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Blueberry Extract Fights Cancer and is a fruit for Diabetics
Blueberries and grapes that contain a compound with the tongue-twisting name
of pterostilbene (pronounced TARE-o-STILL-bean) might help the body combat a problem
protein, cytochrome P450. The protein is associated with increased risk of cancer.
In laboratory tests with liver cells from mice, pterostilbene suppressed a specific form
of the protein.
A pterostilbene expert at the Agricultural Research Service's Natural Products Utilization
Research Laboratory, Oxford, Miss., collaborated in the cytochrome P450 work with medical
researchers based in Poland.
Earlier tests directed by the U.S. team showed that pterostilbene can help lower cholesterol
in laboratory animals, and that the compound is present in many types of berries.
The molecules in
Blueberry that are responsible for these medicinal effects are called bioactive compounds.
A bioactive compound is found in plants and elicits a positive (or negative) effect on animal or plant tissues.
Examples of some compounds that exist in plants that have bioactive properties are proteins (enzymes),
lipids (steroids), sugars (glycosidic linkages), acids (antioxidants), vitamins (fat and water-soluble),
and polyphenolics. The focus of research in the lab at Rutgers is on certain polyphenolics of blueberry,
including anthocyanins, flavonols, and tannins. Functions of anthocyanins in plants include acting as plant
colorants, attracting animals for pollination and seed dispersal, and playing roles in light filtration
and general metabolism. Functions of flavonols in plants include intensifying flower petal color,
attracting pollinator insects, and acting as anti-microbial agents. The role of tannins in plants
is mainly one of defense, acting to deter insects and animals from feeding and to protect the plant
from fungal and bacterial attack.
Blueberries and Longevity
At the 2004 International Conference on Longevity,
a group of researchers released details of a study that suggests certain compounds found in blueberries
(and some similar fruits, including cranberries) have a significant impact in reducing the degradation
of brain function, as in Alzheimer's Disease. Research at Rudgers
has also shown that
Blueberries and Cranberries Extract
may help prevent urinary tract infections. Additional studies also
found that
blueberries were better at lowering cholesterol and lipid levels in the blood, which help
alleviate and even reverse signs and symptoms of heart disease. Ciprofibrate was found to be inferior
to the blueberries in lowering cholesterol. The signs point to pterostilbene, which signal cells to
break down lipids and cholesterol.
Blueberries are well suited for use by diabetics. 140 grams of fresh blueberries contain 3 g of fibre and are high in manganese (Mn)
as well as vitamin k and have a very low glycemic load in a single 155g serving.
Blueberries and Cranberries Extract
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