Search Results (95)

The blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) is a red fruit with great potential as a functional food thanks to its composition, which is rich in antioxidants. This work focused on the study of two byproducts of blackberry (skins and seeds) after juice production, with the aim of characterizing them and studying their bioactivity. The phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of the products, determined by ABTS, as well as their colonic fermentation fractions, were analyzed. In addition, their genotoxicity and effect on the intestinal microbiota were evaluated after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and fermentation. Blackberry byproducts, namely skin and seeds, are rich in phenolic compounds, especially the skin, which is rich in anthocyanins and presents an antioxidant capacity that makes it potentially usable as a functional ingredient. All the fermented samples present in vitro genoprotective activity and a modulation effect on the intestinal microbiota, promoting the growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and reducing the abundance of the Clostridia XIVa cluster and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. A similar effect was observed for the skin and seeds. The results provide insights into the digestive properties and health benefits of blackberry byproducts after consumption. Full article

Blackberries (Rubus fructicosus L.) are categorized as functional foods, as they are rich in bioactive compounds. Due to limited shelf life and susceptibility to postharvest quality deterioration, it is imperative to investigate postharvest interventions that can prolong the fruit’s quality. This research aimed to develop sonicated and microwave-assisted pasteurized (SMAP) edible gels with citrus peel essential oil (CPEO). Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different temperatures (4, 20 and 30 °C) on the postharvest quality of the following blackberry treatments:control (C), blanched (B), coated (SMAP) and blanched + coated (B+SMAP). The synergistic effect of B+SMAP coating gels was more effective at maintaining the quality of blackberries after 21 days in storage by inhibiting fruit weight loss by 18% and fruit decay by 65% compared to the control group at 4 °C. The SMAP-coated fruits limited total flavonoid reduction by 23% and total flavanols by 24% when stored at 4 °C after 21 days. The B+SMAP treatment hindered the loss of total phenolic content by 16%, total antioxidant activity by 27% and DPPH radical scavenging activity by 19% under storage at 4 °C for 21 days. We concluded that the SMAP coating gel is an innovative and health-friendly approach for extending the postharvest quality of blackberries during storage. Full article

Thermosonication is a technique that combines ultrasound with mild temperatures and can be applied as an alternative to thermal pasteurization. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effect of thermosonication (Termo) on bioactive compounds (total anthocyanins concentration and total phenolic compounds), antioxidant activity and physicochemical characteristics of blackberry juice in comparison with conventional heat treatment (TT). The experiment was conducted based on the Central Composite Rotational Design, varying the amplitude (60% and 90%), temperature (64 °C and 86 °C) and time (114 s and 517 s) factors. The results showed that the amplitude and temperature factors significantly influenced (p < 0.05) the content of bioactive compounds studied, as well as the antioxidant activity and physicochemical properties, showing that the thermosonication treatment using 60% ultrasonic amplitude and 86 °C temperature provided more excellent retention and less degradation in the content of anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and physicochemical properties (pH, acidity, total soluble solids and colour) of blackberry juice. Higher ultrasonic amplitude (90%) promoted changes in the physicochemical properties and degradation of the bioactive compounds studied and antioxidant activity. However, the limitations of this study are related to the specific matrix used, the seasonality of these fruits, the availability of raw material for processing and the limitation of large-scale ultrasonic equipment. These factors limit the expansion of these findings to other products. Overall, thermosonication can be considered a promising technique. Still, for its implementation as a possible alternative to conventional thermal methods, further studies are needed to investigate the stability of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of blackberry juice better. Full article

Blackberries are seasonal berries that are processed into various products leaving a large amount of residues after processing, and therefore the most effective ways of utilising the residues need to be evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different extraction methods on the chemical content of blackberry pomace extracts from different cultivars and their effect on the viability of the Caco-2 colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line and CCD-18Co normal colon fibroblast cancer cells. Blackberry pomace from berries of the cultivars ‘Polar’, ‘Orkan’, and ‘Brzezina’ was extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and a combination of these two extraction methods (MAE+UAE). The phenolic profile and the amount of organic acids and sugars were detected by HPLC. The spectrophotometric method was used to determine the amount of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and total anthocyanins. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was measured by the MTT assay. The chemical content of the extracts depends on the blackberry cultivar, the extraction method, and its interaction. Only the DPPH antioxidant activity did not depend on these factors and had no statistically significant differences between the different extracts. The extracts at a concentration of 5.0% increased the growth of both cancer cells, while the extracts at 1% and 2.5%, depending on the cultivar, reduced the growth of these cells. The MAE and UAE extracts of the ‘Orkan’ cultivar at concentrations of 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% best inhibited the viability of Caco-2 cells. The extracts inhibited the growth of the Caco-2 cell line better than CCD-18Co normal colon fibroblasts. Full article

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, commonly known as the Jamun or Indian blackberry, is a tropical evergreen tree native to the Indian subcontinent, and it belongs to the Myrtaceae family. This research aimed to assess the antibacterial properties of the extracts derived from S. cumini seed kernels and evaluate their total flavonoid content, total phenol content, total carbohydrate content, antioxidant capacity, and inhibitory effects on xanthine oxidase. Cold maceration was chosen for its ability to preserve thermolabile compounds and efficiently extract bioactive constituents with minimal energy and equipment requirement, with hexane and methanol employed as extraction solvents. The methanolic seed kernel extract of S. cumini showed the highest flavonoid (127.78 μg quercetin equivalent/mg dried extract vs. 21.24 μg quercetin equivalent/mg in hexane dried extract) and polyphenol content (153.81 μg gallic acid equivalent/mg dried extract vs. 38.89 μg gallic acid equivalent/mg in hexane dried extract), along with significant carbohydrate content (475.61 μg glucose equivalent/mg dried extract vs. 5.57 μg GE/mg in hexane dried extract). It also demonstrated potent antioxidant activity (IC₅₀: 9.23 μg/mL; ascorbic acid: 5.10 μg/mL) and xanthine oxidase inhibition (IC₅₀: 14.88 μg/mL), comparable to the standard drug allopurinol (IC₅₀: 6.54 μg/mL), suggesting its therapeutic potential. Moreover, the methanolic extract of seed kernels exhibited strong antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 19.00 mm against S. epidermidis, higher than the standard antibiotic (gentamicin: 18.33 mm) against K. pneumonia (ciprofloxacin: 33.66 mm). The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 0.32 mg/mL and 0.52 mg/mL, respectively, were observed for the same extract against S. epidermis. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the remarkable antibacterial effects of S. cumini methanolic seed kernel extract against various pathogenic microorganisms as well as significant inhibitory effects on xanthine oxidase and antioxidant activity. Full article

The highly perishable nature of Rubus berries, particularly their susceptibility to water loss and earlier senescence, significantly limits their shelf life. In this study, we investigated the mechanistic role of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the physiochemical quality, phenolic metabolism, and antioxidant potential of blackberries and raspberries during cold storage (2 ± 1 °C) for 12 and 10 days, respectively. Modified atmosphere (MA)-packed Rubus berries exhibited higher total phenolics accompanied by higher activities of shikimate dehydrogenase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. Furthermore, MA-packed Rubus berries demonstrated lower hydrogen peroxide by maintaining higher catalase activity and delayed lipid peroxidation during the entire period of cold storage. Relatively higher levels of glutathione and ascorbic acid as well as the activities of enzymes involved in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle in MA-packed Rubus berries were also observed. Conversely, MAP reduced the respiration rate and weight loss while maintaining higher postharvest quality attributes in raspberries and blackberries than control fruit. In conclusion, MAP is an effective method for extending the cold storage life and maintaining the quality of Rubus berries. Full article

Blackberry can be considered a source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties, especially anthocyanins, which are responsible for the attractive color of the juice. However, blackberry juice quality can be reduced under severe heat treatments, resulting in darkened color and altered taste. Membrane separation processes are an alternative for the clarification and concentration of fruit juices, with advantages as the maintenance of the nutritional, sensory, and functional characteristics of the product. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of membrane concentration on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of blackberry juice. The juice was first clarified by an enzymatic treatment associated with microfiltration and then concentrated by reverse osmosis and osmotic evaporation. Samples were analyzed for pH, titratable acidity, soluble and total solids, phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and total anthocyanins. The concentrated juices were then reconstituted for sensory evaluation. It was verified that reverse osmosis and osmotic evaporation resulted in juices with total solid concentrations of 29 and 53 g∙100 g⁻¹, respectively, with slight differences in pH and acidity. Some phenolic compounds were lost during processing. The concentration of anthocyanins and the antioxidant capacity of the osmotic evaporation-concentrated juice increased 6.2 and 7.7 times, respectively, compared to the initial juice. Regarding sensory analysis, the juices concentrated by RO and EO presented acceptance percentages (scores between 6 and 9) of 58% and 55%, respectively. Consumers described them as “good appearance”, “refreshing”, “tasty”, “sweet”, or “with ideal sweetness”, in agreement with the high acceptance scores (6.2 and 6.9, respectively). 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

This study aimed to investigate the bioaccessibility and biostability of carotenoids, vitamin E isomers, and individual polyphenolic compounds after the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of two types of berries (raspberry and blackberry fruits). The results of the polyphenols analysis showed that raspberry fruits contained higher concentrations of hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanols, and flavonols compared to blackberry fruits, but exhibited the lowest bioaccessibility values for all the studied polyphenol classes. Ellagic acid represented 13.63% and 2.65% of the hydroxybenzoic acids in raspberry and blackberry fruits. The hydroxybenzoic acids exhibited the highest bioaccessibility index in the intestinal phase of both types of berries, and gallic acid emerged as one of the most bioaccessible phenolic compounds. The bioaccessibility of carotenoids ranged between 15.7 and 17.30% for lutein, 5.52 and 7.56% for astaxanthin, and 7.85 and 9.93% for canthaxanthin, with elevated values being observed in raspberry fruits. Although vitamin E and carotenoids follow a similar path for absorption, the bioaccessibility of vitamin E isomers was higher than that of carotenoids, with γ-tocopherol being the most bioaccessible isomer in both raspberries and blackberries. Knowing the bioaccessibility of food constituents during digestion is crucial, as the potential effectiveness of bioactives for human health largely depends on the bioavailability of these molecules. Full article

Agricultural waste is rich in bioactive molecules. When evaluating the viability of circular models for the development of health-promoting substances and final products, it is important to highlight that the industrial processing of fruits and other valuable herbal materials generates a considerable number of by-products and significant amounts of waste that contain health-promoting components. These by-products can be utilized purposefully in pharmaceuticals and related areas for the development of health-promoting products. The linear utilization of agricultural waste results in the loss of a range of valuable bioactive compounds, including polyphenols (anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and related compounds), antioxidants from other groups, phytosterols, tocopherols, and fatty acids. As an illustrative example, the waste materials of species belonging to the Vaccinium L. genus represent a notable secondary resource that can be purposefully applied to the development of health-promoting preparations. The fruits of these wasted herbal materials have been found to contain beneficial polyphenols, which play a pivotal role in the prevention of various chronic conditions, including precancerous conditions, inflammatory diseases, and other ailments. In addition, the fruits of blackberries, elderberries, and purple corn—which are similarly rich in anthocyanins—also provide a promising avenue for further development. Phenolic compounds suitable for recycling are also found in the by-products of sugarcane harvesting. Tomato waste contains a significant amount of lycopene, which is a valuable carotenoid. Other physiological functions may be attributed to the aforementioned by-products of fruit processing which, if used properly, can contribute to the prevention of certain diseases and improving quality of life. This review assesses the gaps in the existing literature on the development of health-promoting substances from herbal secondary materials. Full article

Natural pigments extracted from plant species are used in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This study evaluates the comprehensive biological activities of anthocyanins isolated from Andean blueberry (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) and Andean blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth), focusing on their antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, and hemolytic properties. Chemical characterization revealed significant anthocyanin content with complex mass spectrometric profiles indicating diverse glycosylation patterns that may influence their bioactivity. The antimicrobial assays showed that the extracts were particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) as low as 1 mg/mL for Rubus glaucus, indicating strong potential for therapeutic use. The antioxidant capacity of the berries was substantial, albeit slightly lower than that of ascorbic acid. The extracts also exhibited notable antitumoral activity in various cancer cell lines, showing promise as adjunctive or preventive treatments. The anti-inflammatory effects were confirmed by inhibiting nitric oxide production in macrophage cells, highlighting their potential in managing inflammatory diseases. In terms of hemolytic activity, Rubus glaucus exhibited dose-dependent effects, potentially attributable to anthocyanins and phenolics, while Vaccinium floribundum demonstrated no significant hemolytic activity, underscoring its safety. These findings suggest that anthocyanins from Andean berries possess potent biological activities, which could be leveraged for health benefits in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Further studies are needed to isolate specific bioactive compounds and investigate their synergistic effects in clinical and real-world contexts. Full article

Fermenting fruit juices with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is a sustainable method to enhance fruit harvests and extend shelf life. This study focused on blackberries, rich in antioxidants with proven health benefits. In this research, we examined the effects of fermentation (48 h at 37 °C) at 28 days on whey-supplemented (WH, 1:1) blackberry juice (BJ) inoculated with two LAB mixtures. Consortium 1 (BJWH/C1) included Levilactobacillus brevis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Pediococcus acidilactici, while consortium 2 (BJWH/C2) comprised Lacticaseibacillus casei and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus. All of the strains were previously isolated from aguamiel, pulque, and fermented milk. Throughout fermentation and storage, several parameters were evaluated, including pH, lactic acid production, viscosity, stability, reducing sugars, color, total phenolic content, anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity. Both consortia showed a significant increase in LAB count (29–38%) after 16 h. Sample BJWH/C2 demonstrated the best kinetic characteristics, with high regression coefficients (R² = 0.97), indicating a strong relationship between lactic acid, pH, and fermentation/storage time. Despite some fluctuations during storage, the minimum LAB count remained at 9.8 log CFU/mL, and lactic acid content increased by 95%, with good storage stability. Notably, sample BJWH/C2 increased the total phenolic content during storage. These findings suggest that adding whey enhances biomass and preserves physicochemical properties during storage. Full article

This study aimed to determine the amounts of phenols, antioxidant activity, and sensory compounds in three commercial cultivars of blackberries popular in Lithuania: ‘Polar’, ‘Brzezina’, and ‘Orkan’. Blackberry pomace was analyzed by the spectrophotometric method for total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and radical-scavenging capacity using the DPPH^• and ABTS^•+ assays. The phenolic profiles, organic acids, and sugars were analyzed by HPLC. The Heracles II electronic nose, which is based on ultrafast gas chromatography, was used for the quantification of volatile organic compounds. The results show that the total phenolic content of blackberry pomace varied from 2380.60 to 2088.00 mg 100 g⁻¹ and that the total flavonoid content varied from 161.29 to 148.10 mg 100 g⁻¹, depending on the cultivar. A total of 14 polyphenols were also identified, with epigallocatechin and anthocyanin cyanidin-3-O-glucoside being quantified in the highest concentrations (7.28 to 9.72 and 6.19 to 9.79 mg g⁻¹, respectively) and being the predominant phenolic compounds in the blackberry-pomace samples. The odor profiles of blackberry pomace from different cultivars varied. The main volatile organic compounds found in all blackberry pomace were 1-Nonanol and cis-3-Hexen-1-ol, are associated with herbaceous and citrusy aromas. All these results show the potential of using blackberry pomace to enrich food products with bioactive phytochemicals. Full article

In response to the global challenge of food wastage and high perishability of blackberries, this study evaluated the use of ultrasound-assisted hot air drying (US-HAD) to convert downgraded blackberries into powders, comparing it with traditional hot air drying (HAD). US-HAD reduced the drying time and achieved a final moisture content of 12%. Physicochemical analyses (colourimetry, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and total phenolic content) were conducted on fresh fruit, powders, and fortified cookies. US-HAD cookies exhibited promising antioxidant activity, with ABTS values ranging from 8.049 to 8.536 mmol TEAC/100 g and DPPH values from 8.792 to 9.232 mmol TEAC/100 g, significantly higher than control cookies. The TPC was 13.033 mgGAE/g in HAD cookies and 13.882 mgGAE/g in US-HAD cookies. UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis showed an increase in phenolic compounds content in fortified cookies compared to the control. Sensory analysis highlighted a superior blackberry flavour and overall acceptability in US-HAD cookies, with statistical analysis confirming their superior nutritional and sensory qualities. Integrating US-HAD blackberry powder into cookies helps reduce food waste and enhances the nutritional profiles of baked goods, offering functional foods with health benefits. This work provides a scientific basis for developing enriched functional cookies, offering a healthy and sustainable alternative for utilising damaged fruits. Full article

Currently, a clear interest has been given to berries due to their richness in active metabolites, including anthocyanins and non-coloured phenolics. Therefore, the main aim of the present work is to investigate the phenolic profile, antioxidant abilities, and antiproliferative effects on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and human colon carcinoma cell line (Caco-2) cells of phenolic-rich extracts from three red fruits highly appreciated by consumers: two species of blackberries (Rubus fruticosus and Rubus ulmifolius) and one species of mulberry (Morus nigra). A total of 19 different phenolics were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSⁿ and HPLC-DAD, respectively. Focusing on the biological potential of the phenolic-rich extracts, all of them revealed notable scavenging abilities. Concerning the antiproliferative properties, R. fruticosus presented a cytotoxic selectivity for Caco-2 cells compared to NHDF cells. To deeper explore the biological potential, combinations with positive controls (ascorbic acid and 5-fluorouracil) were also conducted. Finally, the obtained data are another piece of evidence that the combination of phenolic-rich extracts from natural plants with positive controls may reduce clinical therapy costs and the possible toxicity of chemical drugs. Full article