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Leveraging blackcurrant anthocyanin (BC) as an indicator and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), gum xanthan (GX), and citric acid (CA) as film fabricating materials, an innovative amine-responsive beef freshness intelligent film, known as CGC-BC, was successfully created. It was found that the physical characteristics, sensitivity to the biogenic amine reaction, and original color of the film were all highly influenced by the pH of the film-forming solutions. The film's freshness monitoring ability was assessed at 4, 25, and 35 °C, and various color changes were employed to monitor beef deterioration. ΔE values and the visual color difference of the low-concentration (SCG-BC-0.08 and SCG-BC-0.16) ammonia-sensitive indicator films demonstrated significant color changes than the high-concentration (SCG-BC-0.24 and SCG-BC-0.32) films. The films biodegradation (37.16 to 51.49%) ability was enhanced with increase in the proportions of BC. As the TVB-N and pH values of beef increased with the different temperatures and time and different color changes were observed from red to pink, black to brown, and yellow., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest We wish to confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication, and there has been no significant financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome. We confirm that all named authors have read and approved the manuscript and that no other persons satisfied the authorship criteria but were not listed. We further affirm that all have agreed on the order of authors. Furthermore, we have given due consideration to the protection of intellectual property with this work and that there are no impediments to publication, including the timing of publication. In so doing, we confirm that we have followed the regulations of our institutions concerning intellectual property., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Blackcurrant ( Ribes nigrum L.) is a berry rich in anthocyanins, bioactive compounds known for their antioxidant and neuroprotective properties that benefit human health., Aims: This study aimed to investigate the effects of blackcurrant and its association with Donepezil on memory impairment, cholinergic neurotransmission, and antioxidant systems in a mouse model of amnesia induced by chronic administration of Scopolamine., Methods: Adult male Swiss mice were given saline, blackcurrant (50 mg/kg, orally), and/or Donepezil (5 mg/kg, orally) and/or Scopolamine (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally)., Results: Behavioral tests revealed that blackcurrant and/or Donepezil prevented the learning and memory deficits induced by Scopolamine. In the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, blackcurrant and/or Donepezil treatments prevented the increase in acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities induced by Scopolamine. Scopolamine also disrupted the glutathione redox system and increased levels of reactive species; nevertheless, blackcurrant and/or Donepezil treatments were able to prevent oxidative stress. Furthermore, these treatments prevented the increase in gene expression and protein density of acetylcholinesterase and the decrease in gene expression of the choline acetyltransferase enzyme induced by Scopolamine., Conclusions: Findings suggest that blackcurrant and Donepezil, either alone or in combination, have anti-amnesic effects by modulating cholinergic system enzymes and improving the redox profile. Therefore, blackcurrant could be used as a natural supplement for the prevention and treatment of memory impairment in neurodegenerative diseases., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Ensuring the safety and stability of minimally processed foods using natural preservatives is of great scientific and commercial interest in modern biotechnology. Berry juice supplementation is increasingly recognized within this field. This study investigated the effectiveness of juices from four berry species Aronia melanocarpa, Ribes nigrum, Vaccinium macrocarpon, and Sambucus nigra, against the food pathogen Bacillus cereus. Overall, the antibacterial potency of juice supplements (up to 10% v/v in tryptic soy broth) followed the order of chokeberry > blackcurrant > cranberry > elderberry, with the latter showing no inhibitory effects. Notably, chokeberry and elderberry juices presented lower acidity and significantly greater phenolic contents (p < 0.05) than blackcurrant and cranberry juices did, suggesting that B. cereus susceptibility is not strictly dependent upon low extracellular pH or elevated anthocyanin levels. Instead, it is inferred to correlate with pro-oxidative effects induced directly at the intracellular level. Accordingly, this paper discusses the antioxidative, acidic, and lipophilic attributes of juices and their constituent fractions, including anthocyanins, to elucidate their biopreservative potential. The results of this study increase our understanding of the antibacterial susceptibility of B. cereus., Competing Interests: Declarations Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of blackcurrant (BC) on gut microbiota abundance and composition, inflammatory and immune responses, and their relationship with bone mass changes. The effects of BC on bone mineral density (BMD), gut microbiota, and blood inflammatory and immune biomarkers were evaluated using DXA, stool and fasting blood collected from a pilot three-arm, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Fifty-one peri- and early postmenopausal women aged 45-60 years were randomly assigned into one of three treatment groups for 6 months: control, low BC (392 mg/day) and high BC (784 mg/day); and 40 women completed the trial. BC supplementation for 6 months effectively mitigated the loss of whole-body BMD (P<.05). Six-month changes (%) in peripheral IL-1β (P=.056) and RANKL (P=.052) for the high BC group were marginally significantly lower than the control group. Six-month changes in whole-body BMD were inversely correlated with changes in RANKL (P<.01). In proteome analysis, four plasma proteins showed increased expression in the high BC group: IGFBP4, tetranectin, fetuin-B, and vitamin K-dependent protein S. BC dose-dependently increased the relative abundance of Ruminococcus 2 (P<.05), one of six bacteria correlated with BMD changes in the high BC group (P<.05), suggesting it might be the key bacteria that drove bone protective effects. Daily BC consumption for 6 months mitigated bone loss in this population potentially through modulating the gut microbiota composition and suppressing osteoclastogenic cytokines. Larger-scale clinical trials on the potential benefits of BC and connection of Ruminococcus 2 with BMD maintenance in postmenopausal women are warranted. Trial Registration: NCT04431960, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04431960., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interests The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this work was to develop two freeze-dried snacks from blackcurrant and different sweeteners: honey/isomalt (HI) sweetened with honey/isomalt, and isomalt/stevia (IS) sweetened with isomalt/stevia. Both snacks showed high bioactive compounds retention (>75%) and no significant changes in several physicochemical properties after 6 months storage. Fresh snacks were hard and crunchy, and the perception of consumers within liking categories was: HI: 43%, and IS: 72%. After storage HI snack showed higher acceptance by consumers (75% within liking categories) while IS snack showed a decrease in their acceptance (63% within disliking categories). The penalty analysis showed that the sensory shelf-life of both snacks would be limited by the changes produced in texture and color during storage. HI snack could reach six storage months, while IS would be stored up to 3 months. The use of diverse sweeteners allowed obtaining two different products which could be incorporated into a healthy diet., Competing Interests: DECLARATION OF CONFLICTING INTERESTSThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Due to the high level of organic acids - primarily citric acid - black, red, and white currants have an excessively sour taste, making taste adjustment during processing challenging. This study investigated and evaluated the effects of an inoculation dose of the acid-reducing yeast Issatchenkia terricola WJL-G4 on several aspect such as physicochemical properties, chromaticity, active substances, and antioxidant capacity. A sensory evaluation was also conducted., Results: The results indicated that, when the inoculation dose increased from 2% to 12%, the total phenol, total flavonoid, and total anthocyanin content, and antioxidant capacity in currant juice decreased. A low inoculation dose (2-4%) was beneficial for preserving the total phenol and total flavonoid content. Although the levels of most phenolic compounds decreased, the concentrations of caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, rutin, and epicatechin were significantly higher than the control after fermentation. Overall acceptability and taste scores of fermented currants improved compared with those of the control group., Conclusion: This experiment provided an effective solution, with a theoretical basis, to the problems of the sour taste and harsh flavor of currant juice. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.)

This study reveals striking differences in the content and composition of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds in blackcurrant buds (Ribes nigrum L., cv. Ben Klibreck) resulting from winter chill or chemical dormancy release following treatment with ERGER, a biostimulant used to promote uniform bud break. Buds exposed to high winter chill exhibited widespread shifts in metabolite profiles relative to buds that experience winter chill by growth under plastic. Specifically, extensive chilling resulted in significant reductions in storage lipids and phospholipids, and increases in galactolipids relative to buds that experienced lower chill. Similarly, buds exposed to greater chill exhibited higher levels of many amino acids and dipeptides, and nucleotides and nucleotide phosphates than those exposed to lower chilling hours. Low chill buds (IN) subjected to ERGER treatment exhibited shifts in metabolite profiles similar to those resembling high chill buds that were evident as soon as 3 days after treatment. We hypothesise that chilling induces a metabolic shift which primes bud outgrowth by mobilising lipophilic energy reserves, enhancing phosphate availability by switching from membrane phospholipids to galactolipids and enhancing the availability of free amino acids for de novo protein synthesis by increasing protein turnover. Our results additionally suggest that ERGER acts at least in part by priming metabolism for bud outgrowth. Finally, the metabolic differences presented highlight the potential for developing biochemical markers for dormancy status providing an alternative to time-consuming forcing experiments., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Purpose: To determine if 7d of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract alters the heat shock, inflammatory and apoptotic response during prolonged exertional-heat stress., Methods: Ten men (Age: 29 ± 2 years, Stature: 1.82 ± 0.02 m, Mass: 80.3 ± 2.7 kg, V̇O 2max : 56 ± 2 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ) ingested two capsules of CurraNZ ™ (NZBC extract: 210 mg anthocyanins·day -1 ) or PLACEBO for 7d prior to 1 h treadmill run (65% V̇O 2max ) in hot ambient conditions (34 °C/40% RH). Blood samples were collected before (Pre), immediately after (Post), 1 h after (1-Post), and 4 h after (4-Post) exercise. Heat shock proteins (HSP90, HSP70, HSP32) were measured in plasma. HSP and protein markers of inflammatory capacity (TLR4, NF-κB) and apoptosis (BAX/BCL-2, Caspase 9) were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)., Results: eHSP32 was elevated at baseline in NZBC(+ 31%; p < 0.001). In PLACEBO HSP32 content in PBMC was elevated at 4-Post(+ 98%; p = 0.002), whereas in NZBC it fell at Post(- 45%; p = 0.030) and 1-Post(- 48%; p = 0.026). eHSP70 was increased at Post in PLACEBO(+ 55.6%, p = 0.001) and NZBC (+ 50.7%, p = 0.010). eHSP90 was increased at Post(+ 77.9%, p < 0.001) and 1-Post(+ 73.2%, p < 0.001) in PLACEBO, with similar increases being shown in NZBC (+ 49.0%, p = 0.006 and + 66.2%, p = 0.001; respectively). TLR4 and NF-κB were both elevated in NZBC at PRE(+ 54%, p = 0.003 and + 57%, p = 0.004; respectively). Main effects of study condition were also shown for BAX/BCL-2(p = 0.025) and Caspase 9 (p = 0.043); both were higher in NZBC., Conclusion: 7d of NZBC extract supplementation increased eHSP32 and PBMC HSP32 content. It also increased inflammatory and apoptotic markers in PBMC, suggesting that NZBC supports the putative inflammatory response that accompanies exertional-heat stress., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Previous clinical studies indicate that monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibition by blackcurrants must be predominantly attributed to bioactives other than anthocyanins. In this natural products discovery study, MAO-A/B inhibitory phytochemicals were isolated from blackcurrants, and a double-blind crossover study investigated the efficacy of freeze-dried whole-fruit blackcurrant powder in inhibiting MAO-B compared with blackcurrant juice in healthy adults. Platelet MAO-B inhibition was comparable between powder (89% ± 6) and juice (91% ± 4), and it was positively correlated with MAO-modulated plasma catecholamines, subjective alertness, and reduced mental fatigue, assessed using the Bond-Lader questionnaire. Sarmentosin, a nitrile glycoside, and its hydroxycinnamoyl esters were identified as novel MAO-A/B inhibitors from blackcurrant in vitro , and sarmentosin was demonstrated to inhibit platelet MAO-B activity in vivo . These findings confirm sarmentosin as the primary bioactive for MAO-A/B inhibition in blackcurrants, as well as its bioavailability and stability during freeze-drying, and suggest that consuming blackcurrant powder and juice may positively affect mood in healthy adults.

Fruit pomace, as a by-product of fruit and vegetable processing, is a cheap and easily accessible material for further processing that can replace selected recipe ingredients, most often flour. In addition, their advantage is their high health-promoting potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the simultaneous use of erythritol (100% sucrose substitution) and the addition of varying amounts of blackcurrant, chokeberry and apple pomace (0%, 10%, 30% and 50% by weight of flour) on the glycaemic response after consumption of shortbread cookies in an in vivo study with humans (ISO 26642:2010). It was shown that an increase in the addition of each type of pomace reduced the glycaemic index value of the cookies. The pomace and sucrose-sweetened cookies were classified in the medium and low GI group. For each type of pomace, an increase in its share in the recipe of cookies was associated with a reduction in GI values (pomace: apple 49.1-37.2%, blackcurrant 56.4-41.0%, chokeberry 59.4-35.5%). Similar correlations were shown for the use of erythritol (pomace: apple 39.5-29.1%, blackcurrant 43.9-31.9%, chokeberry 34.6-20.7%). A significant effect of pomace addition on the GI values of shortbread cookies, was only observed for sucrose-sweetened products. The results obtained allow the conclusion that there is potential for the use of waste raw materials in the production of functional foods., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance and impaired glucose homeostasis, is commonly managed through lifestyle interventions and medications such as metformin. Although metformin is generally well-tolerated, it may cause gastrointestinal adverse effects and, in rare cases, precipitate lactic acidosis, necessitating cautious use in individuals with renal dysfunction. Additionally, concerns regarding its impact on hepatic function have led to its discontinuation in cirrhotic patients. This study explores the potential synergistic benefits of a polyphenol-rich blend containing black currant, chokeberry, and black elderberry extracts alongside metformin in managing type 2 diabetes. In vitro results highlighted distinct effects of AMPK pathway modulation, showcasing reductions in cholesterol and triglyceride levels alongside a notable enhancement in glucose uptake. The blend, when combined with metformin, significantly reduced insulin levels and fasting glucose concentrations in an in vivo model. Furthermore, hepatic analyses unveiled a modulation in cellular pathways, suggesting a potential influence on lipid metabolism, attenuation of inflammatory pathways, a decrease in cellular stress response, and antioxidant defense mechanisms, collectively implying a potential reduction in liver fat accumulation. The findings suggest a potential complementary role of polyphenols in enhancing the efficacy of metformin, possibly allowing for reduced metformin dosage and mitigating its side effects. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings and establish the safety and efficacy of this nutraceutical approach in managing type 2 diabetes., Competing Interests: K.Z., B.K., L.B., K.L., and P.K. are employees of AronPharma Ltd. K.Z., B.K., K.L., and P.K. have a patent pending for AP029 blend no. P.444522., (Copyright © 2024 Katarzyna Zima et al.)

α-Dicarbonyls and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are the heat-induced potential toxicants commonly found in thermally processed foods due to the Maillard reaction. Research has shown that both α-dicarbonyls and AGEs can cause oxidative stress and inflammation and have a positive link with several chronic diseases, such as diabetes. This study found that commonly consumed berry fruits exhibited excellent methylglyoxal (MGO)-trapping and antiglycative activities, positively associated with their total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Blackcurrant exhibited the strongest MGO-trapping and antiglycative activities among the tested berry fruits. In addition, we demonstrated that fortification with blackcurrant significantly reduced α-dicarbonyls and AGEs formation in the chocolate cookies and marinated ground pork. Delphinidin and cyanidin glycosides were identified as the primary bioactive compounds of blackcurrant that trapped MGO to form the corresponding mono- and di-MGO adducts. This study suggested that blackcurrant anthocyanins might serve as a novel additive to reduce the consumption of dietary reactive carbonyl species and AGEs from both animal- and plant-derived processed foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The levels of α-dicarbonyls and advanced glycation end products in ground pork and cookies were significantly reduced when fortified with blackcurrant. The blackcurrant anthocyanins might be a novel agent inhibiting α-dicarbonyls and dietary advanced glycation end products formation in thermally processed foods., (© 2024 Institute of Food Technologists.)

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of anthocyanin-rich black currant extract (BCE) on the structural properties of starch and the inhibition of glycosidases, gathering data and research evidence to support the use of low glycemic index (GI) foods. The BCE induced a change in the starch crystal structure from A-type to V-type, resulting in a drop in digestibility from 81.41 % to 65.57 %. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of BCE on glycosidases activity (α-glucosidase: IC 50  = 0.13 ± 0.05 mg/mL and α-amylase: IC 50  = 2.67 ± 0.16 mg/mL) by inducing a change in spatial conformation were confirmed through in vitro analysis. The presence of a 5'-OH group facilitated the interaction between anthocyanins and receptors of amylose, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. The glycosyl moiety enhanced the affinity for amylose yet lowered the inhibitory effect on α-amylase. The in vivo analysis demonstrated that BCE resulted in a reduction of 3.96 mM·h in blood glucose levels (Area Under Curve). The significant hypoglycemic activity, particularly the decrease in postprandial blood glucose levels, highlights the potential of utilizing BCE in functional foods for preventing diabetes., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Recently, explainability in machine and deep learning has become an important area in the field of research as well as interest, both due to the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) methods and understanding of the decisions made by models. The explainability of artificial intelligence (XAI) is due to the increasing consciousness in, among other things, data mining, error elimination, and learning performance by various AI algorithms. Moreover, XAI will allow the decisions made by models in problems to be more transparent as well as effective. In this study, models from the 'glass box' group of Decision Tree, among others, and the 'black box' group of Random Forest, among others, were proposed to understand the identification of selected types of currant powders. The learning process of these models was carried out to determine accuracy indicators such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. It was visualized using Local Interpretable Model Agnostic Explanations (LIMEs) to predict the effectiveness of identifying specific types of blackcurrant powders based on texture descriptors such as entropy, contrast, correlation, dissimilarity, and homogeneity. Bagging (Bagging&#95;100), Decision Tree (DT0), and Random Forest (RF7&#95;gini) proved to be the most effective models in the framework of currant powder interpretability. The measures of classifier performance in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score for Bagging&#95;100, respectively, reached values of approximately 0.979. In comparison, DT0 reached values of 0.968, 0.972, 0.968, and 0.969, and RF7&#95;gini reached values of 0.963, 0.964, 0.963, and 0.963. These models achieved classifier performance measures of greater than 96%. In the future, XAI using agnostic models can be an additional important tool to help analyze data, including food products, even online.

Alginate films plasticized with glycerol and enriched in raspberry and/or black currant seed oils were prepared via casting solution techniques. The intention was to create active films for food packaging where antioxidants in a film would deactivate oxidants in a packed product or its surroundings, improving conditions inside packaging and extending the shelf life of such a product. The prepared materials were characterized by physicochemical, spectroscopic, mechanical, water vapor transmission (WVTR), and antioxidant activity analysis. Infrared spectra of the alginate films with oils were similar to those without the additive; the band with a maximum at about 1740 cm -1 stood out. The prepared materials with oils were thicker, contained less water, were more yellow, and were less permeable to water vapor. Moreover, the presence of the oil in the films resulted in a slightly lower Young's modulus and lower stress at break values but higher strain at break. The antioxidant capacity of raspberry seed oil itself was about five times higher than that of black currant seed oil, and a similar trend was noticed for films modified with these oils. The results indicated that both oils could be used as active substances with antioxidant properties in food packaging.

Microwave assisted aqueous two-phase system (MA-ATPS) was used to simultaneously extract two polysaccharides from blackcurrant. Under the suitable ATPS (ethanol/(NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 , 26.75 %/18.98 %) combining with the optimal MA conditions (liquid-to-material ratio 58.5 mL/g, time 9.5 min, temperature 60.5 °C, power 587 W) predicted by response surface methodology, the yields of the top/bottom phase polysaccharides were 13.08 ± 0.37 % and 42.65 ± 0.89 %, respectively. After purification through column chromatography, the top phase polysaccharide (PRTP) and bottom phase polysaccharide (PRBP) were obtained. FT-IR, methylation and NMR analyses confirmed that the repeating unit in the backbone of PRTP was →2, 5)-α-L-Araf-(1 → 3)-α-D-Manp-(1 → 6)-β-D-Galp-(1 → 6)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → 4)-α-L-Rhap-(1 → 4)-α-D-GalAp-(1→, while the possible unit in PRBP was →4)-α-L-Rhap-(1 → 3)-α-D-Manp-(1 → 6)-β-D-Galp-(1 → 6)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → 2, 5)-α-L-Araf-(1 → 4)-α-D-GalAp-(1→. PRBP with relatively low molecular weight exhibited better stability, rheological property, free radical scavenging and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities than PRTP. PRTP and PRBP were reversible mixed-type inhibitors for AChE, and the conformation of AChE was changed after binding with the polysaccharides. Molecular docking, fluorescence and isothermal titration calorimetry assays revealed that PRTP and PRBP quenched the fluorescence through static quenching mechanism, and the van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding played key roles in the stability of polysaccharide-enzyme complexes. This study provided a theoretical basis for blackcurrant polysaccharides as AChE inhibitors to treat Alzheimer's disease., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between antioxidant and anticancer properties of extracts from blackcurrant ( Ribes nigrum L.) leaves and their fractions and chemical contents. Dried ethanolic extract was divided into three fractions using solid phase extraction: aqueous (F1), 40% MeOH (F2), and 70% MeOH (F3). Both the extract and the fractions were analyzed in terms of antiradical activity (DPPH • and ABTS +• ), total phenolic compounds, and total flavonoids. The antitumor potential of the fractions was evaluated in vitro on human colorectal (HCT 116) and prostate (PC-3) cancer cells. Phenolics were identified using HPLC-QTOF-MS, and twelve compounds were quantified by HPLC-DAD. Finally, principal component analysis was carried out to assess the relationship between the tested factors. The results confirmed that blackcurrant leaves are a rich source of phenolics with high antioxidant activity and anticancer properties. It was demonstrated that the F2 fraction had the highest content of phenolics and the highest antiradical activity. Additionally, only this fraction showed cytotoxic activity against HCT 116 cells. It was confirmed that both the blackcurrant leaf extract and its fractions are a promising source of condensed active compounds and can be used as natural functional food additives.

Many plant-derived flavonoids are known for their anti-neuroinflammatory and anti-neurodegenerative effects. The fruits and leaves of the black currant (BC, Ribes nigrum ) contain these phytochemicals with therapeutic benefits. The current study presents a report on a standardized BC gemmotherapy extract (BC-GTE) that is prepared from fresh buds. It provides details about the phytoconstituent profile specific to the extract as well as the associated antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory properties. The reported BC-GTE was found to contain approximately 133 phytonutrients, making it unique in its composition. Furthermore, this is the first report to quantify the presence of significant flavonoids such as luteolin, quercetin, apigenin, and kaempferol. Drosophila melanogaster -based tests revealed no cytotoxic but nutritive effects. We also demonstrated that adult male Wistar rats, pretreated with the analyzed BC-GTE and assessed after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, did not show any apparent increase in body size in the microglial cells located in the hippocampal CA1 region, while in control experiments, the activation of microglia was evident. Moreover, no elevated levels of serum-specific TNF-α were observed under the LPS-induced neuroinflammatory condition. The analyzed BC-GTE's specific flavonoid content, along with the experimental data based on an LPS-induced inflammatory model, suggest that it possesses anti-neuroinflammatory/neuroprotective properties. This indicates that the studied BC-GTE has the potential to be used as a GTE-based complementary therapeutic approach.

Red currant fruits are a valuable source of micro- and macronutrients, vitamins, and chemical compounds with health-promoting properties, the properties of which change depending on the harvest date and the time and method of storage. This study analysed the effect of applying 10 ppm ozone gas for 15 and 30 min on the mechanical properties, chemical properties and microbiological stability of three organic-grown red currant fruit cultivars. Fruits harvested at the time of harvest maturity had significantly larger diameters and weights and lower water contents compared with fruits harvested seven days earlier, and the ozonation process, regardless of its harvesting date, reduced the physical parameters in question (diameter, weight, and water content). The ascorbic acid content of the ozonated fruit varied, with the highest decreases observed for fruit harvested 7 days before the optimal harvest date and stored for 15 days under refrigeration (an average decrease of 13.31% compared with the control fruit without ozonation). In general, the ozonation process had a positive effect on the variation of fruit antioxidant activity, with the highest average values obtained for fruit harvested 7 days before the optimum harvest date and stored for 15 days under refrigeration conditions; in addition, it also had an effect on reducing the development of microorganisms, including mesophilic aerobic bacteria, yeasts, and moulds, mainly for the cultivar 'Losan'.

The effects of commercial enzymes (pectinases, cellulases, beta-1-3-glucanases, and pectin lyases) on the recovery of anthocyanins and polyphenols from blackcurrant press cake were studied considering two solid:solvent ratios (1:10 and 1:4 w/v). β-glucanase enabled the recovery of the highest total phenolic content - 1142 mg/100 g, and the extraction of anthocyanins was similar using all enzymes (∼400 mg/100 g). The use of cellulases and pectinases enhanced the extraction of antioxidants (DPPH - 1080 mg/100 g; CUPRAC - 3697 mg/100 g). The freeze-dried extracts presented antioxidant potential (CUPRAC, DPPH), which was associated with their biological effects in different systems: antiviral activity against both non-enveloped viruses (enterovirus coxsackievirus A-9) and enveloped coronaviruses (HCoV-OC43), and cytotoxicity towards cancer cells (A549 and HCT8). No cytotoxic effects on normal human lung fibroblast (IMR90) were observed, and no anti-inflammatory activity was detected in lipopolysaccharides-treated murine immortalised microglial cells., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to determine the variability of several chemical compounds and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of eight types of berries harvested from two different geographical regions in the same year. The analyses were performed on bilberry, black currant, gooseberry, red currant, raspberry, sea buckthorn, strawberry and sour cherry, which were handpicked during the summer of 2019, in the same periods when they are typically harvested for consumer purposes. Total anthocyanins content (TAC), total flavonoids content (TFC), total polyphenolic compounds (TPC), determination of the Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), determination of the DPPH free radical scavenging assay (RSA), determination of nine phenolic compounds by HPLC-UV assay and antimicrobial activity were determined for undiluted hydroalcoholic extracts of all the studied berries. The results showed that the berries from Romania were richer in antioxidant compounds than the berries from Russia. The TPC content varied between 4.13-22.2 mg GAE/g d.w., TFC between 3.33-8.87 mg QE/g d.w. and TAC between 0.13-3.94 mg/g d.w. The highest variability was determined for TPC. Regarding the antioxidant activity assessed by FRAP assay, values were between 6.02-57.23 µmols TE/g d.w. and values for the RSA method between 18.44-83.81%. From the eight types of berries analyzed, bilberries and raspberries had the highest antioxidant activity considering both regions and both determination methods. Not only the type, but also the environmental and cultivation conditions in which the berries grow, can lead to variations in their chemical composition. The extracted polyphenolic compounds from the studied berries showed antibacterial properties on pathogens, such as Escherichia coli , Bacillus subtilis and Staphyloccocus aureus . The inhibitory action on Salmonella typhi and fungi Candida albicans and Aspegillus niger was absent to very low. The antimicrobial activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts was dependent on the provenance of the berries, too.

High-fat diets are associated with neuronal and memory dysfunction. Berries may be useful in improving age-related memory deficits in humans, as well as in mice receiving high-fat diets. Emerging research has also demonstrated that brain health and cognitive function may be related to the dynamic changes in the gut microbiota. In this study, the impact of Nordic berries on the brain and the gut microbiota was investigated in middle-aged C57BL/6J mice. The mice were fed high-fat diets (60%E fat) supplemented with freeze-dried powder (6% dwb) of bilberry, lingonberry, cloudberry, blueberry, blackcurrant, and sea buckthorn for 4 months. The results suggest that supplementation with bilberry, blackcurrant, blueberry, lingonberry, and (to some extent) cloudberry has beneficial effects on spatial cognition, as seen by the enhanced performance following the T-maze alternation test, as well as a greater proportion of DCX-expressing cells with prolongation in hippocampus. Furthermore, the proportion of the mucosa-associated symbiotic bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila increased by 4-14 times in the cecal microbiota of mice fed diets supplemented with lingonberry, bilberry, sea buckthorn, and blueberry. These findings demonstrate the potential of Nordic berries to preserve memory and cognitive function, and to induce alterations of the gut microbiota composition.

This study evaluates the physicochemical and microbiological properties and sensory parameters of beef patties formulated with black chokeberry (B1), blackberry (B2), red currant (B3) and blueberry (B4) pomace water extracts during refrigerated storage over 9 days. The berry pomace extract treatment significantly decreased the TBARS numbers of the samples (P < 0.05). The lowest total carbonyl content was determined in the groups of B1 and B3 on the 6th day (P < 0.05). The berry pomace extract treatment did not affect the lightness values of the samples (P > 0.05). Beef patties including berry pomace extracts had lower coliform bacteria counts than the control patty C with no extract (P < 0.05), except for day 9. The results suggest that water extract of black chokeberry pomace may be a promising natural preservative among different berries' pomace extracts to improve oxidative stability and increase the microbiological quality of beef patties during refrigerated storage., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Leaves of Rubus fruticosus L., Vaccinum myrtillus L., Ribes nigrum L. and Fragaria vesca L. are considered agro-waste of the berry industry, but they can be a rich source of valuable bioactive compounds used in cosmetic industry. In this study, kombucha-fermented and non-fermented extracts were compared in terms of chemical composition and biological activity. Polyphenol compounds were identified by HPLC/DAD/ESI-MS. The antioxidant potential was analyzed by evaluating the scavenging of intracellular free radicals contained in keratinocytes and fibroblasts and by DPPH and ABTS assay, obtaining a higher radical scavenging capacity for the ferments, especially for R. fruticosus and V. myrtillus ferments. Assessment of the cytotoxicity on skin cell lines showed their positive effect on the viability of fibroblasts and keratinocytes (especially for the ferments after 10 days of fermentation). The potential anti-ageing properties were determined by their ability to inhibit the activity of metalloproteinases, obtaining almost 30% inhibition of collagenase and elastase in the case of fermented V. myrtillus . Moreover, when the samples were applied to the skin, the positive effect of ferments on skin hydration and pH was demonstrated, which indicates that kombucha berry leaf extracts may be an innovative cosmetic ingredient.

Blackcurrant juice ( Ribes nigrum L.) was subjected to supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCD) at 10, 30, and 60 MPa for 10 min at 45 °C, as well as thermally treated at 45 and 85 °C for 10 min to determine the stability, antioxidant capacity (AC), and bioaccessibility (BAc) of vitamin C, total anthocyanins, and their individual monomers. An in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model completed with dialysis was used to assess BAc. The use of SCCD at each of the pressures applied improved the stability of vitamin C, total anthocyanins, and AC before in vitro digestion. As a result of digestion, the total content of vitamin C, anthocyanins, and AC decreased. The highest BAc of vitamin C was noted in fresh juice (FJ) (40%) and after mild heat treatment at 45 °C (T45) (46%). The highest BAc of total anthocyanins was also noted in the FJ (4.4%). The positive effect of the application of SCCD on the BAc of the delphinidin-3 -O- glycosides was observed compared to T45 and thermal pasteurization at 85 °C (T85). Although SCCD did not significantly improve the BAc of vitamin C and total anthocyanins, the higher AC of SCCD samples after intestinal digestion (ABTS+• and DPPH•) and in dialysate (ABTS+•) compared to thermally treated was observed. The protocatechuic acid was detected by UPLC-PDA-MS/MS as the major metabolite formed during the digestion of delphinidin-3- O -rutinoside. This may indicate the influence of SCCD on improvement of the accessibility of antioxidants for digestion, thanks to which more metabolites with high antioxidant activity were released.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Ribes diacanthum Pall (RDP) is mostly distributed in Mongolia. As a Mongolian folk medicinal plant, it is traditionally used to treat kidney diseases by the native inhabitants of Mongolia due to its effect of increasing urine output and eliminating edema. However, its renal protection mechanism remains to be elucidated., Aim of the Study: To assess the pharmacological mechanism of RDP from an anti-inflammatory point of view using cisplatin (CDDP)-induced kidney injury models in vivo and in vitro. The influence of RDP on the chemotherapy efficacy of CDDP was also evaluated in vitro., Materials and Methods: We established a CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity mouse model and a Human Renal Tubular Epithelial (HK-2) damage cellular model, respectively. In vivo, kidney function, the content of urine albumin, and renal histopathology examination were performed to observe the kidney injury. Moreover, the expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines and adhesive molecules were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and real-time PCR. The key protein levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor kappa B (MAPK/NF-κB) signaling pathway were measured by western blotting analysis. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was carried out to detect the activation of NF-κB. In vitro, inflammatory mediators and the proteins related to the NF-κB signaling pathway in HK-2 cells were measured by western blotting analysis. Besides, A549 cell lines were treated with CDDP and RDP to explore RDP's impact on CDDP chemotherapy., Results: Gavage RDP decreased the elevated levels of serum creatinine (Scr), urea nitrogen (BUN), as well as the ratio of urine albumin and creatinine, ameliorated pathological changes of kidney tissue. Correspondingly, the RDP administration group showed a higher survival rate than that of the CDDP exposed group. The expression levels of a plethora of inflammatory mediators were inhibited by RDP treatment compared with the CDDP-exposed group. Furthermore, protein expression levels of MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway significantly decreased after RDP intervention. For in vitro studies, we confirmed the inhibitory effect of RDP on relative protein expressions involving in the NF-κB pathway. The results also showed that RDP had no impairment on the inhibitory effect of CDDP on A549 cells., Conclusion: These findings demonstrated RDP's anti-inflammatory effect against CDDP nephrotoxicity through in vivo and in vitro experiments, and suggested that RDP may have a potential application as an adjuvant medication for CDDP chemotherapy and other inflammatory kidney diseases., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Ultrasound treatment is recognized as a potential technique for improvement in the nutritional values of fruit juices. This study was initiated with the objective of evaluating bioactive compounds and some important quality parameters of black (BC), red (RC) and white (WC) currant juices obtained from fruit mash preliminarily treated by enzymes combined with ultrasound. Individual and total phenolic content (TPC), anthocyanins, color parameters, ascorbic acid, antioxidant capacity (TEAC), juice yield, pH, titratable acidity, and soluble solids were investigated. Significant increases in the levels of TPC and antioxidant capacity of sonicated samples were observed. However, ultrasound treatment had no effect on individual phenolic compounds of juices. Sonication of mash before juice pressing did not cause any noticeable changes in ascorbic acid content. Only in the case of WC was an increase in content of vitamin C noticed. The color of juices obtained after treatment was similar to the control sample. It was demonstrated that enzymatic combined with ultrasound treatment of mash for different colored currant fruit did not have any dismissive effect and could even improve some parameters of the juice obtained.

New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract is a rich source of anthocyanins and in order to exert physiological effects, the anthocyanin-derived metabolites need to be bioavailable in vivo . We examined the plasma uptake of selected phenolic acids following NZBC extract supplementation alongside maintaining a habitual diet (i.e. not restricting habitual polyphenol intake). Twenty healthy volunteers (nine females, age: 28   ±   7   years, height 1.73   ±   0.09 m, body mass 73   ±   11   kg) consumed a 300   mg NZBC extract capsule (CurraNZ ® ; anthocyanin content 105   mg) following an overnight fast. Venous blood samples were taken pre and 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6   h post-ingestion of the capsule. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for analysis of two dihydroxybenzoic acids [i.e. vanillic acid (VA) and protocatechuic acid (PCA)] and one trihydroxybenzoic acid [i.e. gallic acid (GA)] in plasma following NZBC extract supplementation. Habitual anthocyanin intake was 168 (95%CI:68-404) mg⋅day -1 and no associations were observed between this and VA, PCA, and GA plasma uptake by the NZBC extract intake. Plasma time-concentration curves revealed that GA, and PCA were most abundant at 4, and 1.5   h post-ingestion, representing a 261% and 320% increase above baseline, respectively, with VA remaining unchanged. This is the first study to demonstrate that an NZBC extract supplement increases the plasma uptake of phenolic acids GA, and PCA even when a habitual diet is followed in the days preceding the experimental trial, although inter-individual variability is apparent.

Skin volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cause body odor or reveal human disease and may result from lipid peroxidation or activity by skin bacteria. We examined the effect of intake of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) powder for 77 skin VOCs in middle-aged and older adults in a crossover design. Fourteen adults (nine males, age: 55 ± 5 yrs) consumed NZBC powder for 7 days (6 g·day -1 with 138.6 mg anthocyanins). Two hours after the last intake, a passive flux sampler with trapping media was applied in the base of the neck for 1 hour. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for media analysis. Habitual anthocyanin intake was quantified using a food frequency questionnaire. Compared to control (i.e., no intake of NZBC powder), emission of six skin VOCs (i.e., 2-nonenal, acetic acid, 2-hexanone, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, benzaldehyde, allyl methyl sulfide) were lower by more than 25%. Increases were observed for γ-octanolactone (+184%) and γ-decanolactone (+89%). A trend for a decrease for isovaleraldehyde, hexanal, and 2-pentanone, and an increase for heptanoic acid and γ-nonanolactone was observed. There was a significant correlation with daily habitual dietary anthocyanin intake for control values of hexanal and percentage change of γ-octanolactone. NZBC powder can change emanation of some VOCs in human skin. Analysis of skin VOCs following specific polyphenol intake may address the impact of dietary components to affect internal metabolic processes, body odor, and health.

The aims of the study were to investigate the ability and effectiveness of an oral intake of a fixed combination of zinc, L-carnitine, elderberry extract, black currant and Eleutherococcus extract in controlling the symptoms of eyestrain in videoterminal (VDT) users and to record its effects on contrast sensitivity. A single-center, phase II, observational, case-control, 1-month study in VDT workers without dry eye disease was carried out. Demographics and number of actual hours at VDT/day were taken into account. All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, including assessment of contrast sensitivity, and completed the computer vision symptom scale questionnaire at baseline and one month later. A total of 30 Caucasian subjects adhered to the required inclusion criteria and completed the study; 15 subjects were treated (T) and 15 were controls (C). All clinical data at baseline were similar in both groups ( p > 0.05): after one month, all subjects had stable visual acuity, refractive defect and intraocular pressure (IOP); screen exposure time was unchanged. Regarding symptoms, at randomization, the groups had a similar score: 33.1 ± 3.3 in T and 32.8 ± 5.6 in C. One month later, the computer vision symptom scale (CVSS) questionnaire score decreased by -14.1 ± 3, 1 ( p = 0.000) and -2.3 ± 1.8 ( p = 0.568), respectively. Regarding contrast sensitivity, in group C the values of spatial frequencies remained unchanged, while they improved in almost all the cycles per degree stimuli in the treated group. Oral intake of a fixed combination of zinc, L-carnitine, elderberry extract, black currant and eleutherococcus extract can significantly improve contrast sensitivity and symptoms in VDT workers with no signs of dry eye disease.

Polyphenols are bioactive compounds found naturally in fruits and vegetables; they are widely used in disease prevention and health maintenance. Polyphenol-rich blackcurrant extract (BCE) exerts beneficial effects on vascular health in menopausal model animals. However, the vasculoprotective effects in diabetes mellitus (DM) and atherosclerotic vascular disease secondary to DM are unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether BCE is effective in preventing atherosclerosis using KK-A y mice as a diabetes model. The mice were divided into three groups and fed a high-fat diet supplemented with 1% BCE (BCE1), 3% BCE (BCE2), or Control for 9 weeks. The mice in the BCE2 group showed a considerable reduction in the disturbance of elastic lamina, foam cell formation, and vascular remodeling compared to those in the BCE1 and Control groups. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that the score of endothelial nitric oxide synthase staining intensity was significantly higher in both BCE2 (2.9) and BCE1 (1.9) compared to that in the Control (1.1). Furthermore, the score for the percentage of alpha-smooth muscle actin was significantly lower in the BCE2 (2.9%) than in the Control (2.1%). Our results suggest that the intake of anthocyanin-rich BCE could have beneficial effects on the blood vessels of diabetic patients.

The objective was to analyze the phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, and physical characteristics of 10 blackcurrant cultivars, their juices, and the enzymatic inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2. Fruit masses ranged from 0.47 to 1.22 g and diameters from 7.42 to 14.42 mm. For the juices, pH ranged from 2.80 to 2.96, soluble solids from 11.33% to 17.5%, total acidity from 3.17 to 4.26 g/100 mL, and viscosity from 1.28 to 273.83 mPa·s. Total anthocyanins (TA) ranged from 1.81 to 5.48 mg eq cyanidin 3-O-glucoside/100 g, total polyphenols (TP) from 7.67 to 39.70 mg eq gallic acid/100 g, total condensed tannins from 3.24 to 7.76 g eq catechin/100 g, and antioxidant capacity from 219.24 to 499.26 μmol eq Trolox/100 g. Juices of the cultivars Coronet and Consort contained the highest levels of TA, TP, and antioxidants. Whistler cultivar contained high concentrations of major anthocyanins. Juices from all cultivars favorably inhibited the activities of enzymes used as surrogate biochemical markers for T2 diabetes and inflammation., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Berries of blackcurrant are known to produce a strong flavor. Some previous studies have reported that a given cultivar of blackcurrant can produce berries with a specific profile of volatile compounds. For the Burgundy region in France, the Noir de Bourgogne cultivar is especially important because it is the main ingredient of a liquor with a designation of origin. The aim of the present study was to characterize the volatile fractions of berries from 15 cultivars in order to explore the possibility of using different cultivars for liquor production. The plants were cultivated under the same conditions and harvested in the same year. The volatile fractions of the harvested berries were analyzed using HS-SPME-GC-MS. Thorough univariate statistical analysis and multivariate analysis were applied to the dataset, which made it possible to identify groups within cultivars. The Rosenthal cultivar exhibited a quite flat profile; the Lositkia, Ben Tiran, and Barchatnaia cultivars shared common features; the Noir de Bourgogne cultivar showed the highest amounts of molecules such as 3-carene, limonene, β-phellandrene, ocimene, α-terpinolene, and bicyclogermacrene. None of the studied varieties were close to the Noir de Bourgogne on the basis of VOC analysis.

Novel protein ingredients were produced by encapsulating blackcurrant concentrate (BC) with whey protein through spray-, or freeze-, drying strategies. The effects of encapsulation strategies and the addition of BC on the physical and functional characteristics, and anticancer activity of the ingredients were evaluated. The mechanistic interactions between the blackcurrant anthocyanins (BAs) with the whey protein components were predicted via in silico studies. HPLC results revealed that spray-dried and freeze-dried whey protein-BC encapsulates have effectively delivered the BAs. The physical and functional properties of the proteins were altered by drying strategies and the addition of BC. Anticancer effects were linked to reactive oxygen species production and cell apoptosis towards HepG2. Molecular docking results showed that hydrogen bonds were the main binding forces between BAs and various whey protein molecules, resulting in the formation of complexes. These findings are relevant to the formulation of powdered products to be used as ingredients in practical food matrix., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) may improve forearm muscle oxygenation and enhance performance in high-level rock climbers. As such, using a double-blind, randomised, cross-over design study, twelve participants performed an oxidative capacity assessment, and two successive exhaustive exercise trials (submaximal forearm muscle contractions at 60% of their maximal volitional contraction). Each visit was conducted following 7-days intake of 600 mg·day -1 NZBC extract or placebo. Oxidative capacity was estimated by calculating the oxygen half time recovery using near infrared spectroscopy. Time to exhaustion (s), impulse (kg·s), and minimum tissue saturation index (min-TSI %) were assessed during both the exercise trials. Muscle oxidative capacity was greater with NZBC (mean difference [MD] = 5.3 s, 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] = 0.4-10.2 s; p  = 0.036; Cohen's d  = 0.94). During the exercise trials, there was an interaction for min-TSI % (time x condition, p  = 0.046; η p 2   = 0.372), which indicated a greater level of oxygen extraction during trial two with NZBC extract (MD = 9%, 95% CI = 2-15%) compared to the placebo (MD = 2%, 95% CI = 1-7%). There was a decrease in time to exhaustion ( p <0.001, η p 2  = 0.693) and impulse ( p  = 0.001, η p 2  = 0.672) in exercise trial two, with no effect of NZBC extract. In high-level rock climbers 7-days NZBC extract improves forearm muscle oxygenation with no effect on isolated forearm muscle performance.

Three non-conventional extraction techniques (enzyme-assisted with cellulase, citric acid ultrasound-assisted and enzyme-ultrasound-assisted treatment) and conventional citric acid extraction were applied to obtain pectin from raspberry, blueberry, strawberry and redcurrant, and were compared in terms of extraction yields and physicochemical properties of the extracted pectins. Except for pectin from raspberry, conventional citric acid extraction led to the highest extraction yield (~8%) and, for the same berries, the lowest pectin recovery was found for the extraction with cellulase (~4%). Regarding the structural characteristics of pectins, enzymatically extracted pectins from redcurrant and strawberry exhibited the highest levels of galacturonic acid (≥73%) whereas, in general, this monosaccharide was found from 51 to 69% in the rest of samples. Although, ultrasound-assisted extraction did not improve pectin yield, it minimized the levels of "non-pectic" components leading to the obtainment of purer pectin. The different monomeric composition and the wide range of molecular weight of the obtained pectins pointed out their usefulness in different potential food applications (e.g., thickening, gelling ingredients) and biological activities. This has been evidenced by the differences found in their physicochemical and techno-functional characteristics. Finally, it can be considered that the berries here studied are efficient sources of pectin., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Blackcurrant is rich in anthocyanins that may protect against exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and facilitate a faster recovery of muscle function. We examined the effects of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract on indices of muscle damage and recovery following a bout of strenuous isokinetic resistance exercise., Methods: Using a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled, parallel design, twenty-seven healthy participants received either a 3 g·day -1 NZBC extract ( n = 14) or the placebo (PLA) ( n = 13) for 8 days prior to and 4 days following 60 strenuous concentric and eccentric contractions of the biceps brachii muscle on an isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle soreness (using a visual analogue scale), maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), range of motion (ROM) and blood creatine kinase (CK) were assessed before (0 h) and after (24, 48, 72 and 96 h) exercise., Results: Consumption of NZBC extract resulted in faster recovery of baseline MVC ( p = 0.04), attenuated muscle soreness at 24 h (NZBC: 21 ± 10 mm vs. PLA: 40 ± 23 mm, p = 0.02) and 48 h (NZBC: 22 ± 17 vs. PLA: 44 ± 26 mm, p = 0.03) and serum CK concentration at 96 h (NZBC: 635 ± 921 UL vs. PLA: 4021 ± 4319 UL, p = 0.04) following EIMD., Conclusions: Consumption of NZBC extract prior to and following a bout of eccentric exercise attenuates muscle damage and improves functional recovery. These findings are of practical importance in recreationally active and potentially athletic populations, who may benefit from accelerated recovery following EIMD.

Blackcurrant extract (BCE) ameliorates dyslipidemia in menopausal model animals and in elderly women at a risk of dyslipidemia. However, it is unknown whether the daily intake of BCE can prevent lipid abnormalities in healthy individuals. Lipids are essential for the body, but they also cause arteriosclerosis. In this noncomparative pilot study, we examined the effects of BCE administered for 29 days on serum lipids in young healthy women. Blood samples were collected before and on days 4 and 29 after BCE intake, and 20 lipoprotein fractions in the serum were separated using a gel-permeation high-performance liquid chromatography method to measure the triacylglycerol and cholesterol levels in lipoproteins. There were no effects on lipids on day 4 of BCE intake, but the total cholesterol level decreased on day 29. Furthermore, the levels of total very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, small VLDL cholesterol, and large low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly decreased. These results suggest that the daily intake of BCE has a hypocholesterolemic effect in healthy women, and that it is effective in preventing atherosclerosis.

Aqueous extracts from blackcurrant press cake (BC), Norway spruce bark (NS), Scots pine bark (SP), and sea buckthorn leaves (SB) were obtained using maceration and pressurized hot water and tested for their bioactivities. Maceration provided the extraction of higher dry matter contents, including total phenolics (TPC), anthocyanins, and condensed tannins, which also impacted higher antioxidant activity. NS and SB extracts presented the highest mean values of TPC and antioxidant activity. Individually, NS extract presented high contents of proanthocyanidins, resveratrol, and some phenolic acids. In contrast, SB contained a high concentration of ellagitannins, ellagic acid, and quercetin, explaining the antioxidant activity and antibacterial effects. SP and BC extracts had the lowest TPC and antioxidant activity. However, BC had strong antiviral efficacy, whereas SP can be considered a potential ingredient to inhibit α-amylase. Except for BC, the other extracts decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in HCT8 and A549 cells. Extracts did not inhibit the production of TNF-alpha in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 macrophages but inhibited the ROS generation during the THP-1 cell respiratory burst. The recovery of antioxidant compounds from these by-products is incentivized for high value-added applications., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Red beet betalains, grape anthocyanins, and their mixtures were used as colorants in white currant juice. Storage stability of the compounds was evaluated using liquid chromatography and the degradation kinetic order and parameters were calculated. Degradation of betalains followed first-order kinetics, while the degradation of anthocyanins did not have any trend toward any order kinetics. The coexisting anthocyanins and their concentration affected the rate constant of betalains. Betalains degraded faster than anthocyanins, their mixtures promoted respective degradation. Pyruvate derivatives of anthocyanins showed better stability. During storage, all samples became more yellowish with CIELab method and lighter in color. In the projective mapping sensory test, samples were distinguished by the colorant type as the main criteria and the storage time as the second criteria. Anthocyanin (described as 'dark' and 'natural') was preferred by sensory panelists over betalain (described as 'pink' and 'unnatural'), as were the fresh samples over stored samples., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Ribes nigrum L. (blackcurrant) leaf extracts, due to high levels of flavonols and anthocyanins, have been shown to exhibit beneficial effects in inflammatory diseases. However, whereas their traditional use has been investigated and validated in several models of inflammation and oxidative stress, the possible impact on skin disorders is still largely unknown. The purpose of this work was to elucidate the effects of R. nigrum leaf extract (RNLE) on keratinocyte-derived inflammatory mediators, elicited by a Th1 or Th2 cytokine milieu. HaCaT cells were challenged with TNF-α, either alone or in combination with the costimulatory cytokines IFN-γ or IL-4, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators (IL-8, IL-6, s-ICAM-1, and TSLP) was evaluated. The results showed that RNLE preferentially interferes with IFN-γ signaling, demonstrating only negligible activity on TNF-α or IL-4. This effect was attributed to flavonols, which might also account for the ability of RNLE to impair TNF-α/IL-4-induced TSLP release in a cAMP-independent manner. These results suggest that RNLE could have an antiallergic effect mediated in keratinocytes via mechanisms beyond histamine involvement. In conclusion, the discovery of RNLE preferential activity against IFN-γ-mediated inflammation suggests potential selectivity against Th1 type response and the possible use in Th1 inflammatory diseases.

The gooseberry (Ribes stenocarpum Maxim. (CBZ)) is a wild and noncommercially cultivated berry fruit widely distributed in the Tibetan Plateau. The phenolic constituents from the berry fruit of CBZ were firstly identified by employing UPLC-QTOF MS. A total of 41 compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavonols and dihydroflavonol, were identified in view of their molecular weight, characteristic fragment ions and retention times. Further in vitro enzyme assay indicated that CBZ fruit extract could strongly and effectively inhibited a-glucosidase and α-amylase, with the IC 50 values of 0.013 mg/mL and 0.005 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, the starch/maltose/sucrose tolerance experiment demonstrated that the CBZ fruit extract could reduce the sucrose mediated postprandial blood glucose (PBG) levels in normal mice, and significantly lower starch/maltose/ sucrose mediated PBG levels in diabetic mice. These results suggested that this berry fruit could be used as a dietary supplement, or drug for the control of hyperglycemia., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the isomerization of linoleic (LA) and linolenic acids (LNAs) into their conjugated isomers by Propionibacterium freudenreichii DSM 20270 and utilize this feature for microbial enrichment of blackcurrant press residue (BCPR) with health-beneficial conjugated fatty acids., Methods and Results: First, the ability of P. freudenreichii to isomerize 0·4 mg ml -1 of LA and LNA was studied in lactate growth medium. Free LA and α-LNA were efficiently converted into conjugated linoleic (CLA) and α-linolenic acid (α-CLNA), being the predominant isomers c9,t11-CLA and c9,t11,c15-CLNA, respectively. The bioconversion of α-LNA by P. freudenreichii was more efficient in terms of formation rate, yield and isomer-specificity. Thereafter, free LA and LNAs obtained from hydrolysed BCPR neutral lipids, by lipolytically active oat flour, were subjected to microbial isomerization in BCPR slurries. In 10% (w/v) slurries, a simultaneous enrichment in c9,t11-CLA and c9,t11,c15-CLNA of up to 0·51 and 0·29 mg ml -1 was observed from starting levels of 0·96 mg LA ml -1 and 0·37 mg α-LNA ml -1 respectively., Conclusions: This study shows that growing cultures of P. freudenreichii DSM 20270 are able to simultaneously enrich BCPR with health-beneficial conjugated isomers of LA and α-LNA., Significance and Impact of the Study: This study demonstrates that microbial isomerization technique can be utilized to enrich lipid-containing plant materials with bioactive compounds and thereby enable valorization of low value plant-based side streams from food industry into value-added food ingredients., (© 2020 The Society for Applied Microbiology.)

Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the decline of cognitive function and the progressive loss of memory. The dysfunctions of the cognitive and memory system are closely related to the decreases in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signalings. Ribes fasciculatum, a medicinal plant grown in diverse countries, has been reported to pharmacological effects for autoimmune diseases and aging recently. Here we found that afzelin is a major compound in Ribes fasciculatum. To further examine its neuroprotective effect, the afzelin (100 ng/µl, three times a week) was administered into the third ventricle of the hypothalamus of C57BL/6 mice for one month and scopolamine was injected (i.p.) to these mice to impair cognition and memory before each behavior experiment. The electrophysiology to measure long-term potentiation and behavior tests for cognitive and memory functions were performed followed by investigating related molecular signaling pathways. Chronic administration of afzelin into the brain ameliorated synaptic plasticity and cognitive/memory behaviors in mice given scopolamine. Studies of mice's hippocampi revealed that the response of afzelin was accountable for the restoration of the cholinergic systems and molecular signal transduction via CREB-BDNF pathways. In conclusion, the central administration of afzelin leads to improved neurocognitive and neuroprotective effects on synaptic plasticity and behaviors partly through the increase in CREB-BDNF signaling.

The industrial currants finishing generates a considerable amount of side-stream (FSS) with great potential for biotechnological exploitation. The chemical composition of FSS generated from the premium quality Vostitsa currants was studied. Its use for wine making (at low temperatures, using both free and immobilized yeast) combined with baker's yeast production (with minor nutrient supplementation), is also proposed. Analysis showed that FSS has a rich volatilome (including Maillard reaction/lipid degradation products), increased antioxidant capacity, and total lipid and phenolic contents, compared to the marketable product (currants). However, acidity levels and the presence of specific volatiles (such as acetate esters and higher alcohols) may be indicative of microbial spoilage. The wines made from FSS were methanol free and contained higher levels of terpenes (indicating hydrolysis of bound forms) and fermentation-derived volatiles, compared to FSS. A preliminary technoeconomic analysis for integrated wine/baker's yeast industrial production, showed that the investment is realistic and worthwhile., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant extract (BC) has been shown to ergogenically aid high-intensity exercise. Capacity for such exercise is evaluated by the hyperbolic speed-tolerable duration (S-D tol ) relationship. Therefore, in double-blinded and cross-over randomised controlled trials, 15 males underwent treadmill running incremental exercise testing and were assessed for S-D tol , quantified by critical speed (CS) and D ' (distance), and assessments of time to exhaustion performance to empirically test the limits of the S-D tol relationship, after daily supplementation of 300 mg/d BC (105 mg/d anthocyanin) or placebo. Supplementation with BC did not change CS (placebo 12.1 ± 1.0 km/h vs BC 11.9 ± 1.0 km/h, p  >   .05) or D ' (placebo 918.6 ± 223.2 m vs BC 965.2 ± 231.2 m, p  > .05), although further analysis indicated D ' increased in 60% of subject ( p  =   .08), indicating a trend toward cohorts potentially benefiting from BC supplementation. BC supplementation did not change time to exhaustion at or above CS, maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max ), lactate threshold (LT), submaximal running economy (C R ), or substrate utilisation during exercise (all p  >   .05). In conclusion, we could not detect any beneficial effect of BC supplementation during high-intensity running exercise, including the determining factors S-D tol relationship, VO 2max , LT or C R . Hence, no ergogenic effect was observed.

Ribes meyeri leaves are used as traditional Kazakh medicine in China. However, no study on the characterization of the phenolic compounds in R. meyeri leaves has been reported, resulting in the lack of quality control measures and poor standardization. This study was conducted to identify the phenolic compounds in R. meyeri leaves and evaluate their antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. A total of 77 phenolics were tentatively identified by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was applied to simultaneously quantify 12 phenolics in R. meyeri leaves. Rutin, epigallocatechin, isoquercitrin, epicatechin, protocatechuic acid, and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside were abundant in the R. meyeri leaves. The methanol extract and four different extracts enhanced the glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The ethyl acetate extracts showed a total phenolic content of 966.89 ± 3.59 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, a total flavonoid content of 263.58 ± 17.09 mg catechin equivalents/g, and good protein-tyrosine phosphatase-1B inhibitory activities (IC 50 : 0.60 ± 0.03 μg/mL). To our knowledge, this work is the first to identify and quantify the major phenolics in R. meyeri leaves., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The lack of suitable chromatographic purification methods makes it a challenge to effectively isolate the chemical components of traditional Tibetan medicines. Ribes himalense is a rarely studied Tibetan medicine, reputed to have free radical-scavenging effects. In the present work, we utilized it as a model herb to highlight an approach for the separation of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl inhibitors via medium-pressure chromatography and two-dimensional reversed-phase/reversed-phase interaction liquid chromatography under the guidance of an online high-performance liquid chromatography-1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay. Finally, we obtained two free radical inhibitors (>95% purity) from the R. himalense extract. This is the first report of the rapid isolation of these free radical inhibitors from R. himalense. This method can be useful in quality standard assessment and further pharmacological activity research, and may be used as a reference for the composition research of various natural products., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

High-pressure homogenization (HPH) is one of the food-processing methods being tested for use in food preservation as an alternative to pasteurization. The effects of the HPH process on food can vary depending on the process parameters used and product characteristics. The study aimed to investigate the effect of pressure, the number of passes, and the inlet temperature of HPH processing on the quality of cloudy blackcurrant juice as an example of food rich in bioactive compounds. For this purpose, the HPH treatment (pressure of 50, 150, and 220 MPa; one, three, and five passes; inlet temperature at 4 and 20 °C) and the pasteurization of the juice were performed. Titratable acidity, pH, turbidity, anthocyanin, vitamin C, and total phenolics content, as well as colour, and antioxidant activity were measured. Heat treatment significantly decreased the quality of the juice. For processing of the juice, the best were the combinations of the following: one pass, the inlet temperature of 4 °C, any of the used pressures (50, 150, and 220 MPa); and one pass, the inlet temperature of 20 °C, and the pressure of 150 MPa. Vitamin C and anthocyanin degradation have been reported during the HPH. The multiple passes of the juice through the machine were only beneficial in increasing the antioxidant capacity but negatively affected the colour stability.

Scope: This study aimed to explore the anti-obesity potential of blackcurrant anthocyanins (BCA) and investigate the correlation between the gut microbiota and the BCA-induced beneficial effects., Methods and Results: Male C57BL/6J mice (n = 36) are randomly assigned into low-fat diet group (LFD), high-fat diet group (HFD), and BCA group feeding HFD supplemented with BCA for 12 weeks. Body weight and food intake are monitored weekly. Obesity-related biochemical indexes and the expression levels of genes related to lipid metabolism are determined. Amplicon sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene is conducted to analyze the gut microbiota structure, and spearman correlation analysis is used to determine the correlations between gut microbiota and obesity-related indicators. The results showed that BCA treatment alleviated HFD-induced obesity, hyperlipemia, and hepatic steatosis. Moreover, BCA supplement improved hepatic lipid metabolism by regulating the expression of genes related to the synthesis and degradation of lipids and cholesterols. Microbial analysis revealed that BCA supplementation significantly changed the overall structure and composition of the gut microbiota, and resulted in an enrichment of Akkermansia&#95;muciniphila, which is negatively correlated with the physical biomarkers., Conclusion: This study demonstrated that BCA supplement could be a beneficial treatment for preventing HFD-induced obesity by targeting microbiota., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)