Role of berries in vascular function: a systematic review of human intervention studies

Abstract

Context Berries are a source of polyphenols with recognized health-promoting activities. Several studies suggest that consumption of berries may improve vascular function. Objective The aim of this systematic review is to provide evidence of short- and long-term benefits of berries on outcomes of vascular function. Data Sources Human intervention studies were collected from PubMed and Scopus databases. Study Selection Studies were eligible if they investigated the effects of acute or chronic berry consumption on one or more markers of vascular function in humans and provided a characterization of the berry polyphenolic content. Only randomized controlled trials were included, and studies were excluded if berries were combined with other foods. Data Extraction After selection, 22 randomized controlled trials were included and analyzed, most of which were performed in healthy individuals or patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Results The overall results seem to suggest a protective role of berries in vascular function, likely dependent on the time of exposure, the type and dose of berry, and the biomarkers analyzed. Flow-mediated dilation and reactive hyperemia index (markers of vascular reactivity) improved following short-term interventions, while pulse wave velocity and augmentation index (markers of arterial stiffness) improved only after medium- to long-term intervention. Conclusions Current evidence suggests that berries, at physiological relevant doses, may have a role in the modulation of vascular function and stiffness. High-quality human intervention trials are encouraged in order to strengthen these findings and to better elucidate the mechanisms involved in such modulation.

Effect of Freeze Crystallization on Quality Properties of Two Endemic Patagonian Berries Juices: Murta (Ugni molinae) and Arrayan (Luma apiculata)

“…In the last decades, berries have gained a lot of attention due to their attractive colors, interesting physicochemical properties, and excellent nutritional and organoleptic characteristics. Thus, berries are not only consumed for their physical appearance but also for their countless and positive effects on the consumers' health, since these fruits have a significant source of micronutrients, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity that provide important beneficial effects for human health [1,2].…”

Blueberries and cardiovascular disease prevention

“…Several epidemiological studies suggest that the high (poly)phenol content of blueberries, particularly a subclass known as anthocyanins, may be responsible for their cardiovascular health benefits (2)(3)(4). Recent meta-analyses and systematic reviews of randomised-control trials (RCTs) support that anthocyanin-rich foods such as berries can improve endothelial function and arterial stiffness (3,5,6), lower fasting and postprandial glucose, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol (4,7,8), and may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) via these routes. The aim of the current review is to discuss the current evidence from epidemiological studies and RCTs on the effects of blueberries on CVD risk.…”

Effects of Cranberry Juice Supplementation on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Adults with Elevated Blood Pressure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Peak plasma concentrations occur over 1–8 h [ 51 , 52 , 53 ], although there remains debate about whether this occurs earlier (~1–3 h) [ 53 ] or later (~6–10 h) [ 51 , 52 ] in that time period. Regardless, this would suggest that the concentration of cranberry bioactives in plasma is very low or non-existent following a 12-h fast and that effects may be more apparent acutely [ 54 ]. Furthermore, despite the short half-life of phenolic compounds in plasma, the concentrations are sufficient to induce changes in gene expression and signal transduction [ 51 , 53 ].…”