The Blackberry Fruit: A Review on Its Composition and Chemistry, Metabolism and Bioavailability, and Health Benefits

• Published in: Journal of agricultural and food chemistry Vol. 60; no. 23; pp. 5716 - 5727
• Main Authors: Kaume, Lydia, Howard, Luke R, Devareddy, Latha
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 13-06-2012
• Subjects: Animals; anti-inflammatory activity; antimutagenic activity; antioxidant activity; Antioxidants - analysis; Antioxidants - pharmacokinetics; bioavailability; Biological and medical sciences; Biological Availability; blackberries; bone resorption; Cardiovascular Diseases - prevention & control; Feeding. Feeding behavior; Food industries; Fruit - chemistry; Fruit and vegetable industries; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; low density lipoprotein; metabolism; Neoplasms - prevention & control; neurodegenerative diseases; Oxidative Stress - drug effects; phenolic compounds; Phytochemicals - analysis; Phytochemicals - pharmacokinetics; Plant Extracts - analysis; Plant Extracts - pharmacokinetics; Rosaceae - chemistry; Rubus; signal transduction; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems; anthocyanins; flavonoids; health benefits; blackberry; bioavailability; Anthocyanin; Fruit; Health; Review; Bioavailability; Metabolism; Flavonoid; Polyphenol; Chemistry; Pigments
• ISSN: 0021-8561; 1520-5118
• DOI: 10.1021/jf203318p

Blackberry (Rubus sp.) fruit contains high levels of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds, mainly flavonols and ellagitannins, which contribute to its high antioxidant capacity and other biological activities. Blackberry phenolic composition and concentrations are known to be influenced by genetics, growing conditions, and maturation. Despite the current knowledge of their chemistry, research specific to blackberry phenolic compounds’ health benefits, metabolism, bioavailability, and mechanism by which they confer health benefits is scarce. Blackberry phenolic compounds have protective effects on age-related neurodegenerative diseases and bone loss in vivo and can inhibit low-density lipoprotein and liposomal oxidation in vitro. Blackberry extracts have also exerted antimutagenic effects in vitro and in vivo by modifying cell signaling pathways and suppressing tumor promotion factors. However, the antiobesity, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of blackberry phenolic compounds need investigation. Similarly, studies that elucidate the in vivo physiologically effective concentrations of blackberry phenolic compounds are necessary.