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.

Quality Evaluation of Muffins Enriched With Blueberry and Cranberry Powders.

The use of plant extracts to enhance the nutritional profile and consumer appeal of food products has attracted considerable attention within the food industry. This is due to the fact that its high composition with bioactive ingredients affects the increase in nutritional value and the general acceptability of the product. The main focus of the food industry and researchers remains bakery products due to their high level of consumption and the suitability of combining them with different fruits. Given the prominence of bakery products in consumption and their compatibility with various fruits, investigating the enrichment of muffins with plant extracts is crucial. This was the main objective of this study, to improve the nutritional profile of muffins through berries' incorporation and evaluate the consumers' acceptability for these novel products. In this study, the muffins were enriched with cranberries and blueberries in powder form at concentrations of 3%, 6%, and 9%. Physicochemical parameters (such as weight, height, specific gravity, moisture, water activity, pH, and acidity), color, texture, and sensory parameters were analyzed in these samples, which were also compared with control samples without blueberry and cranberry powder. The results showed that pH and acidity were significantly different (p < 0.05) by the addition of blueberry powder, with pH values getting decreased and acidity values getting increased. The pH of the 9% enriched muffins measuring 5.38 and the acidity reaching 2.47 indicated a notable impact of extracts on the overall acidity level of the products showing comparable results to control samples. Hardness and gumminess as the main texture properties showed notable increase with the addition of blueberry and cranberry powders. Compared to control samples with 8.79 value of hardness, they achieved much higher values, 15.32 for cranberry and 10.58 for blueberry muffins, respectively. Similarly, they scored significantly higher values for gumminess, where cranberry muffins scored the value of 4.39 and blueberry muffins scored the value of 3.38, while control samples scored the value of 3.02. Furthermore, a direct relationship was observed between the concentration of these extracts and redness (a ∗), while the ratio is inverse for the parameters of lightness (L ∗), yellowness (b ∗), chroma (C ∗), and the value of hue angle (h). This factor is crucial to fulfill consumers' requests for more attractive attributes of such products not only in taste but also in their physical appearance. Therefore, even the sensory evaluation has shown that consumers like samples with higher amounts of cranberry and blueberry, respectively, with 6% (51.7% for blueberry muffins) and 9% (43.3% for cranberry muffins). The evaluation of blueberry samples revealed that the control sample was not the least preferred, primarily due to the lack of a well-defined taste in muffins with 3% extract; however, in the case of cranberry muffin evaluation, the control sample emerged as the least liked, indicating consumers' acceptance of the changes in muffin formulation. This shows the impact of enriching such bakeries with berries for empowering the consumers' attitudes and such product functionality in markets. Exploring the previously unaddressed area of enriching muffins with these berry powders, this research provides crucial information on the advantages, challenges, and nutritional enhancements associated with such formulations, filling a significant gap in the existing literature.

Anthocyanins-rich cranberry extract attenuates DSS-induced IBD in an intestinal flora independent manner.

Cranberry is abundantly rich in anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid with potent antioxidant properties and the resistance against certain diseases. In this study, anthocyanin-rich cranberry extract was extracted, purified, and its components were analyzed. 92.18 % of anthocyanins was obtained and the total content of anthocyanins was 302.62 mg/g after AB-8 resin purification. Quantification analysis showed that the extract mainly contained cyanidin-3-galactoside, procyanidin B2 and procyanidin B4. Then we explored its effects on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice. The supplementation of cranberry extract resulted in an alleviation of IBD symptoms, evidenced by improvements in the disease activity index (DAI), restoration of colon length and colonic morphology. Cranberry extract reversed the elevated iron and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and restored glutathione (GSH) levels in IBD mice. Further analysis revealed that cranberry modulated ferroptosis-associated genes and reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Although cranberry influenced the intestinal flora balance by reducing Proteobacteria and Escherichia-Shigella, and increasing Lactobacillus, as well as enhancing SCFAs content, these effects were not entirely dependent on intestinal flora modulation, as indicated by antibiotic intervention and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the beneficial impact of cranberry extract on IBD may primarily involve the regulation of colonic ferroptosis, independent of significant alterations in intestinal flora.

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.

Segmental Acupuncture for Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections. A Randomised Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common medical problem and prophylaxis of recurrent UTIs is an ongoing clinical challenge. In the present study we examined whether acupuncture is able to prevent recurrent UTIs in women. METHODS: This multicentre randomised controlled trial, based at a University clinic and private acupuncture clinics, recruited women suffering from recurrent uncomplicated UTIs. Participants were randomised to the acupuncture group or control group. Acupuncture therapy consisted of 12 treatments over a period of 18 weeks, using a set of predefined body and ear acupuncture points. Cranberry products were recommended to all participants as standard of care. RESULTS: A total of 137 women were randomised (68 acupuncture, 69 control group) and occurrence of UTIs at 6 and 12 months could be assessed in 123 and 120 women respectively. Acupuncture combined with cranberry slightly increased the proportion of UTI-free women compared with cranberry alone at 6 months (59% vs 46%, p = 0.2). Between 6 and 12 months the proportion of UTI-free women was significantly higher in the acupuncture group (66 vs 45%, p = 0.03). The number of UTIs decreased from baseline to 12 months in both study groups. The number of UTIs at 12 months was significantly lower in the acupuncture group (median difference 1, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Segmental acupuncture may be an effective treatment option for women with recurrent UTIs over a longer follow-up period and may limit antibiotics use. Further studies are needed.

The Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential of Cranberry, D-Mannose, and Flavonoids against Infectious Diseases: The Example of Urinary Tract Infections.

The treatment of infectious diseases typically includes the administration of anti-infectives; however, the increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have led to attempts to develop other modalities, such as antimicrobial peptides, nanotechnology, bacteriophages, and natural products. Natural products offer a viable alternative due to their potential affordability, ease of access, and diverse biological activities. Flavonoids, a class of natural polyphenols, demonstrate broad anti-infective properties against viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Their mechanisms of action include disruption of microbial membranes, inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis, and interference with bacterial enzymes. This review explores the potential of natural compounds, such as flavonoids, as an alternative therapeutic approach to combat infectious diseases. Moreover, it discusses some commonly used natural products, such as cranberry and D-mannose, to manage urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberry products and D-mannose both, yet differently, inhibit the adhesion of uropathogenic bacteria to the urothelium, thus reducing the likelihood of UTI occurrence. Some studies, with methodological limitations and small patient samples, provide some encouraging results suggesting the use of these substances in the prevention of recurrent UTIs. While further research is needed to determine optimal dosages, bioavailability, and potential side effects, natural compounds hold promise as a complementary or alternative therapeutic strategy in the fight against infectious diseases.

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.

Cranberry Juice, Cranberry Tablets, or Liquid Therapies for Urinary Tract Infection: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: With over 50% of women suffering from at least one episode of urinary tract infection (UTI) each year and an increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, efforts need to be made to clearly identify the evidence supporting potential non-drug interventions. This study aims to compare the effects of cranberry juice, cranberry tablets, and increased liquids for the management of UTIs. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched for randomised controlled trials. The primary outcome was the number of UTIs, and the secondary outcomes were UTI symptoms and antimicrobial consumption. A risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 20 trials (3091 participants) were included, with 18 studies highlighting a 54% lower rate of UTIs with cranberry juice consumption than no treatment and a 27% lower rate than placebo liquid. Cranberry juice also resulted in a 49% lower rate of antibiotic use than placebo liquid and a 59% lower rate than no treatment, based on a network meta-analysis of six studies. The use of cranberry compounds also reduced the prevalence of symptoms associated with UTIs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: With moderate to low certainty, the evidence supports the use of cranberry juice for the prevention of UTIs. While increased liquids reduce the rate of UTIs compared with no treatment, cranberry in liquid form provides even better clinical outcomes in terms of reduction in UTIs and antibiotic use and should be considered for the management of UTIs. PATIENT SUMMARY: With the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant UTIs, alternate non-drug treatment options for its management are required. Available evidence supports the use of cranberry compounds and increases in fluid intake for managing UTIs.

Comparative In Vitro Study: Assessing Phytochemical, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Properties of Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton and Vaccinium oxycoccos L. Fruit Extracts.

The phytochemical diversity and potential health benefits of V. oxycoccos and V. macrocarpon fruits call for further scientific inquiry. Our study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition of extracts from these fruits and assess their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties in vitro. It was found that the ethanolic extracts of V. oxycoccos and V. macrocarpon fruits, which contained more lipophilic compounds, had 2-14 times lower antioxidant activity compared to the dry aqueous extracts of cranberry fruit, which contained more hydrophilic compounds. All tested cranberry fruit extracts (OE, OW, ME, and MW) significantly inhibited the growth of bacterial strains S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae in vitro compared to the control. Cytotoxic activity against the human prostate carcinoma PPC-1 cell line, human renal carcinoma cell line (CaKi-1), and human foreskin fibroblasts (HF) was determined using an MTT assay. Furthermore, the effect of the cranberry fruit extract samples on cell migration activity, cancer spheroid growth, and viability was examined. The ethanolic extract from V. macrocarpon fruits (ME) showed higher selectivity in inhibiting the viability of prostate and renal cancer cell lines compared to fibroblasts. It also effectively hindered the migration of these cancer cell lines. Additionally, the V. macrocarpon fruit extract (ME) demonstrated potent cytotoxicity against PPC-1 and CaKi-1 spheroids, significantly reducing the size of PPC-1 spheroids compared to the control. These findings suggest that cranberry fruit extracts, particularly the ethanolic extract from V. macrocarpon fruits, have promising potential as natural remedies for bacterial infections and cancer therapy.

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.

Targeted Anthocyanin Enrichment of Cranberry Juice by Electrodialysis with Filtration Membranes: Impact of Filtration Membrane Physicochemical Properties and Predictive Statistical Models.

To optimize cranberry juice enrichment, correlation between physicochemical properties of filtration membranes (FM) and anthocyanin migration was investigated during electrodialysis with filtration membranes (EDFM) using redundancy (RDA) and multivariate regression (MRGA) analyses. Six polyether sulfone (PES) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes with molecular weight cut-offs between 150 and 500 kDa, commercially available at large scale, were characterized in terms of nine physicochemical characteristics and used for EDFM. The highest migration of total anthocyanin was obtained with PVDF 250 kDa, with a global migration rate of 3.5 ± 0.4 g/m2·h. RDA showed that two FM properties (mesopore porosity and hydrophilic porosity) were significantly negatively correlated to the anthocyanin's migration and explained 67.4% of their total variation in migration. Predictive MRGA models were also developed for each anthocyanin based on these significant FM properties. A combination of intermolecular interactions may lead to binding in a cooperative and synergistic mode and hinder the anthocyanin migration.

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.

Determination of benzoate in cranberry and lingonberry by using a solid-contact benzoate-selective electrode.

Benzoic acid is used as a preservative in processed food, and occasionally in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, while benzoic acid occurs naturally in, e.g., cranberry and lingonberry. Therefore, the determination of benzoate is of interest for product quality assurance, food safety, and personal health. In this work, a solid-contact benzoate-selective electrode (benzoate-ISE) was developed by utilising poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) as solid contact and a solvent polymeric membrane containing a 1,3-bis(carbazolyl)urea derivative as ionophore. The benzoate-ISE was characterised in parallel with an ionophore-free control-ISE by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiometry. The presence of the ionophore in the membrane improved the selectivity to benzoate. Benzoate-ISEs and control-ISEs were used further to determine the benzoate concentration in cranberry and lingonberry by standard addition. The results obtained with both types of ISEs were compared with those obtained by ion chromatography. The results obtained with benzoate-ISEs were consistent with those obtained with ion chromatography. On the contrary, the control-ISE (without ionophore) gave significantly higher benzoate concentrations, especially in the case of cranberry where the benzoate concentration was low (ca 0.2 g kg-1) compared to lingonberry (ca 1 g kg-1). Hence, the benzoate-selectivity of the ionophore was crucial to obtain a benzoate-ISE that was practically applicable for determination of benzoate concentrations in cranberry and lingonberry.

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.

Data on microRNA expression, predicted gene targets and pathway analysis in response to different concentrations of a cranberry proanthocyanidin-rich extract and its metabolite 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid in intestinal Caco-2BBe1 cells.

Cranberry-derived proanthocyanidin (PAC) is processed by the gut microbiota to produce 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid (HPPA), among other metabolites. These data are in support of the article entitled, "Cranberry proanthocyanidin and its microbial metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, but not 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid, partially reverse pro-inflammatory microRNA responses in human intestinal epithelial cells," published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research [1]. Here we describe data generated by nCounterⓇ Human v3 miRNA Expression Panel of RNA obtained from Caco-2BBe1 cells exposed to two different concentrations of cranberry extract rich in PAC (50 µg/ml or 100 µg/ml) or 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid (5 µg/ml or 10 µg/ml) for 24 h, then stimulated with 1 ng/ml of IL-1ß or not (mock) for three hours. The raw data are publicly available at the NCBI GEO database GSE237078. This work also includes descriptive methodological procedures, treatment-responsive microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in Caco-2BBe1 cells, and in silico mRNA gene target and pathway enrichment analyses of significantly differentially expressed miRNAs (q < 0.001). Cranberry and its components have recognized health benefits, particularly in relation to combatting inflammation and pathogenic bacterial adhesion. These data will be valuable as a reference to study the response of intestinal cells to other polyphenol-rich food sources, analyze gut microbial responses to cranberry and its metabolites in different cell lines and mammalian hosts to elucidate individualized effects, and to delineate the role of the gut microbiota in facilitating the benefits of cranberry. Moreover, these data will aid in expanding our knowledge on the mechanisms underlying the benefits of cranberry and its components.

Potential of Cranberry Jelly to Prevent Urinary Stone Formation After Cutaneous Ureterostomy: A Case Report.

One complication of cutaneous ureterostomy is urinary stone formation, which may lead to recurrent pyelonephritis. Frequent catheter changes and the prophylactic administration of antibiotics are commonly used to prevent stone formation. Cranberry products have been reported to inhibit stone formation in indwelling urethral catheters. We herein examined the inhibitory effects of a cranberry product on stone formation in a case of catheter occlusion due to stone formation after cutaneous ureterostomy. The results obtained indicate the potential of cranberry products to prevent stone formation after cutaneous ureterostomy requiring catheter placement.

A biofertilizing fungal endophyte of cranberry plants suppresses the plant pathogen Diaporthe.

Fungi colonizing plants are gaining attention because of their ability to promote plant growth and suppress pathogens. While most studies focus on endosymbionts from grasses and legumes, the large and diverse group of ericaceous plants has been much neglected. We recently described one of the very few fungal endophytes promoting the growth of the Ericaceae Vaccinium macrocarpon (American cranberry), notably the Codinaeella isolate EC4. Here, we show that EC4 also suppresses fungal pathogens, which makes it a promising endophyte for sustainable cranberry cultivation. By dual-culture assays on agar plates, we tested the potential growth suppression (or biocontrol) of EC4 on other microbes, notably 12 pathogenic fungi and one oomycete reported to infect not only cranberry but also blueberry, strawberry, tomato plants, rose bushes and olive trees. Under greenhouse conditions, EC4 protects cranberry plantlets infected with one of the most notorious cranberry-plant pathogens, Diaporthe vaccinii, known to cause upright dieback and berry rot. The nuclear genome sequence of EC4 revealed a large arsenal of genes potentially involved in biocontrol. About ∼60 distinct clusters of genes are homologs of secondary metabolite gene clusters, some of which were shown in other fungi to synthesize nonribosomal peptides and polyketides, but in most cases, the exact compounds these clusters may produce are unknown. The EC4 genome also encodes numerous homologs of hydrolytic enzymes known to degrade fungal cell walls. About half of the nearly 250 distinct glucanases and chitinases are likely involved in biocontrol because they are predicted to be secreted outside the cell. Transcriptome analysis shows that the expression of about a quarter of the predicted secondary-metabolite gene clusters and glucan and chitin-degrading genes of EC4 is stimulated when it is co-cultured with D. vaccinii. Some of the differentially expressed EC4 genes are alternatively spliced exclusively in the presence of the pathogen, altering the proteins' domain content and subcellular localization signal, thus adding a second level of proteome adaptation in response to habitat competition. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Diaporthe-induced alternative splicing of biocontrol genes.