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Gonçalves B, Aires A, Oliveira I, Baltazar M, Cosme F, Afonso S, Pinto T, Anjos MR, Inês A, Morais MC, Vilela A, Silva AP. From Orchard to Wellness: Unveiling the Health Effects of Sweet Cherry Nutrients. Nutrients 2024; 16:3660. [PMID: 39519493 PMCID: PMC11547742 DOI: 10.3390/nu16213660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2024] [Revised: 10/23/2024] [Accepted: 10/25/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This review paper explores the multifaceted relationship between sweet cherry nutrients and human health, aiming to uncover the comprehensive impact of these bioactive compounds from orchard to wellness. Furthermore, it highlights how advanced crop techniques can be pivotal in optimizing these beneficial compounds. Synthesizing existing literature, the paper examines the diverse bioactive nutrients in sweet cherries, including antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals, and elucidating their mechanisms of action and potential health benefits. From antioxidant properties to anti-inflammatory effects, the paper elucidates how these nutrients may mitigate chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions. Additionally, it explores their role in promoting gastrointestinal health, enhancing exercise recovery, and modulating sleep patterns. The review discusses emerging research on the potential anti-cancer properties of sweet cherry compounds, highlighting their promising role in cancer prevention and treatment. Furthermore, it delves into the impact of sweet cherry consumption on metabolic health, weight management, and skin health. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of sweet cherry nutrients and their health effects, this paper offers valuable insights for researchers, healthcare professionals, and consumers interested in utilizing nature's bounty for holistic wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Gonçalves
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.A.); (I.O.); (M.B.); (S.A.); (T.P.); (M.R.A.); (M.C.M.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Alfredo Aires
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.A.); (I.O.); (M.B.); (S.A.); (T.P.); (M.R.A.); (M.C.M.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Ivo Oliveira
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.A.); (I.O.); (M.B.); (S.A.); (T.P.); (M.R.A.); (M.C.M.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Miguel Baltazar
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.A.); (I.O.); (M.B.); (S.A.); (T.P.); (M.R.A.); (M.C.M.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Fernanda Cosme
- Chemistry Research Centre-Vila Real (CQ-VR), University of Trás-of-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (F.C.); (A.I.); (A.V.)
| | - Sílvia Afonso
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.A.); (I.O.); (M.B.); (S.A.); (T.P.); (M.R.A.); (M.C.M.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Teresa Pinto
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.A.); (I.O.); (M.B.); (S.A.); (T.P.); (M.R.A.); (M.C.M.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Maria Rosário Anjos
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.A.); (I.O.); (M.B.); (S.A.); (T.P.); (M.R.A.); (M.C.M.); (A.P.S.)
| | - António Inês
- Chemistry Research Centre-Vila Real (CQ-VR), University of Trás-of-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (F.C.); (A.I.); (A.V.)
| | - Maria Cristina Morais
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.A.); (I.O.); (M.B.); (S.A.); (T.P.); (M.R.A.); (M.C.M.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Alice Vilela
- Chemistry Research Centre-Vila Real (CQ-VR), University of Trás-of-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (F.C.); (A.I.); (A.V.)
| | - Ana Paula Silva
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-of-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.A.); (I.O.); (M.B.); (S.A.); (T.P.); (M.R.A.); (M.C.M.); (A.P.S.)
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Saeed RA, Khan MI, Butt MS, Faisal MN. Phytochemical screening of Prunus avium for its antioxidative and anti-mutagenic potential against DMBA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1132356. [PMID: 37266135 PMCID: PMC10231329 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1132356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Scope Prunus avium fruit is the richer source of phenolics known to exert anticancer and anti-invasive activities. The study aimed at elucidating antiproliferative and chemo-preventive potential of sweet cherries (P. avium) against the in vivo hepatocarcinoma model. Methods and results The quantification of ultrasound-assisted extract (UAE) of P. avium depicted anthocyanins, ferulic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, syringic acid and p- and m-coumaric acids as major phytochemicals. The hepatocarcinoma (HCC) was induced in rats through intraperitoneal administration of DMBA (20 mg/kg B.W) once a week for the period of eight weeks. The intragastric administration of P. avium UAE, as cotreatment (500 mg/Kg B.W) to treatment group, significantly (p < 0.01) attenuated the raised serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as total oxidative stress (TOS) and enhanced total antioxidant capacity TAOC in contrast to diseased rats. Moreover, microscopic examination of hepatic tissues confirmed the pleomorphism, nests of neoplastic hepatocytes and necrosis in HCC-bearing rats as compared to extract-fed rats, where these necrotic changes were suppressed. Besides, qRT-PCR analysis of hepatic tissues demonstrated the higher mRNA expression of CHEK1, CHEK2 and P21/CDKN1α genes, while downexpression of ATM gene in extract fed rats, further denoting the anti-mutagenic potential. Conclusion Consequently, the polyphenol-rich sweet cherries UAE exhibited antiproliferative and chemo-preventive potential by reducing tumor biomarkers, serum transaminases and oxidative stress, as well as enhancing antioxidant status. It further upregulated the downstream targets of ATM signaling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raakia Anam Saeed
- National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Issa Khan
- National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Masood Sadiq Butt
- National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Naeem Faisal
- Institute of Pharmacy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Gonçalves AC, Nunes AR, Flores-Félix JD, Alves G, Silva LR. Cherries and Blueberries-Based Beverages: Functional Foods with Antidiabetic and Immune Booster Properties. Molecules 2022; 27:3294. [PMID: 35630771 PMCID: PMC9145489 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, it is largely accepted that the daily intake of fruits, vegetables, herbal products and derivatives is an added value in promoting human health, given their capacity to counteract oxidative stress markers and suppress uncontrolled pro-inflammatory responses. Given that, natural-based products seem to be a promising strategy to attenuate, or even mitigate, the development of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, and to boost the immune system. Among fruits, cherries and blueberries are nutrient-dense fruits that have been a target of many studies and interest given their richness in phenolic compounds and notable biological potential. In fact, research has already demonstrated that these fruits can be considered functional foods, and hence, their use in functional beverages, whose popularity is increasing worldwide, is not surprising and seem to be a promising and useful strategy. Therefore, the present review reinforces the idea that cherries and blueberries can be incorporated into new pharmaceutical products, smart foods, functional beverages, and nutraceuticals and be effective in preventing and/or treating diseases mediated by inflammatory mediators, reactive species, and free radicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- CIBIT-Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana R Nunes
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- CNC-Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José D Flores-Félix
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Gilberto Alves
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Luís R Silva
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- CPIRN-UDI-IPG-Center of Potential and Innovation of Natural Resources, Research Unit for Inland Development, Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
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