In Vitro and in Vivo Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Capacities of an Antioxidant-Rich Fruit and Berry Juice Blend. Results of a Pilot and Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study

Abstract

This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of a juice blend (JB), MonaVie Active, containing a mixture of fruits and berries with known antioxidant activity, including açai, a palm fruit, as the predominant ingredient. The phytochemical antioxidants in the JB are primarily in the form of anthocyanins, predominantly cyanidin 3-rutoside, cyanidin 3-diglycoside, and cyanidin 3-glucoside. The cell-based antioxidant protection of erythrocytes (CAP-e) assay demonstrated that antioxidants in the JB penetrated and protected cells from oxidative damage (p < 0.001), whereas polymorphonuclear cells showed reduced formation of reactive oxygen species (p < 0.003) and reduced migration toward three different pro-inflammatory chemoattractants: fmlp (p < 0.001), leukotriene B4 (p < 0.05), and IL-8 (p < 0.03). A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with 12 healthy subjects examined the JB's antioxidant activity in vivo. Blood samples at baseline, 1 h, and 2 h following consumption of the JB or placebo were tested for antioxidant capacity using several antioxidant assays and the TBARS assay, a measure of lipid peroxidation. A within subject comparison showed an increase in serum antioxidants at 1 h (p < 0.03) and 2 h (p < 0.015), as well as inhibition of lipid peroxidation at 2 h (p < 0.01) postconsumption.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Sasa quelpaertensis Leaf Extracts

“…Therefore, researchers are currently intensely focused on identifying antioxidant agents in plants that may protect against oxidative stress, including the Sasa species already used in alternative medicines (Jensen et al, 2008;Nakajima et al, 2003;Sood et al, 2009). This study evaluated the potential of using S. quelpaertensis leaf in nutraceuticals.…”

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Methanol Extracts and Alkaloid Fractions of four Mexican Medicinal Plants of Solanaceae

“…Other studies indicate that alkaloids and especially phenolics contained in medicinal plants have antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory activity (Kao et Shaheen et al, 2005). Relationship between these two biological activities has also been established (Scalbert et al, 2005;Jensen et al, 2008).…”

Açai Fruit as a Source of Bioactive Phytochemicals

“…Similarly, Jensen et al observed an increase in serum antioxidant levels and a reduction in lipid peroxidation following acute consumption of a 'polyphenol-enriched' açai-based beverage in a double-blind crossover [46]. More recently, the same authors reported slight improvements in the range of motion in arthritic patients following chronic consumption of the same product in a small non-controlled chronic study [47]. Udani et al observed significant reductions in plasma glucose, insulin and total cholesterol levels in a small non-controlled pilot study based on the chronic consumption of açai pulp in overweight volunteers [48].…”