Blackcurrant Extract Research Articles

No Effects of Different Doses of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Cardiovascular Responses During Rest and Submaximal Exercise Across a Week in Trained Male Cyclists.

Supplementation with anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant increases blood flow, cardiac output, and stroke volume at rest. It is not known whether cardiovascular responses can be replicated over longer timeframes in fed trained cyclists. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, 13 male trained cyclists (age 39 ± 10 years, V˙O2max 55.3 ± 6.7ml·kg-1·min-1) consumed two doses of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract (300 and 600mg/day for 1 week). Cardiovascular parameters were measured during rest and submaximal cycling (65% V˙O2max) on day 1 (D1), D4, and D7. Data were analyzed with an RM ANOVA using dose (placebo vs. 300 vs. 600mg/day) by time point (D1, D4, and D7). Outcomes from placebo were averaged to determine the coefficient of variation within our experimental model, and 95% confidence interval (CI) was examined for differences between placebo and NZBC. There were no differences in cardiovascular responses at rest between conditions and between days. During submaximal exercise, no positive changes were observed on D1 and D4 after consuming NZBC extract. On D7, intake of 600mg increased stroke volume (3.08ml, 95% CI [-2.08, 8.26]; d = 0.16, p = .21), cardiac output (0.39L/min, 95% CI [-1.39, .60]; d = 0.14, p = .40) (both +2.5%), and lowered total peripheral resistance by 6.5% (-0.46mmHg·min/ml, 95% CI [-1.80, .89]; d = 0.18, p = .46). However, these changes were trivial and fell within the coefficient of variation of our study design. Therefore, we can conclude that NZBC extract was not effective in enhancing cardiovascular function during rest and submaximal exercise in endurance-trained fed cyclists.

Daily and Not Every-Other-Day Intake of Anthocyanin-Rich New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract Alters Substrate Oxidation during Moderate-Intensity Walking in Adult Males

Daily intake of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract can enhance exercise-induced fat oxidation. It is not known whether habitual dietary anthocyanin intake and body composition affects blackcurrant-induced fat oxidation or even if daily intake is required. We examined effects of daily and every-other-day intake of NZBC extract on metabolic and physiological responses during moderate-intensity walking. Sixteen physically active males (age: 24 ± 6 yr, body mass: 78 ± 16 kg, BMI: 24.7 ± 4.2 kg·m −2, body fat: 15.2 ± 5.0%) volunteered. A randomized, cross-over design with a control condition was used and habitual dietary anthocyanin intake quantified. For intake conditions, participants consumed two capsules of NZBC extract (i.e. 210 mg of anthocyanins, CurraNZ™) with breakfast daily or every-other-day for 14 days (14-D and 14-EOD) with 14-days washout. Final two capsules were taken 2-hr before the walk (speed: 5.7 ± 0.7 km·hr−1). There was a trend for lower respiratory exchange ratio and carbohydrate oxidation with changes only for 14-D. Fat oxidation was increased only for 14-D (p < 0.05) with 50% of the participants more than a 10% change. In 14-D, there was a positive correlation for BMI and body fat % with the absolute change in fat oxidation but not with habitual dietary anthocyanin intake. Daily intake of NZBC extract is required to enhance exercise-induced fat oxidation. Enhanced exercise-induced fat oxidation by daily intake of NZBC extract is related to body composition but not to habitual dietary anthocyanin intake in physically active males. Daily anthocyanin intake seems to be required to allow the gradual build-up and maintenance of anthocyanin-derived metabolites that are required to alter mechanisms for exercise-induced substrate oxidation.

Effect of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Isometric Contraction-Induced Fatigue and Recovery: Potential Muscle-Fiber Specific Effects.

New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract has shown performance-enhancing effects during cycling, running and sport climbing. We examined effects of NZBC extract on (1) voluntary and twitch force of the quadriceps femoris muscles during repeated isometric contraction-induced fatigue, (2) twitch force during recovery and (3) muscle fiber-specific effects. Familiarized recreationally active males (n = 12, age: 24 ± 5 yrs; height: 180 ± 5 cm; body mass: 89 ± 11 kg) performed sixteen, 5-s voluntary maximal isometric contractions (iMVC) separated by 3-s rest. Twitch force was recorded before, during the 3-s rests and 5-min recovery. Supplementation consisted of 7-days intake of NZBC extract (600 mg∙day−1 containing 210 mg anthocyanin) in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design with a 14-days washout. NZBC extract allowed for greater force in the first quartile of the iMVCs. Twitch force at baseline was 12% higher with NZBC extract (p = 0.05). However, there was no effect of NZBC for twitch force during the 16-iMVCs and recovery. Based on the maximum post-activation potentiation during the placebo 16-iMVCs, four subjects were classified of having a predominant type I or II muscle fiber typology. In type II, NZBC extract provided a trend for increased MVC force (~14%) in the first quartile and for type I in the fourth quartile (~10%). In type I, NZBC extract seemed to have higher twitch forces during the fatiguing exercise protocol and recovery, indicating increased fatigue resistance. New Zealand blackcurrant extract affects force during repeated maximal isometric contractions. Future work on mechanisms by NZBC extract for muscle fiber-specific fatigue-induced force responses is warranted.

Linear and non-linear optical properties of gelatin membranes doped with photoresponsive berries extracts

Natural extracts were successfully used as doping agents for the preparation of solutions, thin films and membranes in order to improve the optical properties of various polymers. The purpose of the present research is to develop polymeric membranes made of photoresponsive natural extracts and lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) by solution casting method. To achieve this, bilberry and blackcurrant extracts were successfully incorporated into gelatin/glycerine/lithium perchlorate (GEL/GLY/LiClO4) mixtures at different concentrations. The prepared membranes were characterized from structural point of view using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Moreover, their hydrophilic/hydrophobic character was evaluated by the contact angle measurement. Their nonlinear optical properties were investigated by the optical third harmonic generation technique, and the results showed a potential use of membranes as integral part for the manufacture of optoelectronic devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

No Effects of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Physiological and Performance Responses in Trained Male Cyclists Undertaking Repeated Testing across a Week Period.

Anthocyanin supplements are receiving attention due to purported benefits to physiological, metabolic, and exercise responses in trained individuals. However, the efficacy of anthocyanin intake over multiple testing days is not known. We compared a placebo and two doses of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract (300 and 600 mg·day−1) on plasma lactate, substrate oxidation, and 16.1 km time trial (TT) performance on three occasions over 7-days in a fed state (day 1 (D1), D4, and D7). Thirteen male cyclists participated in a randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled double-blind design. There was no difference in plasma lactate and substrate oxidation between conditions and between days. A time difference was observed between D1 (1701 ± 163 s) and D4 (1682 ± 162 s) for 600 mg (p = 0.05), with an increment in average speed (D1 = 34.3 ± 3.4 vs. D4 = 34.8 ± 3.4 km·h−1, p = 0.04). However, there was no difference between the other days and between conditions. Overall, one week of intake of NZBC extract did not affect physiological and metabolic responses. Intake of 600 mg of NZBC extract showed inconsistent benefits in improving 16.1 km time trial performance over a week period in trained fed cyclists.

Short-term, but not acute, intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract improves insulin sensitivity and free-living postprandial glucose excursions in individuals with overweight or obesity

Impaired postprandial glucose handling and low-grade systemic inflammation are risk factors for developing insulin resistance in individuals with overweight or obesity. Acute ingestion of anthocyanins improves postprandial glucose responses to a single carbohydrate-rich meal under strictly controlled conditions.PurposeExamine whether acute and short-term supplementation with anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract can improve postprandial glucose responses to mixed-macronutrient meals.MethodsTwenty-five overweight (BMI > 25 kg m2) sedentary individuals participated in one of the following double-blinded, randomised controlled trials: (1) ingestion of 600 mg NZBC extract or placebo prior to consumption of a high-carbohydrate, high-fat liquid meal (n = 12); (2) 8-days supplementation with NZBC extract (600 mg day−1) or placebo, with insulin sensitivity and markers of inflammation assessed on day-7, and free-living postprandial glucose (continuous glucose monitoring) assessed on day-8 (n = 13).ResultsA single dose of NZBC extract had no effect on 3 h postprandial glucose, insulin or triglyceride responses. However, in response to short-term NZBC extract supplementation insulin sensitivity was improved (+ 22%; P = 0.011), circulating C-reactive protein concentrations decreased (P = 0.008), and free-living postprandial glucose responses to both breakfast and lunch meals were reduced (− 9% and − 8%, respectively; P < 0.05), compared to placebo.ConclusionThese novel results indicate that repeated intake, rather than a single dose of NZBC extract, is required to induce beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and postprandial glucose handling in individuals with overweight or obesity. Continuous glucose monitoring enabled an effect of NZBC extract to be observed under free-living conditions and highlights the potential of anthocyanin-rich supplements as a viable strategy to reduce insulin resistance.

New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract Modulates Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Response To Exertional Heat Stress

BACKGROUND: We have previously shown that 7d of New Zealand Blackcurrant (NZBC) supplementation reduces the gastrointestinal barrier permeability response that normally accompanies exertional heat stress. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of NZBC supplementation on inflammatory capacity and apoptotic drive in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) collected before and after exertional heat stress. METHODS: Twelve men (Age: 28 ± 6 years, Stature: 1.81 ± 0.07 m, Mass: 80.5 ± 9.8 kg, VO2max: 56 ± 6 mL-1kg-1.min-1) ingested 2 capsules of CurraNZ™ (210 mg anthocyanin day-1) or a visually matched placebo (microcrystalline cellulose) for 7d prior to a 1h treadmill run (65% VO2max) in hot ambient conditions (34°C / 40% RH). PBMC were isolated from EDTA plasma samples that were collected before (Pre), after (Post), 1h after (1-Post) and 4h after (4-Post) exercise. Inflammatory capacity was calculated as the ratio between phosphorylated and total NF-κB content in cell lysates. Apoptotic drive was calculated as the ratio between BAX and BCL-2 in cell lysates. Caspase 9 was measured to provide additional confirmation. Western blot data were analysed with two-way (Condition x Time) RM-ANOVA with Duncan post-hocs. RESULTS: The p-NF-κB:NF-κB ratio was reduced following 7d NZBC supplementation (-46%, p=0.03). Post hoc analysis indicated p-NF-κB:NF-κB content at 4-Post had fallen below values at Post (-24%, p=0.02) and 1-Post (-60%, p=0.04). The BAX:BCL-2 ratio was increased following 7d NZBC supplementation (+106%, p<0.01). Post hoc analysis indicated the BAX:BCL-2 ratio increased from Pre to Post exercise (+119%, p=0.01) in NZBC and remained elevated (above Pre) at 1-Post (+77%, p=0.04 ) and 4-Post (+59%, p=0.04). Caspase 9 content also increased following 7d NZBC supplementation (p <0.05). Post hoc analysis indicated elevated Caspase 9 content at PRE in NZBC (+86%, p<0.01), with differences between conditions being resolved by 4-Post exercise (p=0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Study data suggest 7d NZBC supplementation may reduce inflammatory capacity and increase apoptotic drive in PBMC. This might call nascent leukocytes into circulation to ensure maintenance of the putative inflammatory response that accompanies exertional heat stress. However, the exact physiologic relevance of these changes remains to be determined.

Blackcurrant extract does not affect the speed–duration relationship during high-intensity running

Anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant extract (BC) has been shown to ergogenically aid high-intensity exercise. Capacity for such exercise is evaluated by the hyperbolic speed–tolerable duration (S–Dtol) relationship. Therefore, in double-blinded and cross-over randomised controlled trials, 15 males underwent treadmill running incremental exercise testing and were assessed for S–Dtol, quantified by critical speed (CS) and D’ (distance), and assessments of time to exhaustion performance to empirically test the limits of the S–Dtol relationship, after daily supplementation of 300 mg/d BC (105 mg/d anthocyanin) or placebo. Supplementation with BC did not change CS (placebo 12.1 ± 1.0 km/h vs BC 11.9 ± 1.0 km/h, p > .05) or D’ (placebo 918.6 ± 223.2 m vs BC 965.2 ± 231.2 m, p > .05), although further analysis indicated D’ increased in 60% of subject (p = .08), indicating a trend toward cohorts potentially benefiting from BC supplementation. BC supplementation did not change time to exhaustion at or above CS, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), lactate threshold (LT), submaximal running economy (CR), or substrate utilisation during exercise (all p > .05). In conclusion, we could not detect any beneficial effect of BC supplementation during high-intensity running exercise, including the determining factors S–Dtol relationship, VO2max, LT or CR. Hence, no ergogenic effect was observed.

Intake Duration of Anthocyanin-Rich New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract Affects Metabolic Responses during Moderate Intensity Walking Exercise in Adult Males

We examined effects of intake duration of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract on physiological and metabolic responses during moderate intensity walking. Healthy men (n = 16, age: 24 ± 6 years, body mass: 78 ± 16 kg, BMI: 24.7 ± 4.1 kg·m −2, body fat: 15 ± 5%) volunteered. One metabolic equivalent (1-MET: 3.95 ± 0.64 ml·kg−1·min−1) was measured during supine rest. Responses during the 30-min walk (n = 3: 4-MET; n = 13: 5-MET) (speed: 5.7 ± 0.7 km·hr−1) were measured at 7-10, 17-20 and 27-30 min and averaged over the time periods. For intake conditions (7-days and 14-days), two capsules of NZBC extract (600 mg containing 210 mg of anthocyanins) were taken with breakfast (14-day washout). The final two capsules were ingested 2-hr before the morning walk. Intake duration of NZBC extract had no effect on heart rate, minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, and carbon dioxide production. Fat oxidation was enhanced with 7- and 14-day intake by 11 ± 19% and 17 ± 26% (baseline: 0.36 ± 0.12, 7-day: 0.39 ± 0.13, 14-day: 0.41 ± 0.13 g·min−1, p = 0.007). Only 14-day intake lowered RER (baseline: 0.852 ± 0.046, 7-day: 0.843 ± 0.045, 14-day: 0.837 ± 0.037, p = 0.019) and carbohydrate oxidation (baseline: 0.95 ± 0.40, 7-day: 0.91 ± 0.40, 14-day: 0.86 ± 0.33 g·min−1, p = 0.032). Rating of perceived exertion was lower with 7-day and 14-day intake (baseline: 11.0 ± 2.3, 7-day: 10.5 ± 1.8, 14-day: 10.3 ± 2.1, p = 0.002). Longer intake duration (i.e. 14 days) of New Zealand blackcurrant extract seems to enhance fat oxidation more during a 30-min moderate intensity walk than 7 days intake. The intake duration of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extract may be due to an enhanced bioavailability of anthocyanin-derived metabolites that alter the mechanisms for substrate oxidation during moderate intensity exercise.

Silver nanoparticles based on blackcurrant extract show potent anti-inflammatory effect in vitro and in DSS-induced colitis in mice.

Silver nanoparticles have been used in a range of applications and although they are already employed in medicine, there are new, promising possibilities for their utilization. We investigated the potential of silver nanoparticles obtained with the use of blackcurrant extract in vitro in the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and in vivo in the murine DSS-induced colitis model. The examined formulations contained particles of 95nm (Ag95) and 213nm (Ag213) diameter. In vitro, both formulations inhibited nitric oxide (NO) release. In vivo, the preparations alleviated colitis as evidenced by a decreased macroscopic score and myeloperoxidase activity (indicative of neutrophil infiltration). In both cases, the nanoparticles of larger diameter showed better anti-inflammatory properties. Although further tests are required, our results indicate a plausible new use of silver nanoparticles in inflammatory bowel diseases.

No Effect of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Recovery of Muscle Damage Following Running a Half-Marathon.

New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) contains anthocyanins, known to moderate blood flow and display anti-inflammatory properties that may improve recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. The authors examined whether NZBC extract supplementation enhances recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage after a half-marathon race. Following a randomized, double-blind, independent groups design, 20 (eight women) recreational runners (age 30 ± 6 years, height 1.73 ± 0.74m, body mass 68.5 ± 7.8kg, half-marathon finishing time 1:56:33 ± 0:18:08hr:min:s) ingested either two 300-mg/day capsules of NZBC extract (CurraNZ™) or a visually matched placebo, for 7 days prior to and 2 days following a half-marathon. Countermovement jump performance variables, urine interleukin-6, and perceived muscle soreness and fatigue were measured pre, post, and at 24 and 48hr after the half-marathon and analyzed using a mixed linear model with statistical significance set a priori at p < .05. The countermovement jump performance variables were reduced immediately post-half-marathon (p < .05), with all returning to pre-half-marathon levels by 48hr, except the concentric and eccentric peak force and eccentric duration, with no difference in response between groups (p > .05). Urine interleukin-6 increased 48-hr post-half-marathon in the NZBC group only (p < .01) and remained unchanged compared with pre-half-marathon levels in the placebo group (p > .05). Perceived muscle soreness and fatigue increased immediately post-half-marathon (p < .01) and returned to pre-half-marathon levels by 48hr, with no difference between groups (p > .05). Supplementation with NZBC extract had no effect on the recovery of countermovement jump variables and perceptions of muscle soreness or fatigue following a half-marathon in recreational runners.

Anthocyanin-Rich New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract Supports the Maintenance of Forearm Blood-Flow During Prolonged Sedentary Sitting.

Objectives: We examined the acute effects of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extract and a placebo on hemodynamics during 120 min of sedentary sitting in healthy males. Additionally, we investigated whether changes in resting hemodynamics altered repeated isometric hand-grip exercise performance and post exercise forearm blood flow (FBF).Methods: Ten healthy males completed two trials during which they ingested either blackcurrant extract (1.87 mg total anthocyanins/kg bodyweight) or placebo powder. Heart rate, blood pressure and forearm blood flow were measured, and venous blood was sampled, prior to and 30, 60, 90 and 120 min-post ingestion. Participants remained seated for the duration of each trial. At 120 min post-ingestion participants completed as many repetitions of isometric hand-grip contractions as possible.Results: Heart rate, blood pressure and mean arterial pressure changed over time (all p < 0.001) but did not differ between treatments. A treatment x time interaction for FBF (p = 0.025) and forearm vascular resistance (FVR) (p = 0.002) was found. No difference in the number of isometric hand-grip contractions was observed between treatments (p = 0.68) nor was there any treatment x time interaction in post-exercise FBF (p = 0.997). Plasma endothelin-1 (p = 0.023) and nitrate (p = 0.047) changed over time but did not differ between treatments (both p > 0.1). Plasma nitrite did not change over time (p = 0.732) or differ between treatments (p = 0.373).Conclusion: This study demonstrated that acute ingestion of a single dose of blackcurrant extract maintained FBF and FVR during an extended period of sitting; however, this did not influence exercise performance during hand-grip exercise.

New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract Enhances Muscle Oxygenation During Forearm Exercise in Intermediate-Level Rock Climbers

The delivery to and utilization of oxygenated hemoglobin to the forearm muscles are key determinants of rock-climbing performance. Anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) has been suggested to improve blood flow and may enhance forearm endurance performance. As such, a double-blind, randomized crossover design study with 12 participants performed submaximal intermittent contractions (at 40% maximal voluntary contraction) to failure after a 7-day intake of 600mg/day NZBC extract or placebo. Minimum tissue saturation index (TSI%) was assessed during the contractions. During recovery, time to half recovery of TSI% and brachial artery blood flow were assessed. There was no difference in time to exhaustion between NZBC and placebo. Minimum TSI% was lower with NZBC extract (43 ± 8 vs. 50 ± 11 TSI%; p = .007; Cohen's d = 1.01). During recovery, there was no effect on brachial artery blood flow. However, time to half recovery was faster with NZBC (26 ± 17 vs. 42 ± 26s; p = .001; Cohen's d = 1.3) following exhaustive contractions. Seven days of NZBC extract appears to improve muscle oxygenation during and following contractions with no change in either arterial blood flow or forearm endurance performance.

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) Extract Prevents Dyslipidemia and Hepatic Steatosis in Ovariectomized Rats.

Estrogen is involved in lipid metabolism. Menopausal women with low estrogen secretion usually gain weight and develop steatosis associated with abnormal lipid metabolism. A previous study showed that blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) extract (BCE) had phytoestrogen activity. In this study, we examined whether BCE improved lipid metabolism abnormalities and reduced liver steatosis in ovariectomized rats, as a menopausal animal model. Twelve-week-old ovariectomized (OVX) rats were fed a regular diet (Ctrl) or a 3% BCE supplemented diet while sham rats were fed a regular diet for three months. Body weight, visceral fat weight, levels of serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol decreased in the BCE-treated OVX and sham rats, but not in OVX Ctrl rats. The results of hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that BCE decreased the diameters of adipocytes and the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score. Furthermore, quantitative RT-PCR indicated a decreased expression of hepatitis-related genes, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in OVX rats after BCE treatment. This is the first study that reported improvement of lipid metabolism abnormalities in OVX rats by BCE administration. These results suggest that the intake of BCE alleviated dyslipidemia and prevented nonalcoholic steatohepatitis during menopause in this animal model.

Effects of blackcurrant extract on arterial functions in older adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

ABSTRACT Purpose Blackcurrant extract mainly contains anthocyanins. Several reports suggest that anthocyanins have beneficial effect for cardiovascular functions. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of 7-day intake of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract on arterial functions, e.g. arterial stiffness, and serum lipids. Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design study with a washout period of 28 days was conducted. Fourteen older adults participated in this study (age 73.3 ± 1.7 years). Participants took either a 7-day course of placebo or two capsules of NZBC extract (each 300 mg capsule contains 35% blackcurrant extract). Participants took one of the two trials first and then took the other after a washout period. Carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity, an index of central arterial stiffness, and central blood pressure were measured at baseline and again at the end of the 7-day study period. Results Compared to baseline, carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (P = .03) and central blood pressure (P = .02) decreased significantly after the 7-day study period with NZBC intake. In addition, carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (P = .04) and central blood pressure (P = .001) in the NZBC intake trial decreased significantly more than in the placebo intake trial. No effects were observed on serum lipids. Conclusion These results suggest that short-term NZBC intake reduces central arterial stiffness and central blood pressure in older adults. Therefore, anthocyanin-rich blackcurrants might be beneficial for maintaining or improving cardiovascular health as an alternative to pharmaceutical medications. Abbreviations Aix: augmentation index; BP: blood pressure; cfPWV: carotid–femoral pulse-wave velocity; CVD: cardiovascular diseases; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; faPWV: femoral-ankle pulse-wave velocity; FG: fasting glucose; HDL: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; MBP: mean blood pressure; NZBC: New Zealand blackcurrant; PP: pulse pressure; SBP: systolic blood pressure; TG: triglycerides.

Co-Microencapsulation of Anthocyanins from Black Currant Extract and Lactic Acid Bacteria in Biopolymeric Matrices.

Anthocyanins from black currant extract and lactic acid bacteria were co-microencapsulated using a gastro-intestinal-resistant biocomposite of whey protein isolate, inulin, and chitosan, with an encapsulation efficiency of 95.46% ± 1.30% and 87.38% ± 0.48%, respectively. The applied freeze-drying allowed a dark purple stable powder to be obtained, with a satisfactory content of phytochemicals and 11 log colony forming units (CFU)/g dry weight of powder (DW). Confocal laser microscopy displayed a complex system, with several large formations and smaller aggregates inside, consisting of biologically active compounds, lactic acid bacteria cells, and biopolymers. The powder showed good storage stability, with no significant changes in phytochemicals and viable cells over 3 months. An antioxidant activity of 63.64 ± 0.75 mMol Trolox/g DW and an inhibitory effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase of 87.10% ± 2.08% and 36.96% ± 3.98%, respectively, highlighted the potential biological activities of the co-microencapsulated powder. Significantly, the in vitro digestibility profile showed remarkable protection in the gastric environment, with controlled release in the intestinal simulated environment. The powder was tested by addition into a complex food matrix (yogurt), and the results showed satisfactory stability of biologically active compounds when stored for 21 d at 4 °C. The obtained results confirm the important role of microencapsulation in ensuring a high degree of protection, thus allowing new approaches in developing food ingredients and nutraceuticals, with enhanced functionalities.

Blackcurrant Extracts increase Myocyte Proliferation and reduce Apoptosis in L6 myocytes and improve Muscle Strength and Memory in Senescence Accelerated Mice

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) impact approximately 50% of adults over the age of 18, and nearly 75% of patients over the age of 65. Sarcopenia is an MSD that is age‐related and is associated with reduced muscle mass and function, as well as and significant morbidity and mortality. Advanced age is associated with significant increase in skeletal muscle cell apoptosis that parallels the loss of both muscle mass and strength. Suppression of myocyte apoptosis can be induced by caloric restriction, exercise training, hormone supplements, drugs and nutritional supplements. Blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum L., Grossulariaceae) are native to Central and Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, and the fruit are used traditionally for the treatment of viral infections. However, the fruit also has potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. Blackcurrants contain four major anthocyanins: delphinidin‐3‐O‐glucoside, delphinidin‐3‐O‐rutinoside, cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside, cyanidin‐3‐O‐rutinoside. Recent clinical studies reported that blackcurrant extracts improve muscle strength muscle and improve muscle recovery after exercise. In this work, we investigate the effects of blackcurrant extracts and purified anthocyanin compounds on cell proliferation and apoptosis in L6‐rat myoblasts, and in muscle strength and memory in SAMP8 mice. L6 rat myoblasts were obtained from ATCC and cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s medium, with 2.5 mM L‐glutamine. Blackcurrant extracts (BCE) were prepared in ethanol and compounds were isolated and purified. Senescence accelerated (SAMP8) mice, a model of senescence acceleration and aging disorders, were from Jackson Laboratories. SAMP mice are susceptible to oxidative stress induced by age‐associated mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced ATP production. SAMP8 mice were maintained under protocol ACC14309 and treated with 100 mg/kg of the BCE for 8 weeks. The results showed that treatment of L6 myocytes with ethanol extracts of R. nigrum fruit increased the proliferation of rat L‐6 myoblasts by 300%, and prevented cellular apoptosis induced by serum and glucose starvation. Of the anthocyanins present in the extract, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (C3G) was the most active and enhanced L6 growth by 200%, and reduced apoptosis as well. Gene expression analysis showed a concentration‐dependent increase in the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 mRNA expression by ~ 284 fold, as well as enhanced expression of PPARγ by 4 fold. Both BCE and C3G reduced apoptosis by altering the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and increased ATP production in favor of cell proliferation. In SAMP8 mice treatment with BCE increased muscle function and improved memory and learning. Overall the data suggest that BCE and C3G have potential for reducing age associated sarcopenia and possibly musculoskeletal disorders such as muscular dystrophy by reducing myocyte apoptosis, increasing ATP production and mitochondrial biogenesis.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported in part by the Regenstein Foundation (GBM); the Schlumberger Foundation (TOL/GBM); and a Raman Post‐Doctoral Fellowship by the University Grants Commission, Govt. of India to NAR.

A Novel Botanical Combination Attenuates Light-Induced Retinal Damage through Antioxidant and Prosurvival Mechanisms.

The prevalence of light-induced eye fatigue is increasing globally. Efficient regimen for mitigating light-induced retinal damage is becoming a compelling need for modern society. We investigated the effects of a novel combination of lutein ester, zeaxanthin, chrysanthemum, goji berry, and black currant extracts against retinal damage. In the current work, both in vitro and in vivo light-induced retinal damage models were employed. Animal study showed that under strong light exposure (15000 lx for 2 hours), the a-wave and b-wave from electroretinogram were significantly decreased. Treatment with the combination significantly restored the decrease for b-wave under high- and low-stimulus intensity. Histological analysis reported a substantial decrease in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness in the model group, while the supplementation with the combination significantly improved the ONL thickness. To further explore the underlying mechanism of the protective effects, we utilized ARPE-19 retinal pigment epithelial cell line and found that strong light stimulation (2900 lx for 30 minutes) significantly increased phosphorylation of p38 and JNK and decreased HIF expression. Intriguingly, chrysanthemum, black currant extracts, lutein ester, and zeaxanthin significantly decreased the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK, while chrysanthemum, goji berry, black currant extracts, and lutein ester restored HIF expression. The botanical combination can alleviate light-induced retina damage, potentially through antioxidant and prosurvival mechanisms.

Dietary supplementation with New Zealand blackcurrant extract enhances fat oxidation during submaximal exercise in the heat

ObjectivesThis study investigated the effect of 7 days’ supplementation with New Zealand blackcurrant extract on thermoregulation and substrate metabolism during running in the heat. DesignRandomized, double-blind, cross-over study. MethodsTwelve men and six women (mean±SD: Age 27±6 years, height 1.76±0.10m, mass 74±12kg, V̇O2max 53.4±7.0mLkg−1min−1) completed one assessment of maximal aerobic capacity and one familiarisation trial (18°C, 40% relative humidity, RH), before ingesting 2×300mgday−1 capsules of CurraNZ™ (each containing 105mg anthocyanin) or a visually matched placebo (2×300mg microcrystalline cellulose M102) for 7 days (washout 14 days). On day 7 of each supplementation period, participants completed 60min of fasted running at 65% V̇O2max in hot ambient conditions (34°C and 40% relative humidity). ResultsCarbohydrate oxidation was decreased in the NZBC trial [by 0.24gmin−1 (95% CI: 0.21–0.27gmin-1)] compared to placebo (p= 0.014, d=0.46), and fat oxidation was increased in the NZBC trial [by 0.12gmin−1 (95% CI: 0.10 to 0.15gmin−1)], compared to placebo (p=0.008, d=0.57). NZBC did not influence heart rate (p=0.963), rectal temperature (p=0.380), skin temperature (p=0.955), body temperature (p=0.214) or physiological strain index (p=0.705) during exercise. ConclusionsSeven-days intake of 600mg NZBC extract increased fat oxidation without influencing cardiorespiratory or thermoregulatory variables during prolonged moderate intensity running in hot conditions.

Optical properties of DNA doped with blackcurrant and bilberry extracts

In this paper the results of spectroscopic studies and nonlinear optical properties characterization of blackcurrant and bilberry natural tinctures as well as their solutions and thin films with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) are reported. The spectroscopic properties were characterized by UV–Vis and fluorescence analyses. The third order nonlinear optical properties (NLO) of DNA bio tinctures were determined by the third harmonic generation technique at 1064.2 nm. Their optical damage thresholds have been also calculated.