0.02% w:w) and Rosamox (0.2% w:w) for delaying the oxidation of borage oil via rancimat analysis. Induction times were 1.46 h (borage oil), 1.44 h (Rosamox), 2.18 h (BHT), and 2.42 h (PRE), which was a ∼65% delay in the oxidation of borage oil. These results clearly support the value of this material as an antioxidant ingredient in foods, pharmaceuticals, nutriceuticals and cosmetics.

A pilot dose-response study of the acute effects of haskap berry extract (Lonicera caerulea L.) on cognition, mood, and blood pressure in older adults

Purpose

Haskap (Lonicera caerulea L. or blue honeysuckle) is a plant native to the low-lying wet areas and mountains of Siberia and northeastern Asia, but is now cultivated in Canada. The dark blue berries are rich in anthocyanins, particularly cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. Previously, anthocyanin-rich fruits have been observed to benefit cognitive performance during the immediate postprandial period following a single acute dose. However, no study has currently examined the potential for haskap berries to influence cognitive performance. Here, we investigate the acute cognitive benefits of an anthocyanin-rich haskap berry extract.

Methods

A double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover intervention study compared the acute effects of three separate haskap berry extract doses, containing 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg anthocyanins, with a sugar-matched placebo. Participants were an opportunity sample of 20 older adults, aged 62–81 years. Measures of cognition, mood, and blood pressure were recorded at baseline and 1.5 h postprandially.

Results

Compared to placebo, the 400 mg dose elicited significantly lower diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. Both 200 mg and 400 mg doses elicited significantly higher word recall, with the 400 mg dose also significantly improving word recognition scores, on an episodic memory task. However, mood, working memory and executive function task results were more equivocal.

Conclusions

The findings provide evidence for improvements in episodic memory and blood pressure following acute supplementation with haskap berry extract, with higher doses appearing most effective. The cognitive findings concur with previous literature that suggests episodic memory effects, and not executive function effects, are most prevalent in older adults following anthocyanin-rich berry supplementation. The blood pressure outcome is consistent with a vasodilatory mechanism of action.

Phytochemical analysis of salal berry (Gaultheria shallon Pursh.), a traditionally-consumed fruit from western North America with exceptionally high proanthocyanidin content

Salal (Gaultheria shallon Pursh.) is a wild perennial shrub of the Ericaceae and common in coastal forests of western North America, and its berries were an important traditional food for First Nations in British Columbia. Salal berries were investigated for phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity over the course of fruit development. The proanthocyanidin content was extremely high in young berries (280.7 mg/g dry wt) but dropped during development to 52.8 mg/g dry wt. By contrast, anthocyanins accumulated only at the late berry stages. Total antioxidant capacity, as measured by the 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) method, reflected both proanthocyanidin and anthocyanin content, and in mature berries reached 36 mmol Trolox equivalents/100 g dry wt. More detailed phytochemical analysis determined that delphinidin 3-O-galactoside is the dominant anthocyanin, and that the berries are also rich in procyanidins, including procyanidin A2 which has been implicated in anti-adhesion activity for uropathogenic E. coli. Proanthocyanidins were 60% prodelphinidin, and overall concentrations were higher than reported for many Vaccinium species including blueberry, lingonberry, and cranberry. Overall, the phenolic profile of salal berries indicates that these fruit contain a diversity of health-promoting phenolics.

HPLC-MS/MS analysis of anthocyanins in human plasma and urine using protein precipitation and dilute-and-shoot sample preparation methods, respectively

A high-performance liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method has been developed to analyze anthocyanins in urine and plasma to further understand their absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. The method employed a Synergi RP-Max column (250 × 4.6 mm, 4 μm) and an API 4000 mass spectrometer. A gradient elution system consisted of mobile phase A (water-1% formic acid) and mobile phase B (acetonitrile) with a flow rate of 0.60 mL/min. The gradient was initiated at 5% B, increased to 21% B at 20 min, and then increased to 40% B at 35 min. The analysis of anthocyanins presents a challenge because of the poor stability of anthocyanins during sample preparation, especially during solvent evaporation. In this method, the degradation of anthocyanins was minimized using protein precipitation and dilute-and-shoot and sample preparation methods for plasma and urine, respectively. No interferences were observed from endogenous compounds. The method has been used to analyze anthocyanin concentrations in urine and plasma samples from volunteers administered saskatoon berries. Cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-xyloside and quercetin-3-galactoside, the five major flavonoid components in saskatoon berries, were identified in plasma and urine samples.

Genetic variation associated with healthy traits and environmental conditions in Vaccinium vitis-idaea

Background

Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.), one of the least studied fruit crops in the Ericaceae family, has a dramatically increased worldwide demand due to its numerous health benefits. Genetic markers can facilitate the selection of berries with desirable climatic adaptations, agronomic and nutritious characteristics to improve cultivation programs. However, no genomic resources are available for this species.

Results

We used Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) to analyze the genetic variation of 56 lingonberry samples from across Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. To elucidate a potential adaptation to environmental conditions we searched for genotype-environment associations by applying three distinct approaches to screen the identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for correlation with six environmental variables. We also searched for an association between the identified SNPs and two phenotypic traits: the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AC) of fruit. We identified 1586 high-quality putative SNPs using the UNEAK pipeline available in TASSEL. We found 132 SNPs likely associated with at least one of the environmental or phenotypic variables. To obtain insights on the function of the genomic sequences containing the SNPs likely to be associated with the environmental or phenotypic variables, we performed a sequence-based functional annotation and identified homologous protein-coding sequences with functional roles related to abiotic stress response, pathogen defense, RNA metabolism, and, most interestingly, phenolic compound biosynthesis.

Conclusions

The putative SNPs discovered are the first genomic resource for lingonberry. This resource might prove useful in high-density quantitative trait locus analysis, and association mapping. The identified candidate genes containing the SNPs need further studies on their potential role in local adaptation of lingonberry. Altogether, the present study provides new resources that can be used to breed for desirable traits in lingonberry.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-017-4396-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Polyphenol Content, Physicochemical Properties, Enzymatic Activity, Anthocyanin Profiles, and Antioxidant Capacity ofCerasus humilis(Bge.) Sok. Genotypes

Seven varieties of Chinese dwarf cherries were evaluated and compared with respect to their weight, diameter, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, color, polyphenol contents, ascorbic acid levels, anthocyanin profiles, enzymatic activity, and antioxidant capacity. The fruits are rich in phenolic content (339.07–770.30 mg/100 g fresh weight). Nine anthocyanins were obtained from fruits after chromatographic separation and their structures analyzed using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Cyanidin-3-glucoside was the major anthocyanin with 50.36–78.39% concentration. Three anthocyanins were reported for the first time in these cherries. They exhibit low polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities, but their superoxide dismutase activity is high (572.75–800.17 U/g FW). The highest amounts of soluble solid content (15.67 Brix %), total titratable acid (1.90%), ascorbic acid (18.47 mg/100 g FW), and total anthocyanin (152.66 mg/100 g FW) were observed. Three methods (DPPH-scavenging ability, oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay, and cellular antioxidant activity assay) were employed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the phenolic extracts of these cherries. Number 5 has the highest values of ORAC and CAA of 205.68 μmol TE/g DM and 99.67 μmol QE/100 g FW, respectively.

Nutraceuticals in Alternative and Underutilized Fruits as Functional Food Ingredients: Ancient Species for New Health Needs

A diet containing high levels of fruit has been associated with a lowered risk of chronic diseases as, in addition to their vitamin and mineral content, they also contain various compounds with health-protective effects, in particular antioxidant and antiinflammatory compounds. Wild plant species are of interest to the food industry because of their ability to replace synthetic chemicals and nutraceuticals; however, the nutritional, economical, and sociocultural values of some neglected and underutilized natural resources have not yet been fully exploited. Some of these less well-known and underutilized fruits, which have the potential to provide novel sources of health-promoting agents, are presented in this chapter (i.e., Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal, Crataegus azarolus L., Lycium barbarum L., Morus nigra L., and Amelanchier canadensis (L.) Medicus). Underutilized fruits could represent an opportunity for growers to gain access to these special markets where consumers place emphasis on high contents of nutrients that are capable of preventing degenerative diseases. The development of specific horticultural models for nutraceutical fruit production could be an interesting opportunity to obtain a highly standardized raw material for fresh or derived products.

Supplementing diet with Manitoba lingonberry juice reduces kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) contains high levels of anthocyanins which are bioavailable in the kidney and may be protective against ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced acute kidney injury. This study investigated the effect of lingonberry juice on the IR-induced stress-activated signalling pathway and inflammatory response in the kidney.

RESULTS

Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to kidney IR had significantly impaired kidney function, with increased activation of the JNK signalling pathway and increased inflammatory response, measured using a multiplex panel containing an extensive array of inflammatory biomarkers. In rats fed 1 mL lingonberry juice daily for 3 weeks prior to IR, kidney function was protected and attenuation of inflammatory response and JNK signalling was reflected in the reduction of the measured biomarkers. In vitro results in cultured HK-2 cells confirmed that lingonberry anthocyanins reduced JNK signalling and inflammatory gene expression after IR.

CONCLUSION

This study shows, for the first time, that daily supplementation with lingonberry juice may protect against loss of kidney function induced by IR injury by modulating JNK signalling and inhibiting the subsequent inflammatory response. © 2017 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Lingonberry anthocyanins protect cardiac cells from oxidative-stress-induced apoptosis

Lingonberry grown in northern Manitoba, Canada, contains exceptionally high levels of anthocyanins and other polyphenols. Previous studies from our lab have shown that lingonberry anthocyanins can protect H9c2 cells from ischemia-reperfusion injury and anthocyanin-rich diets have been shown to be associated with decreased cardiovascular disease and mortality. Oxidative stress can impair function and trigger apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. This study investigated the protective effects of physiologically relevant doses of lingonberry extracts and pure anthocyanins against hydrogen-peroxide-induced cell death. Apoptosis and necrosis were detected in H9c2 cells after hydrogen peroxide treatment via flow cytometry using FLICA 660 caspase 3/7 combined with YO-PRO-1 and then confirmed with Hoechst staining and fluorescence microscopy. Each of the 3 major anthocyanins found in lingonberry (cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-arabinoside) was protective against hydrogen-peroxide-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells at 10 ng·mL^-1 (20 nmol·L^-1) and restored the number of viable cells to match the control group. A combination of the 3 anthocyanins was also protective and a lingonberry extract tested at 3 concentrations produced a dose-dependent protective effect. Lingonberry anthocyanins protected cardiac cells from oxidative-stress-induced apoptosis and may have cardioprotective effects as a dietary modification.

Black Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum L.) Flavonoids and Their Health Promoting Activity

Nowadays, much research attention is focused on underutilized berry crops due to the high antioxidant activity of fruits. Black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum L.) represents an important source of flavonols (quercetin, rutin, myricetin, naringenin, naringin, morin, and kaempferol) and anthocyanins. The fruit components could be utilised as natural colourants or as a part of functional foods and, because of the high antioxidant activity, the berries of black crowberry can be used in the treatment of diseases accompanied with inflammation, or as an effective antibacterial and antifungal remedy. Moreover, the reduction of lipid accumulation and total cholesterol as well as an improvement of postprandial hyperglycaemia have been proven. This review summarizes for the first time the main antioxidants (flavonoids) of black crowberry fruits, with a focus on their health promoting activity.

Serviceberry, a berry fruit with growing interest of industry: Physicochemical and quali-quantitative health-related compound characterisation

Amelanchier canadensis (L.) Medik., commonly called serviceberry, is a potential functional food that is also used for its medicinal purposes. This work evaluated the potential of a cultivated serviceberry species as a functional food by characterising its physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant capacity, vitamin C, phenolics and other phytochemicals selected as health-promoting biomarkers, using high-performance liquid chromatography. The most important compound class identified was polyphenols (62.10%), followed by organic acids (22.63%), monoterpenes (7.95%), and vitamins (7.32%). Results showed that serviceberry fruits could be good sources of phenolic constituents, as catechins (343.46 ± 29.46 mg/100 g_FW), anthocyanins (220.66 ± 17.43 mg/100 g_FW), and tannins (209.29 ± 7.81 mg/100 g_FW) (FW = fresh weight). These results highlight the potential role of A. canadensis fruits as a functional food. Further studies are needed to identify several genotypes for breeding to get suitable cultivars for fresh consumption and processing.

Expression of cardiac insulin signalling genes and proteins in rats fed a high-sucrose diet: effect of bilberry anthocyanin extract

Scope

Insulin resistance is associated with impaired cardiac function, but the underlying molecular abnormalities are largely unexplained. Bilberry anthocyanin (BAcn) may be protective, as it appears to potentiate insulin action.

Methods

Rats were randomly allocated to control, sucrose-fed (SF) or sucrose-fed + BAcn diets (SF-A) for 15 weeks. Cardiac insulin signalling genes and proteins were quantified using reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blots.

Results

Glucose tolerance was not different with treatment. SF showed lower (p < 0.05) ferric reducing antioxidant power, which increased with BAcn. SF resulted in significantly decreased (p < 0.05) expression of 10 genes: acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase alpha; V-Akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1; Bcl2-like 1; cytosine-cytosine-adenosine-adenosine-thymidine/enhancer binding protein; FK506 binding protein 12-rapamycin associated; glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1 (soluble); solute carrier family 2 (facilitated glucose transporter), member 1, 4; hexokinase 2; and thyroglobulin. SF-A prevented these changes. Compared to SF-A, SF up-regulated (p < 0.05) complement factor D and phosphoinositide-3-kinase, regulatory subunit1 (α); sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 was down-regulated (p < 0.05). SF increased (p < 0.05) cardiac phospholamban and decreased phosphorylated troponin I, which were not attenuated by BAcn. Compared to control or SF, SF-A resulted in significantly lower (p < 0.05) 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase.

Conclusions

SF lowered antioxidant capacity and changed the expression of insulin signalling genes, which were modulated by BAcn.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of anthocyanins from haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) using Response Surface Methodology

Haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) are a rich source of bioactive molecules. As such, the extraction of anthocyanins is important for the development of many value-added products and functional food ingredients. In this paper, the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of anthocyanins from haskap berries was investigated. Significant independent variables were screened and optimized using Plackett-Burman (PB) and Box-Behnken (BB) designs, respectively. The mathematical model showed a high coefficient of determination (R(2)=0.9396) and the optimum conditions for the extraction were as follows: liquid/solid ratio 25:1 (mL/g), solvent composition of 80% ethanol, addition of 0.5% formic acid, ultrasound bath temperature of 35°C for 20 min. Under these conditions, the total anthocyanin content of 22.73 mg cyaniding 3-glucoside equivalents (C3G)/g dry weight (DW) was consistent with the predicted response of 22.45 mg C3G/g DW from the model (mean error of 1.28%). Five anthocyanins were identified in the optimized extract, namely cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, pelargonidin 3-glucoside, and peonidin 3-glucoside. Thus, UAE is a suitable technique for the extraction of anthocyanins from haskap berries.

Manitoba Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) Bioactivities in Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Evidence for the efficacy of dietary interventions in protecting against cardiovascular disease has grown significantly, with flavonoids and anthocyanins receiving special attention. Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) is a good source of these compounds, and this study examined the protective effects of wild lingonberry found in Manitoba, Canada, against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Manitoba lingonberry contained 3793 ± 27 mg gallic acid equiv, 120,501 ± 7651 μmol trolox equiv, and 575 ± 20 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equiv per 100 g dry weight, which correspond with high total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and anthocyanin content, respectively. A complete methanolic extract and both anthocyanin-rich and phenolic-rich fractions inhibited apoptosis in H9c2 cells during simulated IR. Lingonberry extract and fractions significantly inhibited several markers of apoptosis induced by IR, including nuclei condensation, caspase-3 activation, and MAP kinase signaling. These results provide the first analysis of Manitoba lingonberry and highlight the mechanistic importance of dietary berry compounds for cardiovascular health.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Haskap Cultivars is Polyphenols-Dependent

Haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) berries have long been used for their health promoting properties against chronic conditions. The current study investigated the effect of Canadian haskap berry extracts on pro-inflammatory cytokines using a human monocytic cell line THP-1 derived macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. Methanol extracts of haskap from different growing locations in Canada were prepared and characterized for their total phenolic profile using colorimetric assays and liquid chromatography—Mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Human THP-1 monocytes were seeded in 24-well plates (5 × 10⁵/well) and treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 0.1 μg/mL) for 48 h to induce macrophage differentiation. After 48 h, the differentiated macrophages were washed with Hank’s buffer and treated with various concentrations of test compounds for 4 h, followed by the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulation (18 h). Borealis cultivar showed the highest phenolic content, flavonoid content and anthocyanin content (p < 0.05). A negative correlation existed between the polyphenol concentration of the extracts and pro-inflammatory cytokines: Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), prostaglandin (PGE₂), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. Borealis exhibited comparable anti-inflammatory effects to COX inhibitory drug, diclofenac. The results showed that haskap berry polyphenols has the potential to act as an effective inflammation inhibitor.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity, polyphenolic compounds, amino acids and mineral elements of representative genotypes of Lonicera edulis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactive substances in 19 berry cultivars of edible honeysuckle (Loniceraedulis). A statistical evaluation was used to determine the relationship between the content of selected bioactive substances and individual cultivars. Regarding mineral elements, the content of sodium was measured using potentiometry and spectrophotometry. The content of selected polyphenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity was determined by a HPLC–UV/ED method. The total amount of polyphenols was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity was determined using five methods (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, FR and DMPD) that differ in their principles. The content of 13 amino acids was determined by ion-exchange chromatography. The experimental results obtained for the different cultivars were evaluated and compared by statistical and bioinformatic methods. A unique feature of this study lies in the exhaustive analysis of the chosen parameters (amino acids, mineral elements, polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity) during one growing season.

Fish oil induced hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in BioF1B hamsters is attenuated by elderberry extract

We have previously reported fish oil induced hyperlipidemia in BioF1B hamsters compared with Golden Syrian (GS) hamsters. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) extract is abundant in anthocyanins and is believed to exert cardioprotective effects primarily by virtue of its hypolipidemic and antioxidant potential. In the current study, high-fat fish oil feeding increased oxidative stress in BioF1B hamsters compared with GS hamsters; this increase was associated with increased levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma and liver. We then investigated whether cosupplementation with anthocyanin-rich elderberry extract would reverse fish oil induced hyperlipidemia and reduce lipid peroxidation in BioF1B hamsters. Plasma and hepatic lipids decreased significantly when hamsters were fed diets containing elderberry extract along with fish oil. Both plasma and liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances showed significant reductions upon cosupplementation with elderberry extract in fish oil fed BioF1B hamsters. Our findings demonstrate that cosupplementation with elderberry extract reverses hyperlipidemia and lipid peroxidation observed with dietary fish oil alone in BioF1B hamsters.

Phenolic profile of edible honeysuckle berries (genus lonicera) and their biological effects

The current status of research on polyphenolic compounds in the berries of edible honeysuckle and their biological effects, including recommended utilization, are reviewed. The major classes of phenolic compounds in the blue berried honeysuckle are flavonols (quercetin, rutin, quercitrin) and flavanes (proanthocyanidins, catechins) and anthocyanins. Cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside are considered as major anthocyanidins in edible honeysuckle berries. Such a high level of antioxidant activity in the berries of different species of the genus Lonicera is especially due to the high level of polyphenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins. These berries seem to be prospective sources of health-supporting phytochemicals that exhibit beneficial anti-adherence and chemo-protective activities, thus they may provide protection against a number of chronic conditions, e.g., cancer, diabetes mellitus, tumour growth or cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

Characterization and quantification of polyphenols in Amazon grape (Pourouma cecropiifolia Martius)

The phenolic profile of Amazon grape fruit (Pourouma cecropiifolia Martius) was investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). For this purpose, suitable extraction and liquid chromatographic methods were developed. Anthocyanins, flavonols and chlorogenic acids were found mainly in the peel. Besides the main anthocyanins, i.e. delphinidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-(6”-malonyl)glucoside, several minor anthocyanins were identified in the peel. Among these, cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, delphinidin 3-galactoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-(3”-malonyl)glucoside, malvidin 3-glucoside, pelargonidin 3-glucoside, peonidin 3-glucoside and petunidin 3-glucoside were characterized on the basis of their fragmentation patterns in MS/MS experiments. The total anthocyanin content in the peel was 420.26 ± 3.07 mg kg^-1 fresh weight. The pulp contained mainly 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (210.39 ± 3.43 mg kg^-1 fresh weight). Rutin was the predominant flavonol found in Amazon grape (peel 155.45 ± 2.06 mg kg^-1 fresh weight and pulp 2.64 ± 1.21 mg kg^-1 fresh weight). Total polyphenols content was higher in the peel than in the pulp.

Characterization and quantification of polyphenols in Amazon grape (Pourouma cecropiifolia Martius)

The phenolic profile of Amazon grape fruit (Pourouma cecropiifolia Martius) was investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). For this purpose, suitable extraction and liquid chromatographic methods were developed. Anthocyanins, flavonols and chlorogenic acids were found mainly in the peel. Besides the main anthocyanins, i.e. delphinidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-(6"-malonyl)glucoside, several minor anthocyanins were identified in the peel. Among these, cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, delphinidin 3-galactoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-(3"-malonyl)glucoside, malvidin 3-glucoside, pelargonidin 3-glucoside, peonidin 3-glucoside and petunidin 3-glucoside were characterized on the basis of their fragmentation patterns in MS/MS experiments. The total anthocyanin content in the peel was 420.26±3.07 mg kg(-1) fresh weight. The pulp contained mainly 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (210.39±3.43 mg kg(-1) fresh weight). Rutin was the predominant flavonol found in Amazon grape (peel 155.45 ± 2.06 mg kg(-1) fresh weight and pulp 2.64±1.21 mg kg(-1) fresh weight). Total polyphenols content was higher in the peel than in the pulp.

Berries: emerging impact on cardiovascular health

Berries are a good source of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, micronutrients, and fiber. In epidemiological and clinical studies, these constituents have been associated with improved cardiovascular risk profiles. Human intervention studies using chokeberries, cranberries, blueberries, and strawberries (either fresh, or as juice, or freeze-dried), or purified anthocyanin extracts have demonstrated significant improvements in LDL oxidation, lipid peroxidation, total plasma antioxidant capacity, dyslipidemia, and glucose metabolism. Benefits were seen in healthy subjects and in those with existing metabolic risk factors. Underlying mechanisms for these beneficial effects are believed to include upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, decreased activities of carbohydrate digestive enzymes, decreased oxidative stress, and inhibition of inflammatory gene expression and foam cell formation. Though limited, these data support the recommendation of berries as an essential fruit group in a heart-healthy diet.

Characterization of Saskatoon berry ( Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) seed oil

The seeds of 17 cultivars of Saskatoon berries ( Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) were evaluated for their seed mass, oil content, fatty acid and triacylglycerol (TAG) composition, tocopherol profile, and sterol content. The oil content of the seeds ranged from 9.4% (cv. 'Pasture') to 18.7% (cv. 'Thiessen'). The seed oils contained mainly linoleic acid in the range from 47.3% (cv. 'Success') to 60.1% (cv. 'Lee 3') and oleic acid in the range from 26.3% (cv. 'Lee 3') to 38.1% (cv. 'Success'). The total tocopherol content ranged from 1053 to 1754 mg/kg of oil. alpha-Tocopherol was the major vitamin E compound in all berry seed oils investigated, accounting for 87% of total tocopherols. The predominant sterols were beta-sitosterol, Delta(5)-avenasterol, and campesterol. The sterols content in seed oil ranged from 7357 mg/kg of oil (cv. 'Success') to 15771 mg/kg of oil (cv. 'Lee 3'). Thirteen triacylglycerols (TAG) were identified in seed oils, among which LLL, LLO, LOO, LLP, LOP (L, linoleoyl; O, oleoyl; P, palmitoyl) represented 88% of the total TAG. TAG composition suggests good oxidative stability of the Saskatoon berry seed oil, which could be suitable for food and industrial applications. Moreover, Saskatoon berry seed oil may serve as potential dietary source of tocopherols, sterols, and unsaturated fatty acids.

Evaluation of Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) cultivars for their polyphenol content, antioxidant properties, and storage stability

The polyphenol contents and antioxidant activities were assessed for 17 Saskatoon berry cultivars grown in Canada in fresh and stored fruits at -20 degrees C for 9 months. The Nelson cultivar was the richest in total polyphenol, anthocyanin, and procyanidin contents (801, 382, and 278 mg/100 g fresh weight, respectively). This cultivar was characterized also by the highest antioxidant potential measured with DPPH and ABTS radicals (2.8 and 5.0 mM/100 g FW, respectively). Cultivar-dependent changes in polyphenol content after freezer storage were observed. In the Lee 2 cultivar, significant increases in anthocyanin and flavonol contents occurred, while in the Lee 3 and Martin cultivars considerable decreases were observed. During the freezer storage, the antioxidant activity remained unchanged except for the Smokey which showed to be the most sensitive cultivar during storage. The Nelson and Lee 2 were the most stable cultivars during storage. The high polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of the Nelson cultivar and its good storage stability would make this cultivar the optimal material for fruit growers and food producers.