Journal of Berry Research - Volume 10, issue 1

Authors: Prasain, Jeevan K. | Grubbs, Clinton | Barnes, Stephen

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Consumption of cranberry fruits or juice rich in polyphenols is associated with a wide range of potential health benefits. We and others have previously showed that cranberry juice concentrate and its phytochemicals, flavonols, anthocyanins and A-type proanthocyandins, may have potential to be chemopreventive agents. Although a number of cranberry constituents have been implicated in cancer prevention, our understanding about which metabolites are bio-available to reach target sites and thereby elicit cancer chemopreventive properties is still lacking. However, poor plasma bioavailability of cranberry constituents may be overcome by their potential interactions with gut microbiota by providing cancer prevention through induction of …compositional and functional modifications of gut microbiota. Well-designed clinical trials evaluating metabolic and gut microbiome changes associated with cranberry consumption would provide useful information about the cancer patient’s response to dietary intervention with cranberry constituents. Show more

Keywords: Cranberry, polyphenols, chemoprevention, metabolism

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-180370

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 1-10, 2020

Authors: Howell, Amy B.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: This review summarizes the mechanistic and clinical research on the use of cranberry as an alternative management strategy for H. pylori bacteria in populations at high risk for infection-induced peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. The multiple mechanisms of action of cranberry polyphenols and how they may be applied in relation to what is known about the pathogenicity of H. pylori offers opportunity for utilizing this fruit to potentially help lower the incidence of ulcers and concomitant gastric cancer.

Keywords: Cranberry, Helicobacter pylori, suppression, antibiotic resistance, ulcers, stomach cancer

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-180375

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 11-20, 2020

Authors: Echeveste, Carla Elena

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Myelodysplastic syndromes (“MDS”), is a group of hematopoietic stem cell disorders that can progress to acute myeloid leukemia. MDS is most commonly found in the aging and elderly population with a 35% 3-year survival rate. With a limited etiological understanding of MDS, and a fast disease progression, patients with MDS may benefit from an increased intake of fresh berries, natural foods, vegetables or products packed with an abundance of vitamins. As of recently, completed and new clinical trials are currently underway to establish an inverse correlation between increased fruit consumption, specifically a berry intake with a generalized decrease in associated …symptoms and an overall improved quality of living. In this special review, the author examined current completed and actively recruiting clinical trials focusing on MDS and the use of berries and their components such as vitamins, and any natural product intervention with the treatment of MDS. This review combined the comprehensive results of human clinical studies to arrive at a common trend in this area, supplemented with published studies. Despite the current information available, indicating minimal correlation or strongly suggesting more comprehensive studies, additional clinical trials using berries may prove to be useful and necessary as an intervention or as an alternative therapeutic supplement to remedy the patient’s ailment. Show more

Keywords: Myelodysplastic syndromes, berries (*), vitamins, black raspberries, fruits, cancer, review, human clinical trials

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-190412

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 21-44, 2020

Authors: Forbes-Hernández, Tamara Y.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Berries bioactive compounds, specially polyphenols, have been widely recognized for their chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties. However, most of them struggle with chemical instability, low solubility, extensive metabolism and consequently poor bioavailability, which limit their clinical use. An effective strategy to overcome such problems consists of the nano-delivery systems. In the present review, the progress made in utilization of nano-carriers for berries polyphenols administration either alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs have been summarized.

Keywords: Berries, bioactive compounds, polyphenols, cancer, nano-delivery systems, nanoparticles

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-200547

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 45-60, 2020

Authors: May, Stephanie | McDermott, Grace | Marchesi, Julian R. | Parry, Lee

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In animals and humans, black raspberries (BRBs) have chemo-preventative effects against Wnt driven colorectal cancer (CRC). While BRBs have made it into clinical trials, the exact mechanisms of BRB action remain unclear. Potentially the chemo-preventative properties are linked to their impact on the gut microbiome, as diet is known to influence the microbial diversity of the gut and plays a key role in regulating intestinal homeostasis and the aetiology of CRC. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of a BRB diet on the microbial biodiversity of the wild-type and malignant mouse intestine. METHODS: Adult mice in …which Wnt driven tumourigenesis could be initiated by conditional deletion of Apc in the intestinal stem cell (Lgr5CreERT2 ) were administered a 10% BRB diet. Total DNA from faecal pellets pre- and post-BRB exposure was used for longitudinal metataxonomic analysis of the V1 to V3 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS: Individually BRB intervention and Apc loss alter the microbial community of the gut. In combination, the microbiome changes observed in the Apc deficient intestine are attenuated upon administration of a BRB diet. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that BRB intervention may protectively regulate the gut microbiota in the healthy and malignant intestine. Show more

Keywords: Colorectal cancer, black raspberries, diet, gut microbiome

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-180372

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 61-76, 2020

Authors: Roussos, Peter A. | Denaxa, Nikoleta-Kleio | Ntanos, Efstathios | Tsafouros, Athanassios | Mavrikou, Sofia | Kintzios, Spyridon

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Black mulberry fruits have high antioxidant capacity, exhibiting health protective properties. In order to exploit their entire dynamic though, elite genotypes must be vegetatively propagated. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to assess the physiological, organoleptic, phytochemical and anti-carcinogenic (only of the best two genotypes) properties of eleven new black mulberry genotypes, compared to the elite hybrid Fengchisang and the possibility of easy asexual propagation through semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings. METHODS: Fruits from eleven genotypes were analyzed for their organoleptic and physiological characteristics as well as for their total phenol, o-diphenol, flavonoid, flavanol, anthocyanin content and their …organic acid and sugar composition. The best two were also tested for anti-carcinogenic properties. Furthermore, the rooting potential of semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings was also investigated. RESULTS: The genotypes differed regarding fruit characteristics and rooting potential. The principal component analysis lead to a grouping of genotypes, while one, ANS8, was grouped separately, exhibiting high antioxidant capacity and phenol content. ANS8 genotype reduced cancer cells viability more efficiently compared to Fengchisang. CONCLUSIONS: The ANS8 genotype exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, higher than Fengchisang and better anti-carcinogenic properties, which along with the ease of rooting, may become a valuable source of health promoting phytochemicals. Show more

Keywords: anthocyanins, antioxidant capacity, bioactive constituents, ortho-diphenols, organic acid, rhizogenesis

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-190422

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 77-93, 2020

Authors: Kalemba-Drożdż, Małgorzata | Cierniak, Agnieszka | Cichoń, Iwona

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Heterocyclic aromatic amines are formed during thermal processing of meat and are known to be mutagenic and carcinogenic factors, while the consumption of fruit and vegetables decreases the risk of cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate if berry fruit juices, a rich source of antioxidants (polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, ascorbate), may protect DNA from damages induced by the heterocyclic amine 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo(4, 5-b)pyridine (PhIP). METHODS: Lymphocytes isolated from healthy volunteers were treated with 25–100 μM PhIP in the presence or absence of pressed berry juice (0.1%) from: bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus ), chokeberry (Aronia …melanocarpa ), cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos ), raspberry (Rubus idaeus ), rosehips (Rosa rugosa ), sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides ), Noni (Morinda citrifolia ) and Goji (Lycium barbarum ). Antioxidant power, polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and ascorbate concentration in juices were determined. DNA damage was measured using comet assay. RESULTS: Berry juices were not genotoxic and caused an overall significant decrease in oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by PhIP. The antioxidant properties depend on concentration of polyphenols in juice. CONCLUSIONS: Northern Hemisphere berries bear the negative effects of food mutagens. Berries as natural source of polyphenols should be recommended in daily diet for maintaining health. Show more

Keywords: Chemoprevention, DNA damage, oxidative stress, heterocyclic amines, berries, PhIP

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-190429

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 95-113, 2020

Authors: Qamar, Muhammad | Akhtar, Saeed | Ismail, Tariq | Sestili, Piero | Tawab, Abdul | Ahmed, Nadeem

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Berries indigenously grown in Asia are known for their diversified nutritional and health promoting properties. Establishing a link between berry consumption and their classical uses in health management however requires detailed research in exploring varied biochemical factors and their therapeutic role in averting risks of chronic disorders. OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed at evaluating anti-inflammatory and anticancer responses of fruit extracts of Grewia asiatica locally known as Phalsa . METHODS: Dichloromethane, methanol and 50% hydro-methanolic fractions of fruit were evaluated for polyphenols characterization, quantification and antioxidant assays. Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive responses of fruit …extracts were evaluated in rats and mice models, respectively, and cytotoxic activities were measured against MCF-7, HeLa, HEp-2, NCI-H522, HEK-293 cancer cell cultures. RESULTS: Phenolics quantification and biological study data suggested 50% hydro-methanolic extracts as maximum carrier of flavonoids (7.92 mgQE/g), anthocyanins (8.1 mg/Kg) and tannins (187.2 mgGAE/g) that significantly (p  < 0.05)resulted in higher oxidation inhibition (IC50 41.1 ug/ml), paw edema inhibition (68–74%) and pain mediation in neurogenic phase(31–62%) when administrated at the rate of 400 mg/kg b.w. Maximum cytotoxic activity of G. asiatica (50% hydro-methanolic extracts) was observed against MCF-7 (IC50 34.9 ug/mL), HEp-2 (IC50 80.4 ug/mL) and NCI-H522 (IC50 73 ug/mL) cancer cell lines. LC-ESI-MS/MS characterization of hydro-alcoholic fractions bearing potent biological activities revealed Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Quinic acid, Calycosin, Vidalenolone, Quercetin, Myricetin, Liquitrigenin and 6-aldehydo-isoophiopogonone. Human equivalent doses of the extracts calculated on the basis of total phenolic contents for anti-inflammatory and nociceptive assays were in range between 6.2–15.8 mg/kg b.w., and 3.1–7.9 mg/kg b.w., respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the study suggest G. asiatica fruit extracts are a potential source of bioactive compounds that might further be explored for anti-inflammatory and anticancer drug discovery and its clinical exploitation. Study concludes supplementation of G. asiatica extracts as possible approach to acquire curative properties in human subjects. Show more

Keywords: Grewia asiatica , inflammation, cancer, cytotoxicity, breast cancer

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-190459

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 115-131, 2020