Anti-angiogenic **
1. Free Radic Res. 2002 Sep;36(9):1023-31.
Anti-angiogenic property of edible berries.
Roy S, Khanna S, Alessio HM, Vider J, Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Sen CK.
Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Surgery, 512 Heart and
Lung
Research Institute, Ohio State University Medical Center, 473 W. 12th
Avenue,
Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Recent studies show that edible berries may have potent chemopreventive
properties. Anti-angiogenic approaches to prevent and treat cancer represent
a
priority area in investigative tumor biology. Vascular endothelial growth
factor
(VEGF) plays a crucial role for the vascularization of tumors. The vasculature
in adult skin remains normally quiescent. However, skin retains the capacity
for
brisk initiation of angiogenesis during inflammatory skin diseases such
as
psoriasis and skin cancers. We sought to test the effects of multiple
berry
extracts on inducible VEGF expression by human HaCaT keratinocytes. Six
berry
extracts (wild blueberry, bilberry, cranberry, elderberry, raspberry seed,
and
strawberry) and a grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) were studied.
The
extracts and uptake of their constituents by HaCaT were studied using
a
multi-channel HPLC-CoulArray approach. Antioxidant activity of the extracts
was
determined by ORAC. Cranberry, elderberry and raspberry seed samples were
observed to possess comparable ORAC values. The antioxidant capacity of
these
samples was significantly lower than that of the other samples studied.
The ORAC
values of strawberry powder and GSPE were higher than cranberry, elderberry
or
raspberry seed but significantly lower than the other samples studied.
Wild
bilberry and blueberry extracts possessed the highest ORAC values. Each
of the
berry samples studied significantly inhibited both H2O2 as well as TNF
alpha
induced VEGF expression by the human keratinocytes. This effect was not
shared
by other antioxidants such as alpha-tocopherol or GSPE but was commonly
shared
by pure flavonoids. Matrigel assay using human dermal microvascular endothelial
cells showed that edible berries impair angiogenesis.
Cancer **
2. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Jan 1;51(1):68-75.
Induction of apoptosis in cancer cells by Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
and the
anthocyanins.
Katsube N, Iwashita K, Tsushida T, Yamaki K, Kobori M.
Fruit Processing Research Center, AOHATA Corporation, Takehara, Hiroshima
729-2392, Japan.
Among ethanol extracts of 10 edible berries, bilberry extract was found
to be
the most effective at inhibiting the growth of HL60 human leukemia cells
and
HCT116 human colon carcinoma cells in vitro. Bilberry extract induced
apoptotic
cell bodies and nucleosomal DNA fragmentation in HL60 cells. The proportion
of
apoptotic cells induced by bilberry extract in HCT116 was much lower than
that
in HL60 cells, and DNA fragmentation was not induced in the former. Of
the
extracts tested, that from bilberry contained the largest amounts of phenolic
compounds, including anthocyanins, and showed the greatest
1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Pure
delphinidin and malvidin, like the glycosides isolated from the bilberry
extract, induced apoptosis in HL60 cells. These results indicate that
the
bilberry extract and the anthocyanins, bearing delphinidin or malvidin
as the
aglycon, inhibit the growth of HL60 cells through the induction of apoptosis.
Only pure delphinidin and the glycoside isolated from the bilberry extract,
but
not malvidin and the glycoside, inhibited the growth of HCT116 cells.
3. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Sep 24;51(20):5867-5870.
Resveratrol in Raw and Baked Blueberries and Bilberries.
Lyons MM, Yu C, Toma RB, Cho SY, Reiboldt W, Lee J, Van Breemen RB.
Food and Nutritional Science Division, California State University, Long
Beach,
Long Beach, California 90840; Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois
at
Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607; and Department of Medicinal Chemistry
and
Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, Chicago, Illinois
60612.
Resveratrol in the fruits of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), the lowbush
"wild" blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton), the rabbiteye
blueberry
(Vaccinium ashei Reade), and the highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum
L.) were measured using a new assay based on high-performance liquid
chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The LC-MS/MS assay
provided lower limits of detection than previous methods for resveratrol
measurement, 90 fmol of trans-resveratrol injected on-column, and a linear
standard curve spanning >3 orders of magnitude. The recoveries of resveratrol
from blueberries spiked with 1.8, 3.6, or 36 ng/g were 91.5 +/- 4.5, 95.6
+/- 6.5, and 88.0 +/- 3.6%, respectively. trans-Resveratrol but not cis-resveratrol
was detected in both blueberry and bilberry samples. The highest levels
of trans-resvertatrol in these specimens were 140.0 +/- 29.9 pmol/g in
highbush blueberries from Michigan and 71.0 +/- 15.0 pmol/g in bilberries
from Poland. However, considerable regional variation was observed; highbush
blueberries from British Columbia contained no detectable resveratrol.
Because blueberries and bilberries are often consumed after cooking, the
effect of baking on resveratrol content was
investigated. After 18 min of heating at 190 degrees C, between 17 and
46% of
the resveratrol had degraded in the various Vaccinium species. Therefore,
the
resveratrol content of baked or heat-processed blueberries or bilberries
should
be expected to be lower than in the raw fruit. Although blueberries and
bilberries were found to contain resveratrol, the level of this chemoprotective
compound in these fruits was <10% that reported for grapes. Furthermore,
cooking or heat processing of these berries will contribute to the degradation
of
resveratrol.
4. Planta Med. 1996 Jun;62(3):212-6.
In vitro anticancer activity of fruit extracts from Vaccinium species.
Bomser J, Madhavi DL, Singletary K, Smith MA.
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois,
Urbana
61801, USA.
Fruit extracts of four Vaccinium species (lowbush blueberry, bilberry,
cranberry, and lingonberry) were screened for anticarcinogenic compounds
by a
combination of fractionation and in vitro testing of their ability to
induce the
Phase II xenobiotic detoxification enzyme quinone reductase (QR) and to
inhibit
the induction of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate-limiting enzyme
in
polyamine synthesis, by the tumor promoter phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate
(TPA). The crude extracts, anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin fractions
were not
highly active in QR induction whereas the ethyl acetate extracts were
active QR
inducers. The concentrations required to double QR activity (designated
CDqr)
for the ethyl acetate extracts of lowbush blueberry, cranberry, lingonberry,
and
bilberry were 4.2, 3.7, 1.3, and 1.0 microgram tannic acid equivalents
(TAE),
respectively, Further fractionation of the bilberry ethyl acetate extract
revealed that the majority of inducer potency was contained in a
hexane/chloroform subfraction (CDqr = 0.07 microgram TAE). In contrast
to their
effects on QR, crude extracts of lowbush blueberry, cranberry, and lingonberry
were active inhibitors of ODC activity. The concentrations of these crude
extracts needed to inhibit ODC activity by 50% (designated IC50) were
8.0, 7.0,
and 9.0 micrograms TAE, respectively. The greatest activity in these extracts
appeared to be contained in the polymeric proanthocyanidin fractions of
the
lowbush blueberry, cranberry, and lingonberry fruits (IC50 = 3.0, 6.0,
and 5.0
micrograms TAE, respectively). The anthocyanidin and ethyl acetate extracts
of
the four Vaccinium species were either inactive or relatively weak inhibitors
of
ODC activity. Thus, components of the hexane/chloroform fraction of bilberry
and
of the proanthocyanidin fraction of lowbush blueberry, cranberry, and
lingonberry exhibit potential anticarcinogenic activity as evaluated by
in vitro
screening tests.
Capillary support **
5. Pharmacol Res. 1995 Mar-Apr;31(3-4):183-7. (Animal Study)
Effect of Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides on ischaemia reperfusion
injury in
hamster cheek pouch microcirculation.
Bertuglia S, Malandrino S, Colantuoni A.
CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy.
The effects of Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides (VMA) on ischaemia
reperfusion injury were investigated in the hamster cheek pouch
microcirculation. Ischaemia was induced by clamping the cheek pouch for
30 min
followed by 30 min of reperfusion. The microvasculature was visualized
by a
fluorescence technique. VMA [10 mg (100 g body weight)-1] were orally
administered for 2 and 4 weeks. The number of adhering leukocytes to venular
vessel walls, the perfused capillary length, the increase in permeability,
the
arteriolar diameter changes were determined. Ischaemia and reperfusion
were
associated with increased number of leukocytes sticking to venules, decreased
number of perfused capillaries, and increased permeability. VMA decreased
the
number of leukocytes sticking to the venular wall and preserved the capillary
perfusion; the increase in permeability was significantly reduced after
reperfusion. VMA saved the arteriolar tone and induced the appearance
of
rhythmic diameter changes of arterioles. These results demonstrate the
ability
of Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides to reduce microvascular impairments
due
to ischaemia reperfusion injury, with preservation of endothelium, attenuation
of leukocyte adhesion and improvement of capillary perfusion.
6. Arzneimittelforschung. 1976;26(5):832-5. (Animal Study)
Studies on Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides. II. Aspects of anthocyanins
pharmacokinetics in the rat.
Lietti A, Forni G.
Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanins adminstered by i.v. or i.p. route to
the rat
undergo a rapid body distribution and in part also are easily eliminated
such as
to fit a three-compartments pharmacokinetic model. The anthocyanins elimination
occurs mostly through urine and bile. The slight difference between the
amount
of anthocyanins eliminated after i.v. and after i.p. application shows
a modest
liver extracion of these substances. Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanins
possess a
greater affinity for some tissues, namely kidneys and skin rather than
for
plasma. This fact could explain the long-lasting activity of anthocyanins
on
capillary resistance which is still elevated when plasma levels of these
substances are no more detectable.
7. Arzneimittelforschung. 1976;26(5):829-32.
Studies on Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides. I. Vasoprotective and
antiinflammatory activity.
Lietti A, Cristoni A, Picci M.
A Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides preparation (equivalent to 25%
of
anthocyanidins) demonstrated significant vasoprotective and antioedema
properties in exerimental animals. In rabbits, the skin capillary permeability
increase, due to chloroform, was reduced both after i.p. (25--100 mg/kg)
and
oral administration (200--400 mg/kg) of anthocyanosides. Their activity
was more
lasting in comparison to rutin or mepyramine and this did not seem to
be due to
a specific antagonism towards inflammatory process mediators such as histamine
or bradykinin. Experiments carried out in rats demonstrated that Vacinium
myrtillus anthocyanosides were effective both in skin capillary permeability
test as well as on vascular resistance of rats fed a P factor deficient
diet. In
the former test effective doses were in the range of 25--100 mg/kg (by
oral
route). In both the animal species investigated, anthocyanosides were
two-fold
more active when compared to the flavonoid rutin. Vaccinium myrtillus
anthocyanosides by oral route inhibited carrageein paw oedema in rats
showing a
dose-response relationship. An antioedema activity was detected also after
i.v.
or topical application.
Connective tissue **
8. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. 1996 Dec;209(6):368-72.
[Effect of anthocyanins on human connective tissue metabolism in the human]
[Article in German]
Boniface R, Robert AM.
Labor fur Bindegewebsbiochemie, Medizinische Fakultat, Universitat Paris,
Val de
Marne.
BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness. This is due to
an abnormally increased synthesis of connective tissue in order to a)
repair leaking capillaries and b) formation of new capillaries. METHOD:
Twelve adult diabetics were treated with 600 mg anthocyanosides per day
for two months. Samples of gingiva tissue were taken before and after
treatment. Incubated with radio-active labeled amino acids, the measure
of radioactivity from different connective tissue extracts can show a
changed protein biosynthesis activity. RESULTS: The use of radio-active
labeled amino acids show significant decrease of biosynthesis-activity
of connective tissue especially polymeric collagen and structure-glycoproteins
by anthocyanoside medication. CONCLUSIONS: Anthocyanosides help to prevent
diabetics from injuries caused by malfunction of synthesis-activities
throughout normal diabetic medical treatment.
Dyslipidaemiae **
9. Thromb Res. 1996 Dec 1;84(5):311-22. (Animal Study)
Novel lipid-lowering properties of Vaccinium myrtillus L. leaves, a traditional
antidiabetic treatment, in several models of rat dyslipidaemia: a comparison
with ciprofibrate.
Cignarella A, Nastasi M, Cavalli E, Puglisi L.
Institute of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milano, Italy.
Vaccinium myrtillus L. (blueberry) leaf infusions are traditionally used
as a
folk medicine treatment of diabetes. To further define this therapeutical
action, a dried hydroalcoholic extract of the leaf was administered orally
to
streptozotocin-diabetic rats for 4 days. Plasma glucose levels were consistently
found to drop by about 26% at two different stages of diabetes. Unexpectedly,
plasma triglyceride (TG) were also decreased by 39% following treatment.
Subsequent to the latter observation, possible lipid-lowering properties
of the
extract were investigated on other models of hyperlipidaemia and ciprofibrate,
a
well-established hypolipidaemic drug, was used as a reference compound.
Both
drug reduced TG levels of rats on hyperlipidaemic diet in a dose-dependent
fashion. When administered at single doses over the same experimental
period,
blueberry and ciprofibrate were effective in lowering TG concentrations
in
ethanol-treated normolipidaemic animals and in genetically hyperlipidaemic
Yoshida rats. Unlike ciprofibrate, however, blueberry failed to prevent
the rise
in plasma TG elicited by fructose and did not affect free fatty acid levels
in
any of the above experimental conditions. In rats treated with Triton
WR-1339,
blueberry feeding induced an hypolipidaemic activity one hour after injection
but proved to be ineffective at later time points, thus suggesting that
its
hypolipidaemic action may reflect improved TG-rich lipoprotein catabolism.
In
addition, ciprofibrate and the extract were tested for antithrombotic
activity
using a collagen-triggered model of venous thrombosis in diabetic and
Yoshida
rats. Only ciprofibrate, however, significantly reduced thrombus formation
in
diabetics, possibly because of its effects on free fatty acid metabolism,
whereas no effect was observed in Yoshida rats. In conclusion, the present
findings indicate that active consituent(s) of Vaccinium myrtillus L.
leaves may
prove potentially useful for treatment of dyslipidaemiae associated with
impaired TG-rich lipoprotein clearance.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
10. Altern Med Rev. 2001 Oct;6(5):450-9.
Chronic fatigue syndrome: oxidative stress and dietary modifications.
Logan AC, Wong C.
CFS/FM Integrative Care Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada. alancloganND@excite.com
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an illness characterized by persistent
and
relapsing fatigue, often accompanied by numerous symptoms involving various
body systems. The etiology of CFS remains unclear; however, a number of
recent
studies have shown oxidative stress may be involved in its pathogenesis.
The
role of oxidative stress in CFS is an important area for current and future
research as it suggests the use of antioxidants in the management of CFS.
Specifically, the dietary supplements glutathione, N-acetylcysteine,
alpha-lipoic acid, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, Ginkgo biloba, and Vaccinium
myrtillus (bilberry) may be beneficial. In addition, research on food
intolerance is discussed, since food intolerance may be involved in CFS
symptom
presentation and in oxidation via cytokine induction. Finally, recent
evidence
suggests celiac disease can present with neurological symptoms in the
absence of
gastrointestinal symptoms; therefore, celiac disease should be included
in the
differential diagnosis of CFS.
Cardiocascular and EYE
11. Curr Mol Med. 2003 Mar;3(2):149-59.
Potential mechanisms of cancer chemoprevention by anthocyanins.
Hou DX.
Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture,
Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.
hou@chem.agri.kagoshima-u.ac.jp
Anthocyanins are the chemical components that give the intense color
to many
fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, red cabbages and purple sweet
potatoes. Epidemiological investigations have indicated that the moderate
consumption of anthocyanin products such as red wine or bilberry extract
is
associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and improvement
of visual functions. Recently, there is increasing interesting in the
pharmaceutical
function of anthocyanins. This review summarizes current knowledge on
the
various molecular evidences of cancer chemoprevention by anthocyanins.
These
mechanisms can be subdivided into the following aspects: 1) the antioxidation;
2) the molecular mechanisms involved in anticarcinogenesis; 3) the molecular
mechanisms involved in the apoptosis induction of tumor cells. Finally,
the
bioavailability and structure-activity relationship of anthocyanins are
also
summarized.
EYE
12. J Biol Chem. 2003 May 16;278(20):18207-13. Epub 2003 Mar 19.
A2E-epoxides damage DNA in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Vitamin E
and other
antioxidants inhibit A2E-epoxide formation.
Sparrow JR, Vollmer-Snarr HR, Zhou J, Jang YP, Jockusch S, Itagaki Y,
Nakanishi
K.
Department of Ophthalmology and Chemistry, Columbia University, New York,
New
York 10028, USA. jrs88@columbia.edu
The autofluorescent pigments that accumulate in retinal pigment epithelial
cells
with aging and in some retinal disorders have been implicated in the etiology
of
macular degeneration. The major constituent is the fluorophore A2E, a
pyridinium
bisretinoid. Light-exposed A2E-laden retinal pigment epithelium exhibits
a
propensity for apoptosis with light in the blue region of the spectrum
being
most damaging. Efforts to understand the events precipitating the death
of the
cells have revealed that during irradiation (430 nm), A2E self-generates
singlet
oxygen with the singlet oxygen in turn reacting with A2E to generate epoxides
at
carbon-carbon double bonds. Here we demonstrate that A2E-epoxides, independent
of singlet oxygen, exhibit reactivity toward DNA with oxidative base changes
being at least one of these lesions. Mass spectrometry revealed that the
antioxidants vitamins E and C, butylated hydroxytoluene, resveratrol,
a trolox
analogue (PNU-83836-E), and bilberry extract reduce A2E-epoxidation, whereas
single cell gel electrophoresis and cell viability studies revealed a
corresponding reduction in the incidence of DNA damage and cell death.
Vitamin
E, a lipophilic antioxidant, produced a more pronounced decrease in
A2E-epoxidation than vitamin C, and treatment with both vitamins simultaneously
did not confer additional benefit. Studies in which singlet oxygen was
generated
by endoperoxide in the presence of A2E revealed that vitamin E, butylated
hydroxytoluene, resveratrol, the trolox analogue, and bilberry reduced
A2E-epoxidation by quenching singlet oxygen. Conversely, vitamin C and
ginkgolide B were not efficient quenchers of singlet oxygen under these
conditions.
13. Altern Med Rev. 2001 Apr;6(2):141-66.
Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two: cataracts and glaucoma.
Head KA.
Thorne Research, Inc., P.O. Box 25, Dover, ID 83825,USA. kathi@thorne.com
Pathophysiological mechanisms of cataract formation include deficient
glutathione levels contributing to a faulty antioxidant defense system
within the lens of the eye. Nutrients to increase glutathione levels and
activity include lipoic acid, vitamins E and C, and selenium. Cataract
patients also tend to be deficient in vitamin A and the carotenes, lutein
and zeaxanthin. The B vitamin riboflavin appears to play an essential
role as a precursor to flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), a co-factor
for glutathione reductase activity. Other nutrients and botanicals, which
may benefit cataract patients or help prevent cataracts, include pantethine,
folic acid, melatonin, and bilberry. Diabetic cataracts are caused by
an elevation of polyols within the lens of the eye catalyzed by the enzyme
aldose reductase. Flavonoids, particularly quercetin and its derivatives,
are potent inhibitors of aldose reductase. Glaucoma is characterized by
increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in some but not all cases. Some patients
with glaucoma have normal IOP but poor circulation, resulting in damage
to the optic nerve. Faulty glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis or breakdown
in the trabecular meshwork associated with aqueous outflow has also been
implicated. Similar to patients with cataracts, those with glaucoma typically
have compromised antioxidant defense systems as well. Nutrients that can
impact GAGs such as vitamin C and glucosamine sulfate may hold promise
for glaucoma treatment. Vitamin C in high doses has been found to lower
IOP via its osmotic effect. Other nutrients holding some potential benefit
for glaucoma include lipoic acid, vitamin B12, magnesium, and melatonin.
Botanicals may offer some therapeutic potential. Ginkgo biloba increases
circulation to the
optic nerve; forskolin (an extract from Coleus forskohlii) has been used
successfully as a topical agent to lower IOP; and intramuscular injections
of Salvia miltiorrhiza have shown benefit in improving visual acuity and
peripheral vision in people with glaucoma.
Ulcer **
14. Arzneimittelforschung. 1988 May;38(5):686-90. (Animal Study)
Antiulcer activity of an anthocyanidin from Vaccinium myrtillus.
Magistretti MJ, Conti M, Cristoni A.
Research and Development Laboratories, Inverni della Beffa S.p.A., Milan,
Italy.
The antiulcer effects of
3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-benzopyrylium chloride (IdB
1027)
were assessed in various experimental models. Given orally, IdB 1027 antagonized
gastric ulcerations induced by pylorus ligation, stress, nonsteroidal
antiinflammatory drugs, ethanol, reserpine, histamine and duodenal ulceration
induced by mercaptamine (cysteamine). Moreover it antagonized chronic
gastric
ulcers induced by acetic acid. Given intraperitoneally, it was more potent
than
after oral administration. IdB 1027 did not affect gastric secretion in
pylorus-ligated rats and increased gastric mucus in normal animals both
in the
absence and in the presence of indometacin treatment. Tolerability was
very
good. These results indicate that IdB 1027 possesses a promising antiulcer
activity, probably by potentiating the defensive barriers of the
gastrointestinal mucosa.
Bilberry high in Quercetin **
15. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003 Jan;57(1):37-42.
Consumption of black currants, lingonberries and bilberries increases
serum
quercetin concentrations.
Erlund I, Marniemi J, Hakala P, Alfthan G, Meririnne E, Aro A.
Biomarker Laboratory, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
iris.erlund@ktl.fi
OBJECTIVE: To study serum quercetin concentrations of subjects consuming
berries
or habitual Finnish diets. DESIGN: Randomized parallel dietary intervention.
SUBJECTS: Forty healthy men (age 60 y). INTERVENTION: Twenty subjects
consumed 100 g/day of berries (black currants, lingonberries and bilberries)
for 8 weeks. Twenty subjects consuming their habitual diets served as
controls. Fasting blood samples were obtained 2 weeks prior to the study,
at baseline, and at 2, 4 and 8
weeks. Intake of quercetin was assessed from 3 day food records collected
at
baseline and at 8 weeks. RESULTS: The serum quercetin concentrations were
significantly higher in the subjects consuming berries compared to the
control
group (P=0.039 ANCOVA with repeated measures). During the berry consumption
period the mean serum concentrations of quercetin ranged between 21.4
and 25.3
micro g/l in the berry group, which was 32-51% higher compared with the
control
group. According to 3 day food records, there was no difference in quercetin
intake at baseline, but at 8 weeks the intake was 12.3+/-1.4 mg/day
(mean+/-s.e.m.) in the berry group and 5.8+/-0.6 mg/day in the control
group
(P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the berries used in
this study
are a good source of bioavailable quercetin.
16. J Agric Food Chem. 2000 Jul;48(7):2960-5.
Influence of domestic processing and storage on flavonol contents in berries.
Hakkinen SH, Karenlampi SO, Mykkanen HM, Torronen AR.
Department of Clinical Nutrition, Department of Physiology, University
of
Kuopio, PO box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
Effects of domestic processing and storage on the flavonols quercetin,
myricetin, and kaempferol in five berries were studied using an optimized
RP-HPLC method with UV and diode array detection after an acid hydrolysis
of the
corresponding glycosides. In fresh berries, the total content of flavonols
was
highest in lingonberry (169 mg/kg) and black currant (157 mg/kg), intermediate
in bilberry (41 mg/kg) and strawberry (17 mg/kg), and lowest in red raspberry
(9.5 mg/kg). Cooking strawberries with sugar to make jam resulted in minor
losses (quercetin 15%, kaempferol 18%). During cooking of bilberries with
water
and sugar to make soup, 40% of quercetin was lost. Traditional preservation
of
crushed lingonberries in their own juice caused a considerable (40%) loss
of
quercetin. Only 15% of quercetin and 30% of myricetin present in unprocessed
berries were retained in juices made by common domestic methods (steam-extracted
black currant juice, unpasteurized lingonberry juice). Cold-pressing was
superior to steam-extraction in extracting flavonols from black currants.
During
9 months of storage at 20 C, quercetin content decreased markedly (40%)
in
bilberries and lingonberries, but not in black currants or red raspberries.
Myricetin and kaempferol were more susceptible than quercetin to losses
during
storage.
RNA **
17. Mol Biotechnol. 2001 Oct;19(2):201-3.
Isolation of high quality RNA from bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruit.
Jaakola L, Pirttila AM, Halonen M, Hohtola A.
Department of Biology, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, FIN-90014 Oulu,
Finland. Laura.Jaakola@oulu.fi
A simple and efficient method is described for isolating high quality
RNA from
bilberry fruit. The procedure is based on the use of hexadecyltrimethyl
ammonium
bromide (CTAB), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and beta-mercaptoethanol in
an
extraction buffer in order to eliminate the polysaccharides and prevent
the
oxidation of phenolic compounds. This method is a modification of the
one
described for pine trees, and yields high-quality RNA suitable for cDNA
based
methodologies. This method is applicable for a variety of plant tissues.
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