Synergistic Interaction in the Analgesic-Like Effects of Maqui Berry and Citrus Is Antagonized by Sweeteners

Abstract

Although physiologically pain has a protective function, in many diseases, it is one of the most prominent symptoms. Today, new trends are focused on finding more natural alternatives to conventional treatments to alleviate it. Thereby, the purpose of this investigation was to obtain preclinical data of the antinociceptive properties of a lyophilized obtained from a newly designed maqui–citrus beverage alone and added with different sweeteners. To achieve this objective, maqui berry and citrus pharmacological activity were studied separately, as well as the interaction of both ingredients. In addition, due to the controversy generated regarding the intake of sugars, related to different metabolic diseases, the influence of different sweeteners (stevia, sucralose, or sucrose) was studied to determine their possible influence on the bioactive compounds of this product. For the attainment of our goals, a pharmacological evaluation, using the 1% formalin test, a nociceptive pain model in mice, was performed by using a sub-efficacious dosage of Maqui (25 mg/kg, i.p.) alone and combined with citrus, and then compared with the effects obtained in the presence of the different sweeteners. As a result, the antinociceptive response of the maqui was synergized in the presence of citrus in the neurogenic and inflammatory phases of the formalin test. However, this response was partially or totally reduced in the presence of the sweeteners. Our study gives preclinical evidence that a combination of maqui and citrus might exert beneficial actions to relieve pain, whereas the presence of sweeteners could reduce or avoid it.

Influence of Sweeteners (Sucrose, Sucralose, and Stevia) on Bioactive Compounds in a Model System Study for Citrus–Maqui Beverages

“…To create the model system, maqui berry powder and ascorbic acid solutions were prepared in the same concentrations as the original beverage (citrus–maqui base drink) (1 g/100 mL and 23 mg/100 mL, respectively), and dissolved in a citric acid buffer adjusted to pH 3, to reach the same pH of the original drink. The selected sweeteners (stevia, sucralose, and sucrose) were added in the same concentrations as in the base drink (4 mg/100 mL stevia and sucralose and 7.5 g/100 mL sucrose) to the different samples, as previously described by Agulló et al [ 10 ]. The energetic value of the beverages developed with stevia, sucralose, and sucrose was 32, 29, and 74 kcal/100 mL, respectively.…”

“…Regarding this trend, our group designed a new beverage rich in bioactive compounds, sweetened with non-caloric sweeteners, such as stevia (natural) or sucralose (artificial), or a conventional sweetener such as sucrose. This beverage consisted of a mix of citrus fruits and maqui berry, as excellent sources of healthy bioavailable compounds, mainly flavonoids (anthocyanins and flavanones) and vitamin C, all them with demonstrated biological activity in overweight volunteers [ 7 , 8 ], as well as antinociceptive effects [ 9 , 10 ]. Results also indicated that the sweeteners modified the excretions of flavanones and anthocyanins in urine and the bioavailability of polyphenols [ 11 , 12 ].…”

Physiologic effects of the maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis): a focus on metabolic homeostasis

“…Examples include, but are not limited to, the modulation of gene expression; membrane and nuclear receptor function; enzyme activity; and antibody production/immune cell function. 53,54 Consequently, flavonoids appear to target a wide range of biological processes in a variety of disease states (e.g., neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease) 53,54 Although the major focus will be the broad metabolic effects of MBs, it is important to acknowledge that they also have been reported to have wide-ranging biological functions including antimicrobial 20,55 and antiviral activity, 56 antinociceptive properties, 57,58 as well as anticancer actions. 59,60 Furthermore, different maqui extracts were shown to improve parameters of respiratory health in mild smokers, 61 increase bone health, [62][63][64] as well as elicit beneficial effects on eye [65][66][67][68] and brain health [69][70][71] (Fig.…”

Contribution of the diverse experimental models to unravelling the biological scope of dietary (poly)phenols

“…In this regard, Agulló et al demonstrated the analgesic power of maqui berry (anthocyanins), and the synergism of this berry and citrus (flavanones) in this activity. 118,119 Moreover, the use of animal models has allowed us to learn more about the distribution of the different phenolics in the organism, and it has been possible to suggest that the neuroprotective activity of anthocyanins could be due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. 120 The 'last' step in nutritional research is represented by human interventions that allow establishing the actual effect of foods or their bioactive components on the incidence and/or severity of diverse pathologies.…”

“…In this regard, Agulló et al . demonstrated the analgesic power of maqui berry (anthocyanins), and the synergism of this berry and citrus (flavanones) in this activity 118,119 . Moreover, the use of animal models has allowed us to learn more about the distribution of the different phenolics in the organism, and it has been possible to suggest that the neuroprotective activity of anthocyanins could be due to their ability to cross the blood–brain barrier 120 …”