Phenolic bioactives from developmental stages of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) for hyperglycemia management using in vitro models

Abstract

Cheplick, S., Sarkar, D., Bhowmik, P. and Shetty, K. 2015. Phenolic bioactives from developmental stages of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) for hyperglycemia management using in vitro models. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 653–662. Blueberry is a rich source of soluble phenolics as well as human health relevant antioxidants. Phenolic-linked bioactive functionality of blueberry for type 2 diabetes management was screened during fruit maturation, especially from green to ripening stages using in vitro assays. Green fruit showed the highest total soluble phenolic content, whereas all three developmental stages of blueberry fruit exhibited high total antioxidant activity. Overall, ripe fruit had higher α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than green or green/pink fruit, and showed significant potential to improve glucose metabolism through in vitro assays. High phenolic-linked antioxidant activity along with moderate to high α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in ripe blueberry indicated its potential relevance as part of diet-based prevention and management of early stages of hyperglycemia associated with development of type 2 diabetes. This in vitro screening study provides a biochemical rationale and dietary strategy to develop the right blueberry cultivar and stage of fruit development for further validation in animal and clinical studies.