Cranberry Powder Research Articles

Effects of dietary consumption of cranberry powder on metabolic parameters in growing rats fed high fructose diets

The effect of dietary consumption of a cranberry powder (CP) containing increased amounts of procyanidins and other phytochemicals on metabolic parameters associated with metabolic syndrome was investigated in growing rats fed a high fructose diet. Dietary treatments were control (starch based), high fructose (HF), and HF containing either 3.3, 6.6, or 33 g CP/kg diet. Fasting plasma glucose and triglycerides tended to be higher with HF feeding and were reduced by feeding CP. The area under curve following an oral glucose tolerance test was 35-50% higher in animals fed HF diet vs. control and was decreased to control levels by the low or medium but not high CP diet. Feeding CP tended to lower fasting plasma insulin. Homeostatic models of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-BCF) were lowest in animals fed low or medium CP diets (p < 0.05). Rats fed the control starch diet had slightly higher food intake, final body weight, and abdominal fat compared to animals fed other diets. Kidney weight was higher in HF group and feeding CP decreased kidney weight to normal levels. In the fed state, plasma triglyceride was increased with HF diet, whereas insulin was lower in animals fed HF diet. Overall, inclusion of CP in the diet was effective in modulating some aspects of metabolic parameters associated with metabolic syndrome and the medium level of CP in the diet produced a better response than the lower and higher CP levels.

Procyanidin Composition of Selected Fruits and Fruit Byproducts Is Affected by Extraction Method and Variety

Fruits and fruit byproducts are rich sources of polyphenols, including procyanidins, which are known to have numerous potential health benefits. This study investigated if varietal differences existed in the procyanidin composition of grape seed and if soaking in extraction solvent overnight prior to extraction improved the recovery of procyanidins from grape seed, grape pomace, and blueberry and cranberry powders. Riesling contained the highest amount of procyanidins, including the lower molecular weight monomers and dimers, followed by Chardonnay (60%), whereas Merlot contained much lower levels (14%) of individual and total procyanidins. A modified method of extraction whereby selected fruits and fruit byproducts were soaked in the extraction solvent overnight before the extraction process was begun increased procyanidins extracted by 24-100% from grape seeds and by 0-30% with berry procyanidin sources. The results indicate a wide variation in the procyanidin contents among different varieties of grape seeds that could have implications in the selection of procyanidin-rich germplasm. Soaking samples in the extraction solvent for 16 h resulted in increased procyanidins extracted and thus higher calculated concentrations in the food samples tested.

Effects of cranberry powder on serum lipid profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress in rats fed an atherogenic diet

This study investigated that the antioxidative effect of freeze-dried cranberry powder against protein and lipid oxidation and ameliorative effect of serum lipid profile in rat fed atherogenic diet. Six weeks old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following four groups: normal diet group with 5% corn oil (control), atherogenic diet group with 5% corn oil, 10% lard, 1% cholesterol, and 0.5% sodium cholate (HFC), atherogenic plus 2% cranberry powder diet group (HFC + C2), and atherogenic plus 5% cranberry powder diet group (HFC + C5), and respective diet and water were fed daily for 6 weeks. After the experimental period, the serum lipid profile, such as total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), plasma phenolics content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, serum protein carbonyl and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were examined. Total phenolic compound and total flavonoid levels in freeze-dried cranberry powder were 9.94 mg/g and 8.12 mg/g, respectively. Serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were not significantly different for cranberry powder treatment, but serum HDL-cholesterol level was significantly increased in HFC + C5 group compared with HFC group. Plasma FRAP value tended to be increased by cranberry powder treatment though there was no significant difference. Plasma total phenol concentrations and SOD activities were not significantly different among all groups. Serum protein carbonyl and TBARS levels were significantly decreased in HFC + C5 group compared with HFC group. Overall results suggested that freeze-dried cranberry powder might have the serum lipid improving effect, as well as antioxidative effect demonstrated by its protective effect against protein and lipid oxidation.

Melatonin and Cranberry Attenuate Infection-induced Apoptotic Renal Damage in a Vesicoureteral Reflux Rabbit Model

Purpose: We evaluated the protective effects of melatonin and cranberry on infection-induced renal damage in a rabbit model of vesicoureteral reflux(VUR). Materials and Methods: Thirty-six New Zealand male rabbits were divided into the following 5 groups: 1) control, 2) VUR, 3) E. coli, 4) cranberry, and 5) melatonin. After creating unilateral VUR, infection was induced by intravesical instillation of an E. coli suspension. Cranberry powder was supplied with the feed. Melatonin was injected into the peritoneal cavity. Three weeks after surgery, the rabbits were sacrificed, and the kidneys were extirpated and examined histopathologically to evaluate inflammation, fibrosis, and tubular changes. Apoptosis in the renal tissue was assessed with a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(TdT)-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate(dUTP) in situ nick-end labeling(TUNEL) study. Results: Grossly, the refluxing kidney was larger than the contralateral normal kidney, and the refluxing ureter was dilated and tortuous. Microscopic examination of the kidneys from the E. coli group showed an apparent periglomerular mononuclear cell infiltration, tubular dilatation and atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis. The kidneys from the reflux, cranberry, and melatonin groups showed mild mononuclear cell infiltration without interstitial fibrosis. The mean number of apoptotic cells in the kidneys of the E. coli group was significantly higher than that in the control, cranberry, and melatonin groups(p＜0.05), but there was no significant difference between the cranberry and the melatonin groups. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the balance of apoptotic activity may play a key role in the development of reflux nephropathy. Melatonin and cranberry may prevent infection-induced renal damage by attenuating apoptosis.

Cranberry Products Inhibit Adherence of P-Fimbriated Escherichia Coli to Primary Cultured Bladder and Vaginal Epithelial Cells

Cranberry proanthocyanidins have been identified as possible inhibitors of Escherichia coli adherence to uroepithelial cells. However, little is known about the dose range of this effect. Furthermore, it has not been studied directly in the urogenital system. To address these issues we tested the effect of a cranberry powder and proanthocyanidin extract on adherence of a P-fimbriated uropathogenic E. coli isolate to 2 new urogenital model systems, namely primary cultured bladder epithelial cells and vaginal epithelial cells. E. coli IA2 was pre-incubated with a commercially available cranberry powder (9 mg proanthocyanidin per gm) or with increasing concentrations of proanthocyanidin extract. Adherence of E. coli IA2 to primary cultured bladder epithelial cells or vaginal epithelial cells was measured before and after exposure to these products. Cranberry powder decreased mean adherence of E. coli IA2 to vaginal epithelial cells from 18.6 to 1.8 bacteria per cell (p <0.001). Mean adherence of E. coli to primary cultured bladder epithelial cells was decreased by exposure to 50 mug/ml proanthocyanidin extract from 6.9 to 1.6 bacteria per cell (p <0.001). Inhibition of adherence of E. coli by proanthocyanidin extract occurred in linear, dose dependent fashion over a proanthocyanidin concentration range of 75 to 5 mug/ml. Cranberry products can inhibit E. coli adherence to biologically relevant model systems of primary cultured bladder and vaginal epithelial cells. This effect occurs in a dose dependent relationship. These findings provide further mechanistic evidence and biological plausibility for the role of cranberry products for preventing urinary tract infection.

Protective effects of cranberry on infection-induced oxidative renal damage in vesicoureteral reflux in a rabbit model

Purpose We evaluated the protective effects of cranberry, which is known as a fruit with anti-oxidative function, on infection-induced oxidative renal damage in rabbits with experimental VUR. Material and methods A total of 36 New Zealand male rabbits were divided into 5 groups. VUR was created by incising the roof of the left intravesical ureter and confirmed 2 weeks after operation. Infection was induced by intravesical instillation of 2 ml of E. coli suspension (105 E. coli in 1 ml). Cranberry powder (1 g/kg/day) was supplied with feed during the experimental period. Melatonin was injected into the peritoneal cavity immediately after operation and every week. 3 weeks after operation the rabbits were sacrificed and the kidneys obtained. Oxidative renal damage was evaluated by measuring malondialdehyde in the renal tissue. Group procedure control (n=4) Shamp operation sterile (n=8) VUR + sterile urine E.coli (n=8) VUR + infected urine cranberry (n=8) VUR + infected urine + cranberry melatonin (n=8) VUR + infected urine + melatonin Results The kidneys from E. coli group showed apparent periglomerular mononuclear cell infiltration, tubular dilatation and atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis. The kidneys from the reflux, cranberry and melatonin group showed mild mononuclear cell infiltration without interstitial fibrosis. The level of malondialdehyde in the E. coli group was significantly higher than that in the control, cranberry and melatonin group (p group Mean MDA ± SD (μM/gm) control 3.01±1.41 sterile 3.97±1.52 E. coli 5.12±1.54∗ cranberry 3.47±1.34 melatonin 2.69±0.97 Conclusions This study demonstrates that cranberry has an anti-inflammatory effect by anti-oxidative function and may prevent infection-induced oxidative renal damage. Thus clinically cranberry may be used for a beneficial adjuvant treatment to prevent renal damage due to pyelonephritis in children with VUR.

Protective Effects of Cranberry on Infection-induced Oxidative Renal Damage in a Vesicoureteral Reflux Rabbit Model

Purpose: We evaluated the protective effects of cranberry, which is known as a fruit with anti-oxidative effects, on infection-induced oxidative renal damage with using a rabbit vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) model. Materials and Methods: New Zealand male rabbits were divided into 5 groups (the control group, VUR group, E. coli group, cranberry group and melatonin group). VUR was created and confirmed at 2 weeks after the operation. Infection was induced by intravesical instillation of an E. coli suspension. Cranberry powder was supplied with the feed. Melatonin was injected into the peritoneal cavity. The rabbit kidneys were obtained 3 weeks after the operation. Histopathologic examination was performed to evaluate for inflammation, fibrosis and the tubular change. The oxidative renal damage was evaluated by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) in the renal tissue. Results: Grossly, the refluxing kidney was larger than the contralateral normal kidney and the refluxing ureter was dilated and tortuous. The microscopic observation of the kidneys from the E. coli group showed apparent periglomerular mononuclear cell infiltration, tubular dilatation and atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis. The kidneys from the reflux group, cranberry group and melatonin group showed mild mononuclear cell infiltration without interstitial fibrosis. The MDA level in the kidneys of the E. coli group was significantly higher than that in the control, cranberry and melatonin groups (p<0.05). The MDA level in the cranberry and melatonin groups didn't significantly differ from that in the sterile group. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that cranberry has an anti-inflammatory effect due to an anti-oxidative function and it may prevent infection-induced oxidative renal damage. But application of cranberry in children with VUR needs more clinical studies. (Korean J Urol 2007;48: 536-541)

ABILITY OF VARIOUS POLYPHENOLIC CLASSES FROM CRANBERRY TO INHIBIT LIPID OXIDATION IN MECHANICALLY SEPARATED TURKEY AND COOKED GROUND PORK

ABSTRACT The ability of the components of cranberry powder to inhibit lipid oxidation processes in mechanically separated turkey (MST) and cooked ground pork was assessed. Fractions (Fr.) enriched in phenolic acids (Fr. 1), anthocyanins (Fr. 2), flavonols (Fr. 3 and 4) and proanthocyanidins (Fr. 5 and 6) were prepared. Fr. 4 showed the greatest inhibitory effect on lipid oxidation in cooked pork (81% inhibition), followed by Fr. 3, 2, 5, 1 and 6 of 56, 45 ,46, 26 and 22%, respectively, during storage at 2C. Fr. 4 was also the most effective fraction in inhibiting thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation in MST. Fr. 4 was found to partition into lipid phases more readily than the other fractions. Ethanol was the most effective carrier solvent of polyphenolics compared to propylene glycol and water as carriers. Quercetin, a nonglycosylated flavonol present in cranberry powder, inhibited lipid oxidation in MST at low concentrations. These results suggest that flavonol aglycones were the most effective in inhibiting lipid oxidation compared to the other classes of polyphenolics.

SYNERGISM OF CRANBERRY PHENOLICS WITH ELLAGIC ACID AND ROSMARINIC ACID FOR ANTIMUTAGENIC AND DNA PROTECTION FUNCTIONS

Several studies have shown the antimutagenic DNA protective functions of some naturally occurring phenolic phytochemicals. Emerging research also indicates that synergistic functionality of these phytochemicals in whole foods benefits the management of many diseases. Here we have investigated the potential antimutagenic properties of cranberry phenolics, ellagic acid (EA), rosmarinic acid (RA) and their synergistic interactions on enhancing antimutagenic properties in Salmonella typhimurium tester system against mutagens sodium azide and N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. Ability of these phytochemical treatments to protect oxidative damage to DNA was also investigated using the supercoiled DNA strand scission assay. Results showed that EA was most effective in inhibiting the mutations in S. typhimurium system, whereas RA and EA were equally effective in protecting the DNA from oxidative damage. Results also showed that the antimutagenic functionality of cranberry powder (CP) made from juice extracts was significantly enhanced when 30% (w/w) of phenolics in CP was substituted with RA and EA possibly because of synergistic redox modulation that can influence mutagen function. It is also suggested that the synergistic mixture of cranberry phenolics with RA could also be protecting the cell from mutations by modulating DNA repair systems.

Inhibition of hemoglobin-mediated lipid oxidation in washed fish muscle by cranberry components

Fractions enriched in phenolic acids (Fraction 1), anthocyanins (Fraction 2), flavonols (Fractions 3 and 4) and proanthocyanidins (Fractions 5 and 6) were prepared from cranberry powder using Sephadex LH-20 chromatography. Fractions 2, 3, 4, and 5 had nearly equivalent reactivity in the total phenolate assay employed per mg dry weight of each fraction while Fractions 1 and 6 were less reactive. The ability of cranberry fractions to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals as well as their inhibitory effects on hemoglobin (Hb)-mediated lipid oxidation in washed cod muscle were assessed. Addition of cranberry fractions at a level of 74 μmol quercetin equivalents per kg of washed cod muscle extended the induction time of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation in the order: Fraction 1, Fraction 3, Fraction 4 > Fraction 2 > Fraction 5 > Fraction 6. This suggests that oligomeric polyphenols (e.g., proanthocyanidins) were least effective at inhibiting Hb-mediated lipid oxidation in washed cod muscle compared to the other classes of polyphenolics in cranberry. The ability of the different cranberry fractions to scavenge DPPH radicals did not reflect their relative ability to inhibit lipid oxidation in the washed cod muscle system. Quercetin was tentatively identified as a component in cranberry that was especially effective at inhibiting Hb-mediated lipid oxidation. The ability of flavonol and proanthocyanidin-enriched fractions to inhibit Hb-mediated lipid oxidation in spite of efforts to wash away the added polyphenolics prior to Hb addition indicated these classes of polyphenolics had binding affinities for insoluble components of washed cod muscle.

High vitamin E and selenium elevate, whereas diphenyl-para-phenylenediamine plus caffeine lowers liver fat in alcohol-fed rats

We have previously produced a robust model of ethanol addiction in rats using a high-fat, alcohol-containing diet. Substitution of carbohydrate for fat in this diet greatly ameliorated the deleterious effect of alcohol, particularly the accompanying fatty liver. In the present study, we examined the role of certain antioxidants when added to the addictive, high-fat, alcohol-containing diet. Antioxidants such as vitamin E, diphenyl-para-phenylenediamine, and selenium, as well as cranberry powder and soy protein have been shown to prevent oxidative stress that can lead to cell death. The liver is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress because of excessive fat accumulation subsequent to insults such as high-fat diets and/or alcohol abuse. Because caffeine has been shown to reduce body fat accumulation in mice, this drug was also included in some experiments, either combined with or separate from antioxidant-enriched diets. It was observed that high doses of vitamin E and of selenium significantly increased liver fat accumulation in rats fed the alcohol-containing diet. Diphenyl-para-phenylenediamine combined with caffeine significantly reduced liver fat accumulation. Neither soy protein nor cranberry powder exerted significant effects on the alcohol-induced fatty liver. These observations indicate that high doses of vitamin E and selenium may be deleterious to liver function especially in the presence of high-fat diets and/or alcohol consumption.

Cranberry synergies for dietary management of Helicobacter pylori infections

Cranberry and its products are important components of the cranberry processing industry and have historically been associated with positive health benefits such as preventing urinary tract infections. These health benefits are associated with phenolic phytochemicals in the juice which are now known to have potential for inhibition of development and progression of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Helicobacter pylori is an important human pathogen linked to peptic ulcer and now to cardiovascular diseases. Control of this pathogen using synthetic antimicrobials such as currently approved antibiotics has limitations due to potential development of resistance and low compliance. We believe a profile of antimicrobials compared to a single compound could be potentially more effective in managing H. pylori infections. We have investigated the effect of cranberry, blueberry and grape seed extracts on inhibiting H. pylori have been investigated. The ability of blueberry, grape seed and oregano extract on enhancing the antioxidant and anti- H. pylori activity of cranberry powder in a mixture was also investigated. The anti- H. pylori activity of the cranberry fruit extracts and their synergies correlated with antioxidant activity and the presence of biphenyls as well as polyphenolic phytochemicals. The anti- H. pylori activity of cranberry juice extract was significantly improved by its synergistic blending with blueberry, grape seed and oregano extract. The lower efficacy of purified phenolics in inhibiting H. pylori compared with fruit powder at similar dosage levels suggests a synergistic mode of functionality of these individual phenolics in whole food background. Consumption of blends of fruit juices with other fruit as well as herb extracts can impart unique functional attributes and could be an effective strategy in developing diet-based management of H. pylori infections as well as other oxidation linked diseases.

Characterization of flavonols in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) powder.

Flavonoids were extracted from cranberry powder with acetone and ethyl acetate and subsequently fractionated with Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. The fraction eluted with a 60% methanol solution was composed primarily of phenolic constituents with maximum absorbance at 340 nm. A high-performance liquid chromatography procedure was developed, which resolved 22 distinct peaks with UV/vis and mass spectra corresponding to flavonol glycoside conjugates. Six new constituents not previously reported in cranberry or in cranberry products were determined through NMR spectroscopy to be myricetin-3-beta-xylopyranoside, quercetin-3-beta-glucoside, quercetin-3-alpha-arabinopyranoside, 3'-methoxyquercetin-3-alpha-xylopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-(6' '-p-coumaroyl)-beta-galactoside, and quercetin-3-O-(6' '-benzoyl)-beta-galactoside. Quercetin-3-O-(6' '-p-coumaroyl)-beta-galactoside and quercetin-3-O-(6' '-benzoyl)-beta-galactoside represent a new class of cranberry flavonol compounds with three conjugated components consisting of a flavonol, sugar, and carboxylic acid (benzoic or hydroxycinnamic acids). This is also the first report identifying quercetin-3-arabinoside in both furanose and pyranose forms in cranberry. Elucidation of specific flavonol glycosides in cranberry is significant since the specificity of the sugar moiety may play a role in the bioavailability of the flavonol glycosides in vivo.