Raspberry Seeds Research Articles

Dietary Black Raspberry Seed Oil Ameliorates Inflammatory Activities in db/db Mice.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the status of the markers related to inflammation in db/db mice fed black raspberry seed (BRS) oil, which is rich in α-linolenic acid. Mice were divided into four groups: (1) C57BL/6 mice fed 16% calories from soybean oil (normal CON); (2) C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice fed 16% calories from soybean oil (CON); (3) C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice fed 8% calories from soybean and 8% calories from BRS oil (BRS 50%); and (4) C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice fed 16% calories from BRS oil (BRS 100%). After 10weeks, n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios were significantly (P<0.05) lower in the livers and epididymal adipose tissues of the BRS 50% and BRS 100% mice than in the CON. Serum TNFα and IL-6 were significantly (P<0.05) lower in the BRS 50% and BRS 100% than in the CON. Serum IL-10 was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the BRS 100% than the CON. In the liver and epididymal adipose tissue, mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the BRS 50% and BRS 100% were lower than in the CON. Anti-inflammatory markers were higher in the epididymal adipose tissues of the BRS 50% and BRS 100% than in the CON. In the epididymal adipose tissue, macrophage infiltration markers (F4/80 and CD68) and leptin mRNA were significantly (P<0.05) lower in the BRS 50% and BRS 100% than in the CON. Results of this study suggest that BRS oil may have anti-inflammatory effects in obese diabetic mice by ameliorating inflammatory responses.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Raspberry Seed Oil and Evaluation of Its Physicochemical Properties, Fatty Acid Compositions and Antioxidant Activities.

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction was employed for highly efficient separation of aroma oil from raspberry seeds. A central composite design with two variables and five levels was employed and effects of process variables of sonication time and extraction temperature on oil recovery and quality were investigated. Optimal conditions predicted by response surface methodology were sonication time of 37 min and extraction temperature of 54°C. Specifically, ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) was able to provide a higher content of beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, whereas conventional Soxhlet extraction (SE) resulted in a higher amount of saturated fatty acids. Moreover, raspberry seed oil contained abundant amounts of edible linoleic acid and linolenic acid, which suggest raspberry seeds could be valuable edible sources of natural γ-linolenic acid products. In comparison with SE, UAE exerted higher free radical scavenging capacities. In addition, UAE significantly blocked H2O2-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

Antiviral effects of black raspberry (Rubus coreanus) seed extract and its polyphenolic compounds on norovirus surrogates.

Black raspberry seeds, a byproduct of wine and juice production, contain large quantities of polyphenolic compounds. The antiviral effects of black raspberry seed extract (RCS) and its fraction with molecular weight less than 1kDa (RCS-F1) were examined against food-borne viral surrogates, murine norovirus-1 (MNV-1) and feline calicivirus-F9 (FCV-F9). The maximal antiviral effect was achieved when RCS or RCS-F1 was added simultaneously to cells with MNV-1 or FCV-F9, reaching complete inhibition at 0.1-1mg/mL. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed enlarged viral capsids or disruption (from 35nm to up to 100nm) by RCS-F1. Our results thus suggest that RCS-F1 can interfere with the attachment of viral surface protein to host cells. Further, two polyphenolic compounds derived from RCS-F1, cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) and gallic acid, identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, showed inhibitory effects against the viruses. C3G was suggested to bind to MNV-1 RNA polymerase and to enlarge viral capsids using differential scanning fluorimetry and TEM, respectively.

Protective effect of black raspberry seed containing anthocyanins against oxidative damage to DNA, protein, and lipid.

This study aimed to determine bioactive components and radical scavenging capacity of black raspberry seed extracts as byproducts obtaining during the juice (FSE) and wine (WSE) making process. Cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside was identified as a major anthocyanin and the total anthocyanin contents of fresh and wine seed were 78.24 and 41.61mg/100g of dry weight, respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of FSE and WSE were 2.31g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and 360.95mg catechin equivalent (CE), and 2.44g GAE and 379.54mg CE per 100g dry weight, respectively. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values were 1041.9μM TE/g for FSE and 1060.4μM TE/g for WSE. Pretreatment of the FSE and WSE inhibited the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA and protein damage induced by hydroxyl radicals, and Fe(3+)/ascorbic acid-induced lipid peroxidation in a dose dependent manner. WSE more effectively protected from oxidative damage than FSE. Results from the current study suggest that black raspberry seeds as byproducts from juice and wine processing could be potential sources for natural antioxidants.

Thermal behavior of raspberry and blackberry seed flours and oils

This survey was conducted on thermal properties of flours obtained by grinding of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L., Čačak Thornless cultivar) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus L., Willamette cultivar) seeds, as well as oils extracted from berry seeds. Thermal behavior and stability of berry seed flours were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Crystallization and melting points of oils were determined using a conventional and modulated DSC techniques. Oils present in the blackberry and raspberry seeds start melting (Ton) at −24.02 and −26.44°C, respectively. Both berry seeds thermo-oxidatively decompose at temperatures above 210°C. Thermo-oxidative decomposition of these seed flours takes place in two stages, as TG/DTG curves have two thermal decomposition steps. Polymorphism was detected in both seed oils during heating.

Dietary Supplementation with Raspberry Seed Oil Modulates Liver Functions, Inflammatory State, and Lipid Metabolism in Rats1–3

Background: Although raspberry seed oil (RO) is rich in essential fatty acids, there is a lack of experiments assessing benefits of its consumption.Objective: We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with RO on healthy rats and rats with low-grade systemic inflammation, liver disorders, and dyslipidemia induced by a high-fat/low-fiber (HF/LF) diet.Methods: Thirty-two rats were allocated into 4 groups of 8 rats each and fed for 8 wk a control (C; 7% lard and 5% cellulose) or HF/LF (21% lard and 2% cellulose) diet or modifications of these diets in which 7% RO replaced all (C+RO group) or a proportion of (HF/LF+RO group) the lard. Effects of diet and RO and their interaction on bacterial activity and metabolite formations in the distal intestine, liver fat and glutathione concentration, plasma lipid profile, transaminase activities, and plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were tested.Results: Dietary RO decreased plasma alanine and aspartate transaminase activities (43.4 and 157 vs. 25.6 and 115 U/L, respectively; P < 0.05 and P < 0.005) and plasma TNF-α and triglyceride concentrations (132 pg/mL and 2.07 mmol/L vs. 86.5 pg/mL and 0.99 mmol/L, respectively; P < 0.05). In livers of the C+RO group, the fat concentration was decreased, whereas the glutathione to glutathione disulfide ratio was increased compared with the C group (30.1% and 6.20 μmol/g vs. 23.3% and 7.25 μmol/g, respectively; P ≤ 0.05); however, those differences were not observed between the HF/LF groups (P-interaction < 0.05). In the HF/LF+RO group, the plasma CRP concentration was lower than in the HF/LF group (88.1 vs. 765 pg/mL; P ≤ 0.05) and similar to that in the C and C+RO groups (158 and 128 pg/mL, respectively).Conclusion: Dietary RO improves plasma lipid profile and liver functions and reduces low-grade systemic inflammation in rats; however, the extent of these beneficial effects is partly dependent on the diet type.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Black Raspberry Seed Oil in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

The purpose of the study was to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of black raspberry seed (BRS) oil on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. BRS oil was composed of 57.0% linoleic and 29.4% α-linolenic acids. Five-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed HFD: BRS oil diet consisting of 50% calories from lard and 10% from BRS oil, while control diet consisted of 50% calories from lard, 5% from soybean oil and 5% from corn oil. Inflammation-involved proteins were lower in the liver of the mice fed the BRS oil than those in the control. mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the liver and adipose tissue of the BRS oil group were lower and anti-inflammatory markers were higher in the BRS oil group compared with the control. The results of this study suggest that BRS oil may be a good source of α-linolenic acid, an n-3 fatty acid, with anti-inflammatory effects on HFD-induced obese mice. Practical Applications Black raspberry seed (BRS) oil, which could be obtained from black raspberry wine pomace, contains about 30% α-linolenic acid, an n-3 fatty acid. Supplementation of BRS oil might lower inflammation in high-fat diet-induced obese mice, when measuring protein and mRNA levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers in the liver and adipose tissue of the mice. The results would promote utilization of BRS, a by-product of wine production, and consequently help black raspberry producers and manufacturers.

Thermodynamic properties of CO2 during controlled decompression of supercritical extraction vessels

Very fast decompressions of extraction vessels reduce the temperature of their walls below the −10°C limit when they become brittle. Therefore, decompression of large vessels operating at high pressure may set a lower limit to extraction time in industrial multi-vessel supercritical CO2 extraction plants (thus negatively influencing production cost), but this has rarely been studied. This work studied decompression of CO2 initially at 30MPa in a 3.96L vessel vented through a partially opened needle valve. Slow CO2 venting avoided a two-phase (liquid–gas) mixture in the vessel. Pressure drop was fast at the beginning and end of decompressions, and comparatively slower within the 10–15MPa interval, before CO2 crossed the pseudocritical line. Temperature dropped at the beginning of decompressions, remained comparatively constant in the intermediate period, and increased at the end. Decompression time was inversely proportional to valve opening, and was shorter when starting at 60 than 50°C. The initial drop in temperature was proportional to valve opening, and similar for different starting temperatures. When the vessel was packed with pretreated (either pressed or pressed and pelletized) and extracted rosehip or raspberry seeds, depressurization time was proportional to the porosity of the packed bed and independent on other properties of the substrate. Being flow through the needle valve choked, venting rate was determined by its opening and the continuously changing physical properties of CO2 in the vessel. To estimate the changes in internal energy of the CO2 in the vessel that define vessel wall's temperature, the heat provided by the service fluid (in our case water circulated through the vessel jacket), the heat yield by the walls, lid, and bottom of the high-pressure vessel, and the heat yield by the substrate charge need to be incorporated to the transient heat balance model of the depressurization process. The experimental results obtained in this work can be used to validate a model of the depressurization process that could simulate decompressions of industrial vessels as a function of their size and shape, the extraction conditions, and the packed substrate. Predicted decompression times would therefore set restrictions to the setup times required to replace exhausted by fresh substrate in industrial vessels, in studies of minimization of production cost.

Chemopreventive activity of ellagitannins and their derivatives from black raspberry seeds on HT-29 colon cancer cells

Black raspberry (BRB) seeds are a major waste product after fruit processing. The seeds are abundant in ellagitannins (ET), a class of hydrolysable tannins, which are hydrolyzed to ellagic acid (EA) and further metabolized to urolithin A (UA) and urolithin B (UB), known to be bioavailable in the colon and the prostate. In this study, the anti-cancer activities of these compounds were evaluated on HT-29 colon cancer cells. ET, EA, UA and UB inhibited the proliferation of the cancer cells. EA caused a slight, but significant cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, and urolithins caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and upregulated p21 expression. Apoptotic cells were detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI assay when treated with the compounds. Disruption in mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of caspases 8 and 9 suggest that both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways may be involved. Activation of caspase 3 and cleavage of PARP further confirmed the induction of the apoptosis. ET, EA, UA and UB showed anti-cancer activity by arresting the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis on HT-29 human colon cancer cells. This study suggests that the BRB seeds could be a potential source of anti-cancer ET.

Tracking (Poly)phenol components from raspberries in ileal fluid.

The (poly)phenols in ileal fluid after ingestion of raspberries were analyzed by targeted and nontargeted LC-MS(n) approaches. Targeted approaches identified major anthocyanin and ellagitannin components at varying recoveries and with considerable interindividual variation. Nontargeted LC-MS(n) analysis using an orbitrap mass spectrometer gave exact mass MS data which were sifted using a software program to select peaks that changed significantly after supplementation. This method confirmed the recovery of the targeted components but also identified novel raspberry-specific metabolites. Some components (including ellagitannin and previously unidentified proanthocyanidin derivatives) may have arisen from raspberry seeds that survived intact in ileal samples. Other components include potential breakdown products of anthocyanins, unidentified components, and phenolic metabolites formed either in the gut epithelia or after absorption into the circulatory system and efflux back into the gut lumen. The possible physiological roles of the ileal metabolites in the large bowel are discussed.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Tannin Fraction of the Extract from Black Raspberry Seeds Compared to Grape Seeds

Black raspberry seed extract and its tannin fraction were characterized and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were compared to grape seed extract and its tannin fraction. Tannin fraction of black raspberry seed extract was mostly composed of ellagitannins including pedunculagin, sanguiin H6 and H10 isomers and galloyl-bis-HHDP glucose isomer, while that of grape seed extract was composed of proanthocyanidins including proanthocyanidin dimers, trimers, tetramers, pentamers, their monogallates and hexamers. Antioxidant activities of the tannin fraction of black raspberry seed extract, measured by polyphenol content, FRAP, DPPH and ABTS assays, were significantly higher than those of grape seed extract. Anti-inflammatory activity of the tannin fraction of black raspberry seed extract, measured by NO assay, was also significantly higher than that of grape seed extract. The results indicate that black raspberry seeds have potential benefits as a source of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents comparable to grape seeds. Practical Applications Black raspberry and grape fruits are widely consumed in various ways including wine, juice or raw fruits. Many byproducts, including seeds and wine pomace, are an attractive source of functional compounds. Our results show that the tannins extracted from the seeds have potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Thus, these results may help increase utilization of byproducts to make dietary supplements. This may also reduce the waste products generated by the industry and provide additional profit to farmers and manufacturers.

Characteristics of blackberry and raspberry seeds and oils

This study is concerned with the determination of technological quality characteristics of dried pomaces, i.e. blackberry and raspberry seeds, along with the quality parameters, content of total carotenoids and chlorophyl and transparency of crude extracted oil (using organic solvent). Blackberry seeds (Rubus fruticosus L.) were obtained from a domestic variety Cacanska bestrna, while the raspberry seeds (Rubus idaeus L.) were of the variety Willamette. Oil content of the blackberry pomace was 13.97 and 14.34%, while the oil content of the raspberry pomace was 13.44 and 14.33% on dry basis (d.b.). In regard to technological characteristics of the pomaces, i.e. volumetric and specific weight, no considerably difference was found. However, a weight test for 1000 seeds showed a significant difference in weight: 3.5 g (d.b.) for the blackberry pomace and 1.5 g for the raspberry pomace (d.b.). Proximate analysis of blackberry seed oil showed that this oil had better quality since the FFA value was 3.43% (sample B1) and 3.53% (sample B2), while the peroxide value was 8.89 and 11.16 mmol/kg, respectively. Raspberry seed oil had higher FFA (8.59 and 8.83% for sample R1 and R2) and peroxide values (13.99 and 13.84 for sample R1 and R2) than the blackberry seed oil. Crude extracted blackberry seed oil had a brown-greenish color due to the high total chlorophyll content (around 3000 mg/kg dissolved in cyclohexane). Raspberry seed oil had a dark yellowishorange color, due to lower chlorophyll content (around 200 mg/kg) compared to the blackberry seed oil, while the content of total carotenoids was slightly higher in this oil (around 40 mg/kg) compared to the blackberry seed oil (33 mg/kg).

Unrefined and Refined Black Raspberry Seed Oils Significantly Lower Triglycerides and Moderately Affect Cholesterol Metabolism in Male Syrian Hamsters

Unrefined and refined black raspberry seed oils (RSOs) were examined for their lipid-modulating effects in male Syrian hamsters fed high-cholesterol (0.12% g/g), high-fat (9% g/g) diets. Hamsters fed the refined and the unrefined RSO diets had equivalently lower plasma total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in comparison with the atherogenic coconut oil diet. The unrefined RSO treatment group did not differ in liver total and esterified cholesterol from the coconut oil-fed control animals, but the refined RSO resulted in significantly elevated liver total and esterified cholesterol concentrations. The unrefined RSO diets significantly lowered plasma triglycerides (46%; P=.0126) in comparison with the coconut oil diet, whereas the refined RSO only tended to lower plasma triglyceride (29%; P=.1630). Liver triglyceride concentrations were lower in the unrefined (46%; P=.0002) and refined (36%; P=.0005) RSO-fed animals than the coconut oil group, with the unrefined RSO diet eliciting a lower concentration than the soybean oil diet. Both RSOs demonstrated a null or moderate effect on cholesterol metabolism despite enrichment in linoleic acid, significantly lowering HDL cholesterol but not non-HDL cholesterol. Dramatically, both RSOs significantly reduced hypertriglyceridemia, most likely due to enrichment in α-linolenic acid. As a terrestrial source of α-linolenic acid, black RSOs, both refined and unrefined, provide a promising alternative to fish oil supplementation in management of hypertriglyceridemia, as demonstrated in hamsters fed high levels of dietary triglyceride and cholesterol.

Antioxidant properties of raspberry seed extracts on micronucleus distribution in peripheral blood lymphocytes

This study addresses in vitro effects of raspberry ( Rubus idaeus) seed extracts (RSE) on the frequency of micronuclei. We evaluated the effects of three different extracts (50%, 80%, and 100% methanol) in doses of 1.4, 4.2, and 8.4 μg/mL, per 5 mL culture using cytochalasin-B micronucleus (CBMN) assay in peripheral human lymphocytes. The frequency of MN was scored in binucleated (BN) cells. The nuclear proliferation index was also calculated. The distribution of polyphenolic compounds in RSEs was determined using LC/UV/ESI-TOF MS. The identified 37 compounds comprised flavanol monomers and oligomers, as well as varieties of ellagitannin components. Treatment of lymphocytes with RSEs induced a significant decrease in the frequency of micronuclei by 80%. These results demonstrate that the constituents of RSEs may be important in the prevention of oxidative lymphocyte damage by reactive oxygen species and may also reduce the level of DNA damage. These findings support the potential benefits of polyphenolic compounds from raspberry seeds as efficient antioxidants.

Influence of the Addition of Raspberry Seed Extract on Changes in the Volatile Pattern of Stored Model Breakfast Cereal

Laboratory-prepared muesli-type breakfast cereal (mixture of oat flakes, wheat flakes, corn flakes, hazelnuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds) was subjected to accelerated storage test at 60 degrees C with or without the addition of red raspberry seed extract. The oxidative changes in muesli resulting in the formation of secondary oxidation products were evaluated using solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) to isolate volatiles and GC-MS and chromatography-olfactometry to quantify them and determine the key odorants. During 14 days of storage the total amount of volatile compounds changed from 1.0 mg/kg, in freshly prepared muesli, to 32 mg/kg after storage. The predominant compound was hexanal; its content during storage increased 20-fold, reaching 17 mg/kg. Red raspberry seed extract addition limited the rate of lipid oxidation, and the total amount of volatiles was estimated at 11 mg/kg and that of hexanal at almost 5 mg/kg. An elevated temperature of the storage test also influenced the crucial flavor compounds determined using aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). The flavor dilution factor (FD) values for volatile lipid oxidation products were lower in samples with red raspberry seed extract added.

Berry anthocyanins as novel antioxidants in human health and disease prevention

Edible berries, a potential source of natural anthocyanin antioxidants, have demonstrated a broad spectrum of biomedical functions. These include cardiovascular disorders, advancing age-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and diverse degenerative diseases. Berry anthocyanins also improve neuronal and cognitive brain functions, ocular health as well as protect genomic DNA integrity. This chapter demonstrates the beneficial effects of wild blueberry, bilberry, cranberry, elderberry, raspberry seeds, and strawberry in human health and disease prevention. Furthermore, this chapter will discuss the pharmacological benefits of a novel combination of selected berry extracts known as OptiBerry, a combination of wild blueberry, wild bilberry, cranberry, elderberry, raspberry seeds, and strawberry, and its potential benefit over individual berries. Recent studies in our laboratories have demonstrated that OptiBerry exhibits high antioxidant efficacy as shown by its high oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values, novel antiangiogenic and antiatherosclerotic activities, and potential cytotoxicity towards Helicobacter pylori, a noxious pathogen responsible for various gastrointestinal disorders including duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer, as compared to individual berry extracts. OptiBerry also significantly inhibited basal MCP-1 and inducible NF-kappabeta transcriptions as well as the inflammatory biomarker IL-8, and significantly reduced the ability to form hemangioma and markedly decreased EOMA cell-induced tumor growth in an in vivo model. Overall, berry anthocyanins trigger genetic signaling in promoting human health and disease prevention.

Safety and whole-body antioxidant potential of a novel anthocyanin-rich formulation of edible berries

Edible berry extracts rich in anthocyanins possess a broad spectrum of therapeutic, pharmacologic and anti-carcinogenic properties. Six berry extracts (wild blueberry, bilberry, cranberry, elderberry, raspberry seeds and strawberry), singly and in combination, were studied in our laboratories for antioxidant efficacy, cytotoxic potential, cellular uptake and anti-angiogenic properties. Combinations of edible berry extracts were evaluated to develop a synergistic formula, OptiBerry, which exhibited high oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value, low cytotoxicity and superior anti-angiogenic properties compared to the other combinations tested. The current study sought to determine the broad spectrum safety and antioxidant potential of OptiBerry in vivo. Acute oral LD(50) of OptiBerry was greater than 5 g/kg in rats. Acute dermal LD(50) of OptiBerry was greater than 2 g/kg. No changes in the body weight or adverse effects were observed following necropsy. Primary skin and eye irritation studies were conducted in New Zealand albino rabbits. OptiBerry was classified as slightly irritating to the skin (primary skin irritation index 0.3) and minimally irritating to the eye (maximum mean total score 6.0). The antioxidant potential of OptiBerry was investigated in rats and mice by assessing GSH redox status in tissues as well as by a unique state-of-the-art electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging of whole-body redox status. A clinically relevant hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) exposure system (2 atm, 2 h) was employed to study the antioxidant properties of OptiBerry. OptiBerry feeding (8 weeks) significantly prevented HBO-induced GSH oxidation in the lung and liver of vitamin E-deficient Sprague Dawley rats. Furthermore, OptiBerry-fed mice, when exposed to HBO, demonstrated significant protection in whole-body HBO-induced oxidation compared to the unfed controls by EPR imaging. Taken together, these results indicate that OptiBerry is reasonably safe and possess antioxidant properties.

Fatty Acid Content and Antioxidant Properties of Cold‐pressed Black Raspberry Seed Oil and Meal

ABSTRACT: Cold‐pressed black raspberry seed oil and meal were analyzed for their fatty acid contents and antioxidant properties. The oil contained about 35%α‐linolenic acid (18:3n‐3) and 55% to 58% linoleic acid. The meal exhibited strong free radical scavenging activities against 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid diammonium salt (ABTS'+) radicals and had a total phenolic content (TPC) of 46 mg gallic acid equivalent/g meal. The ABTS+ scavenging capacity and TPC of the meal were 300 and 290 times greater than that of the oil. In addition, the oil stability iodine value, and color were examined. The results from this study suggest the possible food application of black raspberry seed and its fractions in improving human nutrition and potential value‐adding opportunities in black raspberry production and processing.

Anti-angiogenic, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties of a novel anthocyanin-rich berry extract formula.

Edible berry anthocyanins possess a broad spectrum of therapeutic and anti-carcinogenic properties. Berries are rich in anthocyanins, compounds that provide pigmentation to fruits and serve as natural antioxidants. Anthocyanins repair and protect genomic DNA integrity. Earlier studies have shown that berry anthocyanins are beneficial in reducing age-associated oxidative stress, as well as in improving neuronal and cognitive brain function. Six berry extracts (wild blueberry, bilberry, cranberry, elderberry, raspberry seeds, and strawberry) were studied for antioxidant efficacy, cytotoxic potential, cellular uptake, and anti-angiogenic (the ability to reduce unwanted growth of blood vessels, which can lead to varicose veins and tumor formation) properties. We evaluated various combinations of edible berry extracts and developed a synergistic formula, OptiBerry IH141, which exhibited high ORAC (Oxygen-Radical Absorbing Capacity) value, low cytotoxicity, and superior anti-angiogenic properties compared to the other combinations tested. Anti-angiogenic approaches to treat cancer represent a priority area in vascular tumor biology. OptiBerry significantly inhibited both H2O2- and TNF-alpha-induced VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) expression by human keratinocytes. VEGF is a key regulator of tumor angiogenesis. Matrigel assay using human microvascular endothelial cells showed that OptiBerry impaired angiogenesis. In an in vivo model of angiogenesis, OptiBerry significantly inhibited basal MCP-1 and inducible NF-kappaB transcriptions. Endothelioma cells pretreated with OptiBerry showed a diminished ability to form hemangioma and markedly decreased tumor growth by more than 50%. In essence, these studies highlight the novel anti-angiogenic, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic potential of a novel anthocyanin-rich berry extract formula, OptiBerry.

Characteristics of raspberry ( Rubus idaeus L.) seed oil

Studies were conducted on properties of oil extracted from raspberry seeds. Oil yield from the seed was 10.7%. Physicochemical properties of the oil include: saponification number 191; diene value 0.837; p-anisidine value 14.3; peroxide value 8.25 meq/kg; carotenoid content 23 mg/100 g; and viscosity of 26 mPa.s at 25°C. Raspberry seed oil showed absorbance in the UV-B and UV-C ranges with potential for use as a broad spectrum UV protectant. The seed oil was rich in tocopherols with the following composition (mg/100 g): α-tocopherol 71; γ-tocopherol 272; δ-tocopherol 17.4; and total vitamin E equivalent of 97. The oil had good oxidation resistance and storage stability. Lipid fractionation of crude raspberry seed oil yielded 93.7% neutral lipids, 3.5% phospholipids, and 2.7% free fatty acids. The main fatty acids of crude oil were C18:2 n-6 (54.5%), C18:3 n-3 (29.1%), C18:1 n-9 (12.0%), and C16:0 (2.7%). The ratio of fatty acids, polyunsaturates to monounsaturates to saturates varied depending on lipid fraction. Polymorphic changes were observed in thermal properties of raspberry seed oil.