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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2023) | Viewed by 33809

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Prof. Dr. Robert Krikorian

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Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
Interests: cognitive disorders; dementia; berry; blueberry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

During the last two decades, animal and human studies have identified a variety of health benefits associated with supplementation of blueberries and other berry fruits. Basic science experiments and clinical trials have shown that berry intake can enhance cognitive performance in the contexts of aging, cognitive deficit, and in cognitively challenging situations. There is evidence that blueberry and strawberry anthocyanins and Concord grape flavanols induce metabolic and bioenergetic effects that may be linked to cognitive enhancements and other health benefits. For example, human trials have indicated that consumption of blueberry anthocyanins is strongly associated with observed cognitive benefits, corroborating earlier findings in animal studies, and emerging data suggests that anthocyanins can influence metabolic processes and mitochondrial function favorably. Additionally, flavanols derived from Concord grapes can improve endothelial function. This Special Issue of Nutrients will focus on new animal and human investigations assessing the effects of anthocyanins and other flavonoid constituents of berries on cognitive performance with emphasis on putative mechanisms, including metabolic, microbiome, and bioenergetic effects, which have direct and indirect implications for brain health. Consider submitting a manuscript for this Special Issue and alerting colleagues.

Prof. Dr. Robert Krikorian
Guest Editor

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Research

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0 pages, 754 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Cognitive Performance and Mood Effects of Coffeeberry Extract: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study in Healthy Humans

by Philippa A. Jackson, Charlotte Kenney, Joanne Forster, Ellen F. Smith, Rian Elcoate, Bethany Spittlehouse, Jodee Johnson and David O. Kennedy

Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2418; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112418 - 23 May 2023

Viewed by 2560

Abstract

Background: Coffeeberry extract, rich in chlorogenic acids, shows promise in improving mood and cognition, particularly when co-supplemented with phenolic compounds. However, limited work has considered the effects of coffeeberry in isolation, especially at low doses. Objective: The current study investigated the effect of low and moderate doses of coffeeberry extract on cognition and mood. Design: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design investigated three active beverages on a sample of 72 healthy adults aged 18–49 years. The investigational beverages contained 100 mg or 300 mg coffeeberry extract (standardized to 40% chlorogenic acid), or 75 mg caffeine (positive control). Cognition, mood, and subjective energy were measured at baseline and then again at 60 and 120 min post-treatment. Results: Analysis revealed no effect of 300 mg coffeeberry extract, while 100 mg resulted in increased mental fatigue during the performance of cognitively demanding tasks (p = 0.025) and decreased accuracy on a task of sustained attention (p = 0.003), compared to placebo, at 60 min post dose. Conclusions: Administration of 100 mg and 300 mg coffeeberry extracts revealed limited, transient negative effects following 100 mg coffeeberry. Given the large number of outcome measures analysed and the absence of findings following the 300 mg dose, these negative findings should be interpreted with caution. Overall, the findings of the current study suggest that coffeeberry extract at a low or moderate dose does not have a beneficial effect on mood, mental and physical energy levels, or cognition; higher doses, as have been administered previously, may be more effective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Berries, Metabolism, Bioenergetics, and Cognition)

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15 pages, 1858 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mixed Berry Juice and Cellulose Fiber Have Differential Effects on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Respiration in Overweight Adults

by Patrick Solverson, George P. Albaugh, Hawi A. Debelo, Mario G. Ferruzzi, David J. Baer and Janet A. Novotny

Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1709; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071709 - 31 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1264

Abstract

Berries and other anthocyanin-rich foods have demonstrated anti-obesity effects in rodents and humans. However, the bioactive components of these foods and their mechanisms of action are unclear. We conducted an intervention study with overweight and obese adults to isolate the effects of different berry components on bioenergetics. Subjects consumed whole mixed berries (high anthocyanin, high fiber), pressed berry juice (high anthocyanin, low fiber), berry-flavored gelatin (low anthocyanin, low fiber), or fiber-enriched gelatin (low anthocyanin, high fiber) for one week prior to a meal challenge with the same treatment food as the pre-feed period. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected 2 h after the meal challenge, and cellular respiration was assessed via high-resolution respirometry. The high-anthocyanin, low-fiber treatment (berry juice) and the low-anthocyanin, high-fiber treatment (fiber-enriched gelatin) had opposite effects on cellular respiration. In the fasted state, berry juice resulted in the highest oxygen-consumption rate (OCR), while fiber-enriched gelatin resulted in the highest OCR in the fed state. Differences were observed in multiple respiration states (basal, state 3, state 4, uncoupled), with the greatest differences being between the pressed berry juice and the fiber-enriched gelatin. Different components of berries, specifically anthocyanins/flavonoids and fiber, appear to have differential effects on cellular respiration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Berries, Metabolism, Bioenergetics, and Cognition)

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12 pages, 1339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Affecting Cellular Uptake of Anthocyanins: The Role of pH, Glucose and Anthocyanin Structure

by Yana Cahyana, Charlotte Elizabeth Mills, Syamsul Huda and Michael H. Gordon

Nutrients 2022, 14(22), 4807; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14224807 - 13 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1536

Abstract

Anthocyanins have poor bioavailability, but the factors affecting this remain unclear. Uptake into cells could impact the bioavailability; therefore, understanding factors affecting anthocyanin uptake is pivotal to improve their bioavailability and reveal the mechanism for their uptake. This study aimed to investigate the effect of anthocyanin structure, pH and glucose on the uptake of anthocyanins by Caco-2 cells. Anthocyanin extract from strawberry and red grape at 10 or 20 µM was added to Caco-2 cells. Anthocyanin toxicity to the cells was firstly examined to ensure the same cell viability. The uptake was carried out at pH 7 and 6.5 to evaluate the effect of pH. Glucose (1 mM) was used to investigate its effect. The results show that anthocyanins toxicity was dependent on the concentration and length of exposure. Anthocyanin uptake was concentration-dependent and affected by their structures, in which cyanidin-3-glucoside uptake was higher than pelargonidin-3-glucoside. No metabolites from Caco-2 cell activity were detected. An increased uptake with a decrease in pH was observed, which may be linked to the increase in anthocyanins stability and may indicate the role of proton co-transporter. This also suggests that the jejunum would be the favourable section of small intestine for anthocyanin uptake. Reduced anthocyanin uptake in the presence of glucose suggested that facilitative glucose transporter could be involved in the uptake of anthocyanins by Caco-2 cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Berries, Metabolism, Bioenergetics, and Cognition)

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17 pages, 1677 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Blueberry Supplementation in Midlife for Dementia Risk Reduction

by Robert Krikorian, Matthew R. Skelton, Suzanne S. Summer, Marcelle D. Shidler and Patrick G. Sullivan

Nutrients 2022, 14(8), 1619; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14081619 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 21596

Abstract

Late-life dementia typically develops over a period of many years beginning in midlife. Prevalence of metabolic disturbance also accelerates in middle age and is a prominent risk factor for dementia. Preliminary studies indicate that blueberry supplementation can improve cognitive performance and influence metabolism and brain function and therefore may have a role in early intervention to prevent neurodegeneration. In a randomized controlled trial, we investigated the effects of daily blueberry supplementation in a middle-aged sample of insulin-resistant participants with elevated risk for future dementia. We enrolled overweight men and women, aged 50 to 65 years, with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and performed pre- and post-intervention assessments of cognition and metabolism and exploratory measures of peripheral mitochondrial function. We observed improved performances for the blueberry group on measures of lexical access, p = 0.003, and memory interference, p = 0.04, and blueberry-treated participants reported reduced memory encoding difficulty in daily life activities, p = 0.03. The blueberry-treated group also exhibited correction of peripheral hyperinsulinemia, p = 0.04, and a modest trend for increased mitochondrial uncoupling, p = 0.11. The cognitive findings indicated improved executive ability in this middle-aged sample. In addition, the changes in metabolic and bioenergetic measures imply potential mechanistic factors associated with anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin actions. The demonstration of these benefits in middle-aged individuals with insulin resistance and SCD suggests that ongoing blueberry supplementation may contribute to protection against cognitive decline when implemented early in at-risk individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Berries, Metabolism, Bioenergetics, and Cognition)

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Review

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12 pages, 509 KiB

Open AccessReview

Considerations for Optimizing Warfighter Psychological Health with a Research-Based Flavonoid Approach: A Review

by Tanisha L. Currie, Marguerite M. Engler, Victor Krauthamer, Jonathan M. Scott, Patricia A. Deuster and Thomas P. Flagg

Nutrients 2023, 15(5), 1204; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051204 - 27 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1736

Abstract

Optimal nutrition is imperative for psychological health. Oxidative stress and inflammation are underlying etiologies for alterations in psychological health. Warfighters are at risk of health concerns such as depression due to increased stress in austere environments and family separation while deployed. Over the last decade, research has demonstrated the health benefits of flavonoids found in fruits and berries. Berry flavonoids have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation. In this review, the promising effects of various berries rich in bioactive flavonoids are examined. By inhibiting oxidative stress, berry flavonoids have the potential to modulate brain, cardiovascular, and intestinal health. There is a critical need for targeted interventions to address psychological health concerns within the warfighter population, and a berry flavonoid-rich diet and/or berry flavonoid dietary supplement intervention may prove beneficial as an adjunctive therapy. Structured searches of the literature were performed in the PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases using predetermined keywords. This review focuses on berry flavonoids’ critical and fundamental bioactive properties and their potential effects on psychological health in investigations utilizing cell, animal, and human model systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Berries, Metabolism, Bioenergetics, and Cognition)

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13 pages, 736 KiB

Open AccessReview

Quercetin Is An Active Agent in Berries against Neurodegenerative Diseases Progression through Modulation of Nrf2/HO1

by Al Borhan Bayazid and Beong Ou Lim

Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 5132; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235132 - 02 Dec 2022

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4063

Abstract

Berries are well-known fruits for their antioxidant effects due to their high content of flavonoids, and quercetin is one of the potent bioactive flavonoids. Although oxidative stress is an inevitable outcome in cells due to energy uptake and metabolism and other factors, excessive oxidative stress is considered a pivotal mediator for the cell death and leads to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Furthermore, oxidative stress triggers inflammation that leads to neuronal cell loss. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and so on are the main neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, AD and PD are the most affected NDDs and cause the most lethality without any effective cure. Since AD and PD are the most common NDDs, therefore, in this study, we will describe the effect of oxidative stress on AD and PD. Targeting oxidative stress could be a very effective way to prevent and cure NDDs. Thus, the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO1) are potent endogenous antioxidant modulatory pathways, which also show cytoprotective activities. Modulation of Nrf2/HO1 signaling pathways through a biological approach could be an effective way to treat with NDDs. Quercetin is a natural polyphenol, which protects neurodegeneration, remarkably by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation. Thus, quercetin could be a very effective agent against NDDs. We will discuss the benefits and challenges of quercetin to treat against NDDs, focusing on molecular biology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Berries, Metabolism, Bioenergetics, and Cognition)

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