Vaccinium Species (Ericaceae): From Chemical Composition to Bio-Functional Activities

Natural Antidiabetic Agents: Insights into Ericaceae-Derived Phenolics and Their Role in Metabolic and Oxidative Modulation in Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease with a growing prevalence worldwide, leading to severe health complications. Current treatment relies on antidiabetic medications, which may have adverse effects, highlighting the need for alternative approaches. Natural compounds, such as phenolic compounds, have shown promise in glucose modulation. The Ericaceae family includes several plants with potential antidiabetic properties. This review examines the pathophysiology of diabetes, chemical composition, and specific Ericaceae species that have demonstrated antidiabetic effects. Studies indicate that Vaccinium species and other Ericaceae plants can lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity through mechanisms such as enzyme inhibition. These findings suggest that Ericaceae plants may serve as complementary strategies for diabetes management.

Metabolomics insights into the protective molecular mechanism of Vaccinium myrtillus against oxidative stress in intestinal cells

Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) is a rich source of secondary metabolites known for their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. These compounds are essential in neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are implicated in oxidative stress-related diseases. In this study, we induced oxidative stress in IEC-6 small intestine cells using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), creating a cellular model to investigate the biochemical response. The obtained results showed that a blueberry extract (BLUBE) significantly exhibited strong antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by DPPH, FRAP and ABTS in vitro tests. Additionally, BLUBE effectively inhibited the release of reactive species in cells and enhanced cytoprotective response, as indicated by improved wound healing and clonogenic potential reduction of stress fibers rearrangement and apoptosis. Metabolomic analysis, specifically High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HR-MS), was employed to elucidate the metabolic alterations associated with the protective activity of BLUBE against oxidative stress in IEC-6 cells. Chemometric approaches were applied to preprocess the data, explore variability, and identify systematic biases, ensuring the removal of batch effects and other experimental artifacts. A Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis classification model confirmed clear group stratifications with high accuracy (98.75 ± 2.31%), sensitivity, and specificity, aiding in the identification of significant metabolites for pathway enrichment analysis. Key metabolic pathways, including sphingolipid metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism, were significantly modulated, supporting the biochemical basis of BLUBE's protective effects. In fact, BLUBE was able to partially reverse the downregulation of these pathways, effectively reducing oxidative stress and promoting cell survival. This study highlights the power of HR-MS-based metabolomics in uncovering the mechanisms of nutraceuticals and emphasizes the potential of BLUBE as a protective agent for oxidative stress-related diseases. It also underscores the growing significance of metabolomics in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Berries as Nature's Therapeutics: Exploring the Potential of Vaccinium Metabolites in Gastric Cancer Treatment Through Computational Insights

Berries from the Vaccinium genus, known for their rich array of bioactive metabolites, are recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. These compounds, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, have attracted significant attention for their potential health benefits, particularly in cancer prevention and treatment. Gastric cancer (GC), a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, remains challenging to treat, especially in its advanced stages. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Vaccinium species in GC treatment using computational methods. RNA sequencing revealed upregulated genes associated with GC, while network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches identified strong interactions between cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (C3G), a key bioactive metabolite. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations of the HSP90AA1-C3G complex demonstrated stable binding and structural integrity, suggesting that C3G may inhibit HSP90AA1, a protein involved in cancer progression. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Vaccinium metabolites, offering a novel approach to GC treatment by targeting key molecular pathways. This research provides valuable insights into the role of berries as natural therapeutics, supporting their integration into future gastric cancer treatment strategies.

Image-based and ML-driven analysis for assessing blueberry fruit quality

The assessment of blueberry fruit quality is traditionally conducted through laboratory equipment. Despite its high accuracy, this method remains destructive, labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly. Consequently, there is a pressing need for innovative solutions such as image-based and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analysis. To address these limitations, this study aimed to analyze whether an approach based on mobile image-based analysis combined with machine learning (ML) algorithms could develop a non-destructive framework for evaluating blueberry fruit quality, specifically focusing on total soluble solids (TSS) and firmness. Firstly, we collected numerous blueberry samples during the maturity stage to construct a comprehensive dataset. These samples were meticulously analyzed in a laboratory for diameter, TSS, firmness, and color. Simultaneously, RGB images were captured using a mobile device. These images were processed to extract spectral bands (red, green, and blue). Eight ML algorithms were employed to develop predictive models capable of predicting the qualitative parameters of the blueberries. Initially, correlation analysis demonstrated that RGB images suggestively contribute to fruit quality assessment (r < 0.41). However, the integration of ML algorithms significantly enhanced the predictive accuracy of these models (R2 = 0.71-0.99, MAE = 0.003-0.28, and RMSE = 0.004-0.31). This innovative approach differs from existing methods by providing a non-destructive, cost-effective, and efficient alternative to assess blueberry fruit quality. Our findings, therefore, confirm the applicability of mobile images for supporting high-quality blueberry harvesting. These advancements can potentially reduce labor costs, increase yield quality, and support advancements in precision agriculture.

Contribution to the knowledge of the anatomy, histochemistry, and phenolic composition of leaf and stems of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) cultivated in Tucumán, Argentina

The Vaccinium genus, with over 200 species, is prized for its fruits and traditional medicinal uses. Introduced to South America in the 1980s, it has become a significant crop, particularly in Tucumán, Argentina. Southern highbush blueberries are the most cultivated. Recent research suggests that the leaves and stems of these species contain higher levels of beneficial compounds compared to fruits. This study explores the potential of V. myrtillus L. leaves and stems, typically discarded as agricultural waste, as sources of bioactive compounds. It provides the first detailed analysis of their anatomy and chemical composition, revealing high levels of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. Leaf extracts show stronger antioxidant activity compared to stems. Toxicity tests on Artemia salina indicate their safety for further exploration. These findings suggest that V. myrtillus L. waste by-products could be valuable as sources of bioactive compounds, promoting their application in pharmaceuticals, food, or cosmetics industries.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Vaccinium oldhamii Miquel, a plant of the Ericaceae family

Vaccinium oldhamii Miquel 1866 is a deciduous shrub native to Northeast Asia, including Korea, China, and Japan. Its polyphenol-rich edible berries may aid in managing chronic diseases. Despite its importance, the mitogenome of this species remains understudied. This study assembled the complete mitogenome, consisting of 626,941 bp with 45.34% GC content, using NOVOPlasty and Illumina sequencing. The genome includes 38 protein-coding genes, 24 tRNA genes, and three rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship with V. macrocarpon. This mitogenome provides a valuable resource for phylogenomic studies and insights into evolutionary relationships within the Vaccinium genus and the Ericales order. Vaccinium oldhamii Miquel 1866 is a deciduous shrub in the Ericales and the Ericaceae and is native to Northeast Asia including Korea, China, and Japan. Particular emphasis has been placed on the edible berries of Vaccinium species and their use as dietary supplements. Specifically, the edible berries of V. oldhamii contain high levels of polyphenols, which may aid in preventing and managing chronic diseases. However, the mitogenome sequence of this species, a valuable resource for studying evolutionary relationships and genetic diversity within the Vaccinium genus, has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of V. oldhamii was assembled into 626,941 bp circular nucleotides with a GC content of 45.34% using NOVOPlasty and Illumina sequencing data. The comprehensive annotation for mitogenome of V. oldhamii revealed that the mitogenome comprises 38 known protein-coding genes, 24 tRNA genes, and three rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis using ML method showed that this species is closely related to the V. macrocarpon. This newly sequenced mitochondrial genome offers a valuable resource for phylogenomic analysis and will enhance our understanding of evolutionary relationships within the Ericales order and/or the Vaccinium genus.

Polyphenolic Antioxidants in Bilberry Stems and Leaves: A Non-Targeted Analysis by Two-Dimensional NMR Spectroscopy and Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Compared with those of berries, the stems and leaves of the genus Vaccinium are important and underestimated sources of polyphenols with high antioxidant activity. In the course of this work, aqueous methanol extracts of the aerial parts of common bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and bog bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.) were studied to analyze the component compositions of their biologically active polyphenolic compounds. The aqueous methanol fractions of the stems and leaves of the studied samples contained 8.7 and 4.6% extractives, respectively, and were comparable in total polyphenol content, but presented significant differences in antioxidant activity. The identification of polyphenolic compounds was carried out via the following two-stage analytical procedure: (1) non-targeted screening of dominant structures via the 2D NMR method and (2) analysis of HPLC-HRMS data via the scanning of precursor ions for a specific ion. A total of 56 phenolic compounds were identified, including the glycosides quercetin, proanthocyanidins, and catechins, as well as various conjugates of caffeic and p-coumaric acids, including iridoids. Some of the latter, such as caffeoyl and p-coumaroyl hydroxydihydromonotropein, as well as a number of lignan glycosides, were described for the first time in V. uliginósum and V. myrtillus.

Complete Mitogenome Assembly and Comparative Analysis of Vaccinium bracteatum (Ericaceae), a Rich Source of Health-Promoting Molecules

Vaccinium bracteatum is a valuable plant used both as food and medicine in China, but low production limits the development of its industry. As such, it is important to develop genetic resources for the high-value species for preservation of wild populations and utilization. The complete chloroplast and nuclear genomes have already been available; however, its mitogenome has not yet been characterized. Here, the V. bracteatum mitogenome was assembled using HiFi reads, and a comparative analysis was conducted. The mitogenome was a circular sequence of 708,384 bp with a GC content of 45.28%, in which 67 genes were annotated, including 36 protein-coding genes, 26 tRNA genes, 3 rRNA genes, and 2 pseudogenes. Overall, 370 dispersed repeats, 161 simple repeats, and 42 tandem repeats were identified, and 360 RNA editing sites were predicted. There was extensive DNA migration among the three genomes. In addition, most of the protein-coding genes underwent purifying selection throughout evolution, and the nucleotide diversity was highly variable. In addition, comparative analysis indicated that the sizes, structures, and gene contents of the mitogenomes differed significantly, but the GC contents and functional genes were relatively conserved among the Ericales species. Mitogenome-based phylogenetic analysis indicated the precise. evolutionary and taxonomic status of V. bracteatum. The complete mitogenome represents the last link of the reference genome of V. bracteatum and lays the foundation for effective utilization and molecular breeding of this plant.

Vaccinium spp. Berries in the Prevention and Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Comprehensive Update of Preclinical and Clinical Research

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disorder marked by the buildup of triacylglycerols (TGs) in the liver. It includes a range of conditions, from simple steatosis to more severe forms like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can advance to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD's prevalence is rising globally, estimated between 10% and 50%. The disease is linked to comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases and currently lacks effective treatment options. Therefore, researchers are focusing on evaluating the impact of adjunctive herbal therapies in individuals with NAFLD. One herbal therapy showing positive results in animal models and clinical studies is fruits from the Vaccinium spp. genus. This review presents an overview of the association between consuming fruits, juices, and extracts from Vaccinium spp. and NAFLD. The search used the following keywords: ((Vaccinium OR blueberry OR bilberry OR cranberry) AND ("non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" OR "non-alcoholic steatohepatitis")). Exclusion criteria included reviews, research notes, book chapters, case studies, and grants. The review included 20 studies: 2 clinical trials and 18 studies on animals and cell lines. The findings indicate that juices and extracts from Vaccinium fruits and leaves have significant potential in addressing NAFLD by improving lipid and glucose metabolism and boosting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. In conclusion, blueberries appear to have the potential to alleviate NAFLD, but more clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits.

Nephroprotective effect of cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) in streptozocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in mice

OBJECTIVES

Diabetic nephropathy is a chief reason of mortality particularly in individuals with renal dysfunction. The current research was aimed to assess the nephroprotective portion of Vaccinium oxycoccos toward mice diabetic nephropathy induced by streptozotocin (STZ). V. oxycoccos was purchased and used for hydroalcoholic extraction.

METHODS

Sixty male mice were subjected to STZ-intraperitoneal injection (45 mg/kg). After diabetes induction, mice were divided into five groups of diabetic control (received only STZ), non-diabetic control (received only citrate buffer), two V. oxycoccos treatment (received V. oxycoccos extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) oral daily by gavage), and metformin treatment (received metformin (500 mg/kg) oral daily by gavage). Glucose and weight of mice were checked weekly.

RESULTS

After 28 days, the effect of V. oxycoccos extract on serum and urine parameters were assessed. STZ caused significant decreased in the mice body weight. Mice treated with the V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg) harbored the lowest weight loss at day 28 (70.2±1.38 g). STZ caused significant increase in the mice FBS. Mice treated with the V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg) harbored the lowest FBS at day 28 (189.2±1.20 mg/dL). Treatment of mice with V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg) caused the lowest increase in the levels of cholesterol, HbA1c and triglycerides compared to the diabetic control mice. Compared to the diabetic control group, mice treated with V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg) had the highest HDL, insulin, SOD, and GSH (p<0.05). The lowest serum BUN, CR, and UR were found in mice treated with V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg). Anti-inflammatory effects of V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg) was shown by the lowest TNF-α, IL-6, and TGF-β1 concentration in mice treated with V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study disclosed that treatment with V. oxycoccos resulted in substantial development in the serum and urine parameters and also antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response of STZ-induced diabetic mice.

Targeted Anthocyanin Profiling of Fruits from Three Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars Propagated in Colombia

The blueberry, a deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae family, is celebrated for its delightful flavor, sweetness, and abundance of anthocyanins and antioxidants, qualities that have garnered significant attention for their potential health benefits. Blueberries grown in diverse environments and exhibit varied anthocyanin profiles, often influenced by factors such as altitude and climate. Varietal groups worldwide have been bred and categorized based on their growth habits and specific cold requirements, particularly with southern highbush cultivars thriving in temperate climates, demonstrating tolerance to higher altitudes or cooler climates-a result of hybridizations involving various Vaccinium species. In the Colombian Andes, southern highbush blueberries thrive in unique high-altitude conditions, leading to exceptional quality due to the region's cool climate and specific soil characteristics. In this context, this study aimed to chemically characterize and differentiate three southern highbush blueberry cultivars (i.e., 'Biloxi,' 'Legacy' and 'Sharpblue') cultivated in a Colombian Andean plateau and compare them to three commercially available highbush blueberries. This comprehensive evaluation involved examining total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanin content, and DPPH· free-radical scavenging capacity, as well as conducting anthocyanin-targeted profiling via HPLC-DAD-HRMS. Through supervised multivariate analyses such as sPLS-DA, this study delved into the pattern recognition of those anthocyanins that could potentially serve as markers for quality and cultivar-related chemical trait determination. These findings locate blueberry-derived anthocyanins in a metabolic context and afford some insights into southern highbush blueberry cultivar differentiation to be used for further purposes.

Anti-Aging Properties of Chitosan-Based Hydrogels Rich in Bilberry Fruit Extract

Photoaging is a process related to an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Polyphenols can scavenge free radicals in the body, which can delay skin aging. Therefore, our work aimed to prepare a biologically active extract from dry fruits of Vaccinium myrtillus or Vaccinium corymbosum and use it for the preparation of hydrogels for topical application. Therefore, eight different extracts (using V. myrtillus and V. corymbosum and different extraction mixtures: methanol, methanol-water 1:1, water, acetone-water 1:1) were prepared and their phytochemical (total polyphenolic content, total flavonoid content, total anthocyanin content) and biological properties (antioxidant, anti-hyaluronidase, and anti-tyrosinase activity) were assessed. Cytotoxicity towards HaCaT keratinocytes was also determined. Based on the results, the acetone-water extract from V. myrtillus was selected for further study. Using the Design of Experiments approach, chitosan-based hydrogels with bilberry fruit extract were prepared. The content of extract and chitosan were selected as independent factors. The activity of hydrogels depended on the extract content; however, the enzyme-inhibiting (anti-hyaluronidase and anti-tyrosinase) activity resulted from the presence of both the extract and chitosan. Increased concentration of chitosan in the hydrogel base led to increased viscosity of the hydrogel and, consequently, a slower release of active compounds. To get optimal hydrogel characteristics, 1% extract and 2.5% MMW chitosan were utilized. The research suggests the validity of using bilberry fruit extracts in topical preparations with anti-aging properties.

Experimental Studies on the Therapeutic Potential of Vaccinium Berries in Breast Cancer-A Review

Breast cancer (BC) is the largest contributor to cancer deaths in women worldwide. Various parts of plants, including fruits, are known for their therapeutic properties and are used in traditional medicine. Fruit species exhibit anticancer activities due to the presence of bioactive natural compounds such as flavonoids and carotenoids. The Vaccinium spp. are fleshy berry-like drupes and are rich in bioactive compounds, with flavonols, flavanols, chalcones, and phenolic acids as the major groups of compounds. While there is clear evidence linking Vaccinium berries with a decreased risk of BC both in in vivo and in vitro experiments, the exact mechanisms involved in the protective effects of Vaccinium spp. rich extracts on BC cells are not fully understood. Thus, the purpose of this review is to highlight the mechanisms of action involved in the therapeutic potential of Vaccinium berries against BC in experimental models.

Direct Polyphenol Attachment on the Surfaces of Magnetite Nanoparticles, Using Vitis vinifera, Vaccinium corymbosum, or Punica granatum

This study presents an alternative approach to directly synthesizing magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) in the presence of Vitis vinifera, Vaccinium corymbosum, and Punica granatum derived from natural sources (grapes, blueberries, and pomegranates, respectively). A modified co-precipitation method that combines phytochemical techniques was developed to produce semispherical MNPs that range in size from 7.7 to 8.8 nm and are coated with a ~1.5 nm thick layer of polyphenols. The observed structure, composition, and surface properties of the MNPs@polyphenols demonstrated the dual functionality of the phenolic groups as both reducing agents and capping molecules that are bonding with Fe ions on the surfaces of the MNPs via -OH groups. Magnetic force microscopy images revealed the uniaxial orientation of single magnetic domains (SMDs) associated with the inverse spinel structure of the magnetite (Fe3O4). The samples' inductive heating (H0 = 28.9 kA/m, f = 764 kHz), measured via the specific loss power (SLP) of the samples, yielded values of up to 187.2 W/g and showed the influence of the average particle size. A cell viability assessment was conducted via the MTT and NRu tests to estimate the metabolic and lysosomal activities of the MNPs@polyphenols in K562 (chronic myelogenous leukemia, ATCC) cells.

Estimation In Vivo of the Antioxidant Activity of Axillary-Blueberry (Vaccinium axillare Nakai) Fruit under Oxidative Stress

The intensity of free radical oxidation processes in vivo (a model of induced oxidative stress) was studied after a probe administration of the fruit extract of the axillary blueberry (Vaccinium axillare Nakai). \Four groups (n = 40) of white CBA line male mice weighing 20-25 g were involved in the experiment: (1) intact control; (2) introduction of a 0.9% sodium-chloride solution orally for 10 days, a dose of 10 mL/kg per day; (3) "cisplatin" group (animals received 0.9% sodium-chloride solution similarly to group 2; on the fifth day of the experiment, cisplatin was administered one time by intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg); and (4) "cisplatin + blueberry" group (mice received orally an extract of axillary-blueberry fruits at a dose of 10 mL/kg per day for 10 days; on the fifth day of the experiment, cisplatin was administered one time by intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg). The antioxidant activity of the axillary blueberry was studied by a method of chemiluminescence. The analysis of kinetic parameters of chemiluminescence of mouse-kidney homogenate demonstrated that, against the background of a single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin, oxidative stress develops in animals, with its severity decreasing under the action of axillary blueberry-fruit extract. The axillary blueberry-fruit extract has pronounced antioxidant properties and can play a role in the treatment and prevention of disease associated with oxidative stress.

Vaccinium as Potential Therapy for Diabetes and Microvascular Complications

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most critical global health concerns, with a fast-growing prevalence. The incidence of diabetic vascular complications is also rapidly increasing, exacerbating the burden on individuals with diabetes and the consumption of public medical resources. Despite the overall improvements in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetic microvascular complications in recent years, safe and effective alternative or adjunctive therapies are urgently needed. The mechanisms underlying diabetic vascular complications are complex, with hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and inflammation being the leading causes. Therefore, glycemic control, antioxidation, and anti-inflammation are considered the main targets for the treatment of diabetes and its vascular comorbidities. Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) is a genus of plants enriched with polyphenolic compounds in their leaves and fruits. Vaccinium and its extracts have demonstrated good bioactivity in reducing blood glucose, oxidative stress, and inflammation, making them excellent candidates for the management of diabetes and diabetic vascular complications. Here, we review recent preclinical and clinical studies on the potential effect of Vaccinium on ameliorating diabetes and diabetic complications, particularly diabetic kidney disease and diabetic retinopathy.

Vaccinium Species (Ericaceae): Phytochemistry and Biological Properties of Medicinal Plants

The Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) genus consists of a globally widespread and diverse genus of around 4250 species, of which the most valuable is the Vaccinioidae subfamily. The current review focuses on the distribution, history, bioactive compounds, and health-related effects of three species: cranberry, blueberry, and huckleberry. Several studies highlight that the consumption of Vaccinium spp. presents numerous beneficial health-related outcomes, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects against diabetes, obesity, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular disorders. These plants' prevalence and commercial value have enhanced in the past several years; thus, the generated by-products have also increased. Consequently, the identified phenolic compounds found in the discarded leaves of these plants are also presented, and their impact on health and economic value is discussed. The main bioactive compounds identified in this genus belong to anthocyanins (cyanidin, malvidin, and delphinidin), flavonoids (quercetin, isoquercetin, and astragalin), phenolic acids (gallic, p-Coumaric, cinnamic, syringic, ferulic, and caffeic acids), and iridoids.

An Updated Systematic Review of Vaccinium myrtillus Leaves: Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Bilberry leaves are used in many countries in traditional medicine for treating a wide variety of diseases. Due to the high therapeutic potential of Vaccinium myrtillus (VM) leaves, this review aims to present the latest knowledge on the phytochemical profile, as well as the therapeutic effects of this herbal drug. The review was conducted according to the Prisma guidelines, and the scientific databases were searched using combinations of the following keywords: "Vaccinium myrtillus", "leaves", "bilberry". Recent research was focused on the influence of abiotic factors on the phytochemical composition, and it seems that there are significant differences between the herbal drugs collected from different countries. The phytochemical composition is correlated with the broad spectrum of pharmacological effects. The paper outlines the potent antimicrobial activity of VM extracts against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, and also the pathways that are modulated by the unique "cocktail" of phytoconstituents in different metabolic alterations. Reviewing the research articles published in the last 10 years, it seems that bilberry leaves have been slightly forgotten, although their phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics are unique.

Modulation of Cytoskeleton, Protein Trafficking, and Signaling Pathways by Metabolites from Cucurbitaceae, Ericaceae, and Rosaceae Plant Families

One promising frontier within the field of Medical Botany is the study of the bioactivity of plant metabolites on human health. Although plant metabolites are metabolic byproducts that commonly regulate ecological interactions and biochemical processes in plant species, such metabolites also elicit profound effects on the cellular processes of human and other mammalian cells. In this regard, due to their potential as therapeutic agents for a variety of human diseases and induction of toxic cellular responses, further research advances are direly needed to fully understand the molecular mechanisms induced by these agents. Herein, we focus our investigation on metabolites from the Cucurbitaceae, Ericaceae, and Rosaceae plant families, for which several plant species are found within the state of Florida in Hillsborough County. Specifically, we compare the molecular mechanisms by which metabolites and/or plant extracts from these plant families modulate the cytoskeleton, protein trafficking, and cell signaling to mediate functional outcomes, as well as a discussion of current gaps in knowledge. Our efforts to lay the molecular groundwork in this broad manner hold promise in supporting future research efforts in pharmacology and drug discovery.

Insight into the Taxonomic and Functional Diversity of Bacterial Communities Inhabiting Blueberries in Portugal

Vaccinium myrtillus is a dwarf shrub of the Ericaceae family with a Palearctic distribution, associated with temperate and cold humid climates. It is widespread on the European continent; on the Iberian Peninsula it is located on Atlantic climate mountains and glacial relicts. In Portugal, we find scattered and interesting populations; however, the majority of them are threatened by climate change and wildfires. Given that, the objective of this study is to determine the rhizospheric and root bacterial communities of this plant in the southernmost regions, and, consequently, its potential range and ability to be used as a biofertilizer. In this work, metabarcoding of 16S rRNA gene showed that the endophytic bacterial diversity is dependent on the plant and selected by it according to the observed alpha and beta diversity. Moreover, a culturomic approach allowed 142 different strains to be isolated, some of them being putative new species. Additionally, some strains belonging to the genera Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Pseudomonas, Paraburkholderia, and Caballeronia showed significant potential to be applied as multifunctional biofertilizers since they present good plant growth-promoting (PGP) mechanisms, high colonization capacities, and an increase in vegetative parameters in blueberry and tomato plants.

Evaluation of the Phytochemical Composition of Phenolic and Triterpene Compounds in Fruit of Large Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) Grown in Latvia

We carried out a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the phytochemical composition of the fruits of large cranberry cultivars 'Ben Lear', 'Bergman', 'Kalnciema agra', 'Lemunyon', 'Pilgrim', 'Stevens', and 'Tina' grown in Latvian climatic conditions. The following predominant compounds were found in cranberry fruit samples: peonidin-3-O-galactoside, peonidin-3-O-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside, myricetin-3-galactoside, quercetin-3-galactoside, quercetin-3-α-L-arabinofuranoside, quercetin 3-rhamnoside, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid. During the berry ripening period (from 16 August until 15 September), a trend of decreasing amounts of compounds was found in the fruit samples of the studied cranberry cultivars: the total amount of proanthocyanidins decreased by 1.3 times, the total amount of the identified flavonols decreased by 1.3 times, the total amount of triterpenoids decreased by 1.2 times, and the total amount of chlorogenic acid decreased by 1.7 times. During the period from 16 August until 15 September, the total amount of anthocyanins in the cranberry fruit samples increased by 2.6 to 17 times. The highest total amount of anthocyanins (5305.80 ± 27 µg/g) was detected in fruit samples of the cranberry cultivar 'Kalnciema agra' collected on 15 September. The amount of biologically active compounds in cranberry fruit samples varies during berry ripening. Thus, the choice of the picking time is one of the factors that determines the phytochemical composition of raw cranberry material.

Microencapsulation and Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds of Vaccinium Leaf Extracts

In recent years, Vaccinium spp. (bilberry-VMT, lingonberry-VVIT, and blueberry-VCS) have sparked particular interest for their prospective health benefits. The latest investigations have place them as important alternative sources of nutraceuticals as their leaves are the main by-products of berry harvesting. The present study is aimed at investigating the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds from leaves of the Vaccinium species, both as microencapsulated powder and aqueous extracts, following exposure to in vitro simulated digestion. Moreover, the impact of maltodextrin and glucose microencapsulation carriers on the extracts’ phenolic content was assessed. Prior to encapsulation, the viscosity of the emulsions was shown at a shear stress of 50 s−1 dilatant and a Newtonian behaviour above this value with a final viscosity between 1.024 and 1.049 mPa·s. The final microencapsulation yield for the samples ranged between 79 and 81%. Although the microencapsulated forms presented a targeted release at the intestinal level, the phenolic content decreased after gastrointestinal digestion. The bioaccessibility of the microencapsulated extracts showed higher values than their non-encapsulated counterparts, with the highest value of 45.43% in the VVIT sample, followed by VCS with 41.07%. However, the non-encapsulated VCS sample presented high bioaccessibility after in vitro digestion (38.65%). As concluded, further in vivo research should be conducted on the leaves of the Vaccinium species.