Berries in Human Health: Antioxidation, Anti-inflammation and Other Modes of Action

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 30933

Special Issue Editors

Plants for Human Health Institute, Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, 600 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
Interests: flavonoids; molecular binding; allergenicity; functional foods; berries; phytoactive compounds
Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., Lakeville-Middleboro, MA 02349, USA
Interests: berries, polyphenols, oxidative stress, functional foods, prebiotic, immunity, cognitive health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Berries are increasingly recognized as an important source of food bioactive components, specifically, flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds. The importance of these compounds for health has been the subject of many in vitro, in vivo and clinical research studies looking at the impact on flow-mediated dilation, lipid peroxidation, hypoglycemic response, enzyme inhibition and more recently, cognitive health and the gut-brain axis. Berries contain a range of compounds with antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory activities which contribute to a host of health-relevant outcomes. The intent of this special issue is to review some of the science that has been conducted in the past 10 years and present new and cutting edge research on modes of action, such as the impact of berry compounds on OxInflammation or effects on inflammasome activation. We look forward to capturing the current state of the science and reviewing some of the new research in this area.

Prof. Dr. Mary Ann Lila
Dr. Christina Khoo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  •  antioxidant capacity/free radical scavenging
  •  inhibition of inflammation
  •  upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase
  •  inhibition of carbohydrate digestive enzymes
  •  gut microbiome interactions

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 3949 KiB  
Article
Berry Extracts and Their Bioactive Compounds Mitigate LPS and DNFB-Mediated Dendritic Cell Activation and Induction of Antigen Specific T-Cell Effector Responses
by Puja Upadhaya, Felipe F. Lamenza, Suvekshya Shrestha, Peyton Roth, Sushmitha Jagadeesha, Hasan Pracha, Natalie A. Horn and Steve Oghumu
Antioxidants 2023, 12(9), 1667; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox12091667 - 24 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2596
Abstract
Berries have gained widespread recognition for their abundant natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. However, there has been limited research conducted thus far to investigate the role of the active constituents of berries in alleviating contact hypersensitivity (CHS), the most prevalent occupational dermatological [...] Read more.
Berries have gained widespread recognition for their abundant natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. However, there has been limited research conducted thus far to investigate the role of the active constituents of berries in alleviating contact hypersensitivity (CHS), the most prevalent occupational dermatological disease. Our study involved an ex vivo investigation aimed at evaluating the impact of black raspberry extract (BRB-E) and various natural compounds found in berries, such as protocatechuic acid (PCA), proanthocyanidins (PANT), ellagic acid (EA), and kaempferol (KMP), on mitigating the pathogenicity of CHS. We examined the efficacy of these natural compounds on the activation of dendritic cells (DCs) triggered by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Specifically, we measured the expression of activation markers CD40, CD80, CD83, and CD86 and the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including Interleukin (IL)-12, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10, to gain further insights. Potential mechanisms through which these phytochemicals could alleviate CHS were also investigated by investigating the role of phospho-ERK. Subsequently, DCs were co-cultured with T-cells specific to the OVA323-339 peptide to examine the specific T-cell effector responses resulting from these interactions. Our findings demonstrated that BRB-E, PCA, PANT, and EA, but not KMP, inhibited phosphorylation of ERK in LPS-activated DCs. At higher doses, EA significantly reduced expression of all the activation markers studied in DNFB- and LPS-stimulated DCs. All compounds tested reduced the level of IL-6 in DNFB-stimulated DCs in Flt3L as well as in GM-CSF-derived DCs. However, levels of IL-12 were reduced by all the tested compounds in LPS-stimulated Flt3L-derived BMDCs. PCA, PANT, EA, and KMP inhibited the activated DC-mediated Interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-17 production by T-cells. Interestingly, PANT, EA, and KMP significantly reduced T-cell proliferation and the associated IL-2 production. Our study provides evidence for differential effects of berry extracts and natural compounds on DNFB and LPS-activated DCs revealing potential novel approaches for mitigating CHS. Full article
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14 pages, 2948 KiB  
Article
Dose- and Time-Dependent Effect of Dietary Blueberries on Diabetic Vasculature Is Correlated with Gut Microbial Signature
by Adhini Kuppuswamy Satheesh Babu, Chrissa Petersen, Henry A. Paz, Kai Benedict, Miley Nguyen, Madison Putich, Miguel Saldivar-Gonzalez, Ying Zhong, Sydney Larsen, Umesh D. Wankhade and Pon Velayutham Anandh Babu
Antioxidants 2023, 12(8), 1527; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox12081527 - 30 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1002
Abstract
Evidence from our lab and others indicates the vascular effects of dietary blueberries. In the present study, we determined dietary blueberries’ dose- and time-dependent effects on diabetic vasculature and their association with gut microbes. Seven-week-old db/db diabetic male mice were fed [...] Read more.
Evidence from our lab and others indicates the vascular effects of dietary blueberries. In the present study, we determined dietary blueberries’ dose- and time-dependent effects on diabetic vasculature and their association with gut microbes. Seven-week-old db/db diabetic male mice were fed a diet supplemented with ± freeze-dried wild blueberry powder (FD-BB) for 4, 8, or 12 weeks (three cohorts). Diets contained 0%, 1.23%, 2.46%, and 3.7% of FD-BB, equivalent to 0, ½, 1, and 1.5 human servings of wild blueberries, respectively. The non-diabetic db/+ mice fed a standard diet served as controls. Metabolic parameters, vascular inflammation, and gut microbiome were assessed. Dietary supplementation of 3.7% FD-BB improved vascular inflammation in diabetic mice without improving systemic milieu in all three cohorts. Blueberries improved diabetes-induced gut dysbiosis depending on blueberry dosage and treatment duration. Spearman’s correlation indicated that the opportunistic microbes and commensal microbes were positively and negatively associated with indices of vascular inflammation, respectively. Dietary blueberries reduced the opportunistic microbe that was positively associated with vascular inflammation (Desulfovibrio), and increased the commensal microbe that was negatively associated with vascular inflammation (Akkermansia). Dietary blueberries could be a potential adjunct strategy to beneficially modulate gut microbes and improve vascular complications in diabetes. Full article
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20 pages, 2653 KiB  
Article
Development of Spray Dried Spirulina Protein-Berry Pomace Polyphenol Particles to Attenuate Pollution-Induced Skin Damage: A Convergent Food-Beauty Approach
by Roberta Targino Hoskin, Mary H. Grace, Anna Guiotto, Alessandra Pecorelli, Giuseppe Valacchi and Mary Ann Lila
Antioxidants 2023, 12(7), 1431; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox12071431 - 15 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1312
Abstract
Spray drying (SD) microencapsulation of phytochemicals from berry pomaces with Spirulina protein (SP) was incorporated into a cosmeceutical topical formulation to mitigate pollution skin damage. Initially, microparticles produced with SP and polyphenols recovered from fruit pomaces (elderberry SP-EB and muscadine grape SP-MG) were [...] Read more.
Spray drying (SD) microencapsulation of phytochemicals from berry pomaces with Spirulina protein (SP) was incorporated into a cosmeceutical topical formulation to mitigate pollution skin damage. Initially, microparticles produced with SP and polyphenols recovered from fruit pomaces (elderberry SP-EB and muscadine grape SP-MG) were characterized regarding physicochemical and phytochemical content (polyphenol load, carotenoid and phycocyanin contents and antioxidant activity). SP had low total phenolic content (7.43 ± 0.23 mg GAE/g DW), but complexation with elderberry or muscadine grape pomaces polyphenols led to a substantial increase (27.63 ± 1.15 SP-EB and 111.0 ± 2.6 mg GAE/g DW SP-MG). SP-MG particles had higher anthocyanin (26.87 ± 1.25 mg/g) and proanthocyanidin (9.02 ± 0.74 mg/g) contents compared to SP-EB particles. SP-MG were prioritized to prepare a topical gel to attenuate skin oxinflammatory markers and prevent skin barrier disruption using ex vivo human biopsies exposed to diesel engine exhaust (DEE). The immunofluorescence results showed increased oxidative protein damage and inflammation associated with impaired skin barrier function after DEE exposure while topical application of gel formulated with SP-MG mitigated these effects. Overall, this study demonstrated that protein-polyphenol complexation is a synergistic strategy to stabilize and deliver residual fruit/algae phytoactives into cosmeceutical products for skin health applications. Full article
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20 pages, 2696 KiB  
Article
Crop, Host, and Gut Microbiome Variation Influence Precision Nutrition: An Example of Blueberries
by Connie M. Weaver, Mario G. Ferruzzi, Maria Maiz, Dennis P. Cladis, Cindy H. Nakatsu, George P. McCabe and Mary Ann Lila
Antioxidants 2023, 12(5), 1136; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox12051136 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5234
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown associations between polyphenol-rich fruit intake and bone health, and preclinical studies have shown that blueberries improve bone health. To determine the genotype and dose of blueberries that are effective in ameliorating age-related bone loss, a multi-institutional team of investigators [...] Read more.
Epidemiological studies have shown associations between polyphenol-rich fruit intake and bone health, and preclinical studies have shown that blueberries improve bone health. To determine the genotype and dose of blueberries that are effective in ameliorating age-related bone loss, a multi-institutional team of investigators performed in vitro, preclinical, and clinical studies on blueberry varieties that differed in flavonoid profiles. Principal component analysis was used to select blueberry genotypes that varied in anthocyanin profiles. Total phenolic content did not predict the bioavailability of polyphenolic compounds in rats. A range in bioavailability was observed in individual polyphenolic compounds across genotypes. Both alpha and beta diversity analyses indicated that gut microbiome profiles varied with blueberry dose in rats. Additionally, the identification of specific taxa, such as Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and Coriobacteriales, increasing after blueberry consumption adds to the mounting evidence of their role in polyphenol metabolism. All of the sources of variation can inform blueberry breeding practices to influence precision nutrition. Full article
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22 pages, 805 KiB  
Article
Total Phenolic and Total Flavonoid Content, Individual Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Sweet Rowanberry Cultivars
by Jana Orsavová, Tunde Juríková, Růžena Bednaříková and Jiří Mlček
Antioxidants 2023, 12(4), 913; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox12040913 - 12 Apr 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3331
Abstract
Sweet rowanberry and its cultivars represent a less-known fruit species with significant antioxidant activity, mostly promoted by polyphenolic compounds. This paper examined seven Sorbus cultivars and evaluated their total polyphenolic and flavonoid content, as well as the content of individual polyphenolic compounds from [...] Read more.
Sweet rowanberry and its cultivars represent a less-known fruit species with significant antioxidant activity, mostly promoted by polyphenolic compounds. This paper examined seven Sorbus cultivars and evaluated their total polyphenolic and flavonoid content, as well as the content of individual polyphenolic compounds from the group of phenolic acids and flavonoids. It also determined their antioxidant activity using DPPH, ACW and ACL. Furthermore, to reflect the distribution of the contribution to antioxidant activity, correlations between antioxidant activity and the contents of ascorbic acid, vitamin E and individual phenolic compounds were established. The highest total phenolic content of 8307.4 mg kg−1 was determined in ‘Granatina’, with the main contribution of phenolic acid content of 7001.7 mg kg−1 and a significantly lower total flavonoid content of 1304.6 mg kg−1. Flavanols represented the most abundant group of flavonoids, with catechin being the second most frequent flavanol with the highest content of 633.67 mg kg−1 in ‘Granatina’. Flavonols were represented by rutin and quercetin. ‘Businka’ displayed a significant vitamin E content of 4.77 mg kg−1, and ‘Alaja Krupnaja’ had the highest vitamin C level of 7.89 g kg−1. These results emphasize their potential health and nutritional benefits and, thus, their promising and valuable role in the food processing industry. Full article
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Review

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12 pages, 312 KiB  
Review
Blueberry Supplementation and Skin Health
by John Ivarsson, Jr., Alessandra Pecorelli, Mary Ann Lila and Giuseppe Valacchi
Antioxidants 2023, 12(6), 1261; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox12061261 - 12 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3597
Abstract
Environmental stressors such as air pollutants, ozone, and UV radiation are among the most noxious outdoor stressors affecting human skin and leading to premature skin aging. To prevent the extrinsic aging, the skin is equipped with an effective defensive system. However, cutaneous defense [...] Read more.
Environmental stressors such as air pollutants, ozone, and UV radiation are among the most noxious outdoor stressors affecting human skin and leading to premature skin aging. To prevent the extrinsic aging, the skin is equipped with an effective defensive system. However, cutaneous defense mechanisms can be overwhelmed through chronic exposure to environmental pollutants. Recent studies have suggested that the topical usage of natural compounds, such as blueberries, could be a good strategy to prevent skin damage from the environment. Indeed, blueberries contain bioactive compounds found to induce an active skin response against the environmental noxious effects. In this review, results from recent studies on this topic are discussed in order to build the argument for blueberries to possibly be an effective agent for skin health. In addition, we hope to highlight the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms behind the use of both topical application and dietary supplementation with blueberries to bolster cutaneous systems and defensive mechanisms. Full article
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27 pages, 4011 KiB  
Review
Health Benefits of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds in the Fruits and Leaves of Lonicera caerulea L. and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot
by Bogdan-Stefan Negreanu-Pirjol, Ovidiu Cristian Oprea, Ticuta Negreanu-Pirjol, Florentina Nicoleta Roncea, Ana-Maria Prelipcean, Oana Craciunescu, Andreea Iosageanu, Victoria Artem, Aurora Ranca, Ludmila Motelica, Anca-Cristina Lepadatu, Madalina Cosma and Dan Razvan Popoviciu
Antioxidants 2023, 12(4), 951; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox12040951 - 18 Apr 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3426
Abstract
Lonicera caerulaea L. and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot fruits are frequently used for their health benefits as they are rich in bioactive compounds. They are recognized as a source of natural and valuable phytonutrients, which makes them a superfood. L. caerulea presents antioxidant [...] Read more.
Lonicera caerulaea L. and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot fruits are frequently used for their health benefits as they are rich in bioactive compounds. They are recognized as a source of natural and valuable phytonutrients, which makes them a superfood. L. caerulea presents antioxidant activity three to five times higher than other berries which are more commonly consumed, such as blackberries or strawberries. In addition, their ascorbic acid level is the highest among fruits. The species A. melanocarpa is considered one of the richest known sources of antioxidants, surpassing currants, cranberries, blueberries, elderberries, and gooseberries, and contains one of the highest amounts of sorbitol. The non-edible leaves of genus Aronia became more extensively analyzed as a byproduct or waste material due to their high polyphenol, flavonoid, and phenolic acid content, along with a small amount of anthocyanins, which are used as ingredients in nutraceuticals, herbal teas, bio-cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, food and by the pharmaceutical industry. These plants are a rich source of vitamins, tocopherols, folic acid, and carotenoids. However, they remain outside of mainstream fruit consumption, being well known only to a small audience. This review aims to shed light on L. caerulaea and A. melanocarpa and their bioactive compounds as healthy superfoods with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic effects, and hepato-, cardio-, and neuro-protective potential. In this view, we hope to promote their cultivation and processing, increase their commercial availability, and also highlight the ability of these species to be used as potential nutraceutical sources, helpful for human health. Full article
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14 pages, 1051 KiB  
Review
Chemopreventive Properties of Black Raspberries and Strawberries in Esophageal Cancer Review
by Ni Shi and Tong Chen
Antioxidants 2022, 11(9), 1815; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11091815 - 15 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1996
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is one of the most fetal malignancies in the world. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (AC) are two main types of esophageal cancer and each with distinct epidemiological, etiological and histopathological characteristics. The continued global prevalence of tobacco [...] Read more.
Esophageal cancer is one of the most fetal malignancies in the world. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (AC) are two main types of esophageal cancer and each with distinct epidemiological, etiological and histopathological characteristics. The continued global prevalence of tobacco use and alcohol consumption, coupled with limited intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, ensures that esophageal cancer will remain one of the major health threats. In addition to promoting quitting smoking and alcohol abuse, one of the strategies of cancer prevention is to identify foods, food components, or dietary patterns that can prevent or delay the onset of esophageal cancer. A food-based approach has the advantage of a complex of mixtures of bioactive components simultaneously targeting multiple processes in carcinogenesis. We have employed a preclinical rodent model of esophageal SCC to assess the effects of black raspberries (BRB) and strawberries. Our investigations demonstrate that BRB and strawberries are potent inhibitors of esophageal cancer. To prepare for this review, a literature search was performed to screen BRB and strawberries against esophageal cancer using electronic databases from PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Search was conducted covering the period from January 2000 to June 2022. Our present review has provided a systematic review about chemopreventive effects of BRB and strawberries in esophageal cancer by collecting and compiling diverse research findings from the above sources. In this review, we discussed the anti-tumor potentials of BRB and strawberries in esophageal SCC and esophageal AC separately. For each cancer type, we discuss animal models and research findings from both animal bioassays and human clinical studies. We also discuss the potential mechanisms of action of berries and their key bioactive components. Full article
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20 pages, 1602 KiB  
Review
Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activity of Phenolic Compound Family Extracted from Raspberries (Rubus idaeus): A General Review
by Alejandra Vanessa Lopez-Corona, Illeen Valencia-Espinosa, Fabio Antonio González-Sánchez, Angélica Lizeth Sánchez-López, Luis Eduardo Garcia-Amezquita and Rebeca Garcia-Varela
Antioxidants 2022, 11(6), 1192; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox11061192 - 17 Jun 2022
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 5346
Abstract
Raspberries (Rubus idaeus) possess a wide phenolic family profile; this serves the role of self-protection for the plant. Interest in these compounds have significantly increased, since they have been classified as nutraceuticals due to the positive health effects provided to consumers. [...] Read more.
Raspberries (Rubus idaeus) possess a wide phenolic family profile; this serves the role of self-protection for the plant. Interest in these compounds have significantly increased, since they have been classified as nutraceuticals due to the positive health effects provided to consumers. Extensive chemical, in vitro and in vivo studies have been performed to prove and validate these benefits and their possible applications as an aid when treating several chronic degenerative diseases, characterized by oxidative stress and an inflammatory response. While many diseases could be co-adjuvanted by the intake of these phenolic compounds, this review will mainly discuss their effects on cancer. Anthocyanins and ellagitannins are known to provide a major antioxidant capacity in raspberries. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge concerning the phenolic compound family of raspberries, and topics discussed include their characterization, biosynthesis, bioavailability, cytotoxicity, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Full article
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Other

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23 pages, 787 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Effect of Berry Consumption on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials in Humans
by Kim S. Stote, Gracie Burns, Kim Mears, Marva Sweeney and Cynthia Blanton
Antioxidants 2023, 12(7), 1443; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/antiox12071443 - 18 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1959
Abstract
Bioactive compounds in berries may scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by donating electrons to free radicals, thereby protecting DNA, proteins, and lipids from oxidative damage. Evidence shows that berry consumption has beneficial health effects, though it remains unclear whether berries exert a [...] Read more.
Bioactive compounds in berries may scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by donating electrons to free radicals, thereby protecting DNA, proteins, and lipids from oxidative damage. Evidence shows that berry consumption has beneficial health effects, though it remains unclear whether berries exert a significant impact on oxidative stress in humans. Thus, we performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) to examine the effects of non-acute (more than a single dose and ≥7 days) berry consumption on biomarkers of oxidative stress. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus; results were imported into Covidence for screening and data extraction. The literature search identified 622 studies that were screened, and 131 full-text studies assessed for eligibility. Ultimately, 28 RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Common biomarkers of oxidative stress (antioxidants, DNA damage, isoprostanes, malondialdehyde, and oxidized LDL) were systematically reviewed, and results were reported narratively. Of the approximate 56 oxidative stress biomarkers evaluated in the 28 RCTs, 32% of the biomarkers were reported to have statistically significant beneficial results and 68% of the biomarkers were reported as having no statistically significant differences. More well-designed and longer-term berry RCTs are needed to evaluate biomarkers of oxidative stress. Full article
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