Phytochemical characteristics and potential therapeutic properties of blue honeysuckle Lonicera caerulea L. (Caprifoliaceae)

Abstract

Lonicera caerulea, known as honeyberry, blue honeysuckle, sweet berry honeysuckle, edible honeysuckle, or haskap, is a perennial fruit-bearing plant belonging to the family Caprifoliaceae. Currently, the cultivation of this plant species is becoming increasingly popular due to the early ripening of the fruits, the plant´s exceptional resistance to frost, pests, and diseases, as well as for its potential health-promoting and therapeutic properties. Phytochemical analysis of blue honeysuckle constituents using methods such as colorimetry, LC–MS/MS and HPLC-ESI-MS have been carried out over the last two decades. According to the reported data, L. caerulea fruits are rich in phenolic compounds, their amount - with the level of flavonoids reaching 2 g per 100 g of dry fruit weight - is comparable to those of some blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), blackberries (Rubus spp.), and currants (Ribes spp.). Among phenolics acting as antioxidants, anthocyanins are particularly important for some health-promoting activities, e.g., heart disease prevention and in supporting the treatment of various eye diseases. In L. cearulea these compounds are represented mostly by derivatives of cyanidin and, in smaller quantities, peonidin and pelargonidin. Other reported properties of L. cearulea fruit involve antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, and anticarcinogenic activities, demonstrated in in vitro and some in vivo tests. Therefore, due to the high content of bioactive substances and their health-promoting properties, blue honeysuckle berries can be regarded and recommended as a valuable component of a healthy diet.