Hypoglycemic activity and constituents analysis of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) fruit extracts

Biochemical Evaluation of Some Fruit Characteristics of Blueberry Progenies Obtained from 'Simultan × Duke'

The popularity of Vaccinium corymbosum blueberry cv. has increased over time because its fruits are highly valued for their taste, aroma, and multiple ways of use. A field trial with two genotypes and their hybrids was organized during 2021-2022 at the Research Institute for Fruit Growing Pitesti-Maracineni, Romania. This paper proposes a comparative analysis of the quality of berries in 17 hybrids of the 'Simultan' and 'Duke' cultivars, selected by the size and the soluble solid content, in agreement with the objectives of the blueberry breeding program. The genotype influence on berry weight, total soluble solids, pH, vitamin C, total polyphenols, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, lycopene, β-carotene, and antioxidant activity was determined considering the climatic factors. The results showed that fruit weight varied between 1.22 and 2.47 g, total soluble solids reached a maximum of 19.22 °Brix, and the pH oscillated between 3.14 and 3.89. Vitamin C content varied from 9.52 to 18.69 mg in 100 g fresh weight, with an average of 14.35 mg/100 g. Total polyphenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents averaged 709.92 mg gallic acid equivalent in 100 g fresh weight, 165.48 mg catechin equivalent in 100 g fresh weight, and 81.88 mg cyanidin-3-O-glucoside equivalent in 100 g fresh weight, respectively. Results show that the strategy of growers to produce blueberries with a large diameter, visually attractive for traders and consumers, is not sufficient for repeat sales. Our study proves that large fruits do not have the highest content of bioactive compounds. Smaller berries had higher polyphenol, lycopene, and β-carotene contents. It is recommended that the selection of the hybrid in the breeding program also takes into account the content of bioactive compounds.

Hydroethanolic Extract of Urtica dioica L. (Stinging Nettle) Leaves as Disaccharidase Inhibitor and Glucose Transport in Caco-2 Hinderer

Herbal treatment for diabetes mellitus is widely used. The pharmacological activity is thought to be due to the phenolic compounds found in the plant leaves. The present study aims to investigate the phytochemical composition of Urtica dioica (UD) hydroethanolic extract and to screen its antidiabetic activity by disaccharidase hindering and glucose transport in Caco-2 cells. The results have shown that a total of 13 phenolic compounds in this work, viz. caffeic and coumaric acid esters (1, 2, 4-7, 10), ferulic derivative (3), and flavonoid glycosides (8, 9, 11-13), were identified using HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS². The most abundant phenolic compounds were 8 (rutin) followed by 6 (caffeoylquinic acid III). Less predominant compounds were 4 (caffeoylquinic acid II) and 11 (kaempferol-O-rutinoside). The UD hydroethanolic extract showed 56%, 45%, and 28% (1.0 mg/mL) inhibition level for maltase, sucrase, and lactase, respectively. On the other hand, glucose transport was 1.48 times less at 1.0 mg/mL UD extract compared with the control containing no UD extract. The results confirmed that U. dioica is a potential antidiabetic herb having both anti-disaccharidase and glucose transport inhibitory properties, which explained the use of UD in traditional medicine.

Recent advances in nuclear receptors-mediated health benefits of blueberry

BACKGROUND

Blueberry is rich in bioactive substances and has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, and other activities. Blueberry has been shown to treat diseases by mediating the transcription of nuclear receptors. However, evidence for nuclear receptor-mediated health benefits of blueberry has not been systematically reviewed.

PURPOSE

This review aims to summarize the nuclear receptor-mediated health benefits of blueberry.

METHODS

This study reviews all relevant literature published in NCBI PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar by January 2022. The relevant literature was extracted from the databases with the following keyword combinations: "biological activities" OR "nuclear receptors" OR "phytochemicals" AND "blueberry" OR "Vaccinium corymbosum" as well as free-text words.

RESULTS

In vivo and in vitro experimental results and clinical evidence have demonstrated that blueberry has health-promoting effects. Supplementing blueberry is beneficial to the treatment of cancer, the alleviation of metabolic syndrome, and liver protection. Blueberry can regulate the transcription of PPARs, ERs, AR, GR, MR, LXRs, and FXR and mediate the expressions of Akt, CYP 1Al, p53, and Bcl-2.

CONCLUSION

Blueberry can be targeted to treat various diseases by mediating the transcription of nuclear receptors. Nevertheless, further human research is needed.

Blueberry as an Attractive Functional Fruit to Prevent (Pre)Diabetes Progression

Prediabetes, a subclinical impairment between euglycemia and hyperglycemia, is a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated micro- and macrovascular complications. Lifestyle therapy, the first-line treatment of prediabetes, includes physical exercise and dietary regimens enriched in phytochemicals with health-related properties. Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), given their pleasant taste and great abundance in beneficial phytochemicals, have gained public interest all over the world. Along with a high antioxidant activity, this functional fruit is also well-recognized due to its hypoglycemic and insulin-sensitizing effects and has been recommended for overt T2DM management. Yet blueberries target several other pathophysiological traits, namely gut microbiota dysbiosis and hepatic dysmetabolism, that ensue when prediabetes begins and for which pharmacological interventions tend to be delayed. In this work, we revisited preclinical data from in vitro assays, animal models and human studies, aiming to disclose the potential mechanisms by which blueberries may be a fruitful source of phytochemicals able to prevent (pre)diabetes progression. Collectively, future efforts should focus on longer-term studies with standardized interventions and readouts, particularly in humans, that will hopefully bring more robust evidence and concrete guidance for blueberries' effective use in prediabetes.

Vaccinium Species (Ericaceae): From Chemical Composition to Bio-Functional Activities

The genus Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) includes more than 450 species, which mainly grow in cooler areas of the northern hemisphere. Vaccinium species have been used in traditional medicine of different cultures and the berries are widely consumed as food. Indeed, Vaccinium supplement-based herbal medicine and functional food, mainly from V. myrtillus and V. macrocarpon, are used in Europe and North America. Biological studies support traditional uses since, for many Vaccinium components, important biological functions have been described, including antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and endothelium protective activities. Vaccinium components, such as polyphenols, anthocyanins and flavonoids, are widely recognized as modulators of cellular pathways involved in pathological conditions, thus indicating that Vaccinium may be an important source of bioactive molecules. This review aims to better describe the bioactivity of Vaccinium species, focusing on anti-inflammatory and endothelial protective cellular pathways, modulated by their components, to better understand their importance for public health.

Caffeoylquinic Acid Derivatives of Purple Sweet Potato as Modulators of Mitochondrial Function in Mouse Primary Hepatocytes

Owing to their antioxidant properties, caffeoylquinic acid (CQA)-derivatives could potentially improve the impaired metabolism in hepatic cells, however, their effect on mitochondrial function has not been demonstrated yet. Here, we evaluated the impact of three CQA-derivatives extracted from purple sweet potato, namely 5-CQA, 3,4- and 4,5-diCQA, on mitochondrial activity in primary hepatocytes using an extracellular flux analyzer. Notably, an increase of maximal respiration and spare respiratory capacity were observed when 5-CQA and 3,4-diCQA were added to the system indicating the improved mitochondrial function. Moreover, 3,4-diCQA was shown to considerably increase glycolytic reserve which is a measure of cell capability to respond to an energy demand through glycolysis. Conversely, 4,5-diCQA did not modify mitochondrial activity but increased glycolysis at low concentration in primary hepatocytes. All compounds tested improved cellular capacity to oxidize fatty acids. Overall, our results demonstrated the potential of test CQA-derivatives to modify mitochondrial function in hepatic cells. It is especially relevant in case of dysfunctional mitochondria in hepatocytes linked to hepatic steatosis during obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

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.

A Phytochemical Constituent, (E)-Methyl-Cinnamate Isolated from Alpinia katsumadai Hayata Suppresses Cell Survival, Migration, and Differentiation in Pre-Osteoblasts

BACKGROUND

(E)-methyl-cinnamate (EMC), a phytochemical constituent isolated from Alpinia katsumadai Hayata, is a natural flavor compound with anti-inflammatory properties, which is widely used in the food and commodity industry. However, the pharmacological effects of methyl-cinnamate on pre-osteoblasts remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of EMC in pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells (pre-osteoblasts).

METHODS

Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated using the MTT assay and TUNEL staining. Cell migration and osteoblast differentiation were examined using migration assays, as well as alkaline phosphatase activity and staining assays. Western blot analysis was used to examine intracellular signaling pathways and apoptotic proteins.

RESULTS

EMC decreased cell viability with morphological changes and increased apoptosis in pre-osteoblasts. EMC also induced the cleavage of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase-3 and reduced the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins. In addition, EMC increased TUNEL-positive cells in pre-osteoblasts, decreased the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, and suppressed cell migration rate in pre-osteoblasts. Subsequently, EMC inhibited the osteoblast differentiation of pre-osteoblasts, as assessed by alkaline phosphatase staining and activity assays.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that EMC has a pharmacological and biological role in cell survival, migration, and osteoblast differentiation. It suggests that EMC might be a potential phytomedicine for treating abnormalities of osteoblast function in bone diseases.

Whole blueberry protects pancreatic beta-cells in diet-induced obese mouse

Background

Blueberry is rich in bioactive substances and possesses powerful antioxidant potential, which can protect against oxidant-induced and inflammatory cell damage and cytotoxicity. The aim of this study was to determine how blueberry affects glucose metabolism and pancreatic β-cell proliferation in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice.

Methods

Wild type male mice at age of 4 weeks received two different kinds of diets: high-fat diet (HFD) containing 60% fat or modified HFD supplemented with 4% (wt:wt) freeze-dried whole blueberry powder (HFD + B) for 14 weeks. A separate experiment was performed in mice fed with low-fat diet (LFD) containing 10% fat or modified LFD + B supplemented with 4% (wt:wt) freeze-dried whole blueberry powder. The metabolic parameters including blood glucose and insulin levels, glucose and insulin tolerances were measured.

Results

Blueberry-supplemented diet significantly increased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in HFD + B mice compared to HFD mice. However, no difference was observed in blood glucose and insulin sensitivity between LFD + B and LFD mice. In addition, blueberry increased β-cell survival and prevented HFD-induced β-cell expansion. The most important finding was the observation of presence of small scattered islets in blueberry treated obese mice, which may reflect a potential role of blueberry in regenerating pancreatic β-cells.

Conclusions

Blueberry-supplemented diet can prevent obesity-induced insulin resistance by improving insulin sensitivity and protecting pancreatic β-cells. Blueberry supplementation has the potential to protect and improve health conditions for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12986-019-0363-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Molecular Mechanism and Health Role of Functional Ingredients in Blueberry for Chronic Disease in Human Beings

Functional ingredients in blueberry have the best health benefits. To obtain a better understanding of the health role of blueberry in chronic disease, we conducted systematic preventive strategies for functional ingredients in blueberry, based on comprehensive databases, especially PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and CNKI for the period 2008⁻2018. Blueberry is rich in flavonoids (mainly anthocyanidins), polyphenols (procyanidin), phenolic acids, pyruvic acid, chlorogenic acid, and others, which have anticancer, anti-obesity, prevent degenerative diseases, anti-inflammation, protective properties for vision and liver, prevent heart diseases, antidiabetes, improve brain function, protective lung properties, strong bones, enhance immunity, prevent cardiovascular diseases, and improve cognitive decline. The anthocyanins and polyphenols in blueberry are major functional ingredients for preventive chronic disease. These results support findings that blueberry may be one of the best functional fruits, and further reveals the mechanisms of anthocyanins and polyphenols in the health role of blueberry for chronic disease. This paper may be used as scientific evidence for developing functional foods, nutraceuticals, and novel drugs of blueberry for preventive chronic diseases.