Timed consumption of a New Zealand blackcurrant juice support positive affective responses during a self-motivated moderate walking exercise in healthy sedentary adults

The Influence of Berry-Derived Polyphenol Supplementation on Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Health in Physically Active Individuals

Numerous studies have documented that high-intensity or prolonged exercise is associated with increased oxidative stress and modification of antioxidant status. Polyphenol-rich dietary supplements seem to be the compounds that can upregulate the endogenous antioxidant defense system and consequently prevent muscle damage, support recovery. As berry fruits are at the top of the list of the richest polyphenol food sources, supplements containing berries have become the subject of interest in the context of counteracting exercise-induced oxidative stress and the development of cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the effects of berry-derived polyphenol supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress and cardiovascular health in physically active individuals. Based on the available literature, blackcurrant supplementation, with its richest version being New Zealand blackcurrant extract, is the most commonly explored berry fruit, followed by chokeberries and blueberries. Although several studies have documented the significant and beneficial influence of berry-derived supplements on redox status and cardiovascular response, some inconsistencies remain. The presented findings should be interpreted with caution due the limited number of available studies, particularly with the participation of physically active individuals. Further research is needed to reveal more comprehensive and accurate data concerning the impact of berry-derived supplements on exercise-induced outcomes taking into account the type of supplement, time of administration, and dosage.

Identification of Sarmentosin as a Key Bioactive from Blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum) for Inhibiting Platelet Monoamine Oxidase in Humans

Previous clinical studies indicate that monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibition by blackcurrants must be predominantly attributed to bioactives other than anthocyanins. In this natural products discovery study, MAO-A/B inhibitory phytochemicals were isolated from blackcurrants, and a double-blind crossover study investigated the efficacy of freeze-dried whole-fruit blackcurrant powder in inhibiting MAO-B compared with blackcurrant juice in healthy adults. Platelet MAO-B inhibition was comparable between powder (89% ± 6) and juice (91% ± 4), and it was positively correlated with MAO-modulated plasma catecholamines, subjective alertness, and reduced mental fatigue, assessed using the Bond-Lader questionnaire. Sarmentosin, a nitrile glycoside, and its hydroxycinnamoyl esters were identified as novel MAO-A/B inhibitors from blackcurrant in vitro, and sarmentosin was demonstrated to inhibit platelet MAO-B activity in vivo. These findings confirm sarmentosin as the primary bioactive for MAO-A/B inhibition in blackcurrants, as well as its bioavailability and stability during freeze-drying, and suggest that consuming blackcurrant powder and juice may positively affect mood in healthy adults.

A biphasic response to blueberry supplementation on depressive symptoms in emerging adults: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to examine the acute and chronic effects of wild blueberry supplementation on mood, executive function, and serum biomarkers of neuroplasticity, inflammation, and oxidative stress in emerging adults with moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms.

METHODS

In this double-blind trial, 60 emerging adults (Mage = 20.0 years, 32% male) with self-reported depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to receive a single blueberry drink (acute phase), followed by 6 weeks of daily blueberry supplementation (chronic phase), or a matched placebo drink. The primary outcome was Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores at 6-week follow-up. Further measures included momentary affect (PANAS-X) and accuracy on an executive function task. The data were analyzed using ANCOVAs adjusted for baseline values, sex, and habitual fruit and vegetable intake. Estimated marginal means were calculated to compare the treatment arms.

RESULTS

The blueberry drink significantly improved positive affect (p = 0.026) and executive function (p = 0.025) at 2 h post-ingestion, with change scores being positively correlated in the blueberry group (r = 0.424, p = 0.017). However, after six weeks of supplementation the reduction in BDI-II scores was greater in the placebo group by 5.8 points (95% CI: 0.8-10.7, p = 0.023). Generalized anxiety and anhedonia also decreased significantly more in the placebo group. No significant differences were found for any of the biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Six weeks of wild blueberry supplementation were inferior to placebo in reducing depressive symptoms. Nevertheless, the correlated improvements in positive affect and executive function after a single dose of blueberries point to a beneficial, albeit transient, psychological effect. These contrasting results suggest a biphasic, hormetic-like response that warrants further investigation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04647019, dated 30 November, 2020.

Considerations for Optimizing Warfighter Psychological Health with a Research-Based Flavonoid Approach: A Review

Optimal nutrition is imperative for psychological health. Oxidative stress and inflammation are underlying etiologies for alterations in psychological health. Warfighters are at risk of health concerns such as depression due to increased stress in austere environments and family separation while deployed. Over the last decade, research has demonstrated the health benefits of flavonoids found in fruits and berries. Berry flavonoids have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation. In this review, the promising effects of various berries rich in bioactive flavonoids are examined. By inhibiting oxidative stress, berry flavonoids have the potential to modulate brain, cardiovascular, and intestinal health. There is a critical need for targeted interventions to address psychological health concerns within the warfighter population, and a berry flavonoid-rich diet and/or berry flavonoid dietary supplement intervention may prove beneficial as an adjunctive therapy. Structured searches of the literature were performed in the PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases using predetermined keywords. This review focuses on berry flavonoids' critical and fundamental bioactive properties and their potential effects on psychological health in investigations utilizing cell, animal, and human model systems.

Effect of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Force Steadiness of the Quadriceps Femoris Muscle during Sustained Submaximal Isometric Contraction

Intake of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) can alter physiological responses that enhance exercise performance. In two studies, we examined the effects of NZBC extract on force steadiness during a sustained submaximal isometric contraction of the quadriceps femoris muscle. With repeated measures designs, male participants in study one (n = 13) and study two (n = 19) performed a 120 s submaximal (30%) isometric contraction of the quadriceps femoris muscle following a 7-day intake of NZBC extract and placebo (study one) and following 0 (control), 1-, 4- and 7-day intake of NZBC extract (study two). Participants for both studies were different. In study one, NZBC extract enhanced isometric force steadiness during the 120 s contraction (placebo: 6.58 ± 2.24%, NZBC extract: 6.05 ± 2.24%, p = 0.003), with differences in the third (60-89 s) and fourth quartile (90-120 s) of the contraction. In study two, isometric force steadiness was not changed following 1 and 4 days but was enhanced following 7-day intake of NZBC extract in comparison to control. In study two, the enhanced isometric force steadiness following 7-day intake did occur in the second (30-59 s), third (60-89 s) and fourth (90-120 s) quartiles. Daily supplementation of anthocyanin-rich NZBC extract can enhance force steadiness of the quadriceps femoris muscle during a sustained submaximal isometric contraction. Our observations may have implications for human tasks that require postural stability.

Multifunctional compounds in the extract from mature seeds of Vicia faba var. minor: Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant activity and cellular safety in human selected blood cells in in vitro trials

BACKGROUND

The field bean (Vicia faba) is a valuable fodder plant of the Fabaceae family, grown as a main crop for its seed yield. Its phytochemical profile is characterized by the presence of a range of compounds with various biological activities.

PURPOSE

The present study investigates the phytochemical profile of the extract from mature seeds of Vicia faba var. minor and examines its impact on preventing oxidative damage to various lipids, protein and DNA molecules in vitro.

METHODS

Human plasma was treated with H₂O₂/Fe (an OH^. donor) to induce oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, and the plant extract was then added. As oxidative stress may influence the biological activity of plasma, e.g. coagulation, and influence cardiovascular disease, the study also examined the effect of the plant extract on coagulation and monoamine oxidase activity (MAO, EC 1.4.3.4).

RESULTS

The tested extract exerted a protective effect on plasma lipids and proteins treated with H₂O₂/Fe. However, while it appears to effectively protect the DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from oxidative damage, it did not induce changes in the coagulation process, and significantly reduced MAO activity when applied at 1, 5, and 10 µg/mL. It is possible that the observed antioxidant potential may be due to the complex chemical composition of the extract: the phytochemical profile demonstrated a range of phenolic compounds, including catechins.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that extract from mature seeds of V. faba var. minor may be a promising source of antioxidants in multiple applications, including diseases associated with oxidative stress; however, more studies based on in vitro and in vivo models are needed to determine its biological properties.

Review of Analytical Methods and Reporting of the Polyphenol Content of Tart Cherry Supplements in Human Supplementation Studies Investigating Health and Exercise Performance Effects: Recommendations for Good Practice

Tart cherries (TC) are a rich source of polyphenols that elicit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. As a consequence, the effects of TC derived supplements on markers of human health, exercise performance and sleep have been investigated. Supplementation protocols have been highly variable across studies and the dose of bioactive compounds used has often been poorly characterized. Specific and non-specific analytical methods were employed for measuring the total polyphenol and anthocyanin content in TC supplements. This review critically analyses the supplementation protocols and the analytical methods used for the characterization of TC supplements, culminating in recommendations for good practice in the analysis and reporting of the polyphenol content and profile of TC products. A literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline and Web of Science up to May 4th, 2020, including studies published in all years prior. Only articles written in English that provided a TC dietary supplement as opposed to fresh whole TC were included in this review. Forty-three studies were identified as eligible and included for analysis in this review. The studies investigated the effects of TC supplementation on various aspects of human health, exercise recovery and performance and sleep. Twenty studies conducted an analysis of TC supplement and reported total polyphenol/anthocyanin content. Six studies did not report the polyphenol content of the TC supplement used. Seventeen studies reported the TC supplement polyphenol content but this was derived from previously published studies and presumably different supplement batches. The duration of the supplementation protocol ranged from acute supplementation to 84 days, meanwhile the total polyphenol and anthocyanin dose ranged from 143 to 2,140 mg/day and 15 to 547 mg/day, respectively. Due to the variety of specific and non-specific analytical methods used, the relative efficacy of different doses and polyphenol blends cannot reliably be extrapolated from critical analysis of the literature. Future studies should conduct an analysis of the study supplement batch. In addition to analysis and reporting of total polyphenol content, specific analytical methods such as HPLC UV/MS should be used to quantify total and individual anthocyanin contents.

Health benefits of cyanidin-3-glucoside as a potent modulator of Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress

Berries are natural sources of anthocyanins, especially cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), and exhibit significant antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective effects against various oxidative stress-induced disorders. C3G and its metabolites possess higher absorption and bioavailability, and interaction with gut microbiota may enhance their health benefits. Various in vitro studies have shown the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mitigating potential of C3G. However, in in vivo models, C3G exerts its cytoprotective properties by regulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant-responsive element (ARE) pathway. Despite existing reports stating various health benefits of C3G, its antioxidant potential by modulating the Nrf2 pathway remains less identified. This review discusses the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response of C3G in modulating oxidative stress against DNA damage, apoptosis, carcinogen toxicity, and inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, we have reviewed the recent clinical trial data to establish cross talk between a berry-rich diet and disease prevention.

Enhancement of Biological Properties of Blackcurrants by Lactic Acid Fermentation and Incorporation into Yogurt: A Review

Blackcurrants (BC) and yogurt are known to possess several health benefits. The objective of this review was to compile the latest information on the effect of lactic acid fermentation on BC and their incorporation into yogurt, including the impact of this combination on chemical composition, sensory aspects, and health attributes of the blend. Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed were used to research the most recent literature on BC juice, the whole BC berry, and yogurt. Health benefits were assessed from human and animal studies within the last 5 years. The results suggest that BC have several health promoting compounds that ameliorate some neurological disorders and improve exercise recovery. Yogurt contains compounds that can be used to manage diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and irritable bowel disease (IBD). Fermenting BC with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and its incorporation into yogurt products increases the polyphenol and antioxidant capacity of BC, creating a blend of prebiotics and probiotics compounds with enhanced benefits. More research is needed in the area of lactic acid fermentation of berries in general, especially BC.

Effect of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Isometric Contraction-Induced Fatigue and Recovery: Potential Muscle-Fiber Specific Effects

New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract has shown performance-enhancing effects during cycling, running and sport climbing. We examined effects of NZBC extract on (1) voluntary and twitch force of the quadriceps femoris muscles during repeated isometric contraction-induced fatigue, (2) twitch force during recovery and (3) muscle fiber-specific effects. Familiarized recreationally active males (n = 12, age: 24 ± 5 yrs; height: 180 ± 5 cm; body mass: 89 ± 11 kg) performed sixteen, 5-s voluntary maximal isometric contractions (iMVC) separated by 3-s rest. Twitch force was recorded before, during the 3-s rests and 5-min recovery. Supplementation consisted of 7-days intake of NZBC extract (600 mg∙day⁻¹ containing 210 mg anthocyanin) in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design with a 14-days washout. NZBC extract allowed for greater force in the first quartile of the iMVCs. Twitch force at baseline was 12% higher with NZBC extract (p = 0.05). However, there was no effect of NZBC for twitch force during the 16-iMVCs and recovery. Based on the maximum post-activation potentiation during the placebo 16-iMVCs, four subjects were classified of having a predominant type I or II muscle fiber typology. In type II, NZBC extract provided a trend for increased MVC force (~14%) in the first quartile and for type I in the fourth quartile (~10%). In type I, NZBC extract seemed to have higher twitch forces during the fatiguing exercise protocol and recovery, indicating increased fatigue resistance. New Zealand blackcurrant extract affects force during repeated maximal isometric contractions. Future work on mechanisms by NZBC extract for muscle fiber-specific fatigue-induced force responses is warranted.

Select Polyphenol-Rich Berry Consumption to Defer or Deter Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Complications

Berries are considered "promising functional fruits" due to their distinct and ubiquitous therapeutic contents of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavanols, alkaloids, polysaccharides, hydroxycinnamic, ellagic acid derivatives, and organic acids. These polyphenols are part of berries and the human diet, and evidence suggests that their intake is associated with a reduced risk or the reversal of metabolic pathophysiologies related to diabetes, obesity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypertension. This work reviewed and summarized both clinical and non-clinical findings that the consumption of berries, berry extracts, purified compounds, juices, jams, jellies, and other berry byproducts aided in the prevention and or otherwise management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and related complications. The integration of berries and berries-derived byproducts into high-carbohydrate (HCD) and high-fat (HFD) diets, also reversed/reduced the HCD/HFD-induced alterations in glucose metabolism-related pathways, and markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid oxidation in healthy/obese/diabetic subjects. The berry polyphenols also modulate the intestinal microflora ecology by opposing the diabetic and obesity rendered symbolic reduction of Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction-restoring bacteria, short-chain fatty acids, and organic acid producing microflora. All studies proposed a number of potential mechanisms of action of respective berry bioactive compounds, although further mechanistic and molecular studies are warranted. The metabolic profiling of each berry is also included to provide up-to-date information regarding the potential anti-oxidative/antidiabetic constituents of each berry.

Analysis of health habits, vices and interpersonal relationships of Spanish adolescents, using SEM statistical model

The objective of this article is to know the state of health of a sample of adolescents and how it relates to toxic habits and personal relationships. Likewise, it is presented how can influence eating habits, sports practice and interpersonal relationships in their general health status. The research has carried out through a survey of 56 questions to 470 adolescents, between 13 and 18 years old, of both sexes, of different schools in the province of Cordoba, Spain. These results have been subjected to a statistical model widely used in health and social sciences in general, called Structural Equations Model (SEM), through the SPSS program, v. 23 and AMOS. SEM is widely used in the social sciences to estimate regression models (usually multi-equational). The estimated model shows a significant global acceptability based on the usual statistical tests and goodness-of-fit measures. In this regard, these results are: CMIN = 17.554 with 33 degrees of freedom (DF) and a probability level, p = 0.987, which is higher than any reasonable level of significance (α = 0.05, 0.10, even 0.20). Likewise, FMIN = 0.038, CFI = 1.000 and RMSEA = 0.000. The main recommendation of this research aimed at improving good eating and healthy habits, and to avoid toxic habits of adolescents, is to begin the education in the family, in coordination with their school and high school.

Intake Duration of Anthocyanin-Rich New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract Affects Metabolic Responses during Moderate Intensity Walking Exercise in Adult Males

We examined effects of intake duration of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract on physiological and metabolic responses during moderate intensity walking. Healthy men (n = 16, age: 24 ± 6 years, body mass: 78 ± 16 kg, BMI: 24.7 ± 4.1 kg·m^-2, body fat: 15 ± 5%) volunteered. One metabolic equivalent (1-MET: 3.95 ± 0.64 ml·kg^-1·min^-1) was measured during supine rest. Responses during the 30-min walk (n = 3: 4-MET; n = 13: 5-MET) (speed: 5.7 ± 0.7 km·hr^-1) were measured at 7-10, 17-20 and 27-30 min and averaged over the time periods. For intake conditions (7-days and 14-days), two capsules of NZBC extract (600 mg containing 210 mg of anthocyanins) were taken with breakfast (14-day washout). The final two capsules were ingested 2-hr before the morning walk. Intake duration of NZBC extract had no effect on heart rate, minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, and carbon dioxide production. Fat oxidation was enhanced with 7- and 14-day intake by 11 ± 19% and 17 ± 26% (baseline: 0.36 ± 0.12, 7-day: 0.39 ± 0.13, 14-day: 0.41 ± 0.13 g·min^-1, p = 0.007). Only 14-day intake lowered RER (baseline: 0.852 ± 0.046, 7-day: 0.843 ± 0.045, 14-day: 0.837 ± 0.037, p = 0.019) and carbohydrate oxidation (baseline: 0.95 ± 0.40, 7-day: 0.91 ± 0.40, 14-day: 0.86 ± 0.33 g·min^-1, p = 0.032). Rating of perceived exertion was lower with 7-day and 14-day intake (baseline: 11.0 ± 2.3, 7-day: 10.5 ± 1.8, 14-day: 10.3 ± 2.1, p = 0.002). Longer intake duration (i.e. 14 days) of New Zealand blackcurrant extract seems to enhance fat oxidation more during a 30-min moderate intensity walk than 7 days intake. The intake duration of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extract may be due to an enhanced bioavailability of anthocyanin-derived metabolites that alter the mechanisms for substrate oxidation during moderate intensity exercise.

The effect of New Zealand blackcurrant on sport performance and related biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Blackcurrants have come to be regarded as a superfood because of their high polyphenol content, namely anthocyanins. While many berry types have been studied, blackcurrant-anthocyanins may be the superior berry when it comes to athletic performance. The purpose of the review was to evaluate the effects of blackcurrant supplementation on athletic performance, oxidative markers, cognition, and side effects.

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis. Review manager software (version 5.3) was used for the meta-analysis. The risks of bias was independently assessed using the guidelines and criteria outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The data sources for the search included MEDLINE (Ovid), Google Scholar databases, additional references lists, conference proceedings and grey literature until August 2019. Eligibility Criteria included all blackcurrant (New Zealand derived) interventions, randomised control trials, human participants, placebo-controlled only.

Results

A total of 16 separate studies met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review, with 9 studies contributing to this sport performance meta-analysis. There was an improvement in sport performance when supplementing with blackcurrant, 0.45 (95% CI 0.09–0.81, p = 0.01). The effective dose appears to be between 105 and 210 mg of total blackcurrant anthocyanins, prior to exercise. There were insufficient studies reporting oxidative markers, cognitive effects or biomarkers, and/or side effects to comment on the mechanism of action.

Conclusion

Blackcurrant has a small, but significant, effect on sport performance, with no known detrimental side effects.

Daily Consumption of an Anthocyanin-Rich Extract Made From New Zealand Blackcurrants for 5 Weeks Supports Exercise Recovery Through the Management of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Pilot Study

Background: Regular exercise is essential to a healthy lifestyle but evokes an oxidative and inflammatory stress. Depending upon its intensity and duration this can result in either beneficial adaptive changes or underlying tissue damage that impacts upon long-term health and individual sporting training schedules. Functional foods containing plant bioactives have potential to support exercise through management of the detrimental aspects of exercise and complement ergonomic adaptive benefits. Aim: Previously we reported that a single consumption of a 3.2 mg/kg New Zealand blackcurrant anthocyanin-rich extract (BAE) 1 h before a 30 min rowing exercise attenuated moderate exercise-mediated oxidative stress and supported innate immunity. Here we evaluate whether the efficacy of a single consumption of BAE 1 h prior to exercise is changed after extended daily BAE consumption for 5 weeks. Results: On week 1, a single consumption of BAE 1 h before a 30 min row mediated a significant (p < 0.05) 46% reduction in post-exercise-induced malondialdehyde (MDA) by 2 h compared to a 30% reduction in the placebo group. Similar efficacy was observed 5 weeks later after daily consumption of BAE. In addition, daily BAE consumption for 5 weeks improved the efficacy to (a) resolve acute inflammation, and (b) increased plasma IL-10, salivary beta-defensin 2 (BD2) and secretory IgA. Although no change in plasma antioxidant capacity was detected, a significant (p < 0.009) positive correlation between plasma IL-10 and plasma antioxidant capacity (R 2 = 0.35) was observed on week 6 after 5 week BAE consumption suggesting IL-10 influences antioxidant properties. Using a differentiated myotubule cell-line revealed that whilst IL-10 had no direct antioxidant neutralizing action, longer-term exposure (24 h) attenuated 2,2'-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced myotubule oxidative stress, supporting a putative role for IL-10 in the modulation of cellular antioxidant systems. Conclusions: Daily consumption of BAE for 5 weeks serves to enhance the exercise recovery effectiveness of a single consumption of BAE and promotes beneficial/protective antioxidant/anti-inflammatory cellular events that facilitate exercise recovery.