Antimutagenic Activity of Berry Extracts

Abstract

Plants are proven sources of useful anti-tumor and chemopreventative compounds. Hence, identification of phytochemicals useful in dietary prevention and intervention of cancer is of paramount importance. The initial step in the formation of cancer is damage to the genome of a somatic cell producing a mutation in an oncogene or a tumor-suppressor gene. Fresh juices and organic solvent extracts from the fruits of strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the production of mutations by the direct-acting mutagen methyl methanesulfonate and the metabolically activated carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene. Juice from strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry fruit significantly inhibited mutagenesis caused by both carcinogens. Ethanol extracts from freeze-dried fruits of strawberry cultivars (Sweet Charlie and Carlsbad) and blueberry cultivars (Tifblue and Premier) were also tested. Of these, the hydrolyzable tannin-containing fraction from Sweet Charlie strawberries was most effective at inhibiting mutations.

The Chemical and Biological Profiles of Leaves from Commercial Blueberry Varieties

“…Besides this, the literature is poor in studies evaluating this specific features of blueberry fruits or/and leaves. In the study of Smith et al [ 26 ], the antimutagenic capacity of several berries was evaluated, including the rabbiteye blueberry, the Tifblue cultivar, and the Premier cultivar. The reported antimutagenic inhibition was 24% for the Premier cultivar in ethanol anthocyanin-rich extract, and 34% in methanol extract, while for the Tifblue cultivar, it was 43% in ethanol anthocyanin-rich extract.…”

“…The first step in cancer formation is damage occurring to the genome of a somatic cell, resulting in a mutation in an oncogene or a tumor-suppressor gene. Therefore, the ability to inhibit the production of mutations by different direct-acting mutagens is an important step in the use of plant extracts in medical applications, such as cancer prevention [ 26 ]. Moreover, as flavonoids can support apoptosis in different cancer cells, in particular, quercetin represents an important anticancer compound against prostate and breast cancers [ 82 , 83 ].…”

“…Numerous reports have detailed the V. corymbosum L. (blueberry) fruit’s benefits for human health [ 22 , 25 ]. It has been demonstrated to protect against cancer [ 26 , 27 ] stroke [ 28 ] and urinary tract disease [ 29 ]. Furthermore, another study has shown that a blueberry-abundant diet can improve short-term memory loss and re-establish the loss of balance and coordination in aging rats [ 30 ].…”

Blueberry-Enriched Diet Protects Rat Heart from Ischemic Damage

“…Much more difficult is to explain the reduced necro-apoptosis in our model. Blueberry-enriched diet is known to have some anti-cancer properties [44], [45] and one of the anti-cancer mechanisms is the activation of apoptosis [46].…”

Solid-State Fermentation with Aspergillus niger GH1 to Enhance Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidative Activity of Castilla Rose (Purshia plicata)

“…Similarly, Aguilera-Carbó et al (2008) reported that some plants of the Mexican semi-desert, such ascreosote bush (Larrea tridentata), dragon's blood (Jatropha dioca), hojasen (Flourensia cernua), candelilla (Euphorbia antisyphilitica) and pomegranate (Punica granatum) are excellent sources for the recovery of polyphenolic compounds [7]. Some studies have shown that these compounds have several interesting biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer [8][9][10]. Due to this, the interest in the study and design of strategies for the extraction and recovery of these compounds has been increased in recent years.…”