Phenolics in Slovenian bilberries ( Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and blueberries ( Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

Phenolics from bilberries ( Vaccinium myrtillus L.) sampled from seven different locations and highbush blueberries ( Vaccinium corymbosum L.) from one location in Slovenia were analyzed. In samples of both species 15 anthocyanins were identified by LC-MS/MS. Their contents were expressed as cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents (C3GE); bilberries contained 1210.3 ± 111.5 mg C3GE/100 g fw and blueberries 212.4 ± 14.1 mg C3GE/100 g fw. Glycosides of delphinidin and cyanidin were predominant (488.5 vs 363.6 mg C3GE/100 g fw) in the bilberries and glycosides of malvidin (108.0 vs 100.8 mg C3GE/100 g fw) in the blueberries, whereas the contents of peonidin were lowest (74.5 vs 4.8 mg C3GE/100 g fw) in both berries. The contents of flavanols, flavonols, phenolic acids, and stilbenes were determined by LC-MS. For the first time, rutin was identified (bilberries, 0.2 ± 0.0 mg/100 g fw; blueberries, 3.1 ± 0.1 mg/100 g fw). Chlorogenic acid (as 3-caffeoylquinic acid) was the most abundant among the phenolic acids (23.1 ± 1.0 mg/100 g fw in bilberries and 70.0 ± 3.4 mg/100 g fw in blueberries). Statistical analysis shows that the content of 27 individual flavonoids, phenolic acids, and stilbenes can be used to identify the picking region of these Slovenian bilberries.     

Resveratrol, pterostilbene, and piceatannol in vaccinium berries

A study was conducted to determine the presence of resveratrol, pterostilbene, and piceatannol in Vaccinium berries. Samples representing selections and cultivars of 10 species from Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, and Canada were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Resveratrol was found in Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry), Vaccinium arboretum (sparkleberry), Vaccinium ashei (rabbiteye blueberry), Vaccinium corymbosum (highbush blueberry), Vaccinium elliottii (Elliott's blueberry), Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry), Vaccinium stamineum (deerberry), Vaccinium vitis-ideae var. vitis-ideae (lingonberry), and Vaccinium vitis-ideae var. minor (partridgeberry) at levels between 7 and 5884 ng/g dry sample. Lingonberry was found to have the highest content, 5884 ng/g dry sample, comparable to that found in grapes, 6471 ng/g dry sample. Pterostilbene was found in two cultivars of V. ashei and in V. stamineum at levels of 99-520 ng/g dry sample. Piceatannol was found in V. corymbosum and V. stamineum at levels of 138-422 ng/g dry sample. These naturally occurring stilbenes, known to be strong antioxidants and to have cancer chemopreventive activities, will add to the purported health benefits derived from the consumption of these small fruits.     

Antioxidant capacity, vitamin C, phenolics, and anthocyanins after fresh storage of small fruits.

Fresh strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.), raspberries (Rubus idaeus Michx.), highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), and lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton) were stored at 0, 10, 20, and 30 degrees C for up to 8 days to determine the effects of storage temperature on whole fruit antioxidant capacity (as measured by the oxygen radical absorbing capacity assay, Cao et al., Clin. Chem. 1995, 41, 1738-1744) and total phenolic, anthocyanin, and ascorbate content. The four fruit varied markedly in their total antioxidant capacity, and antioxidant capacity was strongly correlated with the content of total phenolics (0.83) and anthocyanins (0.90). The antioxidant capacity of the two blueberry species was about 3-fold higher than either strawberries or raspberries. However, there was an increase in the antioxidant capacity of strawberries and raspberries during storage at temperatures >0 degrees C, which was accompanied by increases in anthocyanins in strawberries and increases in anthocyanins and total phenolics in raspberries. Ascorbate content differed more than 5-fold among the four fruit species; on average, strawberries and raspberries had almost 4-times more ascorbate than highbush and lowbush blueberries. There were no ascorbate losses in strawberries or highbush blueberries during 8 days of storage at the various temperatures, but there were losses in the other two fruit species. Ascorbate made only a small contribution (0.4-9.4%) to the total antioxidant capacity of the fruit. The increase observed in antioxidant capacity through postharvest phenolic synthesis and metabolism suggested that commercially feasible technologies may be developed to enhance the health functionality of small fruit crops.     

Cultivar evaluation and effect of fermentation on antioxidant capacity and in vitro inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase by highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corombosum)

The berry fruits of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) contain bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. The objective was to evaluate blueberries grown in southern Illinois as well as the effect of fermentation, at two different temperatures, on chemical and physical parameters. Fruits from fifteen blueberry cultivars were analyzed. Fruit diameter ranged from 12.8 mm to 18.7 mm, pH from 2.6 to 3.7, reducing sugars from 6.4% to 15.2%, total sugars from 13.9% to 21.6%, total polyphenols from 0.39 to 1.00 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g blueberry and antioxidant capacity from 5.8 to 10.9 μM Trolox equivalents (TE)/g. In vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory capacity relative to the positive control acarbose, a known anti-diabetic drug, showed a range from 91.8 to 103.3% for α-amylase and from 103.2% to 190.8% for α-glucosidase. Wines prepared from several of these blueberry cultivars were analyzed throughout fermentation and compared at room temperature and cold temperature fermentation for pH (3.5 to 6.3), °Brix (13.6 to 29.7), total polyphenols (375.4 to 657.1 μg GAE/mL wine), and antioxidant capacity (4.5 to 25.1 mM TE). The wines were also tested for their in vitro capacity to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase and maintained similar inhibitory action as the berries. Highbush blueberry cultivars and their fermented beverages are good natural sources of antioxidants and starch-degrading enzyme inhibitors important for type 2 diabetes management.     

Interspecific variation in anthocyanins, phenolics, and antioxidant capacity among genotypes of highbush and lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium section cyanococcus spp.)

Recent interest in the possible protective effects of dietary antioxidant compounds against human degenerative disease has prompted investigation of foods such as blueberries (Vaccinium sp.), which have a high antioxidant capacity. Fruit obtained from genotypes of highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) and lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton) were analyzed for their antioxidant capacity, their content of anthocyanins, and total phenolic compounds, to evaluate the intraspecific and interspecific variation in these parameters. The method of extraction influenced the composition of fruit extracts; the highest anthocyanin and total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity were found in extracts obtained using a solvent of acidified aqueous methanol. Regardless of the method, lowbush blueberries were consistently higher in anthocyanins, total phenolics, and antioxidant capacity, compared with highbush blueberries. There was no relationship between fruit size and anthocyanin content in either species.     

Berry fruits: compositional elements, biochemical activities, and the impact of their intake on human health, performance, and disease

An overwhelming body of research has now firmly established that the dietary intake of berry fruits has a positive and profound impact on human health, performance, and disease. Berry fruits, which are commercially cultivated and commonly consumed in fresh and processed forms in North America, include blackberry ( Rubus spp.), black raspberry ( Rubus occidentalis), blueberry ( Vaccinium corymbosum), cranberry (i.e., the American cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon, distinct from the European cranberry, V. oxycoccus), red raspberry ( Rubus idaeus) and strawberry ( Fragaria x ananassa). Other berry fruits, which are lesser known but consumed in the traditional diets of North American tribal communities, include chokecherry ( Prunus virginiana), highbush cranberry ( Viburnum trilobum), serviceberry ( Amelanchier alnifolia), and silver buffaloberry ( Shepherdia argentea). In addition, berry fruits such as arctic bramble ( Rubus articus), bilberries ( Vaccinuim myrtillus; also known as bog whortleberries), black currant ( Ribes nigrum), boysenberries ( Rubus spp.), cloudberries ( Rubus chamaemorus), crowberries ( Empetrum nigrum, E. hermaphroditum), elderberries ( Sambucus spp.), gooseberry ( Ribes uva-crispa), lingonberries ( Vaccinium vitis-idaea), loganberry ( Rubus loganobaccus), marionberries ( Rubus spp.), Rowan berries ( Sorbus spp.), and sea buckthorn ( Hippophae rhamnoides), are also popularly consumed in other parts of the world. Recently, there has also been a surge in the consumption of exotic "berry-type" fruits such as the pomegranate ( Punica granatum), goji berries ( Lycium barbarum; also known as wolfberry), mangosteen ( Garcinia mangostana), the Brazilian a?aí berry ( Euterpe oleraceae), and the Chilean maqui berry ( Aristotelia chilensis). Given the wide consumption of berry fruits and their potential impact on human health and disease, conferences and symposia that target the latest scientific research (and, of equal importance, the dissemination of this information to the general public), on the chemistry and biological and physiological functions of these "superfoods" are necessary.     

Effect of high-oxygen atmospheres on blueberry phenolics, anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity

The influence of high oxygen concentrations on total phenolic, total anthocyanin, individual phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity (measured as oxygen radical absorbance capacity, ORAC) in highbush blueberry fruit (Vaccinium corymbosum L. cv. Duke) was investigated. Freshly harvested blueberries were placed in jars ventilated continuously with air or with 40, 60, 80, or 100% O(2) at 5 degrees C for up to 35 days. Samples were taken initially and at 7-day intervals during storage. Whereas the quality parameters of titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and surface color were only slightly affected by the superatmospheric O(2) treatments, the antioxidant levels were markedly increased by 60-100% O(2) treatments as compared with 40% O(2) treatment or air control during 35 days of storage. Elevated O(2) between 60 and 100% also promoted increases of total phenolics and total anthocyanins as well as the individual phenolic compounds analyzed by HPLC. Fruit treated with O(2) concentrations of >/=60% also exhibited significantly less decay. Data obtained in this study suggest that high-oxygen treatments may improve the antioxidant capacity of blueberry fruit. Furthermore, antioxidant capacity may be correlated with total phenolic and anthocyanin contents in blueberries.     

Response of ‘Bluecrop’ Highbush Blueberry to Boron Fertilization

The objective of this experiment was to examine the vegetative and generative responses of highbush blueberry to boron fertilization. The study was carried out in 2002–2003 in Central Poland on mature ‘Bluecrop’ blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) planted at a spacing of 3 × 1 m on a sandy loam soil with pH value of 3.9 and low hot water soluble boron status. Blueberries were soil- or foliar-supplied with boron. Foliar boron sprays were done four times per season: at the beginning of blooming, at petal fall, and three and six weeks after the ending of flowering. In each spray treatment, boron was applied at a rate of 0.2 kg ha^?1. Soil boron was applied at the stage of bud break at a rate of 2 kg ha^?1. Plants untreated with boron served as control. The results showed that boron fertilization increased boron levels in flower and leaf tissues. This treatment, regardless of boron application mode, did not affect plant vigor, the number of flowers per cane, fruit set, nor yield. Also mean fruit weight and berry firmness were not influenced by boron fertilization. Fruit of boron-supplied blueberries had higher soluble solids concentrations than those of the control plants. It is concluded that boron requirements of highbush blueberry are relatively low compared to most fruit crops and that critical leaf boron concentrations of ‘Bluecrop’ blueberry are below 15 mg kg^?1 DW.     

Anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin content in selected white and red wines. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity comparison with nontraditional wines obtained from highbush blueberry

Antioxidant capacity, as measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC(PE)), total phenolic, total and individual anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidin fraction contents were evaluated in red and white wines from grapes. A comparison in terms of antioxidant capacity is made with nontraditional wines made from highbush blueberry. Blueberries are among fruits that are best recognized for their potential health benefits. In red wines, total oligomeric proanthocyanidin content, including catechins, was substantially higher (177.18 +/- 96.06 mg/L) than that in white wines (8.75 +/- 4.53 mg/L). A relative high correlation in red wines was found between ORAC(PE) values and malvidin compounds (r = 0.75, P < 0.10), and proanthocyanidins (r = 0.87, P < 0.05). In white wines, a significant correlation was found between the trimeric proanthocyanidin fraction and peroxyl radical scavenging values (r = 0.86, P < 0.10). A moderate drink (1 drink per day, about 140 mL) of red wine, or white wine, or wine made from highbush blueberry corresponds to an intake of 2.04 +/- 0.81 mmol of TE, 0.47 +/- 0.15 mmol of TE, and 2.42 +/- 0.88 mmol of TE of ORAC(PE)/day, respectively.     

Adaptability of blueberry species to various soil types: III. Final growth and tissue analyses

Seedlings of five blueberry progenies were planted in a range of soils, with or without the addition of peat moss, in an outdoor pot study to examine the adaptability of blueberries to upland soil conditions. Blueberry progenies ranged from essentially pure highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) to interspecific hybrids containing varying amounts of evergreen (V. darrowi Camp), lowbush (V. angustifolium Aiton), black highbush (V. atrococcum Heller), and rabbiteye (V. ashei Reade) blueberry germplasm. Growth differences occurred due to soil types with Berryland sand producing the most growth although the effectiveness of peat moss diminshed with time. The three different complete fertilizer sources used had no significant effect on growth over the 3 years. Progenies displayed nutritional differences on the same scale as soils with a progeny containing V. corymbosum, V. darrowi V. atrococcum, and V. ashei growing best over all soils. Manganese was the only element to show consistent soil and progeny differences for leaves, roots and fruit. Levels of Mn and Al were generally higher in leaves and fruit than in the roots.     

糖液与钙盐组合渗透脱水处理对冻融蓝莓品质的影响

为探究钙盐作为冷冻保护剂与高浓度糖液浸渍组合在常温下进行渗透脱水处理对冷冻蓝莓融化后质地品质的影响。对比以丙酸钙、乳酸钙、氯化钙为代表的3种钙盐冷冻保护剂及质量浓度为0.5、1.5、3.0、5.0 g/mL丙酸钙处理对冻融蓝莓品质的影响。通过观测蓝莓冻融后外观,测定硬度值、弹性、咀嚼性、胶着性、内聚性和回复性品质指标及可溶性果胶、共价结合型果胶和离子结合型果胶的含量。结果表明：添加钙盐结合糖液渗透脱水处理组均可减少蓝莓冻融后皱缩和质地瘫软现象,丙酸钙结合糖液渗透脱水处理组的汁液流失率比对照组降低约25.42%,显著低于（P＜0.05）其他处理组,丙酸钙处理组为较优的钙盐添加种类。对丙酸钙添加浓度进行优化筛选,发现当丙酸钙添加浓度为1.5 g/mL时可显著降低（ P ＜0.05）蓝莓果实的汁液流失和细胞膜透性,冻融后硬度为1.54 N、弹性0.75 mm,可溶性果胶、共价结合型果胶和离子结合型果胶含量分别达到1.03、0.83 和0.68 mg/g,减少蓝莓果实的质地瘫软现象并保持最佳冻融品质。丙酸钙浓度为1.5 g/mL结合渗透脱水技术使冻融蓝莓具有更好的品质,有利于食用和加工。研究结果不仅为解决蓝莓加工行业出现的由于长期冷冻所造成果实质地瘫软问题提供数据基础,还为研发提升果蔬原料冷冻贮藏品质的助冻剂及改性技术提供一定的理论依据。     

Oxygen radical absorbing capacity of phenolics in blueberries,cranberries, chokeberries,and lingonberries

The antioxidant activity of phenolics in fruits of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum cv. Sierra), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon cv. Ben Lear), wild chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), and lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea cv. Amberland) was determined in this study. The phenolic constituents and contents among the different berries varied considerably. Anthocyanins were found to be the main components in all these berries. Chlorogenic acid in blueberry, quercetin glycosides in cranberry and lingonberry, and caffeic acid and its derivative in chokeberry were also present in relatively high concentrations. Chlorogenic acid, peonidin 3-galactoside, cyanidin 3-galactoside, and cyanidin 3-galactoside were the most important antioxidants in blueberry, cranberry, wild chokeberry, and lingonberry, respectively. The contribution of individual phenolics to the total antioxidant capacity was generally dependent on their structure and content in the berries. Phenolics such as quercetin and cyanidin, with 3',4'-dihydroxy substituents in the B ring and conjugation between the A and B rings, had highly effective radical scavenging structures in blueberries, cranberries, chokeberries, and lingonberries. Phenolic acids such as caffeic acid also showed high antioxidant activity, probably due to its dihydroxylation in the 3,4 positions as hydrogen donors.     

Fruit quality, antioxidant capacity, and flavonoid content of organically and conventionally grown blueberries

The effect of cultivation practices on fruit quality and antioxidant capacity in highbush blueberries var. Bluecrop (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) was evaluated from random samples of commercial late harvest fields in New Jersey. Results from this study showed that blueberry fruit grown from organic culture yielded significantly higher sugars (fructose and glucose), malic acid, total phenolics, total anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity (ORAC) than fruit from the conventional culture. In organically cultured fruit, the average values for the ORAC, total anthocyanins, and total phenolic content were 46.14 micromol of Trolox (TE)/g of fresh weight (fwt), 131.2 mg/100 g of fwt, and 319.3 mg/100 g of fwt, respectively. In conventionally cultured fruit, the average values for the ORAC, total anthocyanin, and total phenol content were 30.8 micromol of TE/g of fwt, 82.4 mg/100 g of fwt, and 190.3 mg/100 g of fwt, respectively. The organic culture also produced fruit with higher contents of myricetin 3-arabinoside, quercetin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3-galactoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3-arabinoside, petunidin 3-galactoside, petunidin 3-glucoside, and malvidin 3-arabinoside than conventional culture. There was a significant correlation between the ORAC values and total phenolics and total anthocyanins. These results indicate that even though there were variations in phytonutrient content among individual farms within each cultural system, significant differences between two cultivation practices were evident.     

Separation, characterization and quantification of phenolic compounds in blueberries and red and black currants by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn

The phenolic profile of four blueberry varieties (Vaccinium corymbosum L., cv. Toro, Legacy, Duke and Bluecrop) and two varieties (Rosenthal and Rovada) of red currants (Ribes rubrum L.) and black currants (Ribes nigrum L.) cultivated in Macedonia have been analyzed using HPLC coupled to diode-array detection and tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization. A complex profile of anthocyanins, flavonols, flavan-3-ols and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives has been assayed in acetone-acetic acid (99:1, v/v) extracts. Anthocyanins comprised the highest content of total phenolic compounds in currants (>85%) and lower and variety dependent in blueberries (35-74%). Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives comprised 23-56% of total phenolics in blueberries and 1-6% in currants. Chlorogenic acid was the major hydroxycinnamic acid in blueberries, only in the Legacy variety, two malonyl-caffeoylquinic acid isomers were major components. Flavonols, mainly quercetin and myricetin glycosides, were a minor group, but glucosides of laricitrin and syringetin were also detected in the blueberry varieties counting for 10-34% of total flavonols. From flavan-3-ols, catechin was detected in most samples; the dimer B2 was specific for blueberries whereas epigallocatechin was detected in currants.     

Determination of anthocyanidins in berries and red wine by high-performance liquid chromatography

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination of anthocyanidins from berries and red wine is described. Delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and malvidin contents of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), black currant (Ribes nigrum), strawberry (Fragaria ananassa cv. Jonsok), and a Cabernet sauvignon (Vitis vinifera) red wine were determined. The aglycon forms of the anthocyanins present in the samples were revealed by acid hydrolysis. A reversed phase analytical column was employed to separate the anthocyanidins before identification by diode array detection. The suitability of the method was tested by determining the recovery (95-102% as aglycons and 69-104% from glycosides) for each anthocyanidin. Method repeatability was tested by charting the total aglycon content of two samples over a period of 14 analyses and determining the coefficients of variation (1.41% for bilberry and 2.56% for in-house reference material). The method developed proved thus to be effective for reliable determination of anthocyanidins from freeze-dried berry samples and red wine. The total anthocyanidin content of the tested samples was as follows: in-house reference material, 447 +/- 8 mg/100 g; strawberry, 23.8 +/- 0.4 mg/100 g; black currant, 135 +/- 3 mg/100 g; bilberry, 360 +/- 3 mg/100 g; and Cabernet sauvignon red wine, 26.1 +/- 0.1 mg/100 mL.     

Comparison between HPLC and MALDI-TOF MS analysis of anthocyanins in highbush blueberries

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been widely used as a reliable technique to quantify anthocyanins in food samples. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a new technique that is having a great impact on food analysis. This study is the first to compare HPLC and MALDI-TOF MS quantifications of anthocyanins. The analyses were carried out for highbush blueberries at different stages of anthocyanin formation. In general, both techniques provided comparable quantitative anthocyanin profiles for the samples. HPLC could distinguish anthocyanin isomers, whereas MALDI-TOF MS proved to be more rapid in the accurate identification and quantification of anthocyanins with different masses. A single MALDI-TOF MS run took just 4 min. MALDI-TOF MS analysis can serve as a rapid alternative to HPLC for the analysis of anthocyanins in fruits.     

Volatile composition of four southern highbush blueberry cultivars and effect of growing location and harvest date

The volatile composition of four southern highbush blueberry cultivars ('Primadonna', 'Jewel', 'Snowchaser', and 'FL02-40') grown in two locations (Gainesville and Haines City, FL) and harvested multiple times was investigated. A total of 42 volatiles were identified, including 8 esters, 12 terpenoids, 11 aldehydes, 7 alcohols, and 4 ketones. Twelve of these volatiles are reported for the first time in highbush blueberries, with 10 being positively identified: (Z)-3-hexenal, (E,E)-2,4-hexadienal, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, (E,E)-2,4-nonedienal, methyl 2-methylbutanoate, butyl acetate, 2-methylbutyl acetate, and geranyl acetate. The dominant volatiles were aldehydes followed by terpenoids and esters, with distinct varietal profiles. 'Primadonna' was characterized by a large amount of esters and C-6 aldehydes. In contrast, fewer than 4 esters were found in 'FL02-40' and 'Snowchaser', respectively, but they produced more terpenoids than 'Primadonna' and 'Jewel'. Location and/or harvest date affected the production of volatiles in 'Primadonna', but not so much in the other cultivars.     

Analysis of anthocyanin variation in wild populations of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) in Finland

The berries of Vaccinium myrtillus L. are characterized by 15 anthocyanins. To study the variation in the anthocyanins on a south-north axis of about 1000 km in Finland, the berries from 179 individual bilberry plants in 20 populations were analyzed using an optimized RP-HPLC-DAD method. The mean content of the total anthocyanins was 2878 mg/100 g dry weight. There was extensive variation in the anthocyanin contents within and between the populations, suggesting differences in berry raw material. A significantly lower content of the total anthocyanins was observed in the berries of the southern region compared to those in the central and northern regions. Differences in the proportions of anthocyanins were also observed. The delphinidin glycosides dominated in the northern berries whereas the cyanidin glycosides were most common in the southern ones. Exceptional bilberry individuals were found mainly from eastern Finland with very low amounts of anthocyanidin glucosides. This is the first systematic study to reveal the extremely high variation in the content and distribution of anthocyanins in wild bilberries.     

Edible neotropical blueberries: antioxidant and compositional fingerprint analysis

Edible blueberry species are well recognized for their potential health benefits. Ericaceae fruits including the North American highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) and five less common edible blueberry relatives from the New World tropics, Anthopterus wardii Ball, Cavendishia grandifolia Hoerold, Macleania coccoloboides A. C. Smith, Sphyrospermum buxifolium Poeppig & Endlicher, and Sphyrospermum cordifolium Benth, were investigated for their antioxidant properties and phenolic profiles. The neotropical berries C. grandifolia and A. wardii exhibited significantly higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH(?)) and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS(??+)) free radical scavenging and iron chelation activities than V. corymbosum. Total phenolic content and high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA) compositional fingerprint analyses were also carried out. Significant correlations were observed among total phenolic contents, DPPH(?) and ABTS(??+) scavenging, and iron chelation activities. By use of HPLC-PDA, the phenolic constituents in the berries were identified as chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, hyperoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, isoorientin, isovitexin, orientin and vitexin. Principal component analysis reduced the dimensions of antioxidant and total phenolic data to two components, which accounted for 95% of total variation among the six fruits. Each fruit species formed its own cluster, and therefore the antioxidant profile of each species was shown to be distinct.     

Identification of anthocyanins in the liver, eye, and brain of blueberry-fed pigs

Dietary intervention with anthocyanins may confer benefits in brain function, including vision. Research to date indicates that animals have only a limited capacity to absorb anthocyanins, compared to other types of flavonoids. Pigs, which are a suitable model for human digestive absorption, were used to examine the deposition of anthocyanins in tissues including the liver, eye, and brain tissue. Pigs were fed diets supplemented with 0, 1, 2, or 4% w/w blueberries ( Vaccinium corymbosum L. 'Jersey') for 4 weeks. Prior to euthanasia, pigs were fasted for 18-21 h. Although no anthocyanins were detected in the plasma or urine of the fasted animals, intact anthocyanins were detected in all tissues where they were sought. LC-MS/MS results are presented for the relative concentration of 11 intact anthocyanins in the liver, eye, cortex, and cerebellum. The results suggest that anthocyanins can accumulate in tissues, including tissues beyond the blood-brain barrier.