Vaccinium Macrocarpon Research Articles

Propolis potentiates the effect of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in reducing the motility and the biofilm formation of uropathogenic Escherichia coli

One strategy to prevent urinary tract infections is the use of natural products such as cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and propolis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of these products alone and combined on the motility and biofilm formation of a collection of representative uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Motility was evaluated by the swarming and swimming capacity of the isolates in presence/absence of cranberry ± propolis. Early and late biofilm formation was observed with the Biofilm Ring test (BioFilm Control) and the crystal violet method. Cranberry alone was seen to have a variable effect on motility and biofilm formation unrelated to bacterial characteristics, but a reduced motility and biofilm formation was observed for all the isolates in the presence of cranberry + propolis. These results suggest that cranberry alone doesn’t work on all the E. coli strains and propolis potentiates the effect of cranberry on UPEC, representing a new strategy to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections.

Image-based phenotyping for identification of QTL determining fruit shape and size in American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon L.).

Image-based phenotyping methodologies are powerful tools to determine quality parameters for fruit breeders and processors. The fruit size and shape of American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon L.) are particularly important characteristics that determine the harvests’ processing value and potential end-use products (e.g., juice vs. sweetened dried cranberries). However, cranberry fruit size and shape attributes can be difficult and time consuming for breeders and processors to measure, especially when relying on manual measurements and visual ratings. Therefore, in this study, we implemented image-based phenotyping techniques for gathering data regarding basic cranberry fruit parameters such as length, width, length-to-width ratio, and eccentricity. Additionally, we applied a persistent homology algorithm to better characterize complex shape parameters. Using this high-throughput artificial vision approach, we characterized fruit from 351 progeny from a full-sib cranberry population over three field seasons. Using a covariate analysis to maximize the identification of well-supported quantitative trait loci (QTL), we found 252 single QTL in a 3-year period for cranberry fruit size and shape descriptors from which 20% were consistently found in all years. The present study highlights the potential for the identified QTL and the image-based methods to serve as a basis for future explorations of the genetic architecture of fruit size and shape in cranberry and other fruit crops.

HTGC–MS for determination of flavonol glycosides in nutritional supplement with extract from Vaccinium macrocarpon

The presented work focused on determination of derivatives of flavonols presented in American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), more specifically glycoside derivatives of quercetin: quercetin-3-O-β-d-galactoside (Q-gal), quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (Q-glu), and quercetin-3-O-α-d-arabinoside (Q-ara), due to their anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, and antibacterial effects, by high temperature gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detector (HTGC–MS). For this purpose, two-step derivatization was applied to transfer the chosen glycoside derivatives of quercetin into a form suitable for further HTGC–MS analysis. The quality and quantity of chosen derivatives were determined in several nutritional supplements and teas with extract of American cranberry, cranberry juice, cranberry jam, cranberry syrup, dried cranberries, and fresh cranberries. The newly developed analytical procedure can serve as an alternative tool for the analysis of other polar and low-volatility chemicals present in nutritional supplement and herbal products. LOD values were in the range of 0.5 mg kg−1 for Q-glu to 0.6 mg kg−1 for Q-ara, while the LOQ ranged from 1.7 mg kg−1 for Q-glu to 1.9 mg kg−1 for Q-ara.

The Cranberry Extract Oximacro® Exerts in vitro Virucidal Activity Against Influenza Virus by Interfering With Hemagglutinin.

The defense against influenza virus (IV) infections still poses a series of challenges. The current antiviral arsenal against influenza viruses is in fact limited; therefore, the development of new anti-influenza strategies effective against antigenically different viruses is an urgent priority. Bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants and fruits may provide a natural source of candidates for such broad-spectrum antivirals. In this regard, cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) extracts on the basis of their recognized anti-adhesive activities against bacteria, may provide potential compounds able to prevent viral attachment to target cells. Nevertheless, only few studies have so far investigated the possible use of cranberry extracts as an antiviral tool. This study focuses on the suitability of a cranberry extract as a direct-acting anti-influenza compound. We show that the novel cranberry extract Oximacro® inhibits influenza A and B viruses (IAV, IBV) replication in vitro because of its high content of A-type proanthocyanidins (PAC-A) dimers and trimers. Mechanistic studies revealed that Oximacro® prevents attachment and entry of IAV and IBV into target cells and exerts a virucidal activity. Oximacro® was observed to interact with the ectodomain of viral hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein, thus suggesting the interference with HA functions and a consequent loss of infectivity of IV particles. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed a reduction in the intrinsic fluorescence of HA protein after incubation with purified dimeric PAC-A (PAC-A2), thus confirming a direct interaction between HA and Oximacro® PAC-A2. In silico docking simulations further supported the in vitro results and indicated that among the different components of the Oximacro® chemical profile, PAC-A2 exhibited the best binding propensity with an affinity below 10 nM. The role of PAC-A2 in the anti-IV activity of Oximacro® was eventually confirmed by the observation that it prevented IAV and IVB replication and caused the loss of infectivity of IV particles, thus indicating PAC-A2 as the major active component of Oximacro®. As a whole, these results suggest Oximacro® as a potential candidate to create novel antiviral agents of natural origin for the prevention of IV infections.

Lowbush blueberry extract protects normal human (Homo sapiens L.) epidermal keratinocytes from damage by UV-B irradiation

To search for natural materials that protect human skin from damage caused by ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation, we prepared water extracts of the following four dry berries: lowbush blueberry (LBB) ( Vaccinium angustifolium L.), highbush blueberry (HBB) ( Vaccinium corymbosum L.), cranberry (CB) ( Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) and grape ( Vitis vinifera L.). Normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) were pretreated with each of the extracts and then subjected to transient UV-B irradiation (15.0 W m -2 ) for 80 s. The results showed that pretreatment of NHEKs with LBB extract significantly attenuated UV-B-induced damage. The concentrations of proanthocyanidins, total flavonoids and total polyphenols in LBB extract were higher than those in the other three berry extracts. Therefore, these compounds might mediate the protection of NHEKs from UV-B-induced damage.

Propolis potentiates the effect of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) against the virulence of uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), the most prevalent bacteria isolated in urinary tract infections (UTI), is now frequently resistant to antibiotics used to treat this pathology. The antibacterial properties of cranberry and propolis could reduce the frequency of UTIs and thus the use of antibiotics, helping in the fight against the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Transcriptomic profiles of a clinical UPEC strain exposed to cranberry proanthocyanidins alone (190 µg/mL), propolis alone (102.4 µg/mL) and a combination of both were determined. Cranberry alone, but more so cranberry + propolis combined, modified the expression of genes involved in different essential pathways: down-expression of genes involved in adhesion, motility, and biofilm formation, and up-regulation of genes involved in iron metabolism and stress response. Phenotypic assays confirmed the decrease of motility (swarming and swimming) and biofilm formation (early formation and formed biofilm). This study showed for the first time that propolis potentiated the effect of cranberry proanthocyanidins on adhesion, motility, biofilm formation, iron metabolism and stress response of UPEC. Cranberry + propolis treatment could represent an interesting new strategy to prevent recurrent UTI.

Massive phenotyping of multiple cranberry populations reveals novel QTLs for fruit anthocyanin content and other important chemical traits.

Because of its known phytochemical activity and benefits for human health, American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon L.) production and commercialization around the world has gained importance in recent years. Flavonoid compounds as well as the balance of sugars and acids are key quality characteristics of fresh and processed cranberry products. In this study, we identified novel QTL that influence total anthocyanin content (TAcy), titratable acidity (TA), proanthocyanidin content (PAC), Brix, and mean fruit weight (MFW) in cranberry fruits. Using repeated measurements over the fruit ripening period, different QTLs were identified at specific time points that coincide with known chemical changes during fruit development and maturation. Some genetic regions appear to be regulating more than one trait. In addition, we demonstrate the utility of digital imaging as a reliable, inexpensive and high-throughput strategy for the quantification of anthocyanin content in cranberry fruits. Using this imaging approach, we identified a set of QTLs across three different breeding populations which collocated with anthocyanin QTL identified using wet-lab approaches. We demonstrate the use of a high-throughput, reliable and highly accessible imaging strategy for predicting anthocyanin content based on cranberry fruit color, which could have a large impact for both industry and cranberry research.

Comparison of Ion Mobility Fuzzy Chromatography Mass Spectrometric (imFCMS) Fingerprinting and FCMS Fingerprinting for Differentiation of American Cranberry Cultivars

Fuzzy chromatography mass spectrometric (FCMS) fingerprinting methods in combination with principal component analysis (PCA) and soft independent modeling by class analogy (SIMCA) were developed for phenolic profiling and differentiation of American cranberry cultivars. Two FCMS fingerprinting methods, ion mobility fuzzy chromatography mass spectrometric (imFCMS) and conventional FCMS, are compared in the study. PCA and SIMCA successfully differentiated the cultivars with both methods. The six cultivars used formed three distinct groups in the PCA score plots, and each group contained one wild selection cultivar and its genetically related hybrid(s). Compared with FCMS fingerprinting, imFCMS fingerprinting provided better intra-cultivar sample clustering and inter-cultivar sample separation in PCA and superior sample classification sensitivity in SIMCA. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC–HRMS) analysis was conducted on selected samples to profile the phenolic difference between the cultivars. Compound identification using UPLC–HRMS revealed that flavonoid compounds, including flavonol glycosides, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, are major components that contribute to the phenolic profile variation among cultivars.

Chemical Properties, Antioxidant Activities and Sensory Evaluation of Berry Vinegar

This study was carried out to examine the chemical properties, antioxidant activities and sensory scores of berry vinegar produced from 4 berry species, namely Morus alba L. (Mulberry), Vaccinium macrocarpon L. (Cranberry), Rubus idaeus L. (Rasberry), and Rubus laciniatus L. (Blackberry). Berry vinegars were produced via a 2-stage (alcoholic and acetous) fermentation process. The initial soluble solid contents in the berry juice were adjusted to 22 ºBrix before the fermentation. Alcoholic fermentation was conducted using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the inoculant while Acetobacter pasteurianus was used for acetous fermentation. As observed for all samples during the alcoholic fermentation the levels of soluble solids decreased continuously and the levels of alcohol were found to increase at the end of fermentation process. Notably, the wine produced from ‘Blackberry’ species exhibited the highest levels of alcohol (11.73 %) while those produced from ‘Mulberry’ exhibited the highest levels of antioxidant activity (60.85 %). Similar results were observed for all samples during the acetous fermentation, in which the levels of alcohol dropped continuously and the levels of acetic acid were noted to elevate at the end of the fermentation process. The highest levels of acetic acid (5.01 %) was detected in the vinegars produced from ‘Cranberry’ species while those produced form ‘Raspberry’ species exhibited the highest levels of antioxidant activity (74.43 %). Sensory evaluation based on the 9-point hedonic scales showed that the vinegars produced from ‘Mulberry’ species displayed the highest overall acceptability with an average score of 7.27, equivalent to the hedonic scale of 9, which indicated the moderately pleasant levels of the vinegar preference of the consumers.

Discovery of Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of South American Vaccinium macrocarpon Fruit: An Ethnomedicinal Plant

Discovery of Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of South American Vaccinium macrocarpon Fruit: An Ethnomedicinal Plant

Regulation of redox status in neuronal SH-SY5Y cells by blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) juice, cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon A.) juice and cyanidin

Blueberry and cranberry are fruits with high polyphenol content, particularly anthocyanins. As cyanidin derivatives have been identified as one of the most representative polyphenols in berry juices, cyanidin has been designated for a better comparison and understanding of the potential neuroprotection of juices obtained from two Vaccinium species. Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were previously treated with different concentrations of lyophilized blueberry juice, cranberry juice or cyanidin for 24 h and oxidative stress was then generated with hydrogen peroxide (100 μM) for 30 min. Cytoprotective properties of cranberry juice, blueberry juice or cyanidin were evaluated using different methodologies such as mitochondrial activity (MTT), TBARS and ROS production, antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD) and antioxidant properties (ORAC, FRAP). Results indicated that blueberry and cranberry juices as well as cyanidin increased mitochondrial activity and reduced intracellular ROS production and lipid peroxidation induced by hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, these berry juices and cyanidin upregulated the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase. Finally, in vitro antioxidant capacities were confirmed by ORAC and FRAP assays demonstrating the potential of cyanidin and cyanidin-containing products for pharmaceutical or nutritional applications to prevent oxidative stress in neuronal cells.

A nutraceutical diet based on Lespedeza spp., Vaccinium macrocarpon and Taraxacum officinale improves spontaneous feline chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease is characterized by structural and/or functional impairment of one or both kidneys persisting for more than 3 months. In cats, chronic kidney disease can frequently occur in animals aged over 9 years with an incidence of approximately 10%. Thirty‐four client‐owned, neutered cats, suffering from stage II‐III chronic kidney disease and diagnosed according to the International Renal Interest Society guidelines were randomly assigned to receive either a control diet (n = 17) or a nutraceutical diet (ND; n = 17) for 90 days. Both diets were commercialized for management of CKD symptoms. The diets were identical except that the ND contained tablets that consisted of 60–80% hydrolysed proteins, 20–40% minerals and active substances, that are, Lespedeza spp. 0.0588%, Vaccinium macrocarpom 0.0371%, and Taraxacum officinale 0.0231%. No adverse effects were reported during this study. Both diets resulted in an improvement in CKD symptoms. After a 90‐day evaluation, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, total proteins, and aspartate aminotransferase significantly decreased in cats that received the ND. A significant decrease was also observed in urine turbidity score, color score, and total proteins in cats that received the ND. We have found that a ND based on Lespedeza spp., Vaccinium macrocarpon, and Taraxacum officinale improves key indicators of renal failure in cats affected by chronic kidney disease.

Effects of freezing and hot air drying on the physical, morphological and thermal properties of cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of convectional (F) and cryogenic (N) freezing, as well as convective drying (C) temperatures of 60, 70, 80 and 90°C on the physical, morphological and thermal properties of cranberries. Convectional (F) freezing induced considerable texture modification and cell structure disruption, whereas cryogenic (N) freezing led to freeze cracking. Depending on pretreatment and drying conditions, convective drying of whole cranberries lasted from 5 to 195h. Freezing significantly increased the rate of moisture removal in the first stage of drying, and it shortened drying time by up to 43%. Convectional freezing combined with hot air drying at a low temperature (60°C) induced minimal changes in the surface structure of dried samples and produced fruits whose overall appearance was similar to that of unprocessed berries. Cryogenic freezing combined with hot air convective drying contributed to the greatest changes in the properties of cranberries. An increase in air temperature from 60 to 70, 80 and 90°C shortened the drying time of cranberries by up to 69–97%. However, the increase in drying air temperature was accompanied by structural changes in cranberries.

Single-Laboratory Validation for Determination of Total Soluble Proanthocyanidins in Cranberry Using 4-Dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde.

American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is native to Eastern North America. Recent studies have suggested that the A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs) in cranberries are effective in preventing urinary tract infection. To meet the growing interest in the cranberry market, an accurate, reliable, and simple method to determine PAC concentration is needed. In this study, a modified method using 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde to quantify total PACs in cranberry products was validated. Cranberry juice extract powder, cranberry capsules containing juice extract, and cranberry juice concentrate were used as the samples in this study. With the modified method, the calibration curves for proanthocyanidin A2 had correlation coefficients (r2) of >0.99. The recoveries of two different concentrations after spiking were 97.1 and 99.1%, and the RSDs for repeatability and reproducibility were <2.7 and <1.6%, respectively.

Antioxidant activity evaluation of dried herbal extracts: an electroanalytical approach

The prevention of chronic and degenerative diseases, is a health concern deeply associated with oxidative stress. Such progressive phenomena can be avoided through exogenous antioxidant intake, which set up a reductant cascade, mopping up damaging free radicals. Medicinal herbs are commonly associated with high antioxidant potential, and hence their health benefits. The commerce of dried herbal extracts movements a big portion of developing countries economy. The determination of medicinal herbs the antioxidant activity capacity is of utmost importance. The assessment of antioxidant activity in phytotherapics is mostly achieved by spectrophotometric assays, however colored substances can produce interferences that do not occur in electroanalytical methods. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to compare spectrophotometric and voltammetric techniques to evaluate antioxidant activity in herbal drugs such as: Ginkgo biloba L., Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, Theaceae; Hypericum perforatum L., Hypericaceae; Aesculus hippocastanum L., Sapindaceae; Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lamiaceae; Morinda citrifolia L., Rubiaceae; Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., Apiaceae; Trifolium pratense L., Fabaceae; Crataegus oxyacantha L., Rosaceae; and Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton, Ericaceae.The spectrophotometric methods employed were DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and the Folin-Ciocalteu assays. The electroanalytical method used was voltammetry and it was developed a phenoloxidase based biosensor. The redox behavior observed for each herbal sample resulted in distinguishable voltammetric profiles. The highest electrochemical indexes were found to G. biloba and H. perforatum, corroborating to traditional spectrophotometric methods. Thus, the electroanalysis of herbal drugs, may be a promising tool for antioxidant potential assessment.

Berry press residues as a valuable source of polyphenolics: Extraction optimisation and analysis

Vaccinium genus berries (bilberries, blueberries, lingonberries, cranberries) are gathered in the wild as well as cultivated on an industrial scale for use in the food industry. Extraction of juices from these berries produces press residues (pomace) as a waste product. Berry press residues are an excellent source of phenolic compounds and have a potential of use as a polyphenol-rich material. The aim of the present study was to optimise the method of extraction of polyphenols (anthocyanins specifically) from berry press residues of American cranberry using the response surface method and to validate the optimal polyphenol/anthocyanin extraction conditions also for other Vaccinium berries and their press residues. Comparison of whole berry and berry press residue extracts helps to determine the potential berry source materials for further processing and production of products with high antioxidant levels. The composition of anthocyanins was determined in five different berry species of the Vaccinium genus (whole berries and press residues), the results were obtained using the optimised extraction conditions, and the analysis was done by UPLC and LC-TOF/MS.

Seasonal dynamics of water and nutrient fluxes in an agricultural peatland

AbstractThe American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is an important part of the cultural heritage and economy of Southeastern Massachusetts, yet water quality concerns and wetland protection laws challenge its commercial production. Here, we report inputs and outputs of water, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) for a 2.12‐ha cranberry bed over a 2‐year period from 2013 to 2015. Water‐budget analysis indicated that precipitation contributed 40%, floodwater 37%, irrigation 15%, and groundwater 8% of water inputs to the cranberry bed. Minor annual variation in surface water discharge (~90 mm·year−1 or 3%) contrasted with large decreases in net (= outputs − inputs) nutrient export, from 16.2 to 9.1 kg N·ha−1·year−1 for total (dissolved + suspended particulate) nitrogen (TN) and from 3.34 to 1.47 kg P·ha−1·year−1 for total phosphorus (TP) between Years 1 and 2. Annual variation in net TN and TP export was tied to decreases in spring and summer nutrient export and controlled by the combined effects of fertilizer management, soil biogeochemistry, and hydrology. The relatively high spring TN export in Year 1 was associated with coincident increases in soil temperature and rainfall. A second factor was the timing of fertilizer application, which occurred 1 day prior to a major summer storm (i.e., third largest daily rainfall since 1926) and was responsible for up to 15% and 9% of the Year 1 TN and TP export, respectively. Nutrient budgets, which balanced water and fertilizer inputs with water, fruit, and vegetative outputs, were consistent with the burial of 21.6 kg N·ha−1·year−1 and 7.27 kg P·ha−1·year−1. Field measurements indicated that burial would increase TN and TP in the shallow (0–5 cm) rooting zone by 14% and 6%, respectively, which seemed plausible based on the relatively young age of the bed (4–5 years) and new root growth patterns in Vaccinium plants.

American cranberries and health benefits - an evolving story of 25 years.

Cranberries contain various types of bioactive components. Scientists have been studying cranberries' beneficial effects on urinary tract health since the 20th century. In the 21st century, the protection provided by cranberry phytochemicals against cancer and vascular diseases has drawn more attention from researchers. Anthocyanins, procyanidins, and flavonols in cranberries were all documented to have potential effects on cancer prevention. The cardiometabolic effects of cranberries have been investigated in several clinical trials. It was found that cranberries positively affect atherosclerotic cholesterol profiles and that they reduced several cardiometabolic risk factors. Nowadays, growing evidence suggests other important roles of cranberries in maintaining digestive health. Cranberry juice or cranberries have been shown to inhibit the colonization of H. pylori in stomach, and protect against intestinal inflammation. For future research, clinical trials with improved study design are urgently needed to demonstrate cranberries' benefits on urinary tract health and cardiometabolic diseases. Hypothesis-driven studies using animals or cell culture are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of cranberries' effects on digestive health. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

A geospatial model to quantify mean thickness of peat in cranberry bogs

Commercial cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is cultivated on postglacial deposits of peat capped by 0.3–1m of anthropogenic sand. Despite distinct soil layering, a general paucity of information exists on the physical properties of sand and peat in cranberry bogs. Field measurements and ground penetrating radar (GPR) were used to determine sand and peat thicknesses of 30 cranberry bogs in Massachusetts, United States. GPR-based estimates of peat volume and detailed soil maps were then used to develop a geospatial model of mean peat thickness (L*) in cranberry bogs. The model was applied to 505 cranberry bogs that covered in area of 2827ha. Based on model results and field measurements, average sand and peat thicknesses were 0.5 and 0.9m, respectively. For individual bogs, mean peat thickness exhibited considerable range, with deep peat (L*>1.8m) identified in 22% of the cranberry bogs. Peat was absent (L*=0m) in 26% of the cranberry bogs, which reflected modified upland or glaciolacustrine soils rather than peat. Using average thickness, nutrient concentration, and bulk density of peat and sand layers, a typical cranberry bog stores 750Mgha−1 of carbon, 22,900kgha−1 of nitrogen, and 790kgha−1 of phosphorus. We estimate that peat stores 91% and 78% (by mass) of carbon and nitrogen in cranberry bogs, respectively. In contrast, sand stores the majority of P (78% by mass) in cranberry bogs.

163 Effect of the Cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) Extract on the Relaxation of Human Corpus Cavernosum Tissue in Vitro: Can Cranberries Contribute to Reduce the Incidence of Erectile Dysfunction?

163 Effect of the Cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) Extract on the Relaxation of Human Corpus Cavernosum Tissue in Vitro: Can Cranberries Contribute to Reduce the Incidence of Erectile Dysfunction?