Abstract
We previously reported that rabbit-eye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum Aiton) leaves exhibit multiple functions. In this study, we evaluated whether V. virgatum stems can also be used as functional materials similar to leaves and clarified the major constituents and their biological activity (antioxidant activity and anti–adult T cell leukemia (ATL) activity). Water extracts of V. virgatum stems were separated into 19 fractions using a Diaion HP-20 open column. Sugars and organic acids were detected in the highly water-soluble fractions. Polyphenols and proanthocyanidin were detected in the hydrous methanol-soluble fractions. In biological activity evaluations, a difference in antioxidant activity was observed in the water-containing methanol-eluted fractions, and fractions exhibiting anti-ATL activity differed depending on cell type. These results suggest that blueberry stems, like leaves, are rich in polyphenols and exhibit antioxidant activity and inhibit ATL cell growth. In the future, aerial parts of blueberries, including stems and leaves, could be used as functional materials and/or medicinal resources.
Highlights
Blueberry belongs to the Ericaceae family, and its fruits are eaten worldwide
We investigated the characteristics of the components of V. virgatum stems and the biological activity of each extract and fraction
Water extracts of V. virgatum stems were separated into 19 fractions using a Diaion HP-20 open column eluted with hydrous methanol and methanol
Summary
Blueberry leaves have been used as an anti-diabetes folk medicine in Europe and Canada [1,2]. In a previous study that screened samples of 52 agricultural plants for the ability to inhibit the proliferation of seven adult T-cell leukemia (ATL)-related cell lines, blueberry leaves exhibited significant inhibitory effects [4]. Leaves of V. virgatum plants collected in December exhibited the most effective inhibition of ATL cell proliferation [6,7]. The leaves of V. virgatum plants exhibit a variety of other functions, including effects on alcohol metabolism during chronic intake of ethanol (EtOH) [8], anti-fibrogenic properties [9], and suppression of hepatitis C virus replication [10]. We reported a relationship between seasonal variation and ATL-related bioactivity of natural products using a direct-injection electron ionization–mass spectrometry metabolomics method [11]
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