Berries Research Articles

Berry Fruits and Their Improving Potential on Skeletal Muscle Health and Performance: A Systematic Review of the Evidence in Animal and in Human Studies.

The well-established anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of red fruits leave room for a biological pathway of improved muscle health promoted by berries in the diet. Our objective was to systematically review the number of trials conducted on human and animal species around the relationship between a berry diet and muscle health outcomes. Two independent examiners conducted a search for studies that utilized keywords associated with muscle health outcomes and a berry-based diet in both human and animal trials, in accordance with the PRISMA statement guidelines. The literature was searched through six electronic databases until December 2023. Screening of 152 retrieved articles resulted in a final selection of 16 reports investigating the effect of exposure to a berry-based diet and skeletal muscle health outcomes. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023479682). Among the selected studies, nine involved humans and seven animal models (rats and mice). Overall, most of the studies reported positive effects on performance or muscle health. Specifically, five studies investigated the possible effects of blackcurrant on active human subjects or athletes; three studies focused on blueberry and presented results on running performance (human sample) and muscle health (rat models). The rest of the studies involved raspberries (two studies, rat models), aronia (one study, rat models), elderberry (one study, rat models), and a mixed compound (one study, rat models). In conclusion, there is some early evidence that a berry-rich diet may increase performance or muscle health, but more research is needed to fully understand the underlying biological trajectories, and thus, no firm conclusions can yet be drawn.

Enhancing anthocyanin extraction efficiency in vegetables and fruits: a high-speed shear homogenization technology.

To extract anthocyanins with high efficiency, a hypothesis for high-speed shear homogenization extraction (HSHE) method was established through a combination of solvent and ultrasonic-assisted extractions. The efficacy of this hypothesis was demonstrated by performing qualitative and quantitative analyses of 16 anthocyanins extracted from five northern vegetables, and five berry fruits using ultra-high-performance Q-Exactive Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry. Single-factor experiments were conducted by varying ethanol concentration, temperature, pH and extraction cycles to determine the optimal conditions for this method. Optimal extraction conditions (ethanol 70-80%, 40-50 °C, pH 3-4, performed twice) were determined using an HSHE (5 min, 10 000 rpm, 25 °C) assisted shaker (60 min) and ultrasonication (40 kHz, 160 W cm-2, 30 min, 25 °C) procedure. Compared to the traditional non-HSHE method, the total anthocyanin content obtained through HSHE extraction showed a significant increase, ranging from 1.0 to 3.9 times higher, with purple cabbage exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement in content. More types of anthocyanins were detected in blueberry (9), black bean (7) and raspberry (5), of which malvidin was the major anthocyanin (0.426 g kg-1) in blueberry, having an amount five times than previously obtained. The established HSHE method has been proven to be a superior technique for anthocyanin extraction, with higher extraction efficiency and concentrations. This technique also provides a new avenue for extracting bioactive compounds from diverse food sources, with potential applications in improving the functional properties of food products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Seaweed-based biostimulants improves quality traits, postharvest disorders, and antioxidant properties of sweet cherry fruit and in response to gibberellic acid treatment

The main aim of this research was to determine whether seaweed-based biostimulants (BIO) have the potential to offset the delaying of fruit maturation and improve fruit quality and antioxidant properties in gibberellic acid (GA3)-treated cherries. Compared to the control, 5 g L−1 BIO applied twice at pit hardening (PH) and straw color (SC) or 3 times at PH, SC, and 1 week before harvest (1WBH) in mid-maturing ‘Bing’ cherries accelerated color development, increased soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity, total phenolics (TP), and DPPH radical scavenging activity at harvest. However, these treatments resulted in smaller and softer fruit. For late-maturing ‘Lapins’ cherries, BIO had no effect on fruit coloration, but increased the levels of antioxidants and antioxidant capacity at harvest, especially in 3 applications. Spraying 5 g L−1 BIO 3 times plus a single application of 10 mg L−1 GA3 at PH on ‘Bing’ cherries effectively increased fruit firmness (FF) and size, but showed a strong delaying effect on color development and SSC at harvest, and reduced resistance to disorders after 4 weeks of storage at 0°C if the combination-treated fruit were late harvested. Decreasing GA3 concentration from 10 to 5 mg L−1, increasing BIO concentration from 5 to 10 g L−1, and extending the harvest date by 5 d could impair the delaying effect of GA3 on fruit maturation, restore the normal fruit size, reduce the rates of decay, stem browning (SB), and surface pitting (SP), and maintain high FF and DPPH radical scavenging activity. In conclusion, pre-harvest 3 applications of 10 g L−1 BIO and 5 mg L−1 GA3 once at PH have the potential to curtail the GA3’s inhibition on fruit maturation, extend the harvest window, improve fruit quality, and increase antioxidants and antioxidant capacity in ‘Bing’ cherries.

Extraction and electrochemical sensing of anthocyanins in berry fruits by use of carbon nanotube-based electrode

Extraction and electrochemical sensing of anthocyanins in berry fruits by use of carbon nanotube-based electrode

Microscopic and Transcriptome Analysis Reveals that the Self-incompatibility in Rabbiteye Blueberry Belongs to the S-RNase-based Gametophytic Type

Berry fruits produced by Vaccinium (Ericaceae) plants are small but have a signature flavor and have become increasingly popular in the 21st century. However, self-incompatibility (SI) results in a relatively low fruit-set ratio and reduced fruit quality in Vaccinium. In this study, using Vaccinium ashei (V. ashei) styles after cross-pollination (CP) and self-pollination (SP) as material, transcriptomics and gene expression analyses were performed using high-throughput RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Subsequently, evolutionary analysis and conserved sequences analysis of candidate genes were conducted. Among the 135,324 unigenes, 30,863 were shown to be differentially expressed, and eight randomly selected differentially expressed genes were expressed in the styles at 96 hours after SP and CP. The transcriptomics and qRT-PCR results were significantly correlated, which confirmed the reliability of the differentially expressed genes obtained in our study. Compared with SP96, six differentially expressed ribonuclease T2 family genes were obtained in CP96, which were considered candidates for S-RNase. Additionally, the spatiotemporal and organizational expression trends of six candidates for S-RNase were confirmed by qRT-PCR, and the evolutionary and conservative sequence analysis indicated six candidate S-RNases with the typical S-RNase structure. The spatiotemporal and organizational expression results and evolutionary and conservative sequence analyses of the six candidate S-RNases suggest that SI in V. ashei is likely an S-RNase-mediated gametophytic one. This finding suggests the involvement of novel, previously undiscovered components involved in the V. ashei SI system. These findings help elucidate the molecular mechanisms of SI in rabbiteye blueberry and may also benefit breeding, production, and genomics research in V. ashei and other Vaccinium species.

PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF MALNUTRITION AMONG UNDER- FIVE CHILDREN OF HOUSEHOLD IN SLUM AREAS OF DISTRICT FAISALABAD

Malnutrition refers to a pathological condition characterized by a lack of nutrients necessary for healthy body function. Malnutrition is one of the most common causes of death and disease among children under the age of five. About 96% percent of children in Pakistan do not receive adequate nutrition during childhood, such as soft food, milk, fruit, and vegetables. Food insecurity is a serious problem in Pakistan as a significant portion of the rural population is food insecure. A staggering 36.9% of households in the country are 'food insecure' and 18.3% are 'severely' food insecure. Pakistan is self-sufficient in basic food items, but only 63.1% of households have food security. Food insecurity is common, leaving women and children at greater risk of malnutrition. Drought-affected communities have exceptionally high rates of malnutrition. According to statistics in Pakistan, about 40, 29%, and 18% of children under the age of five are a stunt, underweight, and wasted, respectively. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition status in children under 5 years of age in the slums of Faisalabad District, Punjab, Pakistan. The data is based on household demographic and socioeconomic factors, including anthropometric information on children under the age of five living in a slum in Faisalabad. Anthropometric data were obtained from 150 randomly selected children from three slum areas of Faisalabad. Socioeconomic and behavioural data were collected from each mother. Three indicators were used to measure the nutritional status of children: (i) stunting, height–for– age, (ii) wasting weight–for–height, and (iii) under-weight¸ weight–for–age. These values ​​were transformed into z-scores to classify the child's nutritional status. Descriptive and logistic regression techniques were used to identify factors associated with children's nutritional status. According to this study, the prevalence of stunting, being underweight, and wasting among children under five years of age in Faisalabad District, Pakistan were 28%, 22.6%, and 18% respectively. Testing with logistic regression techniques revealed that demographic, socio-economic, and behavioural factors were significant predictors of all three indicators of child nutritional status. These main factors were household calorie intake and maternal education, father education, access to clean water, and maternal access to health facilities.

The biochemical composition of wild berries and fruits growing in the Southwestern Taimyr

This article presents research findings on the chemical composition of fruits and berries found in the Southwestern Taimyr region, including bilberry (Vaccinium myrtíllus), northern redcurrant (Ribes triste), blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), prickly wild rose (Rosa acicularis), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), almost-holarctic crowberry (Empetrum subholarcticum), Siberian rowan (Sorbus sibirica), and cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus). We revealed that rowan, blueberries, and prickly wild rose are particularly rich in crude fat. Additionally, prickly wild rose, and red currants were found to be high in crude fiber content, while bilberries, red currants, and cloudberries were dominant in crude protein. Potassium and calcium content were highest in prickly wild rose and rowan, while bilberries, red currants, and prickly wild rose had high sodium content. Moreover, crowberries and rowan berries were rich in phosphorus, and lingonberries, rowan berries, bilberries, and cloudberries were abundant in magnesium. Red currants, bilberries, and cloudberries had the highest total amino acid content, with essential amino acids being more prevalent than non-essential ones in redcurrant, bilberry, crowberry, and cloudberry samples. The content included high levels of leucine, isoleucine, valine, and threonine. Overall, the fruits and berries in the Southwestern Taimyr region have significant biological value and could be effectively used in creating functional biologically active substances.

Assessment of the microbial quality of ready-to-eat vegetable salads and berry fruit available on Polish market

The consumption and sale of ready-to-eat products, i.e., fresh-cut vegetable salads and fruit, have been growing tremendously in the present time. Therefore, the microbial safety of such products is of great concern. In the current study, a survey of general microbiological contamination (mesophilic bacteria, yeasts, molds, Enterobacteriaceae, coli bacteria, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, and Escherichia coli) of fresh-cut vegetable salads and berry-packed fruits available in Polish supermarket was undertaken.In ready-to-eat salads, the high number of mesophilic bacteria ranged from 6.43 to 8.56 log10 cfu g–1, and also Enterobacteriaceae with mean value from 3.45 to 4.08 log10 cfu g–1 was detected. Mesophilic bacteria, yeast, and Enterobacteriaceae were detected in all salad samples. The molds were detected in 45% of salad samples, and their mean number ranged from 0.63 log10 cfu g–1 in salads with carrot or beetroot to 1.80 log10 cfu g–1 in salads with rocket.Berry fruit was also heavily microbiologically contaminated. In particular, the means of mesophilic bacteria, molds, and yeasts were high. The number of molds detected in fruit samples, especially in raspberry samples, could be alarming. Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, and coli bacteria were detected in a few samples of berry fruit. None of the ready-to-eat salads and fruit samples were contaminated by Escherichia coli.Based on the tests that were conducted, it was found that the microbiological quality was not satisfactory. The findings suggest that following hygienic measures during processing and handling, the microbiological quality of vegetable salads and berry fruit available in Polish markets should be improved.

Using vertical farming systems for propagating everbearing strawberry: Physiological and technological feasibility assessment

BACKGROUND: One of the biggest challenges facing the soft fruit sector is to propagate disease free strawberry plants in a timely manner, financially viable approach and in an eco-friendly fashion. OBJECTIVE: This study sets out to investigate the efficacy of growing everbearing Fragaria×ananassa ‘Malling Ace’ runners at different propagation dates and under Different LED lighting regimes using vertical farming units and glasshouse (as control). METHODS: To evaluate the effects of the treatment factors, some of the main horticultural features including rooting success rate, rooting speed, root and shoot biomass production, chlorophyll content and bud emergence were measured and statistically analysed. In addition, this study aimed to investigate the energy efficiency of a self-sufficient Direct Current (DC) based vertical farming unit, versus a vertical farming unit using the Alternate Current (AC) electricity provided by national grid electricity. RESULTS: light, tipping date, and the interaction between light and tipping date, significantly influenced shoot biomass, total crown diameter, and chlorophyll content in the leaves of ‘Malling Ace’. In terms of energy demand, the DC unit had a higher level of energy efficiency over AC unit with 23% less energy demand. CONCLUSION: In general, this trial demonstrated vertical farming as a potentially sustainable method and efficient tool in propagating strawberry plants.

Pest categorisation of Popillia quadriguttata.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Popillia quadriguttata (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), following a commodity risk assessment of bonsai Pinus parviflora grafted onto P. thunbergii from China, in which P. quadriguttata was identified as a pest of possible concern for the territory of the European Union. This is a univoltine polyphagous pest that occurs in eastern Asia from Vietnam northwards through eastern China and Taiwan, South Korea and into Far East Russia. Hosts include species of fruit trees within the genera Malus and Prunus, trees of forestry and environmental importance such as Quercus and Ulmus, shrubs such as Wisteria, soft fruit such as Rubus, grasses, including amenity turf and field crops such as potatoes, maize and soybean. Adults feed on host leaves, tender stems, flower buds, flowers and fruits; larvae feed on host roots. In northern China P. quadriguttata is a major pest of soybean; in South Korea, P. quadriguttata is one of the most serious insect pests of golf course turf. P. quadriguttata could enter the EU on various pathways including infested soil and growing media accompanying host plants for planning. Biotic factors (host availability) and abiotic factors (climate suitability) suggest that large parts of the EU would be suitable for establishment. Local spread would be mainly via natural dispersal of adults. Long distance spread would be facilitated by the movement of eggs, larvae and pupae infesting soil especially with plants for planting; adults could spread on plants for planting without soil. Economic and or environmental impacts would be expected on a range of plants if P. quadriguttata were to establish in the EU. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of its introduction. P. quadriguttata satisfies all of the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Lycium barbarum Is a New Host of Botryosphaeria dothidea Associated with Soft Rot Disease in China.

Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) is a plant of the Solanaceae family that is cultivated in the Chinese provinces of Xinjiang, Ningxia, Gansu, and Qinghai, and its fruit is used as a traditional Chinese medicine (Yossa Nzeuwa et al. 2019). In July 2019, fruit rot was observed at an incidence of 20 to 25% on the Goji berry at a fruit market in Yinchuan, Ningxia, China. The fruit symptoms began as slightly shriveled areas on fruit peel, with noticeable softening of the infested portion of the tissue, followed by rotting and a sour odor. To isolate the pathogen, ten symptomatic tissues were randomly collected from different boxes, surface-sterilized for 30 s with 75% ethanol, followed by 0.1% mercuric chloride, then rinsed in sterile distilled water three times and plated onto PDA. The plates were incubated at 25°C in the dark for 7 days. Five purified fungal isolates from different fruit were obtained and single-spores. Emergent fungal colonies were white with 1 to 3 mm white margins and abundant aerial hyphae, 1 to 6 mm high, that became dark gray after 4 to 5 days. Conidia were hyaline, unicellular, fusiform, and measured 19.3 to 28.2 μm× 3.8 to 6.4 μm (n=50). All the morphological characteristics were consistent with Botryosphaeria spp. (Slippers et al. 2004). Five representative isolates, BJN1-BJN5, were selected for molecular identification. Total genomic DNA of the isolates was extracted with a Plant/Fungi DNA Isolation Kit. Translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1) gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were amplified with primers EF1-728F/986R (Carbone and Kohn 1999) and ITS1/ITS4, respectively. The sequencing results of the five isolates were consistent, and those of the isolate BJN1 we deposited in the NCBI GeneBank database for EF1 (MK733274) and ITS (MK359291). A BLAST search of the GenBank database indicated that the EF1 and ITS sequences had 100% and 99% similarity, respectively, to B. dothidea ex-type strain (AY236898 and KF766151). A phylogenetic tree was constructed using maximum parsimony methods in MEGA11 and BJN1 isolate clustered with the reference sequence of B. dothidea. Pathogenicity tests were performed, inoculating healthy fruit with both mycelial plugs (7 days old) and conidial suspension (1 × 106 conidia/ml), repeated three times. Mycelial plugs of five isolates (BJN1-BJN5) growing on PDA with a colony diameter of 4 mm were placed on the sterilized surface of 20 Goji berry fruit. Sterile PDA plugs were placed on 12 healthy fruit as a control. In a second test, conidial suspensions of five isolates were sprayed on the surface of 20 healthy fruit and sterilized distilled water was used as a control. The inoculated fruits were maintained in an artificial climate chamber at 25°C and 80% to 85% relative humidity with a 12-h photoperiod for 7 days. The development of soft rot, similar to that observed on the original samples, was observed on inoculated fruit while control fruits remained asymptomatic. The pathogen was reisolated from infected fruit and confirmed as B. dothidea based on morphological characteristics and molecular sequences. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. dothidea causing postharvest fruit rot of Goji berry, and this pathogen has been reported to cause fruit rot in Kiwifruit (Li et al. 2016) and Yellowhorn (Liu et al. 2018). This study provides information on a new postharvest fruit rot of Goji berry in China that has the potential to cause economic losses.

Modelling Light Interception by Rows of Tall-Growing Crops in an Agri-PV System

The irradiance on 3D plants, for instance for row crops, is complex to measure. Validated irradiance modelling of 3D row crops gives detailed information about the irradiance distribution on the crop canopy. It can also be applied to investigate new or changed layouts of agri-PV systems without the need to actually build them. We modelled an agri-PV system of partially transparent PV panels integrated with a soft fruit farm using the light and PV simulation package BIGEYE. The irradiance absorbed by the canopy is calculated from the difference in irradiance above and below the plants, mimicking PARbar measurements. The simulated PARbar data is in agreement with a full analysis of the modelled total irradiance on the plant row surfaces. We also show that there is a difference in the irradiance on the plant rows below the lower and higher ends of the PV panels. Finally, the irradiance along the sides is twice as high on the top third than the bottom third. The detailed information on the irradiance distribution will be compared to observed adaptations of the plants to shading.

Lavender Harbors More Viruses than Previously Thought: First Report of Raspberry Ringspot Virus and Phlox Virus M in Lavandula × intermedia.

Plants of the genus Lavandula are thought to be rarely infected by viruses. To date, only alfalfa mosaic virus, cucumber mosaic virus, tobacco mosaic virus, and tomato spotted wilt virus have been reported in this host. In this study, we identified for the first time raspberry ringspot virus (RpRSV) and phlox virus M (PhlVM) in lavender using herbaceous indexing, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and high-throughput sequencing. Nearly complete genome sequences for both viruses were determined. Phylogenetic and serological characterizations suggest that the obtained RpRSV isolate is a raspberry strain. A preliminary survey of 166 samples indicated RpRSV was spread only in the lavender cultivar 'Grosso', while PhlVM was detected in multiple lavender cultivars. Although RpRSV raspberry strain may have spread throughout Auckland and nearby areas in New Zealand, it is very likely restricted to the genus Lavandula or even to the cultivar 'Grosso' due to the absence or limited occurrence of the nematode vector. Interestingly, all infected lavender plants, regardless of their infection status (by RpRSV, PhlVM, or both) were asymptomatic. RpRSV is an important virus that infects horticultural crops including grapevine, cherry, berry fruits, and rose. It remains on the list of regulated pests in New Zealand. RpRSV testing is mandatory for imported Fragaria, Prunus, Ribes, Rosa, Rubus, and Vitis nursery stock and seeds for sowing, while this is not required for Lavandula importation. Our study revealed that lavender could play a role not only as a reservoir but also as an uncontrolled import pathway of viruses that pose a threat to New Zealand's primary industries.

A mechanistic insight into the anticancer potentials of resveratrol: Current perspectives.

Resveratrol is a widely recognized polyphenolic phytochemical found in various plants and their fruits, such as peanuts, grapes, and berry fruits. It is renowned for its several health advantages. The phytochemical is well known for its anticancer properties, and a substantial amount of clinical evidence has also established its promise as a chemotherapeutic agent. This study focuses on assessing the anticancer properties of resveratrol and gaining insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms. It also evaluates the biopharmaceutical, toxicological characteristics, and clinical utilization of resveratrol to determine its suitability for further development as a reliable anticancer agent. Therefore, the information about preclinical and clinical studies was collected from different electronic databases up-to-date (2018-2023). Findings from this study revealed that resveratrol has potent therapeutic benefits against various cancers involving different molecular mechanisms, such as induction of oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, inhibition of cell migration and invasion, autophagy, arresting of the S phase of the cell cycle, apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, and antiproliferative effects by regulating different molecular pathways including PI3K/AKT, p38/MAPK/ERK, NGFR-AMPK-mTOR, and so on. However, the compound has poor oral bioavailability due to reduced absorption; this limitation is overcome by applying nanotechnology (nanoformulation of resveratrol). Clinical application also showed therapeutic benefits in several types of cancer with no serious adverse effects. We suggest additional extensive studies to further check the efficacy, safety, and long-term hazards. This could involve a larger number of clinical samples to establish the compound as a reliable drug in the treatment of cancer.

Ultrasound and pulsed electric field treatment effect on the thermal properties, oxidative stability and fatty acid profile of oils extracted from berry seeds

AbstractThe seeds of berry fruits which are considered as a by-product may be valorized by recovering the oil they content. Nevertheless, the conventional extraction methods are time, energy and organic solvents consuming. In order to make extraction more environmental-friendly, alternative methods, like ultrasound-assisted and pulsed electric field-assisted processes, are being developed. The procedure of extraction may however influence the quality of obtained oil. The following study aims to define the effects of ultrasound and pulsed electric field application in the extraction process on the thermal properties, i.e., oxidative stability, melting and cyclic heating/cooling profiles, thermal decomposition characteristics. Additionally, fatty acid profile assessment was included in the study. Seeds of blackberries, blackcurrants, chokeberries, raspberries and redcurrants were used to extract oil. Based on the results, it can be summarized that extraction method influenced the resistance of oils to oxidation. Ultrasound-assisted process resulted in oils with the highest oxidation induction times. Melting profile was slightly influenced by extraction method, with peak temperatures indicating the presence of low-melting and middle-melting triacylglycerol fractions. Differential scanning calorimetry with heat/cool/heat procedure let determine crystallization peak temperatures around − 60 °C, which could be associated with the specific triacylglycerol profile of berry seed oils. The courses of thermogravimetric analysis curves were comparable for all the tested samples. The fatty acid profile study revealed that all the studied thermal properties were affected by the unique fatty acid percentage share, with a great predominance of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Obtained results allowed to conclude that extraction method influenced oxidative stability, thermal properties and fatty acid profile only to some extent. The most promising extraction method among analyzed seems to be ultrasound-assisted extraction as it provided oil with high oxidative stability, typical thermal properties and unchanged fatty acid profile, without being harmful to natural environment due to possible reduction in solvent and time consumption.

Berry anthocyanins prevent α-dicarbonyls and advanced glycation end product formation in phosphate-buffered saline-based model systems, cookie and ground pork.

α-Dicarbonyls and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are the heat-induced potential toxicants commonly found in thermally processed foods due to the Maillard reaction. Research has shown that both α-dicarbonyls and AGEs can cause oxidative stress and inflammation and have a positive link with several chronic diseases, such as diabetes. This study found that commonly consumed berry fruits exhibited excellent methylglyoxal (MGO)-trapping and antiglycative activities, positively associated with their total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Blackcurrant exhibited the strongest MGO-trapping and antiglycative activities among the tested berry fruits. In addition, we demonstrated that fortification with blackcurrant significantly reduced α-dicarbonyls and AGEs formation in the chocolate cookies and marinated ground pork. Delphinidin and cyanidin glycosides were identified as the primary bioactive compounds of blackcurrant that trapped MGO to form the corresponding mono- and di-MGO adducts. This study suggested that blackcurrant anthocyanins might serve as a novel additive to reduce the consumption of dietary reactive carbonyl species and AGEs from both animal- and plant-derived processed foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The levels of α-dicarbonyls and advanced glycation end products in ground pork and cookies were significantly reduced when fortified with blackcurrant. The blackcurrant anthocyanins might be a novel agent inhibiting α-dicarbonyls and dietary advanced glycation end products formation in thermally processed foods.

Alternaria in berry: Effects on its quality, pathogenic mechanisms and potential control strategies

AbstractIn recent years, the production and demand of berries in the world have gradually increased, but the infection of fungal pathogens has become one of the important factors restricting the production and sales of fresh berries. It has been found that Alternaria can cause a variety of plant diseases and fruit rot worldwide. This review introduces the effect of Alternaria infection on berry quality, including physical, chemical and physiological aspects, and discusses the possible infection mechanisms. In addition, Alternaria produces toxins during infections and seriously threatens the safety of berries and consumer health. Therefore, the prevention and control measures of Alternaria are systematically summarized. This review provides the basis for further optimization of postharvest preservation technology and fruit quality, to prolong the shelf life of berries. We can realistically expect to control plant diseases with increasing efficiency, which is conducive to improving the quality and safety of postharvest berry fruits.

The Influence of a Polyphenol-Rich Red Berry Fruit Juice on Recovery Process and Leg Strength Capacity after Six Days of Intensive Endurance Exercise in Recreational Endurance Athletes.

Various nutritional strategies are increasingly used in sports to reduce oxidative stress and promote recovery. Chokeberry is rich in polyphenols and can reduce oxidative stress. Consequently, chokeberry juices and mixed juices with chokeberry content are increasingly used in sports. However, the data are very limited. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of the short-term supplementation of a red fruit juice drink with chokeberry content or a placebo on muscle damage, oxidative status, and leg strength during a six-day intense endurance protocol. Eighteen recreational endurance athletes participated in a cross-over high intensity interval training (HIIT) design, receiving either juice or a placebo. Baseline and post-exercise assessments included blood samples, anthropometric data, and leg strength measurements. A significant increase was measured in muscle damage following the endurance protocol in all participants (∆ CK juice: 117.12 ± 191.75 U/L, ∆ CK placebo: 164.35 ± 267.00 U/L; p = 0.001, η2 = 0.17). No group effects were detected in exercise-induced muscle damage (p = 0.371, η2 = 0.010) and oxidative status (p = 0.632, η2 = 0.000). The reduction in strength was stronger in the placebo group, but group effects are missing statistical significance (∆ e1RM juice: 1.34 ± 9.26 kg, ∆ e1RM placebo: -3.33 ± 11.49 kg; p = 0.988, η2 = 0.000). Although a reduction in strength can be interpreted for the placebo treatment, no statistically significant influence of chokeberry could be determined. It appears that potential effects may only occur with prolonged application and a higher content of polyphenols, but further research is needed to confirm this.

Osmotic dehydration of waxy skinned berries - a review

Waxy skinned berry fruits contain essential nutrients and play an important role in human health and nutrition. However, these fruits encounter two major problems; firstly, they are extremely perishable in nature that limits their consumption throughout the year and to address this bottleneck, osmotic dehydration (OD) can be an efficient way which brings the second problem associated with berries. The waxy skin of some valuable berries acts like a barrier and reduces the mass transfer (MT) during OD. The restricted MT during OD can be improved by applying pretreatments, accelerators during OD as well as optimizing OD parameters. Therefore, this review is first of its kind aims to provide a comprehensive discussion on the concept of OD, pretreatments and processing parameters associated with the improved MT in the waxy skinned berries. In terms of maintaining the sensory attributes, innovative non-thermal pretreatments are found better than classical thermal, mechanical, and chemical/enzymatic pretreatments. Moreover, factors affecting the MT rate and efficiency of OD processes, along with mathematical and computational models to optimize OD of waxy skinned berries are given. The advantages of OD processes on the quality of the products, in terms of bioactive compounds, texture, sensory properties, and color, were additionally summarized. The novelty of this review lies in its exclusive focus on the OD of berry fruits with a waxy layer on their surface and the strategies to ease off the process.

Effects of Cranberry Extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon) Supplementation on Lipid Peroxidation and Inflammation in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (Stages 3-4): A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Growing evidence suggests that bioactive compounds in berry fruits may mitigate inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To evaluate cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) supplementation effects on modulation of transcription factors involved in inflammation and oxidative stress in nondialysis (stages 3 and 4) patients with CKD. Design/Participants. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed with 30 patients to receive capsules containing cranberry extract (1000 mg/day) or placebo (1000 mg/day of corn starch) for two months. Measurements. The mRNA expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) was evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in the plasma to assess oxidative stress. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plasma levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and C-reactive protein (CRP) by immunoturbidimetric method. Twenty-five patients completed the study: 12 in the cranberry group (56.7 ± 7.5 years and body mass index (BMI) of 29.6 ± 5.5 kg/m2) and 13 in the placebo group (58.8 ± 5.1 years and BMI 29.8 ± 5.4 kg/m2). There were no differences in NF-kB or Nrf2 mRNA expressions (p = 0.99 and p = 0.89) or TBARS, CRP, and IL-6 plasma levels after cranberry supplementation. The cranberry extract administration (1000 mg/day) did not affect Nrf2 and NF-kB mRNA expression, oxidative stress, or inflammatory markers levels in nondialysis CKD patients. This trial is registered with NCT04377919.