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.

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.

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).

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.

Differences in P-Type and Type 1 Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Urinary Anti-Adhesion Activity of Cranberry Fruit Juice Dry Extract Product and D-Mannose Dietary Supplement.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection (UTI) prevention benefits of cranberry intake are clinically validated, especially for women and children. To ensure the benefits of cranberry dietary supplement products, the anti-adhesion activity (AAA) against uropathogenic bacteria is routinely used in in vitro bioassays to determine the activity in whole product formulations, isolated compounds, and ex vivo bioassays to assess urinary activity following intake. D-mannose is another dietary supplement taken for UTI prevention, based on the anti-adhesion mechanism. OBJECTIVE: Compare the relative AAA of cranberry and D-mannose dietary supplements against the most important bacterial types contributing to the pathogenesis of UTI, and consider how certain components potentially induce in vivo activity. METHODS: The current study used a crossover design to determine ex vivo AAA against both P- and Type 1-fimbriated uropathogenic Escherichia coli of either D-mannose or a cranberry fruit juice dry extract product containing 36 mg of soluble proanthocyanidins (PACs), using bioassays that measure urinary activity following consumption. AAA of extracted cranberry compound fractions and D-mannose were compared in vitro and potential induction mechanisms of urinary AAA explored. RESULTS: The cranberry dietary supplement exhibited both P-type and Type 1 in vitro and ex vivo AAA, while D-mannose only prevented Type 1 adhesion. Cranberry also demonstrated more robust and consistent ex vivo urinary AAA than D-mannose over each 1-week study period at different urine collection time points. The means by which the compounds with in vitro activity in each supplement product could potentially induce the AAA in urines was discussed relative to the data. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study provide consumers and healthcare professionals with additional details on the compounds and mechanisms involved in the positive, broad-spectrum AAA of cranberry against both E. coli bacterial types most important in UTIs and uncovers limitations on AAA and effectiveness of D-mannose compared to cranberry.

Characteristics of Urinary Tract Infections and the Use of Cranberry Products in Patients With Urinary Diversions: A Narrative Review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this narrative literature review was to summarize evidence regarding bacteriuria and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients living with a urinary diversion and the use of cranberry products for the prevention of these infections. METHODS: We searched for articles in the English language and available in full text to address the role of cranberry products in the management of UTIs in those with urinary diversions. We searched the electronic databases of MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials between January 2003 and December 2023. Thirty-two elements were read in full and 9 elements that evaluated UTIs and/or the role of cranberries in preventing UTIs are included in this narrative review. RESULTS: Research indicates no significant difference in UTI rates, microbiology, or antibiotic sensitivity and resistance patterns between the different types of urinary diversions (orthoptic diversions, ileal conduit diversions, and continent cutaneous diversions). Similar to persons with an intact urinary tract, Escherichia coli (a prevalent coliform bacteria) was the most prevalent pathogen resulting in symptomatic UTIs. In addition, we found that E. coli strains persisted in urinary diversions involving reconstructed intestinal segments for prolonged periods of time despite antibiotic treatment. We found sparse evidence suggesting that cranberry products are effective for the prevention of UTIs after ileal conduit urinary diversion. CONCLUSIONS: There are inconsistencies in the definition of bacteriuria in the literature making it difficult to compare findings among the studies. Clinical guidance discussing the optimal method for obtaining a urine specimen from a urinary diversion and its management is limited. Research studies on the use of cranberry products to treat UTIs in persons living with a urinary diversion are urgently needed.

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.

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.

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.

Health Care Workers Online YouTube Content Compared to AUA Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women Guidelines: An Integrative Review of Quality and Comprehensiveness Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: We document the quality, veracity, and comprehensiveness of recurrent UTI information on YouTube to increase health care workers' (HCWs') awareness of UTI-related content online, and to identify deficits in understanding, clarify misconceptions, and reduce stigmatization risk. METHODS: High-traffic topic search terms were curated by Google Trends to extract 200 videos, of which 45 met inclusion criteria. Five independent reviewers used a standardized questionnaire based on the AUA recurrent UTI guidelines to assess the definition of UTI, marketing content, prophylaxis/prevention strategies, and antibiotic use/stewardship. RESULTS: Incongruent or incomplete guideline UTI definitions were found in 78% (35/45) of videos (K = 0.40), despite 80% (36/45) being authored by HCWs. Forty-two percent (19/45) promoted nonguideline-based hygiene practices; 25% (11/45) advocated front-to-back wiping (K = 0.71). Descriptors identified within the videos included the mention of women with UTI as unclean. Only 55% (25/45) discussed increasing fluid intake (K = 0.59), while 33% (15/45) discussed the use of cranberry supplementation (K = 0.81). CONCLUSIONS: Discussion of hygiene practices which lack a specific guideline statement is particularly evident. Descriptors that characterize women with UTI as "unclean" may create a health equity concern for women experiencing UTIs. These findings should alert HCWs to the scope and emphasis in online education that patients may view to self-educate; both the errors and the issues of equity are problematic. Educational materials on UTI should be based on evidence-based guidelines, such as those by the AUA.

Nephroprotective effect of cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) in streptozocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in mice.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic nephropathy is a chief reason of mortality particularly in individuals with renal dysfunction. The current research was aimed to assess the nephroprotective portion of Vaccinium oxycoccos toward mice diabetic nephropathy induced by streptozotocin (STZ). V. oxycoccos was purchased and used for hydroalcoholic extraction. METHODS: Sixty male mice were subjected to STZ-intraperitoneal injection (45 mg/kg). After diabetes induction, mice were divided into five groups of diabetic control (received only STZ), non-diabetic control (received only citrate buffer), two V. oxycoccos treatment (received V. oxycoccos extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) oral daily by gavage), and metformin treatment (received metformin (500 mg/kg) oral daily by gavage). Glucose and weight of mice were checked weekly. RESULTS: After 28 days, the effect of V. oxycoccos extract on serum and urine parameters were assessed. STZ caused significant decreased in the mice body weight. Mice treated with the V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg) harbored the lowest weight loss at day 28 (70.2±1.38 g). STZ caused significant increase in the mice FBS. Mice treated with the V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg) harbored the lowest FBS at day 28 (189.2±1.20 mg/dL). Treatment of mice with V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg) caused the lowest increase in the levels of cholesterol, HbA1c and triglycerides compared to the diabetic control mice. Compared to the diabetic control group, mice treated with V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg) had the highest HDL, insulin, SOD, and GSH (p<0.05). The lowest serum BUN, CR, and UR were found in mice treated with V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg). Anti-inflammatory effects of V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg) was shown by the lowest TNF-α, IL-6, and TGF-ß1 concentration in mice treated with V. oxycoccos (400 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: The current study disclosed that treatment with V. oxycoccos resulted in substantial development in the serum and urine parameters and also antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response of STZ-induced diabetic mice.

The Effects of Cranberry Consumption on Glycemic and Lipid Profiles in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This study aims to update the evidence and clarify whether cranberry possesses lipid-lowering and hypoglycemic properties in humans. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to identify relevant articles published up to December 2023. In total, 3145 publications were reviewed and 16 of them were included for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. Stata 15.0 and Review Manager 5.4 were applied for statistical analyses. The results revealed a significant decrease in the total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-C) (MD = -0.24; 95% CI: -0.45, -0.04; peffect = 0.02) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (MD = -0.59; 95% CI: -1.05, -0.14; peffect = 0.01) with cranberry consumption. However, it did not influence total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting insulin. In subgroup analysis, cranberry consumption in dried form (capsules, powder, and tablets) was found to significantly decrease the fasting insulin level (three studies, one hundred sixty-five participants, MD = -2.16; 95% CI: -4.24, -0.07; peffect = 0.04), while intervention duration, health conditions, and dosage of polyphenols and anthocyanins had no impact on blood lipid and glycemic parameters. In summary, cranberry might have potential benefits in regulating lipid and glucose profiles.

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.

Short term supplementation with cranberry extract modulates gut microbiota in human and displays a bifidogenic effect.

Cranberry is associated with multiple health benefits, which are mostly attributed to its high content of (poly)phenols, particularly flavan-3-ols. However, clinical trials attempting to demonstrate these positive effects have yielded heterogeneous results, partly due to the high inter-individual variability associated with gut microbiota interaction with these molecules. In fact, several studies have demonstrated the ability of these molecules to modulate the gut microbiota in animal and in vitro models, but there is a scarcity of information in human subjects. In addition, it has been recently reported that cranberry also contains high concentrations of oligosaccharides, which could contribute to its bioactivity. Hence, the aim of this study was to fully characterize the (poly)phenolic and oligosaccharidic contents of a commercially available cranberry extract and evaluate its capacity to positively modulate the gut microbiota of 28 human subjects. After only four days, the (poly)phenols and oligosaccharides-rich cranberry extract, induced a strong bifidogenic effect, along with an increase in the abundance of several butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Clostridium and Anaerobutyricum. Plasmatic and fecal short-chain fatty acids profiles were also altered by the cranberry extract with a decrease in acetate ratio and an increase in butyrate ratio. Finally, to characterize the inter-individual variability, we stratified the participants according to the alterations observed in the fecal microbiota following supplementation. Interestingly, individuals having a microbiota characterized by the presence of Prevotella benefited from an increase in Faecalibacterium with the cranberry extract supplementation.

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.

Assessing the Gut Microbiota's Ability to Metabolize Oligomeric and Polymeric Flavan-3-ols from Aronia and Cranberry.

Clinical trials investigating the health effects of flavan-3-ols yield heterogeneous results due to interindividual variability in the gut microbiota metabolism. In fact, different groups in the population have similar metabolic profiles following (-)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin gut microbial metabolism and can be regrouped into so-called metabotypes. In this study, the capacity of 34 donors to metabolize polymeric B-type flavan-3-ols from aronia and oligomeric A-type flavan-3-ols from cranberry is investigated by in vitro fecal batch fermentations. Less than 1% of the flavan-3-ols from both sources are converted into microbial metabolites, such as phenyl-γ-valerolactones (PVLs). To further confirm this result, gut microbial metabolites from flavan-3-ols are quantified in urine samples collected from participants, before and after a 4-day supplementation of cranberry extract providing 82.3 mg of flavan-3-ols per day. No significant difference is observed in the urinary excretion of flavan-3-ols microbial metabolites. Hence, it demonstrates by both in vitro and in vivo approaches that flavan-3-ols from aronia and cranberry are poorly degraded by the gut microbiota. The beneficial health impacts of these molecules likely stem from their capacity to affect gut microbiota and their interactions with the gut epithelium, rather than from their breakdown into smaller metabolites.

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.