Search Results (78)

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruits represent the recognized wellspring of bioactive compounds with various documented bioactivities. Although bilberry leaves are often treated as industrial by-products, they also represent a valuable source of phytochemicals with potential dermocosmetic applications. In this study, extracts of bilberry fruits and leaves were prepared using both conventional solvents (water and 50% ethanol) and natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) as green, biodegradable alternatives. The aim of this study was to examine the UV protective activity and inhibitory potential of those extracts against some enzymes (tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, collagenase) that are important in terms of skin conditioning and skin aging. The results of in vitro tests have shown the superiority of NaDES extracts compared to conventional extracts regarding all tested bioactivities. In addition, bilberry leaves extracts were more potent compared to fruit extracts in all cases. The most potent extract was bilberry leaf extract made with malic acid–glycerol, which exhibited strong anti-tyrosinase (IC₅₀ = 3.52 ± 0.26 mg/mL), anti-hyaluronidase (IC₅₀ = 3.23 ± 0.30 mg/mL), and anti-collagenase (IC₅₀ = 1.84 ± 0.50 mg/mL) activities. The correlation analysis revealed correlation between UV protective and anti-tyrosinase, UV protective and anti-collagenase as well as between anti-hyaluronidase and anti-collagenase activity. UV protection and anti-tyrosinase activity correlated significantly with chlorogenic acid and hyperoside contents in extracts. The extracts with the best activities also demonstrated a good safety profile in a 24 h in vivo study on human volunteers. Full article

The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic benefits of a hybrid material based on gold nanoparticles and natural extracts on an experimental model of thioacetamide-induced (TAA) liver injury in rats. The nanomaterials were synthesized using a green method, with Cornus sanguinea L. extract as a reducing and capping agent (NPCS), and were then mixed with Vaccinium myrtillus L. (VL) extract in order to achieve a final mixture with enhanced properties (NPCS-VL). NPCSs were characterized using UV–vis spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which demonstrated the formation of spherical, stable gold nanoparticles with an average diameter of 20 nm. NPCS-VL’s hepatoprotective effects were evaluated through an analysis of oxidative stress, inflammation, hepatic cytolysis, histology assays, and TEM in comparison to silymarin on an animal model of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced toxic hepatitis. TAA administration determined hepatotoxicity, as it triggered redox imbalance, increased proinflammatory cytokine levels and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) activity, and induced morphological and ultrastructural changes characteristic of liver fibrosis. In rats treated with NPCS-VL, all these pathological processes were attenuated, suggesting a potential antifibrotic effect of this hybrid bionanomaterial. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the type of sweetener used (xylitol, stevia, cane sugar) on the quality of liqueurs made from Vaccinium myrtillus L. and Vaccinium corymbosum L. fruits. The quality assessment was performed based on selected organoleptic and physicochemical features, with particular emphasis on the health-promoting potential of the produced beverages. The liqueurs were assessed in terms of their physicochemical parameters: pH, total acidity, density, total soluble solids, color, ethanol and polyphenol contents, and redox potential. Antioxidant capacities were determined by a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging capacity assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The Qualitative Descriptive Analysis method was employed for their sensory assessment. The sensory profiling method was used to determine the intensity of the flavor sensations. The study results showed that the type of sweetener did not affect the antioxidative properties of the liqueur. The ABTS test yielded values from 1081.88 to 1238.13 μmol Tx/100 mL, the DPPH test from 348.8 to 367.88 μmol Tx/100 mL, and the FRAP test from 594.20 to 653.20 μmol FeSO₄/100 mL. However, the sweetening substrate affected the content of polyphenolic compounds in the resulting products, but by no more than 15%. The liqueur sweetened with xylitol had a comparable extract content to that sweetened with cane sugar. All three variants of liqueurs were accepted by the evaluation panel, and their overall qualities were comparable in the sensory assessment. It is, therefore, possible to produce a high-quality liqueur with a reduced caloric value, which will potentially increase its attractiveness for consumers. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a growing global health concern, with diabetic retinopathy (DR) representing a major microvascular complication that contributes significantly to vision impairment. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of DR, which is associated with changes in vascularization-associated molecules, such as iNOS, VEGF, and MMP-9. The present study investigates the therapeutic potential of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) extract—rich in anthocyanins—applied for 14 days on blood glucose levels, lipid profile, and retinal oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and advanced oxidized protein products (AOPPs)) in a streptozotocin/nicotinamide (STZ/NA)-induced diabetes rat model. Results showed a significant reduction in non-fasting blood glucose, retinal TBARS, and AOPP levels, and normalization of VEGF and MMP-9 expression in bilberry-treated diabetic rats. Bilberry extract also partially improved lipid profile by lowering LDL levels. However, no significant effects on fasting glucose or serum insulin were observed. These findings suggest that bilberry extract may offer protective effects against oxidative retinal damage and could serve as a complementary approach in managing early diabetic retinopathy. Full article

Natural mineral waters (NMWs) and plant extracts have long been valued for their therapeutic properties and skin benefits. This study investigated, in vitro, the role of five Portuguese NMWs (A-E), combined with plant extracts from five species (Ficus carica L., Rubus idaeus L., Vaccinium myrtillus, Cistus ladanifer and Thymus x citriodorus) as bioactive ingredients. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Cellular biocompatibility was evaluated in fibroblasts (L929) and macrophages (RAW 264.7). Skin-repairing and anti-senescence properties were evaluated in L929 cells through the scratch-wound method and β-galactosidase assay. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was quantified using a commercial kit, and lipopolysaccharide-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified using a fluorescent probe (H₂DCFDA) in RAW 264.7. The results highlighted the beneficial impact of extracts combined with NMWs. An increase in antioxidant capacity of up to 90% was observed in mixtures comprising Ficus carica L., compared with NMWs alone. In contrast, mixtures with Cistus ladanifer showed promising anti-aging potential, with a 40% decrease in senescent cells and a 33% ROS reduction. Rubus idaeus L. extract produced an increase in cell migration capacity (up to 50%), depending on the NMW. This study highlights the potential synergism of natural ingredients with plant extracts for anti-aging. Full article

Phytoplasma infections pose a significant threat to the ecological equilibrium and economic worth of Vaccinium myrtillus L., the plant’s overall well-being and capacity for fruit production. This study utilized next-generation sequencing techniques targeting the V3–V4 region of 16S rRNA genes to examine the endophytic bacterial communities present in both healthy and infected samples with ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni’ and ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii’ related strains. Our findings revealed a total of 1.286 million raw paired-end reads across sequenced samples, which, after quality filtering, resulted in 58,492 high-quality reads without chloroplasts and 1670 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Infected plants exhibited statistically higher ASV richness (325 ± 71.5) than healthy plants (231 ± 21.9). This divergence suggests that, although more unique taxa were present in infected plants, their distribution was uneven or phylogenetically clustered, resulting in no significant differences in other diversity indices. However, other alpha diversity metrics did not show significant differences between the groups. Beta diversity analyses also indicated no significant differences in community composition between healthy and infected samples. The taxonomic analysis revealed that both groups were dominated by the Pseudomonadota phylum (~47.6%). However, infected plants displayed a higher prevalence of the Acidobacteriota and Myxococcota phyla, whereas healthy plants exhibited a higher prevalence of the Actinomycetota phylum. The data presented in this study suggest that ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’ infection may result in mild changes to the bacterial community structure within V. myrtillus. These data provide insights into phytoplasma disease-related changes in the microbial diversity of the plant host. Full article

Increasing interest is being devoted to innovative food products enriched with fruits and vegetables to enhance the nutritional and bioactive properties from the perspective of sustainable management. The addition (10, 15, and 20%) of blueberry fruits derived from two spontaneous flora varieties from the Rarău (G) and Ciocănești (C) mountains (Romania) into ‘French’ bread resulted in increased maximum breaking strength and mechanical work in spherical dough up to 10 and 15% in variety G, and deformation strength up to 20% integration; the untreated control displayed the highest values in the strips of dough. The 20% incorporation of both blueberry varieties in bread enhanced total, open, and closed porosity, maximum strength, gummosity, and chewiness, as well as titratable acidity, total soluble solids, vitamin C, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity. Resilience and pH showed the highest levels in the untreated bread, which also exhibited the highest values of the color components ‘L’, ‘a’, and ‘b’ in both the bread crust and crumb. The untreated control showed the highest scores for some sensory features, and in most cases, an increasing trend with the fruit integration rising from 10 to 20% was recorded. The addition of blueberries represents an interesting strategy for creating bread as an innovative functional food under sustainable supply chain management. Full article

The soil’s biological quality and its functions are closely linked. They determine the ecological processes and ecosystem services. Therefore, the heavy metal contamination of forest soils, leading to their degradation, is a major international problem. Soil is a habitat for many organisms, and the strong correlations between soil properties, vegetation, and soil fauna are particularly evident in the rhizosphere. Therefore, comprehensive soil monitoring must take all these elements into account. In forest soils, Vaccinium myrtillus plays a vital role. Despite this, there is still a lack of information in the literature on the interrelationship between microarthropod biodiversity, including predatory soil mites, and heavy metals in the rhizosphere zone of blueberry plants. To fill this gap, we assessed the impact of the V. myrtillus rhizosphere on soil stability and biological quality using a bioindicator based on predatory mites. We conducted the study in Poland, on selected forest sites characterised by varying degrees of soil contamination. In our study, we used a combined analysis based on the following indicators: maturity index (MI), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (PERI), which allowed us to determine the level of soil contamination. We extracted 4190 Gamasina mites from soil samples. We also investigated soil properties such as pH, organic matter content, total carbon, total nitrogen, C/N ratio, and heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ni). Our study proved that the rhizosphere zone significantly influences the stability of the predatory soil mite community, but this influence depends on the degree of soil contamination. We found that in unpolluted or moderately polluted soil, soil mites prefer habitats with less biological activity, i.e., non-rhizosphere zones. These main results are fascinating and indicate the need for further in-depth research. Our study’s comprehensive combination of methods provides valuable information that can facilitate the interpretation of environmental results. In addition, our study can be a starting point for analysing the impact of the rhizosphere zones of many other plant species, especially those used in the reclamation or urban spaces. Full article

This study evaluates the physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiproliferative properties of rapeseed honey collected from Vojvodina, Serbia, as well as rapeseed honey-based products enriched with 10% fruit lyophilizate, including sour cherry (Prunus cerasus), strawberry (Fragaria), blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), orange (Citrus sinensis), and pineapple (Ananas comosus). Honey-based products with lyophilizates were developed to enhance the relatively limited therapeutic potential of rapeseed honey by incorporating fruit lyophilizates known to possess bioactive compounds. The moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, free acidity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and mineral composition were analyzed. Sour cherry-enriched honey exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC = 102 ± 0.18 mg GAE/100 g), while blueberry-enriched honey had the highest total flavonoid content (TFC = 34.9 ± 0.89 mg CAE/100 g) and total anthocyanin content (TAC = 299 ± 3.14 mg EC/100 g), with the greatest relative scavenging capacity (81.0 ± 0.46% of DPPH inhibition). Polyphenol profiling identified phenolic acids and flavonoids, with raspberry-enriched honey showing the highest total polyphenol content (47.0 ± 0.98 mg/kg) due to its high ellagic acid content (38.4 ± 1.11 mg/kg). All honey-based products demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Significant antiproliferative effects against breast (MCF-7), cervix (HeLa), and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines were observed, particularly in pineapple and blueberry-enriched honey, with IC₅₀ values as 9.04 ± 0.16 mg/mL and 9.95 ± 0.24 mg/mL for MCF-7 cells, respectively. Based on all the obtained results, it can be concluded that the enrichment of rapeseed honey with fruit lyophilizates at a 10% level contributed to an increase in the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiproliferative properties of rapeseed honey. Full article

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. Full article

The extensive development of nanotechnologies has allowed nanoparticles to impact living systems through different pathways. The effect of single exposure to high concentrations of silver and copper nanoparticles (50–200 mg/L) on Vaccinium myrtillus L. under field conditions was investigated. Nanoparticle uptake in different segments of Vaccinium myrtillus L. was assessed by applying inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy and a particle-induced X-ray emission technique. Copper nanoparticles mainly accumulated in the roots and leaves, while silver nanoparticles showed a higher affinity for the roots and berries. The nanoparticles’ effects on the pigments and antioxidant activity of the plant’s leaves were also evaluated. The possible human health risk associated with the consumption of nanoparticle-contaminated berries was assessed. The results indicated that the consumption of berries contaminated with nanoparticles presented a low risk for human health. Full article

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) expansion in subalpine and alpine ecosystems is increasing due to climate change and reduced land management. This review examines bilberry traits, environmental responses, and ecosystem impacts. As a stress-tolerant chamaephyte, bilberry thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor soils across various habitats. It propagates effectively through rhizomes and demonstrates a phalanx growth form. Bilberry’s growth and distribution are influenced by elevation, soil structure, pH, water availability, and nitrogen content. Mycorrhizal associations play a crucial role in nutrient uptake. The species modifies the microclimate, facilitates litter accumulation, and influences soil microbial communities, affecting nutrient turnover and biodiversity. Bilberry shows moderate tolerance to herbivory and frost, with the ability to recover through rapid emergence of new ramets. However, severe or repeated disturbances can significantly impact its abundance and reproductive success. Climate warming and atmospheric nitrogen deposition have accelerated bilberry growth in treeline ecotones. The management of bilberry expansion requires a nuanced approach, considering its resilience, historical land-use changes, and environmental factors. The goal should be to limit, not eliminate, bilberry, as it is a natural part of subalpine communities. Long-term comparative monitoring and experimental manipulation are necessary for effective management strategies. Full article

Mycotoxin contamination of cereals and cereal-based products is a serious problem for food safety. Antioxidant-rich ingredients such as bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L., VM) may mitigate their harmful effects. Firstly, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and analytical phytochemical composition (hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids, flavanols, flavonols, and anthocyanins) were assessed in lyophilized wild bilberries from Romania. Secondly, this study evaluated bilberries’ effects on reducing ochratoxin A (OTA) bioaccessibility and cytotoxicity. An in vitro digestion model was developed and applied to four different types of bread: Control, VM (2%), OTA (15.89 ± 0.13 mg/kg), and OTA (16.79 ± 0.55 mg/kg)-VM (2%). The results indicated that VM decreased OTA bioaccessibility by 15% at the intestinal level. OTA-VM digests showed improved Caco-2 cell viability in comparison to OTA digests across different exposure times. Regarding the alterations in Jurkat cell line cell cycle phases and apoptosis/necrosis, significant increases in cell death were observed using OTA digests (11%), while VM addition demonstrated a protective effect (1%). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) analysis confirmed these findings, with OTA-VM digests showing significantly lower ROS levels compared to OTA digests, resulting in a 3.7-fold decrease. Thus, bilberries exhibit high potential as a functional ingredient, demonstrating protection in OTA mitigation effects. Full article

The aim of the study was to design microcapsules with a core of blueberry fruit extracts (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) using the ionotropic gelation method and then assess the effect of the type of extracts used and the combination of polymers on the profile of phenolic compounds, their in vitro bioavailability, stability during storage, as well as their antioxidant characteristics and cytotoxic activity against colon cancer cells while assessing biocompatibility against normal colon epithelial cells. Encapsulation efficiency (EE), ranging from 8.79 to 74.55%, significantly depended on the extract used and the type of carrier. It was shown that the addition of pectin (Pect) and whey protein isolate (WPI) to alginate (Alg) improved the efficiency of the encapsulation process. For this version of microcapsules, the highest antioxidant activity, phenolic compound content and their stability during storage were also demonstrated. The estimated content of phenolic compounds ranged from 0.48 to 40.07 mg/g, and the dominant compound was cyanidin 3-O-glucoside. In turn, the highest bioavailability of these compounds and the highest cytotoxic activity against cancer cells were characterized by microcapsules with Alg and WPI. Nevertheless, good biocompatibility with normal colon epithelial cells was demonstrated for all versions of microcapsules. The obtained data indicate that the tested variants of microcapsules protect the bioactive compounds of blueberry fruit extracts, which translates into maintaining their health-promoting properties. Full article

Environmental factors regulate the regeneration of mountain spruce forests, with drought, wind, and bark beetles causing the maximum damage. How these factors minimise spruce regeneration is still poorly understood. We conducted this study to investigate how the phenology and population dynamics of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), a dominant understory species of mountain spruce forests, are related to selected environmental factors that are modified by natural disturbances (bark beetle and wind). For this, we analysed bilberry at different sites affected by bark beetles and adjacent undisturbed forests in the Tatra National Park (TANAP) during the growing season (April–September) in 2016–2021, six years after the initial bark beetle attack. The observations were taken along an altitudinal gradient (1100–1250–1400 m a.s.l.) in two habitats (disturbed spruce forest—D, undisturbed spruce forest—U). We found that habitat and altitude influenced the onset of selected phenological phases, such as the earliest onset at low altitudes (1100 m a.s.l.) in disturbed forest stands and the latest at high altitudes (1400 m a.s.l.) in undisturbed stands. Although there were non-significant differences between habitats and altitudes, likely due to local climate conditions and the absence of a tree layer, these findings suggest that bilberry can partially thrive in disturbed forest stands. Despite temperature fluctuations during early spring, the longer growing season benefits its growth. Full article