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THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF ANTHOCYANINS FROM VACCINIUM GENUS L.

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Diana Karcheva-Bahchevanska at Medical University Plovdiv
Diana Karcheva-Bahchevanska
Paolina Lukova at Medical University Plovdiv
Paolina Lukova
Mariana Nikolova at Plovdiv University
Mariana Nikolova
Rumen Mladenov at Plovdiv University
Rumen Mladenov
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Abstract

The purpose of this review is to examine the botanical characteristics of four species of Vaccinium genus: Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. (Lingonberry), Vaccinium myrtillus L. (Bilberry), Vaccinium uliginosum L. (Bog bilberry) and Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. (Caucasian whortleberry) as well as to consider the chemical composition and therapeutic effects of anthocyanins isolated from these species. The following therapeutic properties have been found in the extracts rich in anthocyanins and obtained by fruits or leaves of Vaccinium spp.: vasoprotective, antiinflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, genoprotective and antioxidant.
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DOI- 10.5281/zenodo.809201 Impact Factor- 3.109
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1
THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF ANTHOCYANINS FROM VACCINIUM
GENUS L
Karcheva-Bahchevanska D.*1, Lukova P.2, Nikolova M.3, Mladenov R.2& Iliev I.3
*1Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical
University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
2Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University
of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
3Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Plovdiv "Paisii
Hilendarski", Bulgaria
.
Abstract
.
Keywords: Vaccinium spp.,
anthocyanins,
therapeutic effects.
The purpose of this review is to examine the botanical characteristics of four species
of Vaccinium genus: Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. (Lingonberry), Vaccinium myrtillus L.
(Bilberry), Vaccinium uliginosum L. (Bog bilberry) and Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.
(Caucasian whortleberry) as well as to consider the chemical composition and
therapeutic effects of anthocyanins isolated from these species.
The following therapeutic properties have been found in the extracts rich in
anthocyanins and obtained by fruits or leaves of Vaccinium spp.: vasoprotective, anti-
inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, genoprotective and
antioxidant.
Introduction
GenusVaccinium L. includes around 450 species found mostly in the northern hemisphere of our planet. These are
predominantly shrubs or vines and belong to the Ericaceae family (heather). The fruits and leaves of these
Vaccinium species produce a wide range of compounds: flavonoids such as anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanols
(catechins), phenolic acids (benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives), chromones, coumarins, lignans, iridoids, sterols,
and triterpenoids1-3. The principal components are flavonoids (anthocyanins)3. Over 116 anthocyanins and flavonoid
compounds have been isolated and identified within the Vaccinium genus3. Extracts of anthocyanins from
Vaccinium fruits and leaves demonstrate various pharmacological effects such as antidiabetic4, anti-inflammatory5,6,
vasoprotective7, antimicrobial8, antitumor9,10, genoprotective11, and antioxidative12-24.
Botanical characteristics and distribution of genus Vaccinium L. in Bulgaria
The Ericaceae family (heather) includes 140 genera and 3500 species. Seven genera and twelve species have been
found in Bulgaria. The distribution is cosmopolitan, especially in temperate and cool areas. They are not found in
steppes and deserts. The habitus of the species consists of evergreen or deciduous shrubs and semi-shrubs,
sometimes small trees25.
There are four species found in natural habitats throughout Bulgaria: Vaccinium vitis-idaea (Lingonberry),
Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry), Vaccinium uliginosum (Bog Bilberry) and Vaccinium arctostaphylos (Caucasian
whortleberry). The latter is protected under the Biological Diversity Act26. These are deciduous or evergreen shrubs,
reaching a height of up to 25 cm (V. vitis-idaea), 40 cm (V. myrtillus), 70 cm (V. uliginosum), and 3 m (V.
arctostaphylos). The leaves are arranged consecutively and have short stems or almost sessile ones; the edge of the
leaf lamina is entire or serrated. The blossoms are 4- or 5-sectional, collected in axil bunches. The corolla is bulb-
tobell-shaped, thestamen are 8-10 in number, the ovary is positioned low with 4-5 carpels. The fruit is a juicy blue,
blue-black or red berry with small seeds26 (Figure 1).
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Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. Vaccinium myrtillus L.
Vaccinium uliginosum L. Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.
Figure 1. Images of Vaccinium species, distributed in Bulgaria (www.plantarium.ru)
The parts useful for pharmacological purposes are the leaves and fruits. The fruits are produced between July and
September.
In Bulgaria, Caucasian whortleberry is only found in the Strandzha Mountains at an altitude of 150-300 m in humid
shaded areas. The other Vaccinium species are wide-spread in stony or grassy locations, in coniferous and more
rarely broad-leaf forests in almost every Bulgarian mountains. These are also found at altitudes of 700-2000 m for
Lingonberry, 900- 2200 m for Bilberry, and 1700-2500 m for the Bog Bilberry26.
Main components of the polyphenol composition responsible for the pharmacological
activity
According to the European Pharmacopoeia 827 fresh V. myrtillus fruits are classified according to anthocyanin
content, defined as cyanidin-3-O-glucoside chloride (minimum 0.3%), and dried V. myrtillus fruits - according to
tannin content, defined as pyrogallol (minimum 1%).
The main isolated components of Vaccinium myrtillus fruit, responsible for the biological activity are flavonol-O-
glycosides such as quercetin-3-rhamnoside (quercitrin), quercetin-3-glucoside (isoquercitrin), quercetin-3-
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galactoside (hyperoside), and kaempferol-3-glucoside (astragalin), myricetin glycosides, as well as over 15
anthocyanins (total quantity of approximately 0.5%), which have been identified as 3-arabinosides, 3-glucosides,
and 3-galactosides of five anthocyanidins: cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, peonidin, and petunidin (Figure 2). The
quantity of glycosides of cyanidin and delphinidin (Figure 3) makes up to 64% of the total anthocyanins content7,28.
The flavonoids quercetin and quercetin-3-rutinoside (rutin), along with 11 other anthocyanins have been isolated
from the fruit of Vaccinium uliginosum; with the most abundant being petunidin-3-glucoside and malvidin-3-
glucoside29. In the fruit of Vaccinium vitis-idaea, evidence has been found only of the presence of quercetin
glycosides and glycosides of cyanidin (3-arabinosides, 3-glucosides, and 3-galactosides)28. Nine anthocyanins have
been found in Vaccinium arctostaphylos, with the most characteristic being cyanidin-3-O-xyloside, delphinidin-3-O-
xyloside, malvidin-3-O-xyloside, and petunidin-3-O-xyloside30,31.
The content of organic acids in Vaccinium myrtillusis 3-7% (predominantly citric and malic acid). The fruit also
contain up to 10% tannins7.
The phenolic acids р-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic, chlorogenic, and ellagic have been isolated in genus Vaccinium1,2.
According to data by Kader et al. (1996) chlorogenic acid is predominant in Bog Bilberry, and according to Chen et
al. (2001) benzoic acid is present in the largest quantity in Lingonberry32,33.
The health benefits of the fruits of these species include maintaining good eyesight, prevention of socially
significant disease such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's and
Alzheimer's disease2. It is considered that the main components responsible for this protective action are the
phenolic compounds they contain, such as anthocyanins, flavones, flavonols, and phenolic acids2.
Phenolic compounds are synthesized by plants in order to protect against adverse environmental conditions, such as
drought, UV light, insects, viruses, bacteria, or physical damage2,34. Phenolic compounds contain one or more
aromatic rings in their molecules with one or more hydroxyl groups as substitutes. Phenolic compounds are mostly
found in the form of glycosides with predominant sugar residues of glucose, xylose, arabinose, rhamnose, often
bound to organic acids, lipids, and amines.
Anthocyanins are a large group of water soluble pigments, which give the fruits their red, violet, and blue color.
Anthocyanins are glycoside-bound polyphenols, and though rarely, are found in free form as aglycones, called
anthocyanidins. Cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and petunidin are the six anthocyanidins
most frequently found in the fruits29. These are indicated in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Chemical structure of anthocyanidins.
Anthocyanins are usually found as mono-, di- or triglycosides, where sugar residues are bound at С3, and more
rarely at С5or С7. The most common sugar residues are glucose, galactose, rhamnose, arabinose, rutinose, and
Anthocyanidin R1R2
Cyanidin -OH -H
Delphinidin -OH -OH
Malvidin -OCH3-OCH3
Pelargonidin -H -H
Peonidin -OCH3-H
Petunidin -OH -OCH3
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sophorose, which are usually acilated with acids such as р-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic, and more rarely bnezoic or
acetic acid35.
(1) (2)
Figure 3. Chemical structure of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (1) and delphinidin-3-O-glucoside (2).
Around 35 glycosides (anthocyanins) have been isolated and identified within the Vaccinium genus3. Most of these,
contained in the four species V. myrtillus, V. uliginosum, V. vitis-idaea, V. arctostaphylos are specified in Table 1.
Table 1. Isolated and identified anthocyanidins and anthocyanins from Vaccinium species, distributed in Bulgaria.
Anthocyanidins and
anthocyanins
Species of Vaccinium genus
V.
myrtillus
(fruits)
V.
uliginosum
(fruits)
V.
vitis-idaea
(fruits)
V.
arctostaphylos
(fruits)
Cyanidin
+
[36, 37]
- - -
Delphinidin
(leaves and fruits)
+
[37]
- - -
Cyanidin-3-О-glucoside
+
[36, 38]
+
[31]
+
[39]
-
Cyanidin-5-О-glucoside
+
[40]
- - -
Cyanidin-3,5-О-
diclucoside
+
[40]
- - -
Cyanidin-3-О-
arabinoside
+
[36, 37]
+
[31]
+
[39, 41]
-
Cyanidin-3-О-
galactoside
+
[5, 38]
+
[31]
+
[39]
-
Cyanidin-3-О-xyloside
+
[37]
- -
+
[31]
Delphinidin-3-О-
arabinoside
+
[36, 38]
+
[31]
+
[42, 43, 44]
-
Delphinidin-3-О-
galactoside
+
[36, 38]
+
[31]
+
[42, 43, 44]
-
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Therapeutic effects
Antidiabetic activity
The polyphenols contained in genus Vaccinium exhibit antidiabetic properties, inhibiting glucohydrolase enzimes α-
amylase (EC 3.2.1.1), α-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.20), and β-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21)46,47. Wangеt al. (2012) found
that the fruit shells demonstrate about 4 times greater inhibitory activity compared to the fruit core48. This is
probably due to the fact that the external layers of such shells are rich in anthocyanins48. There are two presumed
possible inhibition mechanisms of anthocyanin enzymes. One is competitive inhibition, resulting from the structural
similarity between the enzyme substrate and the glycoside groups of the anthocyanins. The second - polar groups
present on the surfaces of the enzymes interact with the hydroxyl groups of the anthocyanins. As a result, the
molecular configuration of the enzyme changes at a 3D level, its hydrophilic and hydrophobic behavior alter enzyme
activity4.
The antidiabetic potential of the anthocyanins includes a reduction of blood glucose, glycosuria, and glycated
hemoglobin. They prevent the production of free radicals, protect pancreatic β-cells, increase insulin secretion,
improve insulin resistance, and reduce the absorption of sugars in the small intestines4.
Delphinidin-3-О-
glucoside
+
[36, 38]
+
[31, 45]
+
[39]
+
[31]
Delphinidin-3-О-xyloside - - -
+
[31]
Malvidin-3-О-
arabinoside
+
[44]
+
[31, 45]
- -
Malvidin-3-О-
galactoside
+
[36, 38]
+
[45]
+
[42, 43, 44]
+
[31]
Malvidin-3-О-glucoside
+
[36, 38]
+
[31, 45]
+
[42, 43, 44]
+
[31]
Malvidin-3-О-xyloside - - -
+
[30]
Peonidin-3-О-
arabinoside
+
[36, 38]
+
[31]
+
[42, 43, 44]
-
Peonidin-3-О-glucoside
+
[36, 38]
+
[31]
+
[42, 43, 44]
-
Peonidin-3-О-galactoside
+
[36, 38]
+
[31]
+
[42, 43, 44]
-
Petunidine-3-О-
galactoside
+
[36, 38]
+
[45]
+
[42, 43, 44]
+
[31]
Petunidine-3-О-
glucoside
+
[36, 38]
+
[31, 45]
+
[42, 43]
+
[31]
Petunidine-3-О-xyloside - - - +
[30]
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Low doses of cyanidin-3-O-galactoside show synergistic action in combination with acarbose with regard to the
inhibitory activity on intestinal α-glucosidase49. The inhibitory potential of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside is greater than
that of cyanidin and cyanidin-3-O-galactoside50.
Anti-inflammatory activity
The pretreatment of ТНР-1 macrophages with cyanidin-3-О-β-glucoside, typical for genus Vaccinium, over 12 hours
can improve the expression and the transcription activity of the nucleus receptor γ, activated by peroxisome
proliferator (PPARγ) and a liver X receptor α(LXRα). In addition, pretreatment of these cells causes dose-
dependent inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitrous oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 (СОХ-2)
(EC 1.14.99.1), along with a reduction of the nitrous oxide (NO) and prostaglandin Е2 (PGE2)6.
Karlsen et al. (2010) report reduced concentration of inflammatory biomarkers in the plasma within a controlled trial
performed with 31 patients, consuming bilberry juice for 4 weeks. Significant reduction is noted in plasma levels of
highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6)5.
Vasoprotective activity
An extract of Bilberry fruit, containing 25% anthocyanidins, has vasoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity in
test animals. In rabbits, chloroform induced skin capillary permeability is reduced after intraperitoneal
administration of the extract at a dose of 25-100 mg/kg of body weight or intragastric administration of anthocyanins
at a dose of 200-400 mg/kg of body weight. The anti-inflammatory effect of the extract persists longer when
compared to that of mepyramine. Anthocyanins at a dose of 25-100 mg/kg of body weight and intragastric
administration showed effectiveness both in the capillary permeability test and the vascular resistance in animals
subjected to a diet deficient in vitamin P7.
Antimicrobial activity
The antimicrobial activity of V. vitis-idaea has been evaluated with regard to the two pathogenic microorganisms in
the oral cavity - Streptococcus mutans and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of 125
and 250 µg/ml were established against the growth of F. nucleatum and S. mutans. In order to achieve these
concentrations, the necessary flavonoids may be acquired from one tea spoon of fresh lingonberries (3g), containing
approximately 400 µg flavonoid glycosides, 4000 µg anthocyanins, and 750 µg flavan-3-ols. Fractions, enriched
with anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, and procyanidins inhibit the growth of F. nucleatum at a concentration of 63-125
µg/ml and the growth of plankton S. mutans cells at varying MIC 125-250 µg/ml8.
Antitumor activity
The fruits of genus Vaccinium have demonstrated their ability to inhibit enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases
(MMPs), which play an important role in the metastasis of cancer cells. Enriched anthocyanin fractions of
Vaccinium fruit extracts regulate the activity of matrix metalloproteinases in human prostate cancer10.
Katsube et al. (2003) compare ethanol extracts of 10 different berry species tested for the induction of apoptosis in
human tumor cells HL60 and НСТ116. The extract from V. myrtillus has shown the greatest efficacy. For the
aglycones delphinidin and malvidin, inhibitory activity has been found on HL60 cells, while for delphinidin and its
glycosides, the activity is expressed only for the НСТ116 cells9.
Genoprotective and anxiolytic activity
Barros et al. (2006) experimentally determine the possible effects of lyophilized fruit extracts from the genus
Vaccinium on the cognitive functions of rats after a 30-day feeding period. Certain tests are used, including a
labyrinth task, also monitoring the possibilities for DNA damage to the hippocampus and the cortex. The study
indicates that the extract improves significantly long-term memory and an anxiolytic effect is reported for the
labyrinth task. What is more, the extract reduces oxidative damage to brain tissue DNA11.
Antioxidant activity
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Fresh Vaccinium fruit are a rich source of anthocyanins - 1210 mg/100 g for Vaccinium myrtillus19,but their bio
availability is low, from 1.7% to 3.3%17. Despite this, unmodified anthocyanins and their metabolites may be found
in the blood, bile, liver, kidneys, heart, brain, urine, testes, prostate, and the lung of rats and/or mice15,17,20,21,23. Fruit
extracts have been shown to have an intracellular antioxidative activity51.
The antioxadant potential is determined in vitro through several basic methods based on scavenging free radicals
using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) or 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS),
ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and lipid peroxidation
inhibition assay16,18. Following solid-phase extraction in order to obtain anthocyanin-rich extracts from five species
of berries, the extract from Vaccinium fruits demonstrated the highest capacity for preventing the formation of
hydroxyl radicals (HORAC) - 1293 μmol GAE/g13.
Many polyphenols demonstrate antioxidative properties by actively participating in oxidation reduction processes
within cells. These can neutralize free radicals by donating an electron or a hydrogen atom (Н+). The highly
conjugated system in their molecule and the presence of certain hydroxyl groups, such as the 3-hydroxy group in
flavonols, are considered to be crucial for their antioxidative activity. Polyphenols suppress the formation of free
radicals by reducing the rate of oxidation by inhibiting the formation or deactivating ROS (reactive oxygen species).
It has been found that polyphenols usually do not act alone but as co-antioxidants or participate in the regeneration
of cofactors and prosthetic groups of enzymes24. Another possible mechanism of antioxidant action of polyphenols
is by inhibition of xanthine oxidase (EC 1.1.3.22) and induction of secretion of endogenous antioxidant enzymes
such as glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), and superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1)14.
Wang et al. (1997) report higher values of antioxidative activity of cyanidin-3-O-glycoside and cyanidin-3-O-
rhamnoglucoside compared to Trolox52.
Numerous observations indicate that anthocyanins are active for cardioprotection and neuroprotection as well as
antitumor, normolipidemic and normoglycemic agents12,22. The common mechanism at the core of these different
effects may be related to the antioxidative properties of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins.
Conclusion
Scientific research has contributed significantly to the fact that anthocyanins have become not only food products
but also therapeutic agents. The selected literature data on anthocyanins raise the hope for their wide-spread use in
prevention and therapy of many diseases.
Acknowledgements
The authors express their gratitude to the Medical University of Plovdiv for the financial support in this study made
in connection with the project SDP - 05/2015.
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... Atractylodes japonica  Atractylenolide III Neuroprotection [67] Atractylodes lancea  Neuroprotection and Neurotransmission [155][156][157] Theobroma grandiflorum Theacrine Neuroprotection [74] Trifolium pretense ▲ (Red clover) Biochanin A Neuroprotection [158] Trigonella foenum-graecum ▲ Diosgenin Neuroprotection and Neurotransmission [159] Vaccinium myrtillus ▲ (Bilberry) Cyanidin-3-О-β-glucoside Neuroprotection [160] Vaccinium uliginosum L. ...
... Malvidin-3-glucoside Cyanidin-3-О-β-glucoside Delphinidin Neuroprotection and Neurotransmission [22,160] Vaccinium angustifolium (Lowbush Blueberry or Wild blueberry) Malvidin 3-glucoside Malvidin 3-galactoside Caffeic acid Cyanidin-3-O-β-galactoside Cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside Cyanidin-3 On the other end, β-amyloid is a component of amyloid plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's, and T-tau and P-tau proteins are over phosphorylated in neurodegenerative disorders [50]. Inhibitors of aggregation/destruction of β-amyloid plaques or protection of Ttau and P-tau proteins (e.g., Alpinia oxyphylla [61]) were considered within the neuroprotective group, together with plants which reportedly prevent neuronal death (e.g., Schisandra chinensis [174]). ...
Potential Herb–Drug Interactions in the Management of Age-Related Cognitive Dysfunction
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2021
Late-life mild cognitive impairment and dementia represent a significant burden on healthcare systems and a unique challenge to medicine due to the currently limited treatment options. Plant phytochemicals have been considered in alternative, or complementary, prevention and treatment strategies. Herbals are consumed as such, or as food supplements, whose consumption has recently increased. However, these products are not exempt from adverse effects and pharmacological interactions, presenting a special risk in aged, polymedicated individuals. Understanding pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions is warranted to avoid undesirable adverse drug reactions, which may result in unwanted side-effects or therapeutic failure. The present study reviews the potential interactions between selected bioactive compounds (170) used by seniors for cognitive enhancement and representative drugs of 10 pharmacotherapeutic classes commonly prescribed to the middle-aged adults, often multimorbid and polymedicated, to anticipate and prevent risks arising from their co-administration. A literature review was conducted to identify mutual targets affected (inhibition/induction/substrate), the frequency of which was taken as a measure of potential interaction. Although a limited number of drugs were studied, from this work, interaction with other drugs affecting the same targets may be anticipated and prevented, constituting a valuable tool for healthcare professionals in clinical practice.
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... Determination of Total Flavonoids (TF). The flavonoid content was determined by a colorimetric assay as described by aluminium chloride colorimetric method [13] Djeridane. The absorbance of the test solution was measured at 425 nm. with a spectrophotometer Beckman Coulter DU 530. ...
... The principal components are flavonoids (anthocyanins). Extracts of anthocyanins from Vaccinium fruit and leaves demonstrate various pharmacological effects such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, vasoprotective, antimicrobial, antitumor, gene-protective, and antioxidative [13]. ...
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... V. arctostaphylos is one of the extremely exploited (harvested) species for its fruits as its high potential in the pharmaceutical and spice industries. The fruit of this species has strong antioxidant and medicinal properties due to the presence of phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanin and procyanidin (Karcheva-Bahchevanska et al. 2017). In traditional Iranian medicine, the fruit is used to treat various diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and blood fat (Limaei and Amiri 2024). ...
Improvement of seed germination and early growth of Caucasian whortleberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.) by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and cold stratification
Preprint
Full-text available
  • Jun 2024
Vaccinium arctostaphylos is a threatened species in Caspian forests of Iran that its seeds germinate in a long time due to internal dormancy. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and the cold stratification periods on seed germination of Vaccinium arctostaphylos. The seeds were inoculated with growth-promoting bacteria including Bacillus subtilis, Enterobacter cloacae, and Pseudomonas putida and combination (co–inoculation) of all strains. Then they were subjected to cold stratification in a refrigerator at 4 ± 1°C for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months. At the end of periods, seeds were sown in polyethylene bags (15 cm×8 cm) containing cocopeat, perlite, and sand (1:1:2) and were placed in greenhouse with temperature of 22 and 25°C, and relative humidity of 60% and 70%, respectively. After 40 days, germination percentage, germination speed, and seed vigor index (SVI) were calculated. Results showed that, bacteria inoculation and their interactions affected germination traits. Germination percentage ranged from 0 to 58.50%. Both inoculation and CS had positive effect on Germination percentage. The highest percentages of seed germination (57.50–58.50%) and speed of germination (2.26 n/d) belonged to co-inoculated seeds by the combination of all bacterial along with 4 and 5 months of cold stratification periods, respectively. The maximum shoot length (23. 25 mm), root length (17.98 mm), and seed vigor index (24.12) were recorded for co-inoculated seeds by the combination of all bacterial inoculants and five months of cold stratification. The results confirmed to overcome seed dormancy, increase of seed germination components, and early seedling growth of V. arctostaphylos , Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria is better to be applied in combination with cold stratification.
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... Due to very small quantities and heterogeneity of lingonberry raw materials, minor anthocyanins have rarely been reported as being detected in lingonberries. Out of them, peonidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside, and delphinidin 3-galactoside are mostly mentioned [33,42,52,53]. ...
Development, validation, and application of UPLC-PDA method for anthocyanins profiling in Vaccinium L. berries
Article
  • Jan 2021
BACKGROUND Anthocyanins are one of the key factors contributing to the quality and biological activities in various berries. Particular attention was devoted to Vaccinium L. berries, because of being commonly consumed in daily life and providing a large potential for the development of new pharmaceutical applications. OBJECTIVE The present work aimed at establishing a novel UPLC-PDA method for profiling anthocyanins in berries and evaluating their distribution in cultivated lingonberries. METHODS The method was developed and validated using bilberries ( Vaccinium myrtillus L.), cranberries ( Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.), and lingonberries ( Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) matrices. Anthocyanins content variation was analyzed among 7 different cultivars and 1 infraspecific taxon of lingonberries. RESULTS The proposed method ensured the separation of 20 compounds, including major and minor anthocyanins and their aglycones, in bilberries, 15 in cranberries, and 9 in lingonberries, during 12 min analysis. Bilberry matrix was distinguished by the most complex profile and the presence of delphinidin and petunidin, which were not identified either in cranberries or lingonberries. Cranberry anthocyanins consisted mainly of the 3-galactosides of cyanidin and peonidin, whereas lingonberry anthocyanins included cyanidin and its glycosides with just traces of other anthocyanins. Obtained anthocyanins fingerprinting results have guidance function in practice and demonstrate valuable chemophenetic information for studied Vaccinium berries. All determined method validation values were considered to be acceptable. Variation analysis of anthocyanins levels among cultivated lingonberries suggested genetic diversity and because of the highest anthocyanins content—the superiority of Russian cultivars (‘Kostromička’ and ‘Rubin’). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on the anthocyanins of certain lingonberry cultivars. CONCLUSIONS This study resulted in the rapid, simple, and validated method, which was shown to be applicable and convenient for routine analysis and authentication of Vaccinium berry samples.
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... Many studies also reported for antibacterial activity of V. vitis-idaea fruits against pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity (Streptococcus mutans and Fusobacterium nucleatum [171], Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia [172]) as well as against foodborne and spoilage bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Serratia marcescens, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Listeria monocytogenes) [161,173,174]. ...
Bioreactor Technology for In Vitro Berry Plant Cultivation
Chapter
  • Jan 2021
Woodland berries are among the most important berry species worldwide. They are a rich source of a wide variety of bioactive substances. They are demanded by the food and pharmacy processing industries, due to their delicious taste and high bioactivity value as well. In recent decades, in vitro micropropagation has become the standard for commercial propagation of certain plant species. However, the economic assessment of this technology shows that it is labor-intensive and the price of the plants obtained is high, thus directing the scientists to automate the in vitro propagation applying different bioreactor systems, which are characterized by constant environmental conditions of cultivation and high propagation rates, which influence directly on the reduction of the cost of propagated plants. This chapter provides information about traditional techniques for in vitro propagation of berry plants discussing the problems that appeared using this technology and summarizes also recent achievement in the development of bioreactor design and operation modes for the in vitro propagation of berry plants. The chapter presents a deep overview of phytochemical profiles and bioactivity of berry plants, because we believe that bioreactor technology is very prospective not only for micropropagation of plants but also for producing target metabolites that are responsible for the bioactivity of berry fruits as well as for the bioactivity of the extracts of different berry plant organs.
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Microencapsulation of Caucasian blueberries ( Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.) anthocyanins: Colour stability in varying storage conditions
Article
  • Nov 2024
The aim of this study was to investigate the extraction of anthocyanins from the fruits of Caucasian blueberry ( Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.) and examine the colour stability of anthocyanins encapsulated through spray drying in model systems. The trials were conducted to determine the optimal conditions for anthocyanin extraction using an ultrasonic water bath at temperatures of 25, 50 and 75°C. The ideal anthocyanin extraction occurred at 25°C using 100% acetone in an ultrasonic bath for 15 min at 35 kHz. Anthocyanin concentrations were evaluated using the pH differential method. The extracted anthocyanins were encapsulated through spray drying with maltodextrin as the encapsulating material. The encapsulation efficiency was 80.4 ± 0.20%, and the anthocyanin retention rate was 83.0 ± 0.76%. The coloured capsules were added to model systems with pH values of 4.50, 5.00, 5.50 and 6.00. The colour values ( L * 50.16 ± 0.05, a * 4.08 ± 0.04, b * −9.35 ± 0.01, H ° 293.57 ± 0.15, C * 10.20 ± 0.03) were measured during varying storage conditions. The results showed, that colour loss began on the fifth day and this was accelerated with higher temperatures and pH values. It was found that encapsulation significantly preserved the stability of the blue colour and the loss of the blue colour followed first‐order reaction kinetics. The study showed that the blue colour of microcapsules was best preserved at pH 5.00 at 25°C. In this case, the measured total colour change (∆ E ) was 5.86, the activation energy ( E a ) was 37.64 kJ/mol, and the half‐life ( t 1/2 ) was determined to be 19.08 days.
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Exploring the Anti-Cancer Properties of Nasturtium officinale L. via the HOTAIR/miR-124/Notch1 Pathway in Rat Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Investigation Using Biochemical, Molecular, Immunohistochemical, and Histopathological Methods
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2024
This study aimed to explore the potential of Nasturtium officinale L. leaves extract (NOLE) in safeguarding hepatocytes against N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by investigating its effects on biochemical, molecular, and antioxidant pathways. The study also delved into NOLE's role in modulating the HOTAIR/miR-124/Notch1 axis pathway. In this study, 50 Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=10/group): normal, HCC-induced (100 mg/kg DEN), HCC rats treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg DEN + NOLE, and normal rats treated with 200 mg/kg NOLE. At the study's conclusion, serum levels of liver function markers (such as albumin, total protein, bilirubin, C-reactive protein, ALT, AST, and ALP), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL- 1b, IL-10, and TNF-a), and oxidative parameters [including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) enzyme activity, and nitric oxide (NO) levels] were assessed. The levels of HOTAIR, miR-124, Notch1, and Jagged1 genes and proteins in liver tissue were measured. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate P53-positive cells in liver hepatocytes. DEN administration led to significant alterations in body and liver weight, serum liver enzymes, antioxidant levels, inflammatory markers, and expression of genes/proteins related to the HOTAIR/miR-124/Notch1 axis in liver pathways. NOLE exhibited dose-dependent effects in mitigating these changes, notably enhancing weight, liver health, antioxidant capacity, and inflammatory responses, especially at the 200 mg/kg dosage. Histopathological assessments revealed structural improvements in liver tissue with NOLE treatment. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of NOLE in exerting anti-cancer effects against DEN-induced HCC.
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Dietary Polyphenols and Type 2 Diabetes: Current Insights and Future.
Article
Full-text available
  • Jul 2014
Significant evidences have shown that the polyphenol-rich diets have the ability to protect against diabetes. Since the last several reviews focused on the nutrition and health effects including type 2 diabetes of polyphenols in 2007-2008, a number of related original publications have appeared in this area. This review summarizes important advances related to influence of dietary polyphenols and polyphenol-rich diets on preventing and managing type 2 diabetes, as well as diabetes-mediated changes in bioactivities of dietary polyphenols. It looks like that anthocyanins or anthocyanin-rich foods intakes are related to the risk of type 2 diabetes, but there is no association for other polyphenol subclasses. It illustrated that procyanidins are more active when administered individually than when mixed with food. The benefits of dietary polyphenols for type 2 diabetes can be summarized as: protection of pancreatic β-cells against glucose toxicity, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, inhibition of starch digestion, inhibition of α-amylases or α-glucosidases, and inhibition of advanced glycation end products formation. Moreover, type 2 diabetes also significantly influence the benefits of dietary polyphenols, although there are very limited studies have been conducted so far. However, how type 2 diabetes impact the pharmacology of dietary polyphenols are not well understood. An understanding of type 2 diabetes-mediated changes in pharmacokinetics and bioactivity of dietary polyphenols will lead to improve the benefits of these phytochemicals and clinical outcomes for type 2 diabetics.
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Bioactivity of phenolic acids: Metabolites versus parent compounds: A review
Article
  • Apr 2015
  • FOOD CHEM
Phenolic acids are present in our diet in different foods, for example mushrooms. Due to their bioactive properties, phenolic acids are extensively studied and there is evidence of their role in disease prevention. Nevertheless, in vivo, these compounds are metabolized and circulate in the organism as glucuronated, sulphated and methylated metabolites, displaying higher or lower bioactivities. To clarify the importance of the metabolism of phenolic acids, knowledge about the bioactivity of metabolites is extremely important. In this review, chemical features, biosynthesis and bioavailability of phenolic acids are discussed, as well as the chemical and enzymatic synthesis of their metabolites. Finally, metabolite bioactive properties are compared with that of the corresponding parental compounds.
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Anthocyanins and Flavonoids of Vaccinium L
Article
  • Jan 2012
Vaccinium L., comprising approximately 450 species primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, is a genus of shrubs or lianas in the family Ericaceae. The berries of many species are harvested for household consumption and commercial sale. The genus produces a wide range of compounds such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, chromones, coumarins, lignans, benzoic acids, iridoids, sterols, and triterpenoids, but is best known for the production of anthocyanins and flavonoids. Extracts and isolates of anthocyanins and flavonoids from Vaccinium fruits or leaves showed antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, vasoprotective, and antifungal activities. To data, more than 116 anthocyanins and flavonoids compounds have been isolated and identified primarily from the fruits or leaves of Vaccinium. This article reviews phytochemistry and pharmaceutical properties of these compounds.
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Fractionation and identification of the phenolic compounds of Highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum, L.)
Article
  • Dec 1996
  • FOOD CHEM
A scheme for the fractionation of flavonoid and nonflavonoid compounds is presented. The phenolic compounds of Highbush blueberries (cultivar ‘Coville’) were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography. Fifteen anthocyanins were identified as the 3-monoglucoside, 3-monogalactoside and 3-monoarabinoside of delphinidin, cyanidin, malvidin, peonidin and petunidin. No acyl anthocyanin was detected. Derivatives of malvidin and delphinidin were the most abundant; the 3-monogalactoside constituted 41% of the anthocyanin. Four flavonol glycosides were also identified as the kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, 3-O-glucoside, 3-O-galactoside and 3-O-rhamno-side of quercetin. The major phenolic acid was chlorogenic acid. After hydrolysis of the phenolic neutral fraction (FA), gallic, syringic and vanillic acids were identified by TLC. These acids appeared to be present in their ester forms, probably as glucoside esters.
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The Antibiofilm Activity of Lingonberry Flavonoids against Oral Pathogens is a Case Connected to Residual Complexity.
Article
  • May 2014
The antimicrobial activity of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) was evaluated against two oral pathogens, Streptococcus mutans and Fucobacterium nucleatum. Long-bed gel permeation chromatography (GPC; Sephadex LH-20) yielded purified flavonoids, with the most efficient minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against planktonic cells in the anthocyanin and procyanidin primary fractions against F. nucleatum (63-125μg/ml) and in the procyanidin rich fraction against S. mutans (16-31μg/ml). The purified flavonol glycosides and procyanidins inhibited biofilm formation of S. mutans (MICs 16-31μg/ml), while the corresponding reference compounds showed no activity. Secondary GPC purification yielded flavonol glycosides devoid of antibiofilm activity in the 50% MeOH fraction, while elution with 70% acetone recovered a brownish material with activity against S. mutans biofilm (MIC 8μg/ml). Even after HPLC-PDA, NMR, and MALDI-TOF analyses, the structural identity of this material remained unknown, while its color and analytical characteristics appear to be consistent with flavonoid oxidation products.
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Evaluation of the effects of anthocyanins in type 2 diabetes
Article
  • Apr 2012
  • FOOD RES INT
The number of cases of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing worldwide. This disease can be characterized by insulin resistance and pancreatic β cell dysfunction, which lead to macro- and microvascular complications. Anthocyanins are flavonoids that occur naturally in plants and are responsible for their color. Studies with cell lines and animal models and clinical trials in humans suggest that anthocyanins exhibit antidiabetic properties. However, variation in the structure of anthocyanins makes it difficult to determine their effects on T2D. Understanding the absorption and metabolism of anthocyanins is important for understanding their role in the improvement of this disease. Published data suggest that anthocyanins may lower blood glucose by improving insulin resistance, protecting β cells, increasing secretion of insulin and reducing digestion of sugars in the small intestine. The mechanisms of action are primarily related to their antioxidant properties, but enzymatic inhibition and other pathways may also be relevant.
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Antioxidant capacity and ??-glucosidase inhibitory activity in peel and flesh of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) cultivars
Article
  • Jun 2012
  • FOOD CHEM
This study was designed to evaluate cultivar variations in phenolic content, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity of peel and flesh; and to determine their potential inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase in 33 blueberry (Vaccinium species) cultivars, including 29 rabbiteye (Vaccinium ashei Reade) blueberries, two V. ashei hybrid derivatives, and two northern highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). The relation of phenolic, anthocyanin, and antioxidant activity to α-glucosidase inhibition in blueberries also was investigated. It was found that peel tissue possessed higher levels of total anthocyanins (TA), total phenolics (TP), antioxidant capacity, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than flesh tissue in all blueberries tested. The percentage contributions of peel to whole berry on scavenging capacity against peroxyl free radicals (ROO), hydroxyl radicals (OH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and singlet oxygen (1O2) radicals, were higher than those of flesh, even though the fruit contained much higher amounts of flesh than peel in terms of dry weight. Cultivars with high levels of phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacities, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities could be selected for use in blueberry breeding programs to develop new lines with improved health benefits.
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Solid phase extraction of berries' anthocyanins and evaluation of their antioxidant properties
Article
  • Dec 2010
  • FOOD CHEM
Solid-phase extraction (SPE) was used to obtain anthocyanin-rich extracts from five berry species: chokeberry, elderberry, black currant, blackberry and blueberry. During SPE more than 94.4% of the sugars and more than 88.5% of the acids present in the crude extracts were separated. The SPE resulted in 90–95.6% anthocyanins recovery. The antioxidative properties of the anthocyanin-rich extracts were tested by measuring their oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC), hydroxyl radical averting capacity (HORAC), total peroxyl radical trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), scavenging of nitric oxide and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Elderberry extract revealed the highest ORAC value of 5783μmol TE/g. Chokeberry extract was the most potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation and had the highest TRAP value of 4051μmol TE/g. Blueberry extract had the highest HORAC result – 1293μmol GAE/g and was the most powerful scavenger of NO. The high antioxidant activity according to all antioxidant assays revealed opportunities to apply these preparations as antioxidants.
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Evidence for ??-tocopherol regeneration reaction of green tea polyphenols in SDS micelles
Article
  • Jan 2005
  • FREE RADICAL BIO MED
The synergistic antioxidant mechanism of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) with green tea polyphenols, i.e., (−)-epicatechin (EC), (−)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (−)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and gallic acid (GA), was studied by assaying the kinetics of the reaction of α-tocopheroxyl radical with green tea polyphenols by stopped-flow electron paramagnetic resonance, the inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation by these antioxidants, and the decay of α-tocopherol during the peroxidation. It was found that the green tea polyphenols could reduce α-tocopheroxyl radical to regenerate α-tocopherol with rate constants of 0.45, 1.11, 1.31, 1.91, and 0.43 × 102 M−1 s−1 for EC, EGC, ECG, EGCG, and GA, respectively, in sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles. In addition, these second-order rate constants exhibited a good linear correlation with their oxidation potentials, suggesting that electron transfer might play a role in the reaction.
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