PhytoScience - Article

Blueberry

Blueberries are native to North America and are related to azaleas, camellias, heathers, and rhododendrons. The Native Americans used the fruit both fresh and dried. Unlike many fruit crops, blueberries won't ripen once they are picked.

Blueberries are the most exciting, in-demand berry on today’s market. Not only is their unique flavor highly prized, research shows that blueberries are rich in antioxidants; natural substances which guard against aging, cancer and heart disease.

The dark blueberry color contains anthocyanins which have been found to improve eyesight and short-term memory. Blueberries are also high in fiber, iron and vitamin C and contain no fat, sodium or cholesterol. 1/2 cup of blueberries has only 42 calories.

Blueberries are commercialized in different ways, mainly as fresh or frozen products. Blueberries are commonly preserved by canning and freezing, and used for baking.

A study by the USDA showed the effect of these treatments on polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the fruit are modestly diminished. Frozen blueberries and pies made from frozen blueberries, had 17% and 23% lower anthocyanins than fresh berries. Pies made from blueberries canned in water or from frozen blueberries had a 10% loss in chlorogenic acid. ORAC values for frozen berries, pies made from blueberries canned in water or from frozen blueberries decreased 11%, 14%, and 26%, respectively compared to fresh berries. Antioxidant-rich polyphenolics were well retained in canned blueberries, but freezing and baking result in moderate losses.

Another study showed that frozen and dried blueberries can lose up to 49% of their antioxidant value. Freezing and drying are two possible methods to preserve blueberries but the severity of both processes might destroy anthocyanins or their antioxidant effects. For the best possible nutritional value, It is best to consume fresh blueberries when they are available in your market.

Proported Uses

Cancer prevention
Cataracts
Circulatory disorders
Diabetic retinopathy
Diarrhea
Glaucoma
Hemorrhoids
Macular degeneration
Mucositis
Varicose veins
Visual acuity

Mechanism of Action

The anthocyanins in blueberries contribute to most of its pharmacological activities. Anthocyanin has anti-inflammatory, vasoprotective, and antioxidant effects. It has demonstrated free radical scavenging and inhibition of cAMP phosphodiesterase actions. Extract of blueberries can inhibit human leukemia cells and human colon carcinoma cells growth through the induction of apoptosis. In vitro and in vivo clinical studies show inhibition of platelet aggregation and stimulation of vascular prostacyclin. Blueberry anthocyanins regenerate rhodopsin and are indicated in treatment of poor night vision, mascular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts

Adverse Reactions

Reported: None.

Interactions

Blueberry may potentiate the risk of bleeding if used concurrently due to platelet aggregation inhibition and prostaglandin modulation.

Clinical Summary

Derived from the fruit of the tree. Several human studies suggest that blueberry anthocyanosides prevent diabetic retinopathy and improve visual acuity and retinal function. In vitro studies suggest blueberry has anticancer activities. Products should be standardized to 25% anthocyanosides. Coumarins present in blueberry may interact with platelets and have an additive effect with blood thinners. No adverse reactions have been reported. Bilberry fruit should not be confused with bilberry leaf, which may cause hypoglycemia.

References

Disclaimer:
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Any product mentioned is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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