Vaccinium Macrocarpon Research Articles

Application of 1 H-NMR-based metabolomics to the analysis of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) supplements.

Commercial cranberry supplements provide a low-sugar alternative to juices and sweetened fruit consumed for health benefits, but their phytochemical composition and associated biological activity varies depending on the source material and post-harvest processing. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1 H-NMR) is a rapid and environmentally friendly method of generating metabolic profiles of plant materials that may be used to authenticate cranberry products. The 1 H NMR-based chemometrics were used to characterise variations in metabolic profiles of cranberry supplements in comparison to a whole cranberry powder reference standard. The secondary metabolite profiles of nine commercial cranberry supplements were compared to a whole cranberry powder reference standard, using 1 H-NMR with Bruker AssureNMR software and principal component analysis (PCA). Content of selected triterpenoids and organic acids was determined by quantitative NMR. Total proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins were determined by established methods. PCA of 1 H-NMR spectra showed overlap between the cranberry standard and three supplements, but most products varied substantially in metabolic profile. Metabolites contributing to the observed variance include citric acid and cranberry peel constituents ursolic acid, oleanolic acid and hyperoside. Ursolic, oleanolic, citric, quinic and malic acids were readily determined by quantitative 1 H-NMR in the whole cranberry standard, but were below detection limits in many supplements. Proanthocyanidin and flavonoid content in several products was minimal or below detection limits. The 1 H-NMR chemometrics found significant variation in composition of characteristic cranberry metabolites among commercial preparations, reinforcing the need for reliable industry standards.

Carolina redroot (Lachnanthes caroliniana) vegetative growth and rhizome production as affected by environmental factors and planting depth

AbstractCarolina redroot [Lachnanthes caroliniana (Lam.) Dandy] is a frequent weed of New Jersey cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) bogs that competes with the crop for nutritional resources. Studies were conducted in 2018 to determine the effects of planting depth, soil moisture, lighting conditions, rhizome water content, and duration of rhizome submersion under water on L. caroliniana shoot emergence, vegetative growth, and rhizome development. Only planting depth greater than 12 cm significantly reduced shoot emergence (54%), biomass shoot and root production (27% and 65%, respectively), and rhizome formation (65%) compared with a 2-cm depth. Complete inhibition of new rhizome production was observed when the rhizome water content dropped to 30%. Soil moisture ≤30% decreased shoot biomass by ≥53% compared to 60% soil moisture, but marginally affected root biomass and had no impact on rhizome formation. Rhizome submersion for at least 120 d had minor effect on shoot emergence but reduced plant biomass by ≥28% and completely inhibited the formation of rhizomes. Finally, shading did not influence emergence but had a more dramatic effect on root and shoot biomass, which were reduced by 53% and 75%, respectively, and prevented the development of new rhizomes. This study demonstrates the plasticity of L. caroliniana to drought stress or long-lasting flooding conditions, therefore preventing consideration of cranberry bed temporary flooding or limitation of irrigation volume and frequency as viable management options. Sanding would not provide a layer of material sufficiently thick for reducing L. caroliniana shoot emergence. Reducing the quantity of light reaching the soil with black tarps or promoting rapid crop canopy closure are options that can complement the use of mesotrione for controlling L. caroliniana. Future research should address the practicality of these options, especially in bogs with low L. caroliniana pressure when early-summer weed regrowth occurs following dissipation of PRE herbicide activity.

Complete chloroplast genome of Rhododendron pulchrum, an ornamental medicinal and food tree

The semi-evergreen azalea, Rhododendron pulchrum, a valuable horticultural and medicinal plant species. Using next-generation sequencing, applying a combination of de novo and reference-guided assembly, we sequenced its complete chloroplast genome. Our study reveals that R. pulchrum have a typical cp genome of 136,249 bp in length, without inverted repeat regions. A total of 73 genes, 42 of which are protein coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes were identified. The GC content of the whole genome is 35.98%. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that R. pulchrum is closely related to the species of Vaccinium oldhamii and Vaccinium macrocarpon.

Transcriptional profiling of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis exposed to ethanolic extract of organic cranberry pomace.

Non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica serovars continue to be an important food safety issue worldwide. Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait) fruits possess antimicrobial properties due to their various acids and phenolic compounds; however, the underlying mechanism of actions is poorly understood. We evaluated the effects of cranberry extracts on the growth rate of Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium, Enteritidis and Heidelberg and on the transcriptomic profile of Salmonella Enteritidis to gain insight into phenotypic and transcriptional changes induced by cranberry extracts on this pathogen. An ethanolic extract from cranberry pomaces (KCOH) and two of its sub-fractions, anthocyanins (CRFa20) and non-anthocyanin polyphenols (CRFp85), were used. The minimum inhibitory (MICs) and bactericidal (MBCs) concentrations of these fractions against tested pathogens were obtained using the broth micro-dilution method according to the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute’s guidelines. Transcriptional profiles of S. Enteritidis grown in cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth supplemented with or without 2 or 4 mg/ml of KCOH were compared by RNASeq to reveal gene modulations serving as markers for biological activity. The MIC and MBC values of KCOH were 8 and 16 mg/mL, respectively, against all tested S. enterica isolates. The MIC value was 4 mg/mL for both CRFa20 and CRFp85 sub-fractions, and a reduced MBC value was obtained for CRFp85 (4 mg/ml). Treatment of S. Enteritidis with KCOH revealed a concentration-dependent transcriptional signature. Compared to the control, 2 mg/ml of KCOH exposure resulted in 89 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 53 and 36 were downregulated and upregulated, respectively. The upregulated genes included those involved in citrate metabolism, enterobactin synthesis and transport, and virulence. Exposure to 4 mg/ml KCOH led to the modulated expression of 376 genes, of which 233 were downregulated and 143 upregulated, which is 4.2 times more DEGs than from exposure to 2 mg/ml KCOH. The downregulated genes were related to flagellar motility, Salmonella Pathogenicity Island-1 (SPI-1), cell wall/membrane biogenesis, and transcription. Moreover, genes involved in energy production and conversion, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, and coenzyme transport and metabolism were upregulated during exposure to 4 mg/ml KCOH. Overall, 57 genes were differentially expressed (48 downregulated and 9 upregulated) in response to both concentrations. Both concentrations of KCOH downregulated expression of hilA, which is a major SPI-1 transcriptional regulator. This study provides information on the response of Salmonella exposed to cranberry extracts, which could be used in the control of this important foodborne pathogen.

Genome Sequence Resource of the Wide-Host-Range Anthracnose Pathogen Colletotrichum siamense.

Colletotrichum siamense causes fruit or foliar disease called anthracnose on a variety of plant hosts such as vegetables, fruits, ornamental plants, and others, including chili pepper, apple, American cranberry, mango, orange, papaya, guava, rubber plant, jasmine, coffee berry, and tea plants. Here, we report the first Illumina-sequenced draft genome assembly of C. siamense strain ICMP 18578 and its annotation. This genome sequence provides a unique resource that will be useful for future research on the evolution of Colletotrichum spp. and improvement of anthracnose management strategies.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study to Assess the Urinary Anti-Adhesion Activity Following Consumption of Cranberry + health™ Cranberry Supplement (P06-114-19)

ObjectivesUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common bacterial infections and are often treated with antibiotics. The North American cranberry is recommended for UTI prophylaxis in women with recurrent UTI as a nutritional alternative approach. The ability of cranberry components or their metabolites to inhibit the adhesion of uropathogenic E.coli to the bladder is considered as an important mechanism by which cranberry mitigates UTIs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-adhesion activity of urine from healthy individuals against both type I pili and P-fimbriae uropathogenic E.coli, after the consumption of Cranberry + health™ Cranberry Supplement. MethodsIn this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial (n = 20), subjects consumed two cranberry chews, one in the morning and one in the evening. Clean-catch urine samples collected at baseline and post-intervention (0–3 h, 3–6 h, 6–9 h, 9–12 h, 12–24 h, 24–30 h, 30–36 h) were tested for anti-adhesion activity utilizing both a mannose-resistant human red blood cell hemagglutination assay specific for P-fimbriae E. coli and a T24 cell line model for type I pili E.coli (UTI89). ResultsUrinary ex vivo anti-adhesion activity against P-fimbriae E. coli after consuming cranberry chew was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than placebo chew at 0–3 h, 3–6 h, 6–9 h, 9–12, and 12–24 time point. Urinary anti-adhesion activity against type I pili E.coli (UTI89) following cranberry chew was significantly greater (p < 0.1) than placebo chew at 3–6 h, 6–9 h, and 12–24 h time point. ConclusionsAcute consumption of Cranberry + health™ Cranberry Supplement provides ex vivo anti-adhesion activity, which may help to improve urinary tract health. Funding SourcesOcean Spray Cranberries, Inc.

Does enhanced nutrient availability increase volatile emissions in cranberry?

ABSTRACTNutrient availability impacts plant indirect defenses, such as emissions of herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) that attract natural enemies of herbivores. However, the effects are variable depending on the cropping system, and emissions may increase, decrease, or be not affected by nutrient availability. Here, we evaluated the effects of different fertilizer regimes, which varied nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) availability, on HIPV emissions in cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. Plants included six cranberry varieties that were subjected to four different fertilizer regimes and either noninduced or induced with methyl jasmonate (MeJA), an elicitor of HIPVs, in a 6 × 4 × 2 factorial design. Results show that enhanced NPK fertilizer applications increased total HIPV emissions in MeJA-treated cranberries, regardless of variety. This effect was due to an increase in plant fresh weight. Although the ecological effects of increased HIPV emissions need to be investigated, these findings may have implications for natural enemy manipulation in agro-ecosystems.

Phytoplasma Infection Influences Gene Expression in American Cranberry

Cranberry false blossom disease (CFBD) is caused by a leafhopper-vectored phytoplasma infection. CFBD results in distinctive branching of the upright shoots (witches’ broom) and the formation of deformed flowers that fail to produce fruit. This disease is reemerging and poses a serious threat to the cranberry industry. To determine the impact of the disease on host gene expression, we compared the transcriptome profiles between plants with CFBD and uninfected cranberry plants. We found that phytoplasma infection induced the expression of 132 genes, while suppressing 225 genes, compared to uninfected cranberry plants. Differentially expressed genes between uninfected and infected plants were largely associated with primary and secondary metabolic, defensive, and developmental pathways. Phytoplasma infection increased the expression of genes associated with nutrient metabolism, while suppressing genes associated with defensive pathways. This expression profile change supports the “host manipulation hypothesis,” whereby CFBD enhances host quality for insect vectors, thus promoting phytoplasma transmission.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy of a Combination of Propolis and Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) (DUAB®) in Preventing Low Urinary Tract Infection Recurrence in Women Complaining of Recurrent Cystitis

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of a product containing cranberry and propolis (DUAB) to placebo for reducing frequency of cystitis in women with recurrent acute cystitis. Method: A multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized study of women aged >18 years with at least 4 episodes of cystitis in the previous 12 months was performed. The number of cystitis episodes over a 6-month follow-up was the primary end point. Results: Forty-two women were included in the cranberry + propolis group, and 43 women were in the placebo group. The mean age was 53 ± 18 years, with 6.2 ± 3.6 cystitis episodes in the previous year, with no differences between the 2 groups. The mean number of infections was lower in the propolis + cranberry group (respectively, 2.3 ± 1.8 vs. 3.1 ± 1.8). The total number of cystitis episodes in the first 3 months was lower in the propolis + cranberry group (0.7 ± 1.1 vs. 1.3 ± 1.1, p = 0.0257) after adjusting for water consumption. The mean time to onset of the first urinary tract infection (UTI) was also significantly longer in the propolis + cranberry group (69.9 ± 45.8 days vs. 43.3 ± 45.9, p = 0.0258). Tolerance to the treatments was good and comparable in both groups. Conclusions: We demonstrate for the first time that cranberry and propolis supplementation significantly reduces the incidence of UTIs during the first 3 months and delays the onset of an episode of cystitis.

Phytoplasma Infection of Cranberries Benefits Non-vector Phytophagous Insects

Despite increasing knowledge about the impacts of pathogens on interactions between plants and insect vectors, relatively little is known about their effects on other, non-vector, organisms. In cranberries, phytoplasma infection causes false blossom disease, which is transmitted by leafhoppers. We hypothesized that changes in plant chemistry induced by phytoplasma infection might affect the performance and feeding behavior not only of vectors but also of other phytophagous insects. To test this, we measured growth, survival, and the number of leaves damaged by larvae of three common non-vector herbivores: spotted fireworm (Choristoneura parallela Robinson), Sparganothis fruitworm (Sparganothis sulfureana Clemens), and gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) on phytoplasma-infected and uninfected cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.). We also assessed the effects of phytoplasma infection on nutrients and phytochemistry related to defenses. In general, larvae of all three herbivore species grew 2–3 times bigger, and damaged 1.5–3.5 times more leaves, while feeding on infected vs. uninfected plants. Survival of Sparganothis fruitworm larvae was also ~1.5 times higher on infected plants, while spotted fireworm and gypsy moth larval survival was not affected. In a long-term (5-week) assay, gypsy moth larval survival and mass were enhanced when feeding on phytoplasma-infected leaves. Levels of important plant nutrients (e.g., N, P, K, Ca, S, Mn, Fe, B, Al, and Na) were higher in infected plants, while levels of defensive proanthocyanidins were reduced by 20–40% compared to uninfected plants. In contrast, levels of Mg were lower in infected plants, while concentrations of Cu, Zn, and defensive flavonols were not affected. Taken together, these findings suggest that phytoplasma infection enhances plant nutritional quality, while reducing plant defenses in cranberries. These effects, in turn, may explain the observed enhancement of non-vector herbivore performance, as well as the higher number of damaged leaves, on infected plants. Improved understanding of the ecology of pathogen-plant-herbivore interactions could aid efforts to enhance plant resistance and suppress disease transmission in agricultural settings.

Fruit Physical Features, Phenolic Compounds Profile and Inhibition Activities of Cranberry Cultivars (Vaccinium macrocarpon) Compared to Wild-Grown Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccus)

This study analysed fruits of cranberry cultivars: Ben Lear, Bergman, Early Richard, Pilgrim and Stevens and compared them with wild-grown cranberry fruits. The fruits were characterised in terms of dimensions, colour, content of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, and hydroxyl radical and trypsin inhibition activities. It was shown that the wild-grown cranberry fruits were characterised by much smaller dimensions and redder colour than fruits of the cranberry cultivars. The most phenolic compounds were found in the Early Richard fruits (357.6 mg/100 g fw), and they showed the highest antitrypsin activity. The highest anthocyanin content (60.6 mg/100 g fw) was determined in the Pilgrim fruits, while the Ben Lear fruits were the richest source of proanthocyanidins (27.9 mg/100 g fw). The antioxidant activity was correlated with the content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, while the antitrypsin activity was correlated with phenolic compounds and anthocyanin contents.

Therapeutic potential of medicinal plants for the management of urinary tract infection: A systematic review.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most severe public health problem affecting both sexes but females are more susceptible due to the differences in urogenital and reproductive anatomy, physiology and lifestyle. As in UTI, different parts of the urinary tract are affected and morbidity due to UTI is more common in women of all ages and older men. Due to multi-drug resistant strains and high recurrence rate, UTI has become a major socioeconomic burden. The current review article was aimed to describe the natural therapeutic strategies to manage and cure the UTI. For this purpose, different databases including Google Scholar, Cochrane database, and PubMed etc. were explored. Inclusion criteria were any research article investigating the current therapy of UTI. It was found that microbial infections including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Klebsiella species are the major causes of UTI with different signs and symptoms including painful urination or dysuria, hematuria, urinary urgency, burning micturition, frequent urination, nausea, and vomiting. Antibiotics like trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, quinolone etc. as the first choice of the drug are used worldwide. However, due to microbial resistance, several life-threatening side effects, repeated high doses, high cost and low efficacy of these antibiotics motivated the researchers to explore natural remedies for the treatment of UTI. Herbal medicines are effective to combat bacterial resistance with high efficacy, and easy availability with minimal or no side effects. For these reasons it has attained the attention of researchers wanting to explore the herbal treatment of UTI. Vaccinium macrocarpon, Tribulus terrestris, Trachyspermum copticum, Cinnamomum verum and Hybanthusenn easpermus are some common medicinal plants reported to have therapeutic potential for the management and cure of the UTI. Although herbal medicines have more potential over conventional medicine but more discoveries are required to explore the phytoconstituents and their mechanism of action responsible for the management and cure of UTI.

Thermal properties of fresh and dried cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) fruits determined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine selected thermal properties of cranberries based on DSC and TGA curves, and to compare the properties of fresh cranberries, the dry matter of cranberries, cranberries processed by hot‐air convective drying (HACD) at 80°C, and cranberries processed by microwave‐vacuum drying (MWVD) at 150 W. Thermal analysis techniques can be used to determine the thermal stability of fruits and indicate the best temperature of processing, which can minimize the thermal‐oxidative damage, as well as extend the shelf life of fruits. Dry matter of cranberries was analyzed at −30°C to 500°C. The first endothermic peak was determined at −14.7°C, the last endothermic peak at 362.3°C. The area under the DSC curve was 874.8 J/g, and mass loss was 64.70%. The temperature of the first and last endothermic peak was determined at 4.8 and 84.6°C (fresh fruits), −10.6°C and 86.0°C (HACD), 2.0°C, and 84.5°C (MWVD), respectively. The area under the DSC curve was determined at 4970.0 J/g (fresh fruits), 525.1 J/g (HACD), and 518.5 J/g (MWVD), and mass loss reached 65.54% (fresh fruits), 1.84% (HACD), and 4.27% (MWVD).Practical applicationsThe results of this study expand our knowledge about the thermal properties of the dry matter of cranberries, fresh cranberries, cranberries processed by hot‐air convective drying (HACD) at 80°C and by microwave‐vacuum drying (MWVD) at 150 W. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) proved to be a useful technique for determining the temperature of endothermic phase transition peaks and the area under the DSC curve of cranberries. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) supported the determination of mass loss during the measurements. Processing of food products, including drying can change their thermophysical and chemical properties. These changes can affect the thermal stability of dried products, which can be seen in the course of DSC and TGA curves. In this study, the temperature, at which the phase transitions of cranberries occur, was indicated. On this basis, the optimal processing temperature can be selected to preserve the berries content. The best temperature of fruit processing can minimize the thermal‐oxidative damage and extend shelf life of cranberries. Similar thermal stability of cranberries dried by hot‐air convection (HACD) at 80°C, and fruits dried by microwave‐vacuum (MWVD) at 150 W was found. The obtained findings can be further expanded by calculating the specific heat of cranberries.

Pacbio Sequencing Reveals Identical Organelle Genomes between American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) and a Wild Relative.

Breeding efforts in the American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.), a North American perennial fruit crop of great importance, have been hampered by the limited genetic and phenotypic variability observed among cultivars and experimental materials. Most of the cultivars commercially used by cranberry growers today were derived from a few wild accessions bred in the 1950s. In different crops, wild germplasm has been used as an important genetic resource to incorporate novel traits and increase the phenotypic diversity of breeding materials. Vaccinium microcarpum (Turcz. ex Rupr.) Schmalh. and V. oxycoccos L., two closely related species, may be cross-compatible with the American cranberry, and could be useful to improve fruit quality such as phytochemical content. Furthermore, given their northern distribution, they could also help develop cold hardy cultivars. Although these species have previously been analyzed in diversity studies, genomic characterization and comparative studies are still lacking. In this study, we sequenced and assembled the organelle genomes of the cultivated American cranberry and its wild relative, V. microcarpum. PacBio sequencing technology allowed us to assemble both mitochondrial and plastid genomes at very high coverage and in a single circular scaffold. A comparative analysis revealed that the mitochondrial genome sequences were identical between both species and that the plastids presented only two synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Moreover, the Illumina resequencing of additional accessions of V. microcarpum and V. oxycoccos revealed high genetic variation in both species. Based on these results, we provided a hypothesis involving the extension and dynamics of the last glaciation period in North America, and how this could have shaped the distribution and dispersal of V. microcarpum. Finally, we provided important data regarding the polyploid origin of V. oxycoccos.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) peel polyphenol-rich extract attenuates rat liver mitochondria impairments in alcoholic steatohepatitis in vivo and after oxidative treatment in vitro

Abstract Alcoholic steatohepatitis is an important medical problem but its effective therapies are still not available. Plant polyphenols are widely used for prevention of toxic liver damages. The aim of the study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective mechanism(s) of a cranberry peel polyphenol-rich extract, focusing on the effects of the polyphenols on the mitochondrial function. The main components of cranberry peel phenolic compounds were anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, procyanidins, flavonols, phenolic acids, as was detected using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. The treatment of rats receiving ethanol (4 g/kg bw, 8 weeks) with cranberry polyphenols (daily, 4 mg/kg bw) partially prevented alcoholic liver damage, ameliorating steatosis and inflammatory signs in the liver, decreasing serum and liver triglyceride contents, ALT and AST activities, as well as diminishing TNFα and TGFβ levels in serum. The polyphenols inhibited Ca2+ - induced mitochondrial permeability transition, free radical generation in mitochondria during intoxication. The polyphenols (25 µg/ml) prevented mitochondrial oxidative impairments in vitro. In conclusion, the cranberry peel polyphenols with antioxidant properties exerted a hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in the model of alcoholic steatohepatitis via prevention of liver mitochondria dysfunction.

Increased nutrient availability decreases insect resistance in cranberry

AbstractHerbivorous insects are considered to be a major problem in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) production. Spraying chemical pesticides is common practice, although beneficial insects could also be affected. We aimed to strengthen the resistance mechanisms that cranberry plants themselves use to combat insect pests by manipulating available nutrient levels. We hypothesized that cranberry genotypes respond differently from nutrient availability with regard to growth and defence against multiple herbivores. In the present study, six cranberry varieties (i.e. genotypes) were subjected to four different fertilizer rates. In a greenhouse setting, we assessed soil and leaf nitrogen concentrations; weight gain of the native pests spotted fireworm (Choristoneura parallela Robinson), sparganothis fruitworm (Sparganothis sulfureana Clemens) and the invasive pest gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.); levels of leaf proanthocyanidins (PACs); and plant growth. The results obtained showed that cranberry varieties differ in their insect resistance qualities, although this depended on the insect species identity; genotypic variation was observed in resistance against the invasive pest L. dispar but not against the two native insect pests. Overall, increased nutrient availability decreased plant resistance to the three herbivores (i.e. increased larval weight gain and reduced PAC levels), regardless of the cranberry genotype. Nutrient availability correlated negatively with PAC levels and positively with herbivore weight gain and plant growth, indicating a potential trade‐off between growth and defence. Fertilization management to strengthen insect resistance in cranberry may contribute to the development of more sustainable pest management practices, especially for organic production.

Arabinoxyloglucan Oligosaccharides May Contribute to the Antiadhesive Properties of Porcine Urine after Cranberry Consumption.

Cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon) juice is traditionally used for the prevention of urinary tract infections. Human urine produced after cranberry juice consumption can prevent Escherichia coli adhesion, but the antiadhesive urinary metabolites responsible have not been conclusively identified. Adult female sows were therefore fed spray-dried cranberry powder (5 g/kg/day), and urine was collected via catheter. Urine fractions were tested for antiadhesion activity using a human red blood cell (A+) anti-hemagglutination assay with uropathogenic P-fimbriated E. coli. Components were isolated from fractions of interest using Sephadex LH-20 gel filtration chromatography followed by HPLC on normal and reversed-phase sorbents with evaporative light scattering detection.Active urine fractions were found to contain a complex series of oligosaccharides but not proanthocyanidins, and a single representative arabinoxyloglucan octasaccharide was isolated in sufficient quantity and purity for full structural characterizationby chemical derivatization and NMR spectroscopic methods. Analogous cranberry material contained a similar complex series of arabinoxyloglucan oligosaccharides that exhibited antiadhesion properties in preliminary testing. These results indicate that oligosaccharides structurally related to those found in cranberry may contribute to the antiadhesion properties of urine after cranberry consumption.

Phenolic compounds and multivariate analysis of antiradical properties of red fruits

This paper presents a study on the antiradical properties of red fruits commonly consumed in Europe, i.e. strawberry (Fragaria ananasa), raspberry (Rubus ideaus), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and pomegranate (Punica granatum) extracts by various in vitro tests as well as the determination of qualitative and quantitative features of their phenolic compounds. Our results indicated richness of red fruits in phenolic compounds and variability of their chemical mixtures dominated generally by anthocyanins, ellagic acid and their derivatives. The selected fruit extracts exhibited notable antiradical activity by DPPH, ABTS, ORAC and PCL assays with significant correlation to phenolic content and remarkable influence of the chemical composition. This investigation indicated that the red fruits examined constitute prosperous natural sources of antiradical substances of high value which would benefit the product quality and consumers’ health.

Structural Characterization of Cranberry Arabinoxyloglucan Oligosaccharides.

Cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon) products are widely available in North American food, juice, and dietary supplement markets. The use of cranberry is popular for the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other reported health benefits. Preliminary findings by our research group indicate that arabinoxyloglucan oligosaccharides are present in cranberry products and may contribute to the antiadhesion properties of urine produced after cranberry consumption, but relatively little is known regarding the oligosaccharide components of cranberry. This report describes the isolation from two cranberry sources and the complete structure elucidation of two arabinoxyloglucan oligosaccharides through the use of carbohydrate-specific NMR spectroscopic and chemical derivatization methods. These compounds were identified as the heptasaccharide β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-[α-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-[α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1→2)-α-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-d-glucopyranose (1) and the octasaccharide β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-[α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1→2)-α-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-[α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1→2)-α-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-d-glucopyranose (2). Selected fractions and the isolated compounds were subjected to antimicrobial, cell viability, and E. coli antiadhesion assays. Results indicated that enriched fractions and purified compounds lacked antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects, supporting the potential use of such compounds for disease prevention without the risk for resistance development. Preliminary antiadhesion results indicated that mixtures of oligosaccharides exhibited greater antiadhesion properties than purified fractions or pure compounds. The potential use of cranberry oligosaccharides for the prevention of UTIs warrants continued investigations of this complex compound series.

Cranberry Polyphenols: Natural Weapons against Dental Caries.

Bioactive polyphenol components of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are known to have virulence attenuating effects against several cariogenic virulence properties responsible for dental caries pathogenesis. In particular, cranberry A-type proanthocyanidins and flavonols have demonstrated potent inhibitory effects against cariogenic virulence targets such as bacterial acidogenicity, aciduricity, glucan synthesis, and hydrophobicity. Cranberry phenols have the ability to disrupt these cariogenic virulence properties without being bactericidal, a key quality essential for retaining the benefits of the symbiotic resident oral microbiome and preventing the emergence of resistant microbes. This review discusses the cariostatic mechanisms of specific cranberry phytochemicals and their potential use as therapeutic agents against cariogenic bacteria in the prevention and control of dental caries.