Abstract
Several species of berries, such as blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) and lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.), have attracted much scientific attention in recent years, especially due to their reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Berries, as with other types of plants, have developed metabolic mechanisms to survive various environmental stresses, some of which involve reactive oxygen species. In addition, the fruits and leaves of berries have high amounts of polyphenols, such as flavonoids, which act as potent antioxidants. These compounds could potentially be beneficial for brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders. There are now several studies documenting the beneficial effects of various berries in cell models of neurotoxicity as well as in vivo models of neurodegenerative disease. In the current review, we discuss the metabolic strategies that plants and animals have developed in order to combat reactive oxygen species. We then discuss issues of bioavailability of various compounds in mammals and provide a synopsis of studies demonstrating the neuroprotective ability of berries and polyphenols. We also summarize findings from our own research group. For example, we have detected various polyphenols in samples of blueberries and lingonberries and have found that the leaves have a much higher antioxidant capacity than the fruits. Extracts from these species have also demonstrated neuroprotective effects in cellular models of toxicity and inflammation, which are being further pursued in animal models.
Highlights
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced during normal metabolism in plants and animals.When the production of ROS is excessive this can lead to oxidative stress, which can be damaging to cells and organisms as a whole
Plant systems have adapted to survive in extreme conditions, e.g., illumination, high temperature, draught, and freezing, which could lead to oxidative damage due to excessive production of free radicals
The proposed mechanism is that polyphenols are able to increase levels of IκBα, a protein that inhibits NF-κB translocating from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, preventing the transcription of DNA associated with inflammatory mediators [72]
Summary
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced during normal metabolism in plants and animals. When the production of ROS is excessive this can lead to oxidative stress, which can be damaging to cells and organisms as a whole. Organisms have developed natural defense mechanisms to combat oxidative stress, but at times these mechanisms can become overwhelmed. In animals, it is beneficial to increase the amount of antioxidants in the body from external sources. Polyphenols are a group of compounds with high antioxidant capacity and are prevalent in the plant kingdom. Various species of berries contain high amounts of polyphenols, and dietary intake of berries may increase antioxidants in the body and potentially protect against inflammation, cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. We provide an overview regarding the bioavailability of polyphenols found in berries, and the potential neuroprotective effects of these compounds
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