Blueberry Extract Research Articles

Comparison of the reducing effects of blueberry and propolis extracts on heterocyclic aromatic amines formation in pan fried beef

This study was aimed to examine the effects of natural antioxidant-based marinades on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) in cooked beef. Samples were marinated overnight with different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1%) of blueberry or propolis extracts, and pan fried at 150 and 200 °C for a total of 10 min. Individual and total HAAs were detected at different levels according to the cooking temperature, extract type and concentration. Total HAA levels increased as the cooking temperature increased (P < 0.01), and ranged from non detectable levels to 38.27 ng/g across all samples analysed. Mitigation up to 61.2% and 100% in total HAA levels were achieved by propolis and blueberry extracts, respectively. The inhibitory effects of blueberry extract on total HAAs formation were significantly higher than propolis extract (P < 0.01). Thereby, this study showed that natural antioxidant-based marinades containing blueberry and propolis extracts had mitigating effects on HAAs formation in beef samples pan-fried at 150 and 200 °C.

Effect of blueberry extract on energetic metabolism, levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and Ca2+-ATPase activity in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of rats submitted to ketamine-induced mania-like behavior.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a psychiatric disease characterized by mood episodes. Blueberry is rich in bioactive compounds and shows excellent therapeutic potential against chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of blueberry extract on behavior, energetic metabolism, Ca2+-ATPase activity, and levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rats submitted to an animal model of mania induced by ketamine. Vehicle, lithium (45mg/kg, twice a day), or blueberry extract (200mg/kg), was orally administered to Wistar rats for 14days. Ketamine (25mg/kg) or vehicle was administered intraperitoneally, once a day, between the 8th and 14th day. On the 15th day, animals received ketamine or vehicle and were subjected to the open field test. Our results demonstrated that the administration of lithium and blueberry extract prevented ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion (P < 0.01). Blueberry extract attenuated the ketamine-induced reduction in the activity of complex I in the cerebral cortex (P < 0.05). Additionally, the administration of ketamine reduced the activities of complexes I and IV (P < 0.05) and citrate synthase in the hippocampus (P < 0.01). However, blueberry extract attenuated the inhibition in the activity of complex IV (P < 0.01). Furthermore, ketamine reduced the Ca2+-ATPase activity in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus (P < 0.05); however, blueberry extract prevented the change in the cerebral cortex (P < 0.05). There were no significant alterations in the levels of BDNF (P > 0.05). In conclusion, this suggested that the blueberry extract can serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for studies searching for novel therapeutic alternatives for BD patients.

The enduring behavioral and neurobiological effects of a flavor cue paired with alcohol drinking during adolescence on the incentive properties of the flavor cue in adulthood in female alcohol-preferring (P) rats

BackgroundAlcohol use disorders (AUDs) affect 15 million people nationwide, 4% of which are adolescents (ages 12–17) and adolescents who binge drink significantly increase their likelihood of suffering from an AUD in adulthood. Research shows that cues (i.e. flavors) paired with alcohol (EtOH) produce significant cue-induced alcohol craving and contribute to relapse in adolescent and adult populations. However, there is a lack of research focused on how cues that accompany EtOH drinking during adolescence, affect EtOH craving later in life. The current study sought to examine the sex- and developmental-dependent effects of adolescent exposure to flavor cues associated with EtOH on operant-lick behavior and cue-induced dopamine (DA) levels within the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh; reward structure) in adulthood. MethodsAdolescent alcohol-preferring (P) rats were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups and received 24 hr. access to three bottles on their home cage: Paired: 0.1% blueberry flavor extract (BB) + 15% v/v EtOH and 2 water bottles; Unpaired: 0.1% BB, 15% v/v EtOH, and water; 15% EtOH alone, and 2 water bottles; BB alone and 2 water bottles. Home cage fluid consumption was measured for 2-weeks. On the third week bottles were removed and all animals underwent 9 days of operant training using an operant sipper paradigm. This consisted of two sipper spouts connected to the computer by a lickometer, which registered tongue contacts with the sipper tube (Paired: BB+EtOH or water; Unpaired BB or EtOH; EtOH alone: EtOH or water; BB alone: BB or water). When the fixed ratio (FR) requirement for number of licks/tongue contacts was met, a liquid delivery solenoid dispensed 0.05 ml of fluid into the sipper tube. Following the final operant session all rats remained in their home-cage for approximately 40 days until adulthood at which point they were returned to the operant chambers and tested for appetitive and consummatory behavior in response to the flavor cue (all rats: BB or water; NO EtOH). Two weeks after the final operant session all rats underwent microdialysis testing to examine cue-induced DA levels in the AcbSh. Results: Data indicated that animals in the paired group exhibited a significantly greater level of licking at the BB sipper and a significantly greater level of DA release in response to the flavor cue compared to the other groups. ConclusionsOverall, the data suggest that cues paired with EtOH during adolescence may produce persistent changes to the behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to an increased risk of developing an AUD later in life.

Blueberry extract attenuates norepinephrine-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiac cells.

Enhanced sympathetic system activation mediated by norepinephrine (NE) contributes to adverse cardiac remodeling leading to oxidative stress and cell death, progressing to heart failure. Natural antioxidants may help maintain redox balance, attenuating NE-mediated cardiac cell damage. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of a blueberry extract (BBE) on H9c2 cardiac cells exposed to NE on cell death, oxidative stress status and its major signaling pathways. H9c2 cells were pre-incubated with 50μg/ml of BBE for 4h and maintained in the presence of 100μM NE for 24h. NE exposure resulted in increased caspase 3/7 activity. This was associated with reduced protein expression of antioxidants catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and increase in 4-hydroxynonenal adduct formation. NE led to increased activity of Protein kinase B (Akt), Forkhead box O3a and AMP-activated protein kinase alpha and decreased activity of Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. BBE prevented caspases activation and abrogated NE-induced increase in oxidative stress, as well as attenuated the increase in Akt. Based on these findings, it is concluded that BBE promoted cardioprotection of H9c2 cells in an in vitro model of NE-induced oxidative damage, suggesting a cardioprotective role for BBE in response to NE exposure.

Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of blueberry ethanol extracts under microwave extraction

Blueberry extract contains diversiform monomers of anthocyanins, whose antioxidant activity determines the functionality of anthocyanidins and the efficacy of extraction technology. The evaluation of the antioxidant activity of anthocyanidins of blueberry ethanol extracts (BEE) was investigated by considering the monomers' identification and thermal degradation in microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Thirteen monomers of anthocyanins were identified from the extracts of blueberry under MAE, where the highest content was for cyanidin glycosides, and the lowest content was for the malvidin glycosides. The onset temperatures of degradation for anthocyanidins monomers in BEE were 41.07°C-48.50°C, and the glycoside contents of delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, peonidin, peonidin, and malvidin, in turn, decreased obviously. The degradation of anthocyanidins with extraction temperature improved, other than weakened, its antioxidant activities in BEE under MAE. The research results may provide valuable guidance for the antioxidant application of extracts from blueberry. Keywords: blueberry, anthocyanins, microwave-assisted extraction, extracts, monomer, antioxidant activity DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20221504.7114 Citation: Liu C H, Zhao X L, Wang Z, Zheng X Z, Xue L L, Liu C, et al. Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of blueberry ethanol extracts under microwave extraction. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2022; 15(4): 205–213.

Protective effect of anthocyanins on apoptosis of gastrocnemius muscle myocytes of rats after intense exercise

Currently, in sports medicine, much attention is paid to the prevention and treatment of delayed muscle soreness syndrome (DOMS), which occurs several hours or days after unusual or intense physical activity, as well as the state of athlete overtraining. One of the main pathogenetic factors in the development of this syndrome is myocyte ultrastructural damage with apoptosis activation. Therefore, using natural antioxidants in sports nutrition for the relief of this pathology is of particular relevance. The aim of the study was to study the effect of an anthocyanin-enriched diet on apoptosis of gastrocnemius muscle myocytes of rats after intense exercise. Material and methods. The experiment was carried out for 4 weeks on 4 groups of male Wistar rats (12 animals in each, initial body weight ~300 g). Animals were divided into groups of rats (groups 1 and 2), whose motor activity was limited by standard conditions for keeping animals in vivarium, and groups of physically active rats (groups 3 and 4), which received additional physical activity - treadmill training. Before the end of the experiment, the animals of groups 3 and 4 were given debilitating (until the rats refused to continue the exercise) physical activity on a treadmill. Rats of all four groups received a standard semi-synthetic diet, water ad libitum. Animals in groups 2 and 4 were additionally given blueberry and blackcurrant extract (30% anthocyanins) as part of the diet at a daily dose of 15 mg anthocyanins/kg body weight. The intensity of apoptosis of gastrocnemius muscle myocytes was studied by flow cytometry. Cells were stained with fluorochrome-conjugated annexin V and vital dye 7-aminoactinomycin. The results are presented as the percentage of intact cells and cells at different stages of apoptosis per 100 000 counted objects in each sample. Results. The enrichment of the diet of control group rats with blueberry and black currant extract did not have a significant effect on the relative content of intact cells and the studied parameters of apoptosis of gastrocnemius muscle myocytes of rats of the 2nd group. Intense physical activity in rats of the 3rd group led to a statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in the relative content of intact (live) cells compared with this indicator in rats of other groups (85.32±1.44 vs 90.87±0.66% - in the 1st group; 90.16±0.79% - in the 2nd group; 89.01±0.81% - in the 4th group, р<0.05). After intense physical activity in rats of the 3rd group, activation of apoptosis of gastrocnemius muscle myocytes was found, as evidenced by an increase in the relative content of objects in apoptosis compared with other groups (11.61±1.45 vs 7.88±0.60% - in the 1st group, р<0.05; 8.01±0.70% - in the 2nd group, p<0.10; 7.93±0.59% - in the 4th group р<0.05). Enrichment of the diet of exercise rats with blueberry and blackcurrant extract (4th group) had a protective effect on the intensity of the apoptosis process, the studied parameters did not differ significantly from those in rats of the control and the 2nd groups. Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the activation of the process of apoptosis of gastrocnemius muscle myocytes of rats after intense physical activity. Enrichment of rats' diet with anthocyanins from blueberry and black currant extracts ensures the restoration of the studied apoptosis parameters to the level of control group rats. In the control group of rats with normal physical activity, the addition of anthocyanins to the diet does not have a significant effect on the physiological process of apoptosis of gastrocnemius muscle myocytes. In this way, an evidence base for the effectiveness of the use of biologically active substances - anthocyanins - in sports nutrition for the restoration of skeletal muscles has been obtained.

Inhibitory effect and mechanism of various fruit extracts on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines and flavor changes in roast large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea)

The large yellow croaker ( Pseudosciaena crocea ) is one of the most commercially important marine fish in China and is a fixture at Chinese tables. Herein, we determined the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) in roasted yellow croaker and evaluated the inhibitory effect of natural fruits extracts (blueberry extract, acerola cherry extract and grape seed extract) on the formation of HAAs in roast yellow croaker. All the three fruit extracts treatments minimize the amount of HAAs and the addition of blueberries extracts is the most effective approach on reducing the total HAAs content, which caused a signification reduction of 94.85% and 71.15% of the Norhaman and PhIP content, respectively, led IQ, 8-MeIQX, 4,8-DiMeIQX below the detected limitation, compared to the control group. Furthermore, antioxidant index of fruits extracts, precursors (free amino acids, creatine, creatinine and glucose) of HAAs, lipid and protein oxidation, flavor changes are evaluated to determine the mechanism and physical/chemical changes of fruit extracts on the formation of HAAs. This research develops a new method to minimize the amount of HAAs, which is helpful to food manufacturers for the production of healthier yellow croaker products and may be applicable to various meat systems. • The formation of HAAs in roasted large yellow croaker was determined. • Various fruits extracts could inhibit HAAs in roast large yellow croaker. • Fruits extracts positively affected lipid/protein oxidation and content of precursors. • Flavor changes are introduced to determine the possible mechanism involved.

Structure and function of blueberry anthocyanins: A review of recent advances

• The structure, bioactivities and mechanisms of blueberry anthocyanins were reviewed. • The origin and classes of blueberries anthocyanins were systematically overviewed. • Biological activity, applications, and problems of anthocyanins were provided. Blueberry anthocyanins have received increasing attention for their remarkable antioxidant, vision improvement, anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular disease prevention properties. However, the application of blueberry anthocyanins is limited due to their instability and the difficulty in absorption and utilization by the human body. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the species of blueberry (genus Vaccinium ), the distribution of those species and the bioactivity of blueberry anthocyanins. Furthermore, the current review discusses the applications of blueberry anthocyanin-rich extracts, challenges in their application, and strategies to improve their bioavailability in the process of further development in the food and nutrition industry.

Mitochondria are involved in the combination of blueberry and apple peel extracts synergistically ameliorating the lifespan and oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Mitochondrial function is closely related to the body's oxidative stress level and lifespan. Our previous research demonstrated that the combination of blueberry extracts (BE) and apple peel extracts (APE) could synergistically promote the oxidative stress and lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the improvement of the oxidative stress and lifespan is involved in the regulation of mitochondrial function, and to explore its potential mechanisms. A model of nematode mitochondrial dysfunction was established using RNAi technology. The results showed that supplementation with BE plus APE could prolong the lifespan of RNAi(mev-1) C. elegans, and improve mitochondrial function, while there was no significant effect on RNAi(isp-1) C. elegans. In addition, treatment with BE plus APE could down-regulate the overexpression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in clk-1(e2519) mutants. Meanwhile, administration with BE plus APE abolished the extension of the lifespan of clk-1(e2519) mutants, and inhibited the expression of clk-1 downstream genes, including mev-1, isp-1, nuo-2, cco-1, cyc-1 and atp-3, thereby regulating the function of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and improving its oxidative stress ability to prolong the lifespan of nematodes. In short, the combination of BE and APE could improve the oxidative stress and extend the lifespan of nematodes via regulating mitochondrial function. This study provided a theoretical basis for exploring the role of mitochondrial function in regulating the body's oxidative stress level and aging process.

Physiological and biochemical evaluation of the effectiveness of a new food ingredient - blueberry polyphenol concentrate

Extracts from bilberry leaves and blueberries containing a wide range of biologically active compounds, including polyphenols, are of particular interest due to their antioxidant, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. In this regard, The aim of this research was to investigate in vivo the effect of a concentrate of blueberrie polyphenolic compounds with buckwheat flour on some physiological and biochemical parameters in C57Bl/6 mice with impaired carbohydrate and lipid metabolism induced by the consumption of a high fat high carbohydrate (HFHC) diet. Material and methods. The polyphenol concentrate was obtained by sorption of blueberry extract on grinded buckwheat flour. Total polyphenol content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method, profiles of anthocyanins, flavonoids and easily digested carbohydrates were determined by HPLC. An in vivo experiment was carried out using 84 male mice C57Bl/6 for 109 days. Animals were divided into 3 groups: control fed standard semisynthetic diet, control treated with HFHC diet and experimental group treated with HFHC diet with addition of blueberry polyphenol concentrate (60 mg-eq. of gallic acid/kg body weight). Food intake, body weight gain and fasting blood glucose levels were measured during the experiment. Grip strength of the front paws of the animals was measured weekly. Oral glucose tolerance and insulin resistance tests were carried out twice. Common physiological tests (Elevated Plus Maze and Passive Avoidance Test) were used to assess the anxiety and memory of animals. Glycated hemoglobin level was determined in blood, plasma was collected for leptin and insulin level determination. The hepatic levels of triglycerides and cholesterol were assessed. Results. The concentrate of polyphenols extracted from blueberries and sorbed on grinded buckwheat flour was obtained under conditions that made it possible to exclude the sorption of easily digested carbohydrates - glucose, fructose and sucrose on the flour. The total concentrate content of polyphenols was 65.5±0.7 mg-eq. gallic acid/g, anthocyanins - 27.3±2.7 mg/g, flavonoids - 1.2±0.1 mg/g. The consumption of the concentrate by C57Bl/6 male mice with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders induced by a HFHC diet had a significant (p<0.05) hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect, reducing the area under the curve in the insulin resistance test by 5.7% and decreasing the insulin and leptin levels by 31.3 and 15.9%, respectively (relative to the animals of comparison group fed HFHC diet). The consumption of the concentrate had a significant (p<0.05) anxiolytic effect, reducing the anxiety of animals by 2.2 times, as determined in the Elevated Plus Maze test. Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the prospects for using the developed blueberry polyphenol concentrate adsorbed on buckwheat flour as part of specialized foods for the prevention of such alimentary dependent diseases as metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes mellitus.

Effects of Natural Antimicrobials on Xanthomonas Strains Growth

The aim of this work was to investigate the most promising natural antimicrobials effective for the growth suppression of Xanthomonas spp. bacteria. The research objects were Xanthomonas spp. strains isolated from tubers and stem of plants growing in Lithuania: Xanthomonas translucens NRCIB X6, X. arboricola NRCIB X7, NRCIB X8, NRCIB X9, and NRCIB X10; the supernatants of lactic acid bacteria Lactococcus lactis strains 140/2, 57, and 768/5, Lactobacillus helveticus strains 14, 148/3, R, and 3, Lb. reuteri 3 and 7, Streptococcus thermophilus 43, Enterococcus faecium 59-30 and 41-2; endophytic bacterial strains Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Paenibacillus spp.; and essential oils of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), pine (Pinus sylvestris), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), peppermint (Mentha piperita), lemon (Citrus limetta), aqueous extracts of blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), and cranberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea). The antimicrobial activity of tested substances was determined by agar diffusion method. Supernatants of Lb. reuteri strain 7 and Lb. helveticus strains 14, R, 3, and 148/3 were found to have a high antimicrobial activity against Xanthomonas spp. bacteria strains when compared to the positive control—1.0% copper sulfate (diameter of inhibition zones was 28.8 ± 0.7 mm). The diameter of inhibition zones of supernatants ranged from 23.3 ± 0.6 mm to 32.0 ± 0.1 mm. Thyme (2.0%) and lavender (2.0%) essential oils inhibited the growth of Xanthomonas spp. strains. The diameter of the inhibition zones was from 14.7 ± 0.8 mm to 22.8 ± 0.9 mm. The aqueous extracts of blueberries had a weak antimicrobial activity. The diameter of inhibition zones ranged from 11.0 ± 0.2 mm to 13.0 ± 0.2 mm.

The impact of raspberry and blueberry extract on the microbial and lipid oxidative stability of calcium and chicken protein fortified composite chocolate

A study was carried out to improve the functional and nutritive value of a composite chocolate using plant and animal ingredients. The aim was to formulate a composite chocolate with a favorable nutritional profile, improved storage stability, and melting resistance and a reduced cariogenicity using chicken protein powder (CPP), plant extracts, animal fat, and calcium lactate, respectively. The products were analyzed for quality parameters on 0, 2, 4, and 6-months of storage (4 ± 1°C). The addition of optimum levels of CPP (10%), calcium lactate (1%), and animal fat (10%) increased both the calcium and protein contents by 93% and significantly (p < .05) decreased the fat and carbohydrate contents without any change in the cholesterol. The addition of up to 3% level of raspberry and blueberry extract significantly increased the antioxidant potential (DPPH-radical scavenging and total-phenolic content), lipid oxidative stability (TBARS and free-fatty acids), microbial and sensory quality of the products. Composite chocolate developed using both plant and animal ingredients improved the functional and nutritional value of the product. Novelty impact statement The aim of the study was to formulate chocolate with a favorable nutritional profile, improved storage stability and melting resistance, and reduced cariogenicity using animal and plant ingredients.

Effects of blueberry extract co-microencapsulation on the survival of Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Probiotics are used as dietary supplements with beneficial health effects mainly due to modulating the human intestinal microbiota, although they must withstand adverse environmental conditions and arrive at the target site in sufficient quantities. Co-microencapsulating alternative compounds such as those extracted from blueberries, besides enriching the phytochemical microcapsules, protect the probiotic cells of Lactobacillus rhamnosus. The microcapsules were produced by spray drying using the concentrations of 0% (control; Microencapsulated-0%), 10% (Microencapsulated-10%), 50% (Microencapsulated-50%), and 100% (Microencapsulated-100%) of blueberry extract in relation to the total volume (100 mL). The L. rhamnosus release profile of the microcapsules after exposure to the simulated gastrointestinal system increased at 100% concentration with intestinal counts of 6.97 log CFU/g, while the lowest survival rate was observed using ME-50%. The microcapsules also showed improved thermal resistance compared to free cells, and the ones with 100% extract (ME-100%) had better protective effects. In addition, co-microencapsulation increased the storage stability of probiotics with stability of up to 14 days at −18 °C. In short, this study demonstrates that the co-microencapsulation of the blueberry extract provided positive effects on L. rhamnosus survival and demonstrates its promising application in food.

Alaskan Bog Blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) Extract as an Innovative Topical Approach to Prevent UV-Induced Skin Damage

Our body is continuously exposed to various exogenous aggressors, and, in particular, the skin represents the main target for outdoor stressors, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV exposure is well-known to be associated with the development/worsening of extrinsic photoaging and a multitude of skin conditions. Considering the role of photoprotection in skin health, the research of natural photoprotective molecules becomes of great importance. Therefore, in this work we wanted to evaluate the beneficial protective effects of ripe berries of Vaccinium uliginosum (Alaska bog blueberry (BB)) extract (100 μg/mL) for preventing the cutaneous oxidative, inflammatory, and structural damage induced by exposure to 200 mJ of UVA/UVB radiation. We observed that the topical application of BB extract on human ex vivo skin explants averted the UV-induced cutaneous OxInflammatory phenomenon by quenching the increase in the oxidative and inflammatory marker levels, such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE), heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR); as well as by counteracting the loss of structural proteins (filaggrin and involucrin) induced by UV radiation. Our data propose the use of a topical application of Alaska bog blueberry extract as a natural and valuable approach to ensure photoprotection against UV-induced skin damage and premature aging.

Selective in vitro anticancer effect of blueberry extract (Vaccinium virgatum) against C6 rat glioma: exploring their redox status.

The aim of this study was to investigate the anticancer potential of blueberry extract (Vaccinium virgatum) against a C6 rat glioma lineage. Cultures of the C6 cells were exposed to blueberry extract at concentrations of 50 to 600µg/mL for 12, 24, 48, or 72h and then evaluated for cell viability, proliferation, migration, colony formation and oxidative stress. We also evaluated the effects of blueberry extract on primary rat cortical astrocytes. Our results show that treatment with blueberry extract did not alter the viability or proliferation of normal primary astrocytes but it did significantly reduce the viability in 21.54 % after 48h and proliferation in 8.59 % after 24h of C6 cells at 200µg/mL. We also observed a reduction in the size of the colonies of 29.99 % at 100µg/mL when compared to the control cells and cell migration was also reduced at 50µg/mL. After 72h, there was a reduction in the reactive oxygen species levels ranging from 46.26 to 34.73 %, in addition to a 380.2 % increase in total thiol content. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase activities were also enhanced when compared to the control. Taken together this data suggests that blueberry extract exerts some selective anticancer activity in C6 glioma cells.

Enhancement on antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Brightwell blueberry by extraction and purification

A blueberry anthocyanin extract was obtained from Brightwell blueberry fruits cultivated in eastern China and the extraction and purification conditions were optimized. The components of the anthocyanin extract were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization interface-mass spectrometer. The antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the blueberry fruit supernatant (BFS), blueberry anthocyanin crude extract (BCE), and blueberry anthocyanin rich extract (BRE) were evaluated. The extraction yield was 1.79 ± 0.0014 mg/g under the following optimal conditions: 1:20 solid-to-liquid ratio (v/w), 24 h, 34 °C, and 90% ethanol containing 0.21% (v/v) hydrochloric acid. With regard to purification, anthocyanin purity increased 19.1-fold. Nine fractions were identified as the glycosides of delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, and malvidin. The biological activities of the blueberry anthocyanin extract were improved through extraction and purification. Compared with BFS and BCE, BRE had a higher DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 0.51 mg/mL), ABTS antioxidant capacity (EC50 = 0.32 mg/mL), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (0.43 mmol Trolox/g). Furthermore, BRE (2 mg/mL) showed a maximum of 84.64 ± 0.35% reduction in the biofilm biomass of Listeria monocytogenes and the inhibition zone given by BRE against Escherichia coli was 16.04 ± 0.38 mm. BRE showed the highest antioxidant capacities and obvious antibacterial effects against food-related microorganisms than the other samples. Therefore, BRE can be used as a natural antioxidant and antibacterial agent and has potential health advantages and food industry applications.

Development of pork and shrimp freshness monitoring labels based on starch/polyvinyl alcohol matrices and anthocyanins from 14 plants: A comparative study

Anthocyanins were extracted from 14 plants including blackberry, blueberry, black eggplant, black plum, black soybean, cranberry, Chinese bayberry, grape, haskap berry, Lycium ruthenicum, mulberry, purple cabbage, purple rice and purple sweetpotato. The obtained anthocyanins-rich extracts were immobilized in starch/polyvinyl alcohol matrices to develop intelligent packaging labels for pork and shrimp freshness monitoring. Results showed the total phenolic content and total anthocyanin content of 14 plant extracts were 156.84–423.89 mg/g and 34.15–228.62 mg/g, respectively. Micro-structural characterization revealed the extracts interacted with matrices through hydrogen bonding, which slightly increased the crystallinity of labels. The extracts made labels turned violet, bluish violet, or brown. Meanwhile, the UV–Vis light blocking, antioxidant and pH-dependent color-changing abilities of labels were also elevated by extracts. Among all the labels, the label with haskap berry extract presented the highest light blocking ability, while the label with blackberry extract or blueberry extract exhibited the highest antioxidant ability. Moreover, the label with purple cabbage extract was suitable for pork freshness monitoring while the label with black eggplant peel extract or Lycium ruthenicum extract was suitable for shrimp freshness monitoring. Therefore, the micro-structural, optical, antioxidant and pH-sensitive properties of anthocyanins-rich labels were greatly influenced by the source of anthocyanins.

Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2 and Blueberry Phytophenols Affect Lipidome and Gut Microbiota Composition of Rats Under High-Fat Diet.

Obesity is considered a primary contributing factor in the development of many diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses. Phytochemical-rich foods, associated to healthy gastrointestinal microbiota, have been shown to reduce obesity and associated comorbidities. In the present article, we describe the effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2 and blueberry extracts (BB) on the gut microbiota and lipid profile of rats under a high-fat (HF) or low-calorie (LC) diet. L. johnsonii was found to increase the levels of long chain fatty acids (LCFA) in the serum of all animals under HF diet, while reduced LCFA concentrations were observed in the adipose tissue of animals under HF diet supplemented with BB extracts. All animals under HF diet also showed lower protein levels of SREBP1 and SCAP when treated with L. johnsonii. The gut microbiota diversity, β-diversity was significantly changed by L. johnsonii in the presence of BB. A significant reduction in α-diversity was observed in the ileum of animals under HF diet supplemented with L. johnsonii and BB, while increased α-diversity was observed in the ilium of animals under LC diet supplemented with L. johnsonii or BB. In summary, L. johnsonii and BB supplementation induced significant changes in gut microbiota diversity and lipid metabolism. The phospholipids pool was the lipidome component directly affected by the interventions. The ileum and colon microbiota showed clear differences depending on the diet and the treatments examined.

Evaluation Of The Mutagenic Potential Of The Polyphenol Extract From Blueberries In The Ames Test

In this research, mutagenic properties of blueberry polyphenol extract were studied in gene mutation induction test (Ames test) on four strains of Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537. None of the strains of Salmonella typhimurium showed statistically reliable dose-dependent increase in number of revertant colonies in the presence of investigated drug in the studied dose range from 4,0 to 40,0 mg/ml relative to baseline of spontaneous mutations. The blueberry extract does not have any mutagenic activity in the researched dose range in relation to TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537 strains of Salmonella typhimurium.

Incorporation of Natural Blueberry, Red Grapes and Parsley Extract By-Products into the Production of Chitosan Edible Films.

The aim of the research was to produce edible packaging based on chitosan with the addition of various concentrations of extracts of blueberry, red grape and parsley marcs. Packaging was made from extrudate extracts, which were subsequently analyzed by physicochemical methods: zeta-potential, gas barrier properties, thickness, water content, solubility, swelling degree, textural properties, total polyphenol content (TPC), polyphenols by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), antioxidant activity, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-Transform spectroscopy (FTIR), antimicrobial activity and determination of migration of bioactive substances. The results indicate that a higher content of plant extracts have a statistically significant (p < 0.05) influence on properties of experimentally produced edible films. Edible films produced with the highest concentrations of red grapes marc extracts showed the most advantageous properties since antimicrobial activity against E. coli were the highest in this kind of produced film. The physical properties of edible films were also improved by the addition of extracts; gas permeability toward oxygen can be defined as advantageous, as can swelling degree, which decreased with higher concentrations of extracts. The research emphasized the possibility to use plant foodstuffs by-products in the production of edible/biodegradable films, helping in the overall sustainability and eco-friendliness of food/package production.