In Silico Analysis of the Molecular Interaction between Anthocyanase, Peroxidase and Polyphenol Oxidase with Anthocyanins Found in Cranberries.

Anthocyanins are bioactive compounds responsible for various physiological processes in plants and provide characteristic colors to fruits and flowers. Their biosynthetic pathway is well understood; however, the enzymatic degradation mechanism is less explored. Anthocyanase (ß-glucosidase (BGL)), peroxidase (POD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) are enzymes involved in degrading anthocyanins in plants such as petunias, eggplants, and Sicilian oranges. The aim of this work was to investigate the physicochemical interactions between these enzymes and the identified anthocyanins (via UPLC-MS/MS) in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) through molecular docking to identify the residues likely involved in anthocyanin degradation. Three-dimensional models were constructed using the AlphaFold2 server based on consensus sequences specific to each enzyme. The models with the highest confidence scores (pLDDT) were selected, with BGL, POD, and PPO achieving scores of 87.6, 94.8, and 84.1, respectively. These models were then refined using molecular dynamics for 100 ns. Additionally, UPLC-MS/MS analysis identified various flavonoids in cranberries, including cyanidin, delphinidin, procyanidin B2 and B4, petunidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and malvidin, providing important experimental data to support the study. Molecular docking simulations revealed the most stable interactions between anthocyanase and the anthocyanins cyanidin 3-arabinoside and cyanidin 3-glucoside, with a favorable ΔG of interaction between -9.3 and -9.2 kcal/mol. This study contributes to proposing a degradation mechanism and seeking inhibitors to prevent fruit discoloration.

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli causes significant urothelial damage in an ex vivo porcine bladder model, with no protective effect observed from cranberry or d-mannose.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), primarily caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), have an unclear impact on bladder mucosal physiology. This study investigates UPEC's effects on the urothelium and lamina propria using an ex vivo porcine bladder model. Bladder mucosal strips were analysed for contractile responses to acetylcholine, serotonin, and neurokinin A. Given rising antibiotic resistance, non-antibiotic agents such as cranberry and d-mannose were also evaluated for their potential to prevent UPEC-induced damage. The findings of the current study revealed that UPEC significantly compromised urothelial integrity, barrier function, and permeability, with loss of urothelial cells, uroplakins, and tight junction protein ZO-1 expression. Additionally, infected bladders exhibited a markedly enhanced contractile response to serotonin compared to uninfected controls. Notably, neither cranberry nor d-mannose offered protection against UPEC-mediated damage or mitigated the heightened serotonin-induced contractility. This study provides novel insights into how UPEC disrupts bladder cell biology and highlights the possible involvement of serotonin in the pathophysiology of UTIs.

Change of bioactive properties, spectral reflectance, and color characteristics of European cranberry (Viburnum opulus L.) juice as affected by foam mat drying technique.

The European cranberry bush, known for its health benefits, can only be consumed through fermentation. This study aimed to develop a fruit leather made from European cranberry bush using quince seed gel and the foam drying method. For this purpose, quince seed gel was added to European cranberry juice to increase consistency. Then, European cranberry fruit leather was obtained by drying at 70, 80, and 90 °C air temperatures using foam mat drying technology. Spectral reflectance, color, drying kinetics, anthocyanin, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic content, antiradical activity, and macro-micronutrient concentrations of the resulting fruit pulp were investigated. The foam mat drying process at 90 °C had the greatest values of ascorbic acid (0.996 mg g- 1), anthocyanin (275.9 mg kg- 1), DPPH (47.77%), and ABTS.+ (68.76 µg TE g- 1). In addition, the highest value of total phenolic content (37.75 mg g- 1) was obtained in the foam mat drying process at 80 °C. The highest concentration of P, Na, Mg, K, Ca, and Mn in fruit leather was obtained at 70 °C, and the highest concentration of S, Cu, and Zn was obtained at 90 °C. The lowest spectral reflectance values were measured at 90 °C. In conclusion, the present study explored the fact that adding quince seed gel, extremely rich in biochemical content, significantly enhanced the bioactivity properties of European cranberry bush fruit leather.

Genome-wide identification and expression analyses of SWEET gene family reveal potential roles in plant development, fruit ripening and abiotic stress responses in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait).

The sugars will eventually be exported transporter (SWEET) family is a novel class of sugar transporters that play a crucial role in plant growth, development, and responses to stress. Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is a nutritious berry with economic importance, but little is known about SWEET gene family functions in this small fruit. In this research, 13 VmSWEET genes belonging to four clades were identified in the cranberry genome for the first time. In the conserved domains, we observed seven phosphorylation sites and four amino acid residues that might be crucial for the binding function. The majority of VmSWEET genes in each clade shared similar gene structures and conserved motifs, showing that the VmSWEET genes were highly conserved during evolution. Chromosomal localization and duplication analyses showed that VmSWEET genes were unevenly distributed in eight chromosomes and two pairs of them displayed synteny. A total of 79 cis-acting elements were predicted in the promoter regions of VmSWEETs including elements responsive to plant hormones, light, growth and development and stress responses. qRT-PCR analysis showed that VmSWEET10.1 was highly expressed in flowers, VmSWEET16 was highly expressed in upright and runner stems, and VmSWEET3 was highly expressed in the leaves of both types of stems. In fruit, the expression of VmSWEET14 and VmSWEET16 was highest of all members during the young fruit stage and were downregulated as fruit matured. The expression of VmSWEET4 was higher during later developmental stages than earlier developmental stages. Furthermore, qRT-PCR results revealed a significant up-regulation of VmSWEET10.2, under osmotic, saline, salt-alkali, and aluminum stress conditions, suggesting it has a crucial role in mediating plant responses to various environmental stresses. Overall, these results provide new insights into the characteristics and evolution of VmSWEET genes. Moreover, the candidate VmSWEET genes involved in the growth, development and abiotic stress responses can be used for molecular breeding to improve cranberry fruit quality and abiotic stress resistance.

Polyphenol-Rich Cranberry Beverage Positively Affected Skin Health, Skin Lipids, Skin Microbiome, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women in a Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to determine whether a polyphenol-rich cranberry beverage affects skin properties, lipids, and the microbiome in women using a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over design. Twenty-two women with Fitzpatrick skin types 2-3 were randomized to drink a cranberry beverage or placebo for six weeks. After a 21-day washout, they consumed the opposite beverage for six weeks. Six weeks of cranberry beverage significantly reduced UVB-induced erythema, improved net elasticity on the face and forearm, smoothness on the face, and gross elasticity on the forearm compared to the placebo. When stratified by age, these effects of the cranberry beverage were primarily observed in women >40 years old. SOD activities were improved after six weeks of cranberry beverage consumption compared to the placebo, while glutathione peroxide and TNF-α were improved compared to baseline. These effects were found to differ by age group. Skin lipid composition was modulated by both the cranberry beverage and the placebo. Cranberry beverages did not change α- or ß-diversity but altered the abundance of several skin microbes at the species and strain level. Consumption of a cranberry beverage for six weeks improved specific skin properties and oxidative stress and modulated skin lipids and microbiome compared to placebo.

Proanthocyanidins and volatile aroma of cranberry juice are modulated by its microbiota and processing environment.

The quality and sensory attributes of juices are influenced by their natural microbiota and the microorganisms found on filtration membranes. This study aimed to assess the influence of natural microbiota and specific contaminants, including Candida krusei, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Debaryomyces prosopidis, Ralstonia insidiosa, and Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum, isolated from cranberry juice and its associated industrial filtration membranes, on the characteristics of cranberry juice. Their growth kinetics and impacts on total phenols, total anthocyanins, total proanthocyanins, total organic acids, pH, titratable acidity, and volatile compounds were assessed. During the 42 h fermentation period, Candida krusei and Ralstonia insidiosa exhibited significant growth, increasing by 1-log and 3-log, respectively. The natural microbiota led to a 7% and 6% reduction in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, while Candida krusei and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa caused losses of 10% and 7% in proanthocyanidins, respectively. Organic acid content remained stable, except for an 8% decrease caused by Ralstonia insidiosa. Volatile compounds underwent significant increases, particularly in green (703%), winey (100%), mushroom (306%), and fusel (2678%) notes. These findings underscore the rapid impact of microorganisms from natural microbiota and filtration membranes on cranberry juice characteristics, highlighting the importance for beverage industries to prioritize customer safety and satisfaction.

Development and evaluation of fermented milk with Lactobacillus acidophilus added to concentrated cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) juice with the potential to minimize the recurrence of urinary tract infections.

Repeated urinary tract infections affect many people worldwide. A potential strategy to reduce the incidence of these infections is to consume probiotics and cranberry fruit regularly. In this context, this study aims to prepare fermented milk with Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 added with concentrated cranberry juice in two concentrations (5 and 10 %, corresponding to C1 and C2 samples, respectively) and evaluate different technological aspects of the samples after production and during storage, and comparing with the control sample (C). The juice had pH 1.91, 70.09 % of solids, and total proanthocyanidins and A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs) values of 117.03 mg/100 g and 16.38 mg/100 g, respectively. The higher the juice content added to the product, the higher the acidity (1.4 and 2.6 g of lactic acid in 100 g, corresponding to C1 and C2 on day 1 (D1), respectively), the total proanthocyanidin content (1.96 and 4.01 mg/100 g on D1; and 1.31 and 3.05 mg/100 g on day 28 of storage (D28), corresponding to C1 and C2, respectively) and A-type proanthocyanidin (0.56 and 1.26 mg/100 g in Day 1; and 0.54 and 1.19 mg/100 g in D28, corresponding to C1 and C2, respectively), higher the values of the color parameters (L*a* and C*), and lower pH value, probiotic viability, and sensory acceptance. Furthermore, the rheological parameters demonstrated a stronger protein network due to the addition of cranberry. The new formulations, including samples C1 and C2, are alternatives as functional products, which regular consumption probably has the potential to minimize the recurrence of urinary tract infections.

Lactobacillus fermentation accelerated biotransformation of cranberry anthocyanins towards phenol-pyranoanthocyanins and their stability and antioxidant property.

Phenol-pyranoanthocyanins, a structurally modified type of anthocyanin, has higher stability than anthocyanins. However, their conversion occurs slowly. Therefore, it is crucial to improve the conversion efficiency and production of pyranoanthocyanins. In this study, cranberry anthocyanin (CRAN) was fermented using two Lactobacillus strains along with caffeic acid to form cranberry-derived pyranoanthocyanins (PY-CRAN). PY-CRAN was characterized and identified. The physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, and tyrosinase inhibitory capacity of PY-CRAN were assessed. The results showed that phenol-pyranoanthocyanins can be rapidly produced through fermentative transformation using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei. Lacticaseibacillus paracasei exhibits a higher propensity for producing phenol-pyranoanthocyanins. PY-CRAN exhibits high stability under light and various pH conditions. Moreover, they possess excellent antioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit tyrosinase. These results suggest that fermentative biotransformation conducted by Lactobacillus is an ideal method for producing cranberry pyranoanthocyanins. The resulting anthocyanins have potential as antioxidant and whitening agents, making them promising bioactive ingredients.

Evaluation of inhibitory activity of essential oils and natural extracts on foodborne viruses.

AIMS: Enteric viruses are recognized as a major concern in health care and in the food sector in Canada. Novel clean-label strategies for controlling enteric viruses are sought in the food industry. In this study, we examined the antiviral potential of plant extracts and essential oils on murine norovirus 1 (MNV-1), hepatitis A virus (HAV), and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). METHODS AND RESULTS: Inactivation of the viruses by grape seed, blueberry, green tea, and cranberry extracts and by rosemary and thyme essential oils was measured using plaque formation assay. Concentrations ranging from 50 to 200 000 ppm with a contact time of 90 min were tested. Grape seed extract at 10 000 ppm was the most effective (P < 0.05) at reducing MNV-1 and HAV infectious titers, respectively, by 2.85 ± 0.44 log10 and 1.94 ± 0.17 log10. HSV-1 titer was reduced by 3.81 ± 0.40 log10 at 1000 ppm grape seed extract. CONCLUSIONS: Among the plant products tested, grape seed extract was found the most effective at reducing the infectious titers of MNV-1, HAV, and HSV.

Evaluation of phenolic content in selected red fruit juices.

BACKGROUND: Red fruits are characterised by a particularly high content of bioactive compounds, e.g. anthocyanins, tannins, pectins, vitamins and minerals. Dietary supply of proper amounts of antioxidants is essential to reduce oxidative stress, and thus is an important element in the prevention of lifestyle diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the content of polyphenols in selected red fruit juices (chokeberry, elderberry, pomegranate, cranberry), as well as to assess the impact of storage time on the content of these compounds in the analysed samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research material consisted of 17 juices (100%): 3 chokeberry juices, 4 elderberry juices, 5 pomegranate juices and 5 cranberry juices, which differed in terms of the manufacturer, type, price range, country of origin and production method. The total polyphenol content was measured by spectrophotometry using the Folin�Ciocalteu reagent. The procedure was based on a modified method described by Waterhouse. Active acidity (pH) was measured with the potentiometric method using a pH-meter and the sucrose content was measured using a refractometer. RESULTS: The highest mean content of polyphenolic compounds was found in chokeberry and elderberry juices. Juice storage time did not reduce the mean content of polyphenolic compounds. The highest sucrose content was found in chokeberry juices and the lowest in cranberry juice. CONCLUSIONS: Chokeberry and elderberry juices had the highest content of polyphenols among the tested products. Juices stored after opening in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions (at 4°C) do not lose their nutritional properties.

Supplementation with Highly Standardized Cranberry Extract Phytosome Achieved the Modulation of Urinary Tract Infection Episodes in Diabetic Postmenopausal Women Taking SGLT-2 Inhibitors: A RCT Study.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infections in postmenopausal women, and women with diabetes are possibly at a higher risk. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential benefit on the prevention of UTI episodes, assessed by urinalysis and urine culture (primary outcome) after two, four and six months, of daily oral dietary supplement (120 mg highly standardized cranberry extract phytosome), compared to placebo, in diabetic postmenopausal women taking SGLT-2 inhibitors. Forty-six subjects (mean age 72.45 ± 1.76) completed the study (23 placebo/23 supplement). Considering UTI episodes, during the six-month supplementation period, an increase of 1.321 (95% CI: -0.322; 2.9650) was observed in the placebo group, while it remained at a steady value of 0.393 (95% CI: -4.230; 5.016) in the supplemented group. Regarding UTI episodes, in both groups, interaction between times for supplementation was statistically significant (p = 0.001). In particular, at follow-up 4, 9% of the placebo group showed infection versus only 3% with cranberry supplementation. Glycaemia and glycated hemoglobin values (secondary outcomes) were not modified at the end of six months with respect to the basal values in both groups, as expected. While in terms of quality of life per the SF-12 health questionnaire, there were no differences between the two groups, an improvement in SF-12 quality of life was observed in both groups (six months vs. basal). In conclusion, highly standardized cranberry extract phytosome supplementation reduced UTI recurrence.

Evaluation of flexural strength and microhardness in Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry)-added self-cure polymethyl methacrylate dental resin: An in vitro study.

AIM: Occurrence of denture stomatitis and prosthesis breakage are common problems faced by elderly people wearing removable dentures. To overcome this, several attempts are made to improve the denture material by addition of antimicrobials without compromising original properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate flexural strength and microhardness of self-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base resin after addition of Vaccinium macrocarpon (commonly called as cranberry), extract as antimicrobial, at varying proportions. STUDY SETTING AND DESIGN: Experimental in vitro study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Frozen cranberry fruits were subjected to extraction process in the presence of aqueous solvents. Lyophilized extract was added in proportions of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 dry wt/wt % into polymer of self-cure PMMA denture base resin. Based on cranberry inclusion, the study comprised one control (0%) and four test groups (0.5%-2%) with total of 100 samples. A three-point bending test for flexural strength was done for fifty study samples (n = 10). Surface of fractured samples was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Microhardness was determined using Vickers hardness test. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: One-way statistical ANOVA test was done to find the difference between groups, followed by Tukey's post hoc test for multiple pairwise comparison. RESULTS: Flexural strength ranged from 66.80 to 69.28 MPa, and a statistically insignificant difference was observed between groups (P > 0.05). SEM evaluation showed uniformly dispersed strands of cranberry extract in PMMA matrix. With higher concentration, less voids were seen. Vickers microhardness value significantly decreased from 15.96 in the control group to 14.57 with 2% cranberry addition (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Incorporation of cranberry extract into self-cure PMMA denture base resin, up to 2 dry wt %, did not decline the flexural strength. However, there was a significant decrease in Vickers microhardness values when compared against the control group (0% cranberry inclusion).

Current state and novel outlook on prevention and treatment of rising antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infections.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are currently an important public health concern posing a serious threat due to their resistance to the current arsenal of antibiotics. Uropathogens Escherichia coli (UPEC), Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis, antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria, cause serious cases of prolonged UTIs, increasing healthcare costs and potentially even leading to the death of an affected patient. This review discusses current knowledge about the increasing resistance to currently recommended antibiotics for UTI therapy, as well as novel therapeutic options. Traditional antibiotics are still a part of the therapy guidelines for UTIs, although they are often not effective and have serious side effects. Hence, novel drugs are being developed, such as combinations of ß-lactam antibiotics with cephalosporins and carbapenems. Siderophoric cephalosporins, such as cefiderocol, have shown potential in the treatment of individuals with significant gram-negative bacterial infections, as well as aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines that are also undergoing clinical trials. The use of cranberry and probiotics is another potential curative and preventive method that has shown antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, further studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of probiotics containing cranberry extract for UTI prevention and treatment. An emerging novel approach for UTI treatment is the use of immuno-prophylactic vaccines, as well as different nanotechnology solutions such as nanoparticles (NP). NP have the potential to be used as delivery systems for drugs to specific targets. Furthermore, nanotechnology could enable the development of nano antibiotics with improved features by the application of different NPs in their structure, such as gold and copper NPs. However, further high-quality research is required for the synthesis and testing of these novel molecules, such as safety evaluation and pharmacovigilance.

Effect of flavonoids from grape seed and cranberry extracts on the microbiological activity of Streptococcus mutans: a systematic review of in vitro studies.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the available scientific evidence from in vitro studies regarding the effect induced by the flavonoids contained in grape seed extracts (GSE) and cranberry on the microbiological activity of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). METHODS: This systematic review was performed following the parameters of the PRISMA statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis). Electronic and manual searches were conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane databases. Reference lists of selected articles were reviewed to identify relevant studies. The search was not limited by year and was conducted solely in English. Eligible studies comprised publications describing in vitro studies that evaluated the effect of flavonoids derived from GSE and cranberry extracts on the microbiological activity of S. mutans. Common variables were identified to consolidate the data. Authors of this review independently screened search results, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. RESULTS: Of the 420 studies identified from the different databases, 22 publications were finally selected for review. The risk of bias was low in 13 articles and moderate in 9. The studies analyzed in this review revealed that cranberry extract has an inhibitory effect on the bacterial growth of S. mutans in ranges from 0.5 mg/mL to 25 mg/mL, and GSE exerts a similar effect from 0.5 mg/mL to 250 mg/mL. Additionally, the extracts or their fractions showed reduced biofilm formation capacity, decreased polymicrobial biofilm biomass, deregulation of glycosyltransferases (Gtf) B and C expression, and buffering of pH drop. In addition to adequate antioxidant activity related to polyphenol content. CONCLUSIONS: The overall results showed that the extracts of cranberry and grape seed were effective in reducing the virulence factors of the oral pathogen. According to the data, proanthocyanidins are the active components in cranberry and grape seed that effectively resist S. mutans. They can inhibit the formation of insoluble polysaccharides in the extracellular matrix and prevent glycan-mediated adhesion, cohesion, and aggregation of the proteins in S. mutans. This suggests that these natural extracts could play an important role in the prevention of cariogenic bacterial colonization, as well as induce a decrease in their microbiological activity.

Cranberry Polyphenols and Prevention against Urinary Tract Infections: New Findings Related to the Integrity and Functionality of Intestinal and Urinary Barriers.

This work seeks to generate new knowledge about the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of cranberry against urinary tract infections (UTI). Using Caco-2 cells grown in Transwell inserts as an intestinal barrier model, we found that a cranberry-derived digestive fluid (containing 135 ± 5 mg of phenolic compounds/L) increased transepithelial electrical resistance with respect to control (ΔTEER = 54.5 Ω cm2) and decreased FITC-dextran paracellular transport by about 30%, which was related to the upregulation of the gene expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins (i.e., occludin, zonula occludens-1 [ZO-1], and claudin-2) (∼3-4-fold change with respect to control for claudin-2 and ∼2-3-fold for occludin and ZO-1). Similar protective effects, albeit to a lesser extent, were observed when Caco-2 cells were previously infected with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). In a urinary barrier model comprising T24 cells grown in Transwell inserts and either noninfected or UPEC-infected, treatments with the cranberry-derived phenolic metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and phenylacetic acid (PAA) (250 µM) also promoted favorable changes in barrier integrity and permeability. In this line, incubation of noninfected T24 cells with these metabolites induced positive regulatory effects on claudin-2 and ZO-1 expression (∼3.5- and ∼2-fold change with respect to control for DOPAC and ∼1.5- and >2-fold change with respect to control for PAA, respectively). Overall, these results suggest that the protective action of cranberry polyphenols against UTI might involve molecular mechanisms related to the integrity and functionality of the urothelium and intestinal epithelium.

Gelatin/agar pH-indicator film based on cranberry extract loaded with linalool nanoparticle: Survey on physical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

In this study, linalool-nanoparticles (L-NPs) were prepared (encapsulation efficiency was 68.54 %) and introduced pH-indicator film based on cranberry-extract (CEF) to develop multifunctional smart films. XRD analysis and FTIR spectroscopy indicated that cranberry-extract (CE) and L-NPs were uniformly distributed in the gelatin/agar matrix and could change the intermolecular structure of the film. Color change of smart films showed that CE endowed the film with pH-sensitive property. As CE and L-NPs were added to the film, the water contact angle (WCA) was increased from 57.03° to 117.73°, the elongation at break (EAB) was increased from 12.30 % to 34.60 %. Additionally, the introduction of L-NPs enhanced the antioxidant activity (DPPH free radical scavenging rate increased from 26.80 % to 36.35 %) and antibacterial activity (against S. aureus and E. coli) of the smart film, which were verified by its retarding effect on pork spoilage.

A polyphenol-rich cranberry supplement improves muscle oxidative capacity in healthy adults.

Cranberries are rich in polyphenols, have a high antioxidant capacity, and may protect against exercise-induced free radical production. Mitochondria are known producers of free radical in skeletal muscle, and preventing overproduction of radicals may be a viable approach to improve muscle health. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a polyphenol-rich cranberry extract (CE) on muscle oxidative capacity and oxygenation metrics in healthy active adults. 17 participants (9 males and 8 females) were tested at: (i) baseline, (ii) 2 h following an acute CE dose (0.7 g/kg of body mass), and (iii) after 4 weeks of daily supplement consumption (0.3 g/kg of body mass). At each time point, muscle oxidative capacity was determined using near-infrared spectroscopy to measure the recovery kinetics of muscle oxygen consumption following a 15-20 s contraction of the vastus lateralis. Cranberry supplementation over 28 days significantly improved muscle oxidative capacity (k-constant, 2.8 ± 1.8 vs. 3.9 ± 2.2; p = 0.02). This was supported by a greater rate of oxygen depletion during a sustained cuff occlusion (-0.04 ± 0.02 vs. -0.07 ± 0.03; p = 0.02). Resting muscle oxygen consumption was not affected by cranberry consumption. Our results suggest that cranberry supplementation may play a role in improving mitochondrial health, which could lead to better muscle oxidative capacity in healthy active adult populations.

Development and characterization of cranberry pomace extract incorporated and vitamin E fortified edible films as an edible separation sheet for fruit leather.

The separation sheets for fruit leather are traditionally made of plastic film or wax paper, which not only leads to environmental issues but also is inconvenience to consumers. This study evaluated edible fruit leather separation sheets using food polymers, including hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and incorporation of cranberry pomace water extract (CPE) for providing natural fruit pigment, flavor, and phenolics. HPMCCPE film was then further improved by incorporating hydrophobic compound (oleic acid, OA) and vitamin E (VE) via cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) Pickering emulsion (CNCP) for enhancing film hydrophobicity and nutritional benefit, respectively. The CNCP-HPMCCPE film exhibited reduced water vapor permeability (∼0.033 g mm/m2 d Pa) compared to HPMCCPE film (∼0.59 g mm/m2 d Pa) and had the least change in mass and moisture content when wrapping fruit leather for up to 2 weeks of ambient storage. The fruit leather wrapped by CNCP-HPMCCPE film showed lower weight change than those by films without CNCP due to low mass transfer between film and fruit leather. CNCP resulted in controlled release of VE into a food simulating solvent (ethanol). The developed colorful and edible fruit leather separation sheet satisfied the increased market demands on sustainable food packaging. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Colorful and flavorful edible films made of edible polymers, fruit pomace water extract, and emulsified hydrophobic compounds with vitamin E were created. The films have the satisfactory performance to replace the conventional fruit leather separation sheet made of plastic or wax paper. The edible films can be eaten with packaged fruit leather for not only reducing packaging waste but also providing convenience and nutritional benefit to consumers. These functional edible films may also be utilized to package other food products for promoting packaging sustainability and nutritional benefit.

Intestinal Microbiome Metabolism of Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) Proanthocyanidin Dimers, but Not Trimers, Is Altered by Dysbiosis in Ulcerative Colitis Ex Vivo.

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins with different interflavan bond types and degrees of polymerization. These chemical differences may impact the metabolism of proanthocyanidins by the intestinal microbiome. In our previous study, we found that healthy microbiomes produced higher concentrations of the phenolic acid metabolites 5-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-g-valerolactone and 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid from the cranberry extract in comparison to ulcerative colitis (UC) microbiomes ex vivo. To understand this difference, LC-ESI-MS/MS was utilized to characterize the metabolism of the precursor proanthocyanidins. Healthy microbiomes metabolized procyanidin A2, procyanidin B2, and procyanidin dimeric intermediates but not A-type trimers, to a greater extent than UC microbiomes. The metabolism of procyanidin A2 and procyanidin B2 by fecal microorganisms was then compared to identify their derived phenolic acid metabolites. 5-(3',4'-Dihydroxyphenyl)-g-valerolactone and 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid were identified as unique metabolites of procyanidin B2. Based on these results, the metabolism of procyanidin B2 contributed to the differential metabolism observed between healthy and UC microbiomes.

A new UHPLC-HRMS metabolomics approach for the rapid and comprehensive analysis of phenolic compounds in blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, cranberry and cherry fruits.

Phenolic compounds are considered an important group of bioactive molecules that are present in abundant quantities in fruits such as berries and cherries; hence, the analysis and quantification of these compounds are of significant interest to the scientific community. The current study aimed to develop a novel analytical method using liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) for the rapid, comprehensive and simultaneous analysis of 66 phenolic compounds optimized for the selected five types of fruits commercially available in Canada. Bioactive compounds that could potentially be metabolite markers for each berry were identified. Various phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in all five selected fruits. Notably, blackberries were rich in anthocyanins such as cyanidin-3-glucoside (368.4 ± 6 µg/g), while blueberries were rich in peonidin-3-glucoside (1083 ± 9 µg/g). In addition, raspberries and cherries contained significant amounts of cyanidin-3-rutinoside, at 3156 ± 36 µg/g and 301.3 ± 2 µg/g, respectively, while cranberries contained the highest concentrations of petunidin at 829.7 ± 3 µg/g. The newly developed and validated UHPLC-HRMS method proved helpful in comprehensively analyzing phenolic compounds in blueberry, raspberry, cranberry, blackberry and cherry. Identifying and quantifying bioactives can lead to applications in neutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries by using phenolic-rich berry extracts in functional foods, supplements, or pharmaceutical products.