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Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) expansion in subalpine and alpine ecosystems is increasing due to climate change and reduced land management. This review examines bilberry traits, environmental responses, and ecosystem impacts. As a stress-tolerant chamaephyte, bilberry thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor soils across various habitats. It propagates effectively through rhizomes and demonstrates a phalanx growth form. Bilberry's growth and distribution are influenced by elevation, soil structure, pH, water availability, and nitrogen content. Mycorrhizal associations play a crucial role in nutrient uptake. The species modifies the microclimate, facilitates litter accumulation, and influences soil microbial communities, affecting nutrient turnover and biodiversity. Bilberry shows moderate tolerance to herbivory and frost, with the ability to recover through rapid emergence of new ramets. However, severe or repeated disturbances can significantly impact its abundance and reproductive success. Climate warming and atmospheric nitrogen deposition have accelerated bilberry growth in treeline ecotones. The management of bilberry expansion requires a nuanced approach, considering its resilience, historical land-use changes, and environmental factors. The goal should be to limit, not eliminate, bilberry, as it is a natural part of subalpine communities. Long-term comparative monitoring and experimental manipulation are necessary for effective management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year, hundreds of thousands of cancer patients receive radiotherapy treatment. Oxidative stress is observed in healthy tissues due to irradiation exposure. The present study is the first to address the effects of Vaccinium myrtillus (whortleberry, WB) against the effects of X-ray irradiation on retinal tissue. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups: (1) control group: rats without any treatment, (2) X-ray irradiation group: 8 Gray (Gy) RT for 2 days, (3) 100 mg WB extract + X-ray irradiation group: 8 Gy irradiation for 2 days and followed by intraperitoneal (IP) WB extract (100 mg/kg) supplementation for 10 days, (4) 200 mg WB extract + X-ray irradiation group: 8 Gy irradiation for 2 days and followed by IP WB extract (200 mg/kg) supplementation for 10 days. Eyes were enucleated on the 10th day after RT for histopathological, immunohistochemical (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG], endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS]), and biochemical analyses (glutathione peroxidase [GSH], and malondialdehyde [MDA]). The GSH levels significantly decreased and MDA levels and 8-OHdG staining increased after X-ray irradiation compared to the control group. Combined X-ray irradiation + WB treatment significantly increased GSH levels and significantly decreased MDA production and 8-OHdG staining. However, eNOS staining was not affected in any of the groups. Besides, X-ray irradiation significantly increased cell losses and edematous areas. The WB significantly reversed the cellular damage in ganglion cells, inner nuclear, and outer nuclear layers in quantitative analyses. The X-ray irradiation caused significant retinal impairment, and additional WB therapy provided protective effects against radiation-induced retinopathy. These results may suggest WB extract as an adjuvant therapy to reverse retinal impairments after X-ray irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic variation of European blueberry species (known also as bilberry) has been the focus of considerable interest around the world, especially in relation to their commercial potential. Vaccinium myrtillus is a native European berry commonly found throughout central and north Europe. Little is currently known about the genetic variation of the European wild bilberry and its relation to their geographic distribution. Here we analysed the genetic diversity of Scottish wild bilberries (known locally as blaeberries) by means of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and found significant genetic flow throughout the region, not directly correlated with the geographic distances among locations. Our results highlight a higher genetic diversity of bilberries growing in grasslands rather than woodlands, hinting to local adaptation. Future studies involving a more extended sampling are highly recommended to explore the current genetic variation of Scottish bilberries and their potential for commercial exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, unprecedented health challenges are urging novel solutions to address antimicrobial resistance as multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria, yeasts and moulds are emerging. Such microorganisms can cause food and feed spoilage, food poisoning and even more severe diseases, resulting in human death. In order to overcome this phenomenon, it is essential to identify novel antimicrobials that are naturally occurring, biologically effective and increasingly safe for human use. The development of gemmotherapy extracts (GTEs) using plant parts such as buds and young shoots has emerged as a novel approach to treat/prevent human conditions due to their associated antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and/or antimicrobial properties that all require careful evaluations. Seven GTEs obtained from plant species like the olive (Olea europaea L.), almond (Prunus amygdalus L.), black mulberry (Morus nigra L.), walnut (Juglans regia L.), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.), blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) were tested for their antimicrobial efficiency via agar diffusion and microbroth dilution methods. The antimicrobial activity was assessed for eight bacterial (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, Proteus vulgaris, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Listeria monocytogenes), five moulds (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium expansum) and one yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The agar diffusion method revealed the blackberry GTE as the most effective since it inhibited the growth of three bacterial, four moulds and one yeast species, having considered the total number of affected microorganism species. Next to the blackberry, the olive GTE appeared to be the second most efficient, suppressing five bacterial strains but no moulds or yeasts. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were then determined for each GTE and the microorganisms tested. Noticeably, the olive GTE appeared to feature the strongest bacteriostatic and bactericidal outcome, displaying specificity for S. aureus, E. faecalis and L. monocytogenes. The other GTEs, such as blueberry, walnut, black mulberry and almond (the list indicates relative strength), were more effective at suppressing microbial growth than inducing microbial death. However, some species specificities were also evident, while the blackcurrant GTE had no significant antimicrobial activity. Having seen the antimicrobial properties of the analysed GTEs, especially the olive and black mulberry GTEs, these could be envisioned as potential antimicrobials that might enhance antibiotic therapies efficiency, while the blackberry GTE would act as an antifungal agent. Some of the GTE mixtures analysed have shown interesting antimicrobial synergies, and all the antimicrobial effects observed argue for extending these studies to include pathological microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrubs are key components of temperate and boreal ecosystems. Field experiments performed along environmental gradients are useful to study how these species may cope with new climatic conditions. We analyzed the effects of habitat, elevation, and canopy on the performance of the bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus, a key resource for numerous species in boreal and temperate regions of Eurasia. We estimated bilberry dry mass and measured vegetative (ramet height, stem diameter, and shoot production) and reproductive (fruit and seed production) performance of bilberry shrubs in thirty plots located at six study sites established in coniferous forests and subalpine meadows along a 600-m elevation gradient in Tatra National Park, Poland. Although we detected more ramets per plot in the meadows, bilberry dry mass was larger inside the forest, where ramets were heavier and taller and produced more annual shoots. A higher proportion of ramets produced fruits in the meadows, where we additionally found a higher proportion of mature seeds per bilberry fruit. When only plots located inside the forest were considered, we detected a negative relation between elevation and bilberry ramet dry mass. Canopy cover affected the number of ramets and the dry bilberry biomass per plot differently depending on the elevation, demonstrating interactive effects of these two variables in bilberry vegetative performance. Fruit production inside the forest was negatively affected by both elevation and canopy cover, while interactive effects of these two variables determined seed development. Bilberry management actions must consider habitat heterogeneity even at small spatial scales and possible interactive effects of environmental variables such as those analyzed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) expansion in subalpine and alpine ecosystems is increasing due to climate change and reduced land management. This review examines bilberry traits, environmental responses, and ecosystem impacts. As a stress-tolerant chamaephyte, bilberry thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor soils across various habitats. It propagates effectively through rhizomes and demonstrates a phalanx growth form. Bilberry’s growth and distribution are influenced by elevation, soil structure, pH, water availability, and nitrogen content. Mycorrhizal associations play a crucial role in nutrient uptake. The species modifies the microclimate, facilitates litter accumulation, and influences soil microbial communities, affecting nutrient turnover and biodiversity. Bilberry shows moderate tolerance to herbivory and frost, with the ability to recover through rapid emergence of new ramets. However, severe or repeated disturbances can significantly impact its abundance and reproductive success. Climate warming and atmospheric nitrogen deposition have accelerated bilberry growth in treeline ecotones. The management of bilberry expansion requires a nuanced approach, considering its resilience, historical land-use changes, and environmental factors. The goal should be to limit, not eliminate, bilberry, as it is a natural part of subalpine communities. Long-term comparative monitoring and experimental manipulation are necessary for effective management strategies.

Edible berries such as the fruits of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) are considered to be rich in phenolic compounds, which are nowadays attracting great interest due to their promising health benefits. The main objective of our study was to investigate, for the first time, their inhibitory properties on Src tyrosine kinase activity, as this enzyme plays an important role in multiple cellular processes and is activated in both cancer and inflammatory cells. In hydroethanolic fruit extracts, 5.0–5.9% of total polyphenols were determined spectrophotometrically, including high amounts of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. HPLC analysis revealed that the black chokeberry and bilberry extracts contained 2.05 mg/g and 2.54 mg/g of chlorogenic acid, respectively. Using a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) assay, the extracts studied were found to have comparable inhibitory effects on Src tyrosine kinase, with IC50 values of 366 µg/mL and 369 µg/mL, respectively. The results also indicated that chlorogenic acid contributes significantly to the observed effect. In addition, both fruit extracts exhibited antioxidant activity by scavenging DPPH and NO radicals with SC50 values of 153–352 µg/mL. Our study suggested that black chokeberry and bilberry fruits may be beneficial in cancer and other inflammation-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccinium uliginosum L. (commonly known as bog bilberry) and Vaccinium myrtillus L. (commonly known as bilberry) are species of the genus Vaccinium (family Ericaceae). The red–purple–blue coloration of blueberries is attributed largely to the anthocyanins found in bilberries. Anthocyanins, known for their potent biological activity as antioxidants, have a significant involvement in the prophylaxis of cancer or other diseases, including those of metabolic origin. Bilberry is the most important economically wild berry in Northern Europe, and it is also extensively used in juice and food production. A review of the latest literature was performed to assess the composition and biological activity of V. uliginosum and V. myrtillus. Clinical studies confirm the benefits of V. uliginosum and V. myrtillus supplementation as part of a healthy diet. Because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and apoptosis-reducing activity, both bog bilberries and bilberries can be used interchangeably as a dietary supplement with anti-free radical actions in the prevention of cancer diseases and cataracts, or as a component of sunscreen preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An urgent aim of ecology is to understand how key species relate to climatic and environmental variation, to better predict their prospects under future climate change. The abundant dwarf shrub bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) has caught particular interest due to its uphill expansion into alpine areas. Species' performance under changing climate has been widely studied using the climatic space‐for‐time approach along elevation gradients, but potentially confounding, local environmental variables that vary along elevation gradients have rarely been considered. In this study, performed in 10 sites along an elevation gradient (200–875 m) in W Norway, we recorded species composition and bilberry performance, both vegetative (ramet size and cover) and reproductive (berry and seed production) properties, over one to 4 years. We disentangled effects of local environmental variables and between‐year, climatic variation (precipitation and temperature), and identified shared and unique contributions of these variables by variation partitioning. We found bilberry ramet size, cover and berry production to peak at intermediate elevations, whereas seed production increased upwards. The peaks were less pronounced in extreme (dry or cold) summers than in normal summers. Local environmental variables explained much variation in ramet size and cover, less in berry production, and showed no relation to seed production. Climatic variables explained more of the variation in berry and seed production than in ramet size and cover, with temperature relating to vegetative performance, and precipitation to reproductive performance. Bilberry's clonal growth and effective reproduction probably explain why the species persists in the forest and at the same time invades alpine areas. Our findings raise concerns of the appropriateness of the climatic space‐for‐time approach. We recommend including both climatic and local environmental variables in studies of variation along elevation gradients and conclude that variation partitioning can be a useful supplement to other methods for analysing variation in plant performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract An urgent aim of ecology is to understand how key species relate to climatic and environmental variation, to better predict their prospects under future climate change. The abundant dwarf shrub bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) has caught particular interest due to its uphill expansion into alpine areas. Species' performance under changing climate has been widely studied using the climatic space‐for‐time approach along elevation gradients, but potentially confounding, local environmental variables that vary along elevation gradients have rarely been considered. In this study, performed in 10 sites along an elevation gradient (200–875 m) in W Norway, we recorded species composition and bilberry performance, both vegetative (ramet size and cover) and reproductive (berry and seed production) properties, over one to 4 years. We disentangled effects of local environmental variables and between‐year, climatic variation (precipitation and temperature), and identified shared and unique contributions of these variables by variation partitioning. We found bilberry ramet size, cover and berry production to peak at intermediate elevations, whereas seed production increased upwards. The peaks were less pronounced in extreme (dry or cold) summers than in normal summers. Local environmental variables explained much variation in ramet size and cover, less in berry production, and showed no relation to seed production. Climatic variables explained more of the variation in berry and seed production than in ramet size and cover, with temperature relating to vegetative performance, and precipitation to reproductive performance. Bilberry's clonal growth and effective reproduction probably explain why the species persists in the forest and at the same time invades alpine areas. Our findings raise concerns of the appropriateness of the climatic space‐for‐time approach. We recommend including both climatic and local environmental variables in studies of variation along elevation gradients and conclude that variation partitioning can be a useful supplement to other methods for analysing variation in plant performance.

Copyright of Academic Journal of Agriculture / Akademik Ziraat Dergisi is the property of University of Ordu, Faculty of Agriculture, Academic Journal of Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The success of Ericaceae in stressful habitats enriched in heavy metals has been ascribed to the distinctive abilities of their mycorrhizal fungal partners to withstand heavy metal stress and to enhance metal tolerance in the host plant. Whereas heavy metal tolerance has been extensively investigated in some ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) fungi, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that extend tolerance to the host plant are currently unknown. Here, we show a reduced Cd content in Cd-exposed mycorrhizal roots of Vaccinium myrtillus colonized by a metal tolerant isolate of the fungus Oidiodendron maius as compared to non-mycorrhizal roots. To better understand this phenotype, we applied Next Generation Sequencing technologies to analyze gene expression in V. myrtillus and O. maius Zn grown under normal and Cd-stressed conditions, in the free living and in the mycorrhizal status. The results clearly showed that Cd had a stronger impact on plant gene expression than symbiosis, whereas fungal gene expression was mainly regulated by symbiosis. The higher abundance of transcripts coding for stress related proteins in non-mycorrhizal roots may be related to the higher Cd content. Regulated plant metal transporters have been identified that may play a role in reducing Cd content in mycorrhizal roots exposed to this metal.

Achieving and maintaining a well-balanced immune system has righteously become an insightful task for the general population and an even more fundamental goal for those affected by immune-related diseases. Since our immune functions are indispensable in defending the body against pathogens, diseases and other external attacks, while playing a vital role in maintaining health and modulating the immune response, we require an on-point grasp of their shortcoming as a foundation for the development of functional foods and novel nutraceuticals. Seeing that immunoceuticals are considered effective in improving immune functions and reducing the incidence of immunological disorders, the main focus of this study was to assess the immunomodulatory properties and possible acute toxicity of a novel nutraceutical with active substances of natural origin on C57BL/6 mice for 21 days. We evaluated the potential hazards (microbial contamination and heavy metals) of the novel nutraceutical and addressed the acute toxicity according to OECD guidelines of a 2000 mg/kg dose on mice for 21 days. The immunomodulatory effect was assessed at three concentrations (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) by determining body and organ indexes through a leukocyte analysis; flow cytometry immunophenotyping of lymphocytes populations and their subpopulations (T lymphocytes (LyCD3+), cytotoxic suppressor T lymphocytes (CD3+CD8+), helper T lymphocytes (CD3+CD4+), B lymphocytes (CD3−CD19+) and NK cells (CD3−NK1.1.+); and the expression of the CD69 activation marker. The results obtained for the novel nutraceutical referred to as ImunoBoost indicated no acute toxicity, an increased number of lymphocytes and the stimulation of lymphocyte activation and proliferation, demonstrating its immunomodulatory effect. The safe human consumption dose was established at 30 mg/day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within a landscape, multiple habitats exist for soil microbial communities. But how these habitats shape community composition requires an understanding of the way in which microbial diversity is impacted across a broad range of spatial scales. Mountain ecosystems are excellent systems to study microbial communities, because a multitude of climate and soil variables change within a relatively small distance. We investigated microbial community structure in bulk and rhizosphere soils beneath three plant species, Vaccinium myrtillus, Juniperus communis and Picea abies, that structure local plant communities along an elevation gradient in the French Alps. We examined the impact that climate, soil properties, plant diversity and plant root chemical and morphological traits had on microbial α‐ and β‐diversities. The most abundant bacterial phyla detected in both bulk and rhizosphere soils were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. Along the elevation gradient, bacterial phyla did not display a clear distribution pattern between bulk and rhizosphere soils. For fungi, dominant phyla were Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, and contrasting distribution patterns were found between bulk and rhizosphere soils. Overall, bacterial and fungal α‐diversity responded differently to elevation as well to soil compartments (bulk versus rhizosphere soil), revealing no significant patterns in bulk soil beneath any of the structuring plant species, but increasing in the rhizosphere compartment of P. abies just below the treeline. Changes in bacterial β‐diversity with elevation were related mostly to soil physical and chemical properties. Bacterial and fungal α‐diversity in rhizosphere communities were more related to plant species identity, vegetation diversity and belowground plant traits compared to soil properties, whilst the opposite was found for bulk soil. Our results highlight that environmental changes at the landscape scale (e.g. associated to elevation, soil properties or climate), impact significantly soil microbial communities, but vegetation refines communities at a local scale via the rhizosphere niche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of silicon in different blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) cultivars. The treatments were installed in a factorial design with six replications, and consisted of three different cultivars (Brightwell, Beckblue and Climax) with or without regular application of silicon via foliar, using silicon oxide at 1.5 g L-1. It was evaluated the following plant attributes: leaf area, chlorophyll fluorescence, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity, meanwhile the following postharvest attributes were evaluated: fruit number, diameter and weight, yield, pH, content of soluble solids, titratable acidity, contents of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, and activity of peroxidase. Vegetative development of blueberry plants in response to Si presented higher yield, leaf area, phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity, and higher chlorophyll fluorescence relationships such as maximum photochemical efficiency and PSII potential activity, as well as less stressed plants, especially in cultivars Climax and Brightwell. For post-harvest physicochemical characteristics, silicon foliar application improved fruit weight and diameter for cvs. Beckblue and Climax, and fruit number for cv. Brightwell. All cultivars, in response to silicon application increased the titratable acidity, the levels of phenolic compounds, the level of anthocyanins, whereas peroxidase activity decreased. The performance of the evaluated blueberry cultivars was better through silicon application, with greater performance of vegetative growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality, especially in cultivar Climax, which was the most suitable in terms in of fruit yield in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilberry leaves are used in many countries in traditional medicine for treating a wide variety of diseases. Due to the high therapeutic potential of Vaccinium myrtillus (VM) leaves, this review aims to present the latest knowledge on the phytochemical profile, as well as the therapeutic effects of this herbal drug. The review was conducted according to the Prisma guidelines, and the scientific databases were searched using combinations of the following keywords: "Vaccinium myrtillus", "leaves", "bilberry". Recent research was focused on the influence of abiotic factors on the phytochemical composition, and it seems that there are significant differences between the herbal drugs collected from different countries. The phytochemical composition is correlated with the broad spectrum of pharmacological effects. The paper outlines the potent antimicrobial activity of VM extracts against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, and also the pathways that are modulated by the unique "cocktail" of phytoconstituents in different metabolic alterations. Reviewing the research articles published in the last 10 years, it seems that bilberry leaves have been slightly forgotten, although their phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics are unique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the contemporary food industry, preservation of meat and meat products remains a paramount concern for ensuring safety, quality, and extended shelf life. Against the backdrop of consumer demand for natural and clean-label food additives, this comprehensive review investigates the current trends in utilizing Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) and Aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry) extracts as natural preservatives in meat and meat products. The review begins by elucidating the intrinsic antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of these berry extracts, emphasizing their relevance in the preservation of meat products. Recent research highlights their efficacy in reducing lipid oxidation, extending the shelf life of meat products, and inhibiting microbial proliferation. Furthermore, it explores various application methods, including their incorporation into meat matrices and the development of edible coatings, shedding light on innovative techniques and emerging technologies. The practicality of deploying these natural preservatives in meat processing is substantiated through industrial applications and illustrative case studies. Recognizing the promise of these natural preservatives, the review acknowledges the hurdles faced, including formulation optimization, cost-effectiveness, and consumer perceptions. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for their widespread adoption. The review concludes by summarizing key findings and underscores the pivotal role of Vaccinium myrtillus and Aronia melanocarpa in shaping the landscape of meat preservation while ensuring consumer safety and satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Two Caucasian blueberries Vaccinium myrtillus L. and Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. are famous berry bushes growing in the Caucasus region and used to treat neurological diseases, but the chemistry and bioactivity of leaf extracts are still poorly studied. (2) Methods: Phenolic compounds of V. myrtillus and V. arctostaphylos leaf extracts were profiled and quantified by HPLC–PDA–ESI–tQ–MS. The neurotropic potential of Vaccinium extracts was studied using the model of middle cerebral artery permanent occlusion to determine cerebral blood flow, the area of the brain tissue necrosis, and antioxidant enzyme activity (including superoxide dismutase, succinate dehydrogenase, and cytochrome C oxidase), as well as the concentration of TBARS. (3) Results: Hydroxycinnamates and flavonoids were identified in the leaves of V. myrtillus and V. arctostaphylos, and the dominant metabolite of both extracts was 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid in the amount of 105–226 mg/g. The studied extracts enhanced the cerebral hemodynamics and decreased the frequency of necrotic and lipooxidative processes in the brain tissue, accompanied by an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The positive effect of V. arctostaphylos was stronger and exceeded the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba standardized extract. (4) Conclusion: The leaf extracts of Caucasian blueberries V. myrtillus and V. arctostaphylos as a new source of hydroxycinnamates demonstrated a protective effect of the brain ischemia pathology and can be used as therapeutic agents to treat neurological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European blueberry is a common plant in coniferous and mixed forests that grows in Russia, Northern Europe, Asia, United States, and Canada. Among the fungi that cause blueberry diseases, the most harmful are Diaporthe vaccinii and Colletotrichum acutatum. These fungi are included in the consolidated list of quarantine objects of the Eurasian Economic Union and their occurrence and spread in the territory of countries of this Union is subject to strict control. Most taxa of micromycetes, particularly, Diaporthe and Colletotrichum species, can be correctly identified to the species level based on solely molecular phylogenetic features. The aim of the present work was to assess the biodiversity of fungi associated with blueberry growing in North-Western Russia and in Finland using morphological and molecular genetic features. Altogether, the study included 17 specimens of wild blueberry exhibiting necrotic spots on leaves and stem lesions that were collected in 2017 in St. Petersburg and in five districts of Leningrad region, as well as in the Republic of Karelia and in Finland. Analysis of the morphological and molecular genetic features of the fungal strains isolated from these blueberry specimens led to identification of 11 species: Boeremia exigua, Colletotrichum salicis, Diaporthe eres, Fusarium avenaceum, F. incarnatum,F. sporotrichioides, Heterophoma sylvatica, Kalmusia longispora, Microsphaeropsis olivacea, Neocucurbitaria cava, and Sporocadus rosigena. There were also fungi representing two sections of the genus Alternaria: Alternaria and Infectoriae, and micromycetes of the genera Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Coniothyrium, Curvularia, Epicoccum, Penicillium, Pestalotiopsis, Sordaria, and Trichoderma. The species Colletotrichum salicis, Heterophoma sylvatica, Kalmusia longispora, Microsphaeropsis olivacea, and Neocucurbitaria cava were for the first time found in Russia. The species Sporocadus rosigena was for the first time detected in Finland. Fusarium avenaceum, F. incarnatum, and F. sporotrichioides were for the first time observed in association with blueberry plants. The species Diaporthe vaccinii and Colletotrichum acutatum included in the consolidated list of quarantine objects of the Eurasian Economic Union were not detected in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible berries such as the fruits of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) are considered to be rich in phenolic compounds, which are nowadays attracting great interest due to their promising health benefits. The main objective of our study was to investigate, for the first time, their inhibitory properties on Src tyrosine kinase activity, as this enzyme plays an important role in multiple cellular processes and is activated in both cancer and inflammatory cells. In hydroethanolic fruit extracts, 5.0–5.9% of total polyphenols were determined spectrophotometrically, including high amounts of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. HPLC analysis revealed that the black chokeberry and bilberry extracts contained 2.05 mg/g and 2.54 mg/g of chlorogenic acid, respectively. Using a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) assay, the extracts studied were found to have comparable inhibitory effects on Src tyrosine kinase, with IC50 values of 366 µg/mL and 369 µg/mL, respectively. The results also indicated that chlorogenic acid contributes significantly to the observed effect. In addition, both fruit extracts exhibited antioxidant activity by scavenging DPPH and NO radicals with SC50 values of 153–352 µg/mL. Our study suggested that black chokeberry and bilberry fruits may be beneficial in cancer and other inflammation-related diseases.

Vaccinium uliginosum L. (commonly known as bog bilberry) and Vaccinium myrtillus L. (commonly known as bilberry) are species of the genus Vaccinium (family Ericaceae). The red–purple–blue coloration of blueberries is attributed largely to the anthocyanins found in bilberries. Anthocyanins, known for their potent biological activity as antioxidants, have a significant involvement in the prophylaxis of cancer or other diseases, including those of metabolic origin. Bilberry is the most important economically wild berry in Northern Europe, and it is also extensively used in juice and food production. A review of the latest literature was performed to assess the composition and biological activity of V. uliginosum and V. myrtillus. Clinical studies confirm the benefits of V. uliginosum and V. myrtillus supplementation as part of a healthy diet. Because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and apoptosis-reducing activity, both bog bilberries and bilberries can be used interchangeably as a dietary supplement with anti-free radical actions in the prevention of cancer diseases and cataracts, or as a component of sunscreen preparations.

Bilberry fruits (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) are one of the richest natural sources of anthocyanins and are widely used due to their pharmacological and nutritional properties. To ensure their maximum application potential, it is necessary to overcome the limitations of conventional extraction solvents and techniques. This study aimed to develop a green method for bilberry anthocyanin extraction using natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) integrated with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) in order to define extraction conditions that will prevent decomposition of the anthocyanins or the loss of bioactivity. After a screening of ten different NaDES, choline chloride:sorbitol (1:1) was selected as the most effective. Furthermore, the influence analysis and optimization of the NaDES–UAE extraction conditions were carried out employing response surface methodology. The optimal conditions were found to be an extraction time of 37.63 min, a temperature of 48.38 °C, and 34.79% (w/w) water in NaDES. The extraction yields of target compounds under optimized extraction conditions were 0.27 mg/g DW of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and 2.12 mg CGE/g DW of TAC. The obtained optimized extract showed promising radical scavenging and antimicrobial activity. A stability study with the optimized extract revealed that refrigerated storage at 4 °C in the dark provided the best anthocyanins preservation. Overall, the developed NaDES-UAE method showed promising application potential and can be considered as a high-efficiency green alternative to conventional anthocyanins extraction methods, enabling the preservation of active ingredients and the bioactivity of extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy of Ankara University / Ankara Üniversitesi Eczacilik Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Ankara University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Cisplatin (CP) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, but its severe side effects impact testicular function. We investigated the potential protective effects of bilberry extract against CP-induced testicular toxicity., Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups. Control animals received a single oral dose of 0.9% saline. Bilberry-treated rats received oral bilberry extract (200 mg/kg body weight [BW] dissolved in 1 mL of saline) daily for 10 consecutive days. CP-treated animals were administered a single intraperitoneal dose (7.5 mg/kg BW). Finally, a bilberry+CP group received oral bilberry extract (200 mg/kg BW) daily for 10 consecutive days, with one intraperitoneal dose of CP (7.5 mg/kg BW) on day 2. We assessed sperm count, motility, viability, and abnormalities, along with testis weight, testis weight-to-BW ratio, antioxidant activity, levels of oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA] and hydrogen peroxide [H2O2]), sex hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], and testosterone), and apoptotic and anti-apoptotic markers, and DNA damage. Testicular tissue underwent histopathological examination., Results: Among CP-treated rats, significantly lower values were observed for testis weight; testis weight-to-BW ratio; levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione, and B-cell lymphoma 2; and sperm count, motility, and proportion of normal sperm. CP administration was associated with higher MDA, H2O2, p53, Bax, cytochrome c, caspase 9, and caspase 3 levels, along with elevated tail moment. However, bilberry extract administration significantly improved all altered parameters., Conclusion: Bilberry treatment demonstrated protective effects and reduced CP-induced testicular toxicity via antioxidant activity and cytoprotection.

The consumption of berries on a global level, either from wild or cultivated species, is on an ascending trend, being linked to the fruits’ high nutraceutical qualities. Therefore, the demand to create robust cultivars adapted to the various environmental conditions worldwide is becoming higher. In order to reduce the time needed to obtain new cultivars, breeders have started to use more and more molecular methods and techniques. Molecular markers, such as RAPD, ISSR and SSR, specific DNA regions linked to genes responsible for various traits such as colour, shape, taste, firmness, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, are some of the molecular tools used in genotype-assisted breeding programs. The current review presents data related to the use of RAPD, ISSR and SSR molecular markers in Vaccinium species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruits are an important part of local diets in many countries and are used as a medicinal herb to treat various disorders. Extracts from fruits are often a part of eye health-promoting supplements, whereas extracts from leaves are advertised for type 2 diabetes mellitus and glycemic control. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of the phytochemical contents of bilberry fruits and leaves and their bioactivities, critically summarizes origins of the health claims and the outcome of clinical trials, with special attention towards those published in the past 10 years. Overall, the three most referenced indications, which are type 2 diabetes mellitus, vision disorders and circulatory diseases, all include contradictory results with no clear conclusion as to the benefits and recommended dosages. Moreover, the indications for vision disorders and diabetes originate from unproven or false claims that have been repeated in research since the 20th century without consistent fact-checking. Beneficial clinical results have been attested for the treatment of dyslipidemia and chronic inflammatory disorders when applied as dietary supplementation of fresh bilberries or as anthocyanin-rich bilberry fruit extracts. However, there is a general lack of double-blinded controlled research with larger sample sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccinium myrtillus Linn. is an imported fruit tree with high economic value. Currently, in Vietnam there has not been any publication on in vitro propagation of the blueberry plant. This study is focused on in vitro propagation of V. myrtillus by nodal culture. The results showed that in vitro shoot growth and proliferation were the best when nodes were cultured on WPM medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L zeatin, 30 g/L sucrose, 10 g/L agar, pH 5.8 (shoot height 4.24 cm, 1 shoot/explant, 8.60 nodes/shoot). The third nodes to sixth nodes proved to be suitable materials for in vitro propagation of V. myrtillus. The proliferation and growth of shoots on the medium without activated charcoal (plant height 3.92 cm, 1 shoot/explant, 8.60 nodes/shoot) were better than those grown on the medium supplemented with 1 g/L of activated charcoal (plant height 3.64 cm, 1 shoot/explant, 7.90 nodes/shoot). For the in vitro rooting stage, the WPM medium containing 1.0 mg/L IBA, 30 g/L sucrose, 10 g/L agar, pH 5.8 resulted in plant height 5.49 cm, root length 1.42 cm, root formation rate 100%. After transferring the cultivated-tissue Vaccinium myrtillus to the greenhouse, substrate with coconut fibre powder, the results were observed to be plant height 6.94 cm, root length 3.18 cm, survival rate 95%. The plantlet growth increased overtime after 4 months in the greenhouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose is a major renewable resource for a wide variety of sustainable industrial products. However, for its utilization, finding new efficient enzymes for plant cell wall depolymerization is crucial. In addition to microbial sources, cellulases also exist in plants, however, are less studied. Fleshy fruit ripening includes enzymatic cell wall hydrolysis, leading to tissue softening. Therefore, bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), which produces small fruits that undergo extensive and rapid softening, was selected to explore cellulases of plant origin. We identified 20 glycoside hydrolase family 9 (GH9) cellulases from a recently sequenced bilberry genome, including four of which showed fruit ripening-specific expression and could be associated with fruit softening based on phylogenetic, transcriptomic and gene expression analyses. These four cellulases were secreted enzymes: two B-types and two C-types with a carbohydrate binding module 49. For functional characterization, these four cellulases were expressed in Pichia pastoris. All recombinant enzymes demonstrated glucanase activity toward cellulose and hemicellulose substrates. Particularly, VmGH9C1 demonstrated high activity and ability to degrade cellulose, xyloglucan, and glucomannan. In addition, all the enzymes retained activity under wide pH (6–10) and temperature ranges (optimum 70 °C), revealing the potential applications of plant GH9 cellulases in the industrial bioprocessing of lignocellulose. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruits are an important part of local diets in many countries and are used as a medicinal herb to treat various disorders. Extracts from fruits are often a part of eye health-promoting supplements, whereas extracts from leaves are advertised for type 2 diabetes mellitus and glycemic control. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of the phytochemical contents of bilberry fruits and leaves and their bioactivities, critically summarizes origins of the health claims and the outcome of clinical trials, with special attention towards those published in the past 10 years. Overall, the three most referenced indications, which are type 2 diabetes mellitus, vision disorders and circulatory diseases, all include contradictory results with no clear conclusion as to the benefits and recommended dosages. Moreover, the indications for vision disorders and diabetes originate from unproven or false claims that have been repeated in research since the 20th century without consistent fact-checking. Beneficial clinical results have been attested for the treatment of dyslipidemia and chronic inflammatory disorders when applied as dietary supplementation of fresh bilberries or as anthocyanin-rich bilberry fruit extracts. However, there is a general lack of double-blinded controlled research with larger sample sizes.

Kombucha is a fermented beverage, usually made from green tea and/or black tea, obtained through the symbiotic growth of yeasts and bacteria with beneficial effects to health. This preliminary study developed and evaluated the protective effect of blueberry fermented and unfermented Kombucha beverages after induction of gastric ulcer in mice. We performed a physicochemical characterization of the beverages and after 15 days of intervention with the beverages, the Swiss mice were euthanized and biochemical analysis, lipid peroxidation and advanced oxidation protein products determination, and evaluation of gastrointestinal wound were performed. The results were evaluated after checking normality, by parametric or nonparametric tests, at 5% probability. The use of blueberry as an alternative substrate for fermentation of kombucha beverage was favorable in relation to the physico-chemical aspects, due to the increased phenolic compounds, tannins and anthocyanins contents in the fermented beverage. However, the fermentation caused smaller antioxidant activity when compared to the unfermented beverage. In relation to the gastroprotective effect of the fermented kombucha beverage, the biochemical parameters remained at normal levels, however, some animals showed gastric lesions in an expressive area. Further studies are needed to better understand the antioxidant potential of the blueberry fermented kombucha beverage and its gastroprotective effects.

Achieving and maintaining a well-balanced immune system has righteously become an insightful task for the general population and an even more fundamental goal for those affected by immune-related diseases. Since our immune functions are indispensable in defending the body against pathogens, diseases and other external attacks, while playing a vital role in maintaining health and modulating the immune response, we require an on-point grasp of their shortcoming as a foundation for the development of functional foods and novel nutraceuticals. Seeing that immunoceuticals are considered effective in improving immune functions and reducing the incidence of immunological disorders, the main focus of this study was to assess the immunomodulatory properties and possible acute toxicity of a novel nutraceutical with active substances of natural origin on C57BL/6 mice for 21 days. We evaluated the potential hazards (microbial contamination and heavy metals) of the novel nutraceutical and addressed the acute toxicity according to OECD guidelines of a 2000 mg/kg dose on mice for 21 days. The immunomodulatory effect was assessed at three concentrations (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) by determining body and organ indexes through a leukocyte analysis; flow cytometry immunophenotyping of lymphocytes populations and their subpopulations (T lymphocytes (LyCD3+), cytotoxic suppressor T lymphocytes (CD3+CD8+), helper T lymphocytes (CD3+CD4+), B lymphocytes (CD3−CD19+) and NK cells (CD3−NK1.1.+); and the expression of the CD69 activation marker. The results obtained for the novel nutraceutical referred to as ImunoBoost indicated no acute toxicity, an increased number of lymphocytes and the stimulation of lymphocyte activation and proliferation, demonstrating its immunomodulatory effect. The safe human consumption dose was established at 30 mg/day.

In this study, an investigation of the wild bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) of the different Baltic–Nordic regions using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) combined with principal component analysis (PCA) is presented. The bilberries were collected in Lithuania, Latvia, Finland and Norway. The set of the SERS spectra of the berry extracts (pH ~ 4) were recorded on the silver nanoparticles based SERS substrates. The SERS spectra of the extracts were acquired using 532 nm laser as an excitation source. The morphology of the SERS substrates was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the presence of the silver nanoparticles was confirmed by the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The enhancement factor (EF) of the silver SERS substrates was found to be 105. It has been shown that a strong fluorescence background, associated with the phenolic compounds found in bilberries, can be subtracted due to the fluorescence-quenching properties of the silver nanoparticles. Therefore, an application of the SERS technique allowed to observe the characteristic peaks of the bilberries and the PCA tool enabled to evaluate the spectral variation across the entire SERS data set. The results presented in this paper show that the SERS technique coupled with PCA chemometric analysis might serve as a complementary method that allows to identify the country of origin of the bilberries based on the spectral differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, extensive attention has focused on dietary constituents that may be valuable for treating, eating, and preventing diabetes. Numerous studies have shown that anthocyanin's are one of the most important nutritional factors associated with diabetes. Anthocyanin's are the leading group of water-soluble pigments in the plant kingdom, and they are generally available in some human diet in fruits, vegetables, cereals, beans. Amongst, bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), is one of the essential sources for dietary anthocyanin consumption containing vast amounts of anthocyanin's, making them the main plant in the treatment and prevention of diabetes. Although the bilberries have other valuable properties such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant, the main focus of the present study is to present the effects of bilberries (V. myrtillus) on the prevention and treatment of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endozoochory is an important ecosystem function that, in temperate and boreal regions, is carried out mainly by birds and mammals. Due to their different quantitative and qualitative contributions to seed dispersal, these animals usually differ in their effectiveness as seed dispersers. However, there is still little information about how spatio‐temporal differences in frugivory between birds and mammals may create complementarity in their seed dispersal services.We investigated the complementarity of seed dispersal services provided by avian and mammalian seed dispersers of bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus in an alpine ecosystem, the Tatra Mountains (Poland). We collected bird droppings and mammal scats containing bilberry seeds in coniferous forests and alpine meadows. Birds were identified by DNA barcoding techniques while mammals were visually assigned in the field. We analysed the effects of habitat, microhabitat and timing of seed dispersal on the quantitative contributions of each species to the total seed rain and conducted ex situ germination experiments to assess the quality of the seed dispersal services.At least 13 bird and three mammal species dispersed bilberry seeds in the Tatra Mountains. Two species of thrushes—song thrushes Turdus philomelos and fieldfares T. pilaris, brown bears Ursus arctos and red foxes Vulpes vulpes were the most effective dispersers. Quantitative and qualitative contributions to seed dispersal differed between birds and mammals. Mammals, particularly brown bears, dispersed the majority of bilberry seeds in both habitats. The total seed rain provided by birds and mammals differed according to the habitat, microhabitat and timing of seed dispersal. Birds dispersed most seeds in the middle of the fruiting season and within the forest, while seed dispersal by mammals peaked in the upper meadows and at the end of the season. Seeds defecated by birds had higher probability to germinate as their droppings contained less seeds and were defecated in more suitable microhabitats than seeds defecated by mammals.Synthesis. Despite differences in the quantity and quality of seed dispersal, both bird and mammal species are effective bilberry dispersers. Complementary seed dispersal by these two groups guarantees the arrival of bilberry seeds to different microhabitats suitable for germination and during the entire fruiting season, maximizing the chances of bilberry seedling recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Several evidences have shown how, in hemorrhoidal disease, phlebotonic flavonoid agents such as quercetin reduce capillary permeability by increasing vascular walls resistance, how rutin and vitamin C have antioxidant properties, and that Centella asiatica has reparative properties towards the connective tissue. A retrospective study was designed in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a compound consisting of micronized flavonoids in combination with vitamin C and extracts of C. asiatica , Vaccinium myrtillus , and Vitis vinifera for grade II and III hemorrhoidal disease. Patients and Methods: Data of 49 patients, over 18, who were following a free diet regimen, not on therapy with other anti-hemorrhoid agents, treated with a compound consisting of 450 mg of micronized diosmin, 300 mg of C. asiatica , 270 mg of micronized hesperidin, 200 mg of V. vinifera , 160 mg of vitamin C, 160 mg of V. myrtillus , 140 mg of micronized quercetin, and 130 mg of micronized rutin (1 sachet or 2 tablets a day) for 7 days were collected. Hemorrhoid grade according to Goligher's scale together with anorectal symptoms (edema, prolapse, itching, thrombosis, burning, pain, tenesmus, and bleeding) both before treatment (T0) and after 7 days of therapy (T7) were collected. Primary outcomes were the reduction of at least one degree of hemorrhoids according to Goligher's scale assessed by proctological examination and compound safety. The secondary outcome was the reduction of anorectal symptoms assessed by questionnaires administered to patients. Results: Forty-four patients (89.8%) presented a reduction in hemorrhoidal grade of at least one grade (p < 0.001). No adverse events with the use of the compound were noted. A significant reduction was observed in all anorectal symptoms evaluated (p < 0.05). No predictors of response to the compound were identified among the clinical and demographic variables collected. Conclusion: The compound analyzed was effective and safe for patients with grade II and III hemorrhoidal disease according to Goligher's scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest transformation from coniferous monocultures to mixed stands is being promoted worldwide, including the introduction of fast-growing broadleaved tree species within native stands. Here, we studied how enrichment of temperate European Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) forest by North-American northern red oak Quercus rubra impacted macronutrient concentrations in two long-lived and dominant components of the forest understory: bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus and lingonberry V. vitis-idaea. Study sites were located in forest complexes (central Poland) which occupy continuously reforested lands (hereafter ancient forests) as well as post-agricultural lands (recent forests), all suitable for mesic pine forests. Samples of bilberry and lingonberry leaves, stems, and fruits were collected in pine stands and in adjacent Scots pine-red oak stands, in both ancient and recent forests. Concentrations of macronutrients (C, N, P, K, Ca, S, and Mg) in aboveground biomass components were analysed using standardized chemical procedures. The study revealed intra- and interspecific (bilberry vs. lingonberry) differences in concentrations of all nutrients in leaves, stems, and fruits, except for invariable C concentrations. Macronutrient accumulations in plants were decreased by land-use discontinuity and favoured by enrichment of tree stands by Q. rubra. The estimated macronutrient pools were much higher for V. myrtillus than V. vitis-idaea in all forest types studied. They were lower in forests enriched with Q. rubra, both ancient (up to 25.5% for bilberry and 99.9% for lingonberry) and recent (46.9% and 99.9%, respectively), as well as in recent pine forest (46.6% and 81.1%, respectively) than in ancient pine forest. Higher K and S pools (39.3% and 6.5%, respectively) noted for bilberry in an ancient forest with Q. rubra were exceptions. Despite more effective accumulations of elements at the species level, macronutrient pools of Vaccinium myrtillus and V. vitis-idaea decreased significantly in the presence of introduced Q. rubra due to negative impacts of this broadleaved tree on bilberry and lingonberry cover and biomass. Therefore, the limitation of alien Q. rubra planting in sites of mesic pine forest with the abundant occurrence of V. myrtillus and/or V. vitis-idaea is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paradoxically, seedlings of clonal plants are rarely observed in nature, despite many of these species producing large amounts of seeds every fruiting season. Studies about clonal plants' recruitment strategies are usually based on experiments carried out under controlled conditions (e.g., laboratory) and rarely consider frugivores' effects. We tested the role of endozoochory in the seedling recruitment in natural conditions of the bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus, a widely distributed clonal species and a key resource in temperate and boreal regions of Eurasia, which has been suggested to recruit at occasional windows of opportunity (unpredictable conditions in which seedling recruitment may occur within conspecific adult stands). We marked brown bear Ursus arctos, mesocarnivore (red foxes Vulpes vulpes and martens Martes spp.) and passerine feces containing bilberry seeds in the Tatra Mountains (Carpathian Mountains, Southern Poland) and followed the fate of the embedded seeds during two years. We detected bilberry germination associated with 100%, 87.5%, and 50% of brown bear, mesocarnivore, and passerine feces, and also in 43.6%, 41.2%, and 23.1% of the control plots located 5, 10, and 30 m away from the bear scats, respectively. In bear scats, investigated in more detail, 15.7% of the seedlings survived at least one year. The largest numbers of seedlings were associated with bear scats (154.4 ± 237.3 seedlings/m2), especially to those defecated upon the soil disturbances these animals create next to their resting sites. Our results demonstrate that endozoochory facilitates repeated bilberry seedling recruitment in nature, suggesting that studies on the reproductive strategies of clonal plants must consider the role of frugivores. Some frugivores' behaviors, such as the defecation by bears in the vicinity of their resting sites, may in fact be crucial for the reproduction of clonal plants and for the adaptation of these species to the current changing climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Several evidences have shown how, in hemorrhoidal disease, phlebotonic flavonoid agents such as quercetin reduce capillary permeability by increasing vascular walls resistance, how rutin and vitamin C have antioxidant properties, and that Centella asiatica has reparative properties towards the connective tissue. A retrospective study was designed in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a compound consisting of micronized flavonoids in combination with vitamin C and extracts of C. asiatica, Vaccinium myrtillus, and Vitis vinifera for grade II and III hemorrhoidal disease.Patients and Methods: Data of 49 patients, over 18, who were following a free diet regimen, not on therapy with other anti-hemorrhoid agents, treated with a compound consisting of 450 mg of micronized diosmin, 300 mg of C. asiatica, 270 mg of micronized hesperidin, 200 mg of V. vinifera, 160 mg of vitamin C, 160 mg of V. myrtillus, 140 mg of micronized quercetin, and 130 mg of micronized rutin (1 sachet or 2 tablets a day) for 7 days were collected. Hemorrhoid grade according to Goligher’s scale together with anorectal symptoms (edema, prolapse, itching, thrombosis, burning, pain, tenesmus, and bleeding) both before treatment (T0) and after 7 days of therapy (T7) were collected. Primary outcomes were the reduction of at least one degree of hemorrhoids according to Goligher’s scale assessed by proctological examination and compound safety. The secondary outcome was the reduction of anorectal symptoms assessed by questionnaires administered to patients.Results: Forty-four patients (89.8%) presented a reduction in hemorrhoidal grade of at least one grade (p < 0.001). No adverse events with the use of the compound were noted. A significant reduction was observed in all anorectal symptoms evaluated (p < 0.05). No predictors of response to the compound were identified among the clinical and demographic variables collected.Conclusion: The compound analyzed was effective and safe for patients with grade II and III hemorrhoidal disease according to Goligher’s scale.

Abstract Paradoxically, seedlings of clonal plants are rarely observed in nature, despite many of these species producing large amounts of seeds every fruiting season. Studies about clonal plants’ recruitment strategies are usually based on experiments carried out under controlled conditions (e.g., laboratory) and rarely consider frugivores’ effects. We tested the role of endozoochory in the seedling recruitment in natural conditions of the bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus, a widely distributed clonal species and a key resource in temperate and boreal regions of Eurasia, which has been suggested to recruit at occasional windows of opportunity (unpredictable conditions in which seedling recruitment may occur within conspecific adult stands). We marked brown bear Ursus arctos, mesocarnivore (red foxes Vulpes vulpes and martens Martes spp.) and passerine feces containing bilberry seeds in the Tatra Mountains (Carpathian Mountains, Southern Poland) and followed the fate of the embedded seeds during two years. We detected bilberry germination associated with 100%, 87.5%, and 50% of brown bear, mesocarnivore, and passerine feces, and also in 43.6%, 41.2%, and 23.1% of the control plots located 5, 10, and 30 m away from the bear scats, respectively. In bear scats, investigated in more detail, 15.7% of the seedlings survived at least one year. The largest numbers of seedlings were associated with bear scats (154.4 ± 237.3 seedlings/m2), especially to those defecated upon the soil disturbances these animals create next to their resting sites. Our results demonstrate that endozoochory facilitates repeated bilberry seedling recruitment in nature, suggesting that studies on the reproductive strategies of clonal plants must consider the role of frugivores. Some frugivores’ behaviors, such as the defecation by bears in the vicinity of their resting sites, may in fact be crucial for the reproduction of clonal plants and for the adaptation of these species to the current changing climatic conditions.

Scope: Bilberry, bananas, and apples are used for smoothie production because the health-promoting activities and to prevent human diseases including neurodegenerative disorders. The smoothie is prepared to promote a promising practice for increasing the intake of fruit in the diet., Methods and Results: The smoothie is packed into dark glass jars, pasteurized, and stored for up to 4 months at 4 or 22 °C. Then, it is analyzed for the polyphenols profile using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectometry (LC-HRMS) Polyphenols content and the antiinflammatory, anticholinesterase, and antioxidant activities, and the impact on catalase activity are controlled using biochemical analyses. A significant decrease in the flavanol content (p < 0.05) is investigated, while there are lower decreases or no changes in the other polyphenols content in the smoothies stored at 4 °C. The changes in the anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities of the smoothie are correlated with the total polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonols, and tannins content., Conclusion: The proposed preservation of the smoothie and its storage at refrigeration temperature is adequate to maintain the smoothie's nutritional and functional effect for a 4-month shelf life. Even significant changes in the content of individual subgroups of polyphenols are not drastically reflected in the decrease of the smoothie biological activities., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

(1) Background: Two Caucasian blueberries Vaccinium myrtillus L. and Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. are famous berry bushes growing in the Caucasus region and used to treat neurological diseases, but the chemistry and bioactivity of leaf extracts are still poorly studied. (2) Methods: Phenolic compounds of V. myrtillus and V. arctostaphylos leaf extracts were profiled and quantified by HPLC–PDA–ESI–tQ–MS. The neurotropic potential of Vaccinium extracts was studied using the model of middle cerebral artery permanent occlusion to determine cerebral blood flow, the area of the brain tissue necrosis, and antioxidant enzyme activity (including superoxide dismutase, succinate dehydrogenase, and cytochrome C oxidase), as well as the concentration of TBARS. (3) Results: Hydroxycinnamates and flavonoids were identified in the leaves of V. myrtillus and V. arctostaphylos, and the dominant metabolite of both extracts was 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid in the amount of 105–226 mg/g. The studied extracts enhanced the cerebral hemodynamics and decreased the frequency of necrotic and lipooxidative processes in the brain tissue, accompanied by an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The positive effect of V. arctostaphylos was stronger and exceeded the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba standardized extract. (4) Conclusion: The leaf extracts of Caucasian blueberries V. myrtillus and V. arctostaphylos as a new source of hydroxycinnamates demonstrated a protective effect of the brain ischemia pathology and can be used as therapeutic agents to treat neurological diseases.

Bilberry leaves are used in many countries in traditional medicine for treating a wide variety of diseases. Due to the high therapeutic potential of Vaccinium myrtillus (VM) leaves, this review aims to present the latest knowledge on the phytochemical profile, as well as the therapeutic effects of this herbal drug. The review was conducted according to the Prisma guidelines, and the scientific databases were searched using combinations of the following keywords: “Vaccinium myrtillus”, “leaves”, “bilberry”. Recent research was focused on the influence of abiotic factors on the phytochemical composition, and it seems that there are significant differences between the herbal drugs collected from different countries. The phytochemical composition is correlated with the broad spectrum of pharmacological effects. The paper outlines the potent antimicrobial activity of VM extracts against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, and also the pathways that are modulated by the unique “cocktail” of phytoconstituents in different metabolic alterations. Reviewing the research articles published in the last 10 years, it seems that bilberry leaves have been slightly forgotten, although their phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics are unique.

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Bilberry fruits (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) are one of the richest natural sources of anthocyanins and are widely used due to their pharmacological and nutritional properties. To ensure their maximum application potential, it is necessary to overcome the limitations of conventional extraction solvents and techniques. This study aimed to develop a green method for bilberry anthocyanin extraction using natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) integrated with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) in order to define extraction conditions that will prevent decomposition of the anthocyanins or the loss of bioactivity. After a screening of ten different NaDES, choline chloride:sorbitol (1:1) was selected as the most effective. Furthermore, the influence analysis and optimization of the NaDES–UAE extraction conditions were carried out employing response surface methodology. The optimal conditions were found to be an extraction time of 37.63 min, a temperature of 48.38 °C, and 34.79% (w/w) water in NaDES. The extraction yields of target compounds under optimized extraction conditions were 0.27 mg/g DW of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and 2.12 mg CGE/g DW of TAC. The obtained optimized extract showed promising radical scavenging and antimicrobial activity. A stability study with the optimized extract revealed that refrigerated storage at 4 °C in the dark provided the best anthocyanins preservation. Overall, the developed NaDES-UAE method showed promising application potential and can be considered as a high-efficiency green alternative to conventional anthocyanins extraction methods, enabling the preservation of active ingredients and the bioactivity of extracts.

Agricultural by-products could be used as alternative raw materials in rabbit nutrition as they have been found to be highly nutritious and low cost feeding sources. The aim of this study was to estimate the nutritive value and potential use of bilberry pomace (BP) for growing rabbits. A total of 144 Grimaud rabbits (35 days old) were allotted to four groups and fed with a diet containing increasing level of BP: BP0 (basal diet), BP5, BP10 and BP15 containing 0, 50, 100 and 150 g/kg respectively. Growth trial lasted 48 days; apparent digestibility was evaluated, starting at 46 days of age, over 4 consecutive days. The nutritive value of BP was measured using the mean digestibility of the experimental diets. At 83 days of age, rabbits were slaughtered: blood, and liver and kidney samples were collected in order to determine the blood parameters and the antioxidant enzyme activities of the tissues. Moreover, caecal content was sampled and gut microbiota assessed by means of amplicon-based high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing and PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. The digestible protein was estimated to 104 g/kg of DM while digestible energy to 9.44 MJ/kg DM for incorporation rate up to 150 g/kg. During the finishing period, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio showed linear response to BP increase (P=0.008 and

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L., Ericaceae) is a rich source of different mineral elements that are important as essential trace elements, or that can be potentially toxic, depending on their concentration. The contents of sixteen elements: the major (Al, Ca, Fe, K and Mg) and trace elements (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn) in roots, stems, leaves and fruits of bilberry and the corresponding soil substrate were determined in order to investigate element mobility and availability in soil. Soil was subjected to sequential extraction procedure as proposed by the Community Bureau of Reference in order to fractionate acid-soluble/exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable and residual fractions. Analysis of water and ethanol extracts of bilberry aerial parts revealed a significant transfer of elements during the extraction procedure, with corresponding extraction coefficient values of up to 95.12%. Results showed that bilberry fruits could serve as a good dietary source of essential elements for humans, especially Mn and Cu. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. III 45017 and Grant no. OI 172030]

The study of morphological and physiological responses of shrubs to climate is crucial for the understanding of future scenarios regarding climate change. In this light, studying shrub growth and physiological acclimation along an elevation gradient might be insightful. The phenolic metabolic pathway represents a powerful tool to interpret such processes.In the South‐Eastern Alps, we investigated the relationships between elevation, plant traits (i.e. age, xylem ring width, annual shoot length), plant–plant interaction (i.e. shrub cover) and flavonoids in Vaccinium myrtillus L. (leaves, berries) in stands above the treeline. The relationships were parsed within causal networks using a confirmatory path analysis.Elevation was the main driver of V. myrtillus growth, having both direct and indirect effects on the leaf flavonoid content, but this was less evident for berries. In particular, the content of foliar flavonoids showed a peak at mid‐elevation and where the growth of xylem rings was intermediate, while it decreased in stands with higher shoot length. Flavonoid content variability of both leaves and berries was affected by elevation and shoot length. In berries, flavonoid variability was further related to all growth traits and shrub cover.These findings evidence that flavonoid content is influenced by both elevation and growth traits of V. myrtillus, often showing non‐linear relationships. These results suggest a trait‐mediated response of this plant to climate conditions as a result of trade‐offs between plant growth, plant defence, environmental stress and nutrient/resource availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven new polyketides including three chromone derivatives (1-3) and four linear ones incorporating a tetrahydrofuran ring (4-7), along with three known compounds (8-10), were obtained from the fermentation of an endophytic fungus (Chaetomium sp. UJN-EF006) isolated from the leaves of Vaccinium bracteatum. The structures of these fungal metabolites have been elucidated by spectroscopic means including MS, NMR and electronic circular dichroism. A preliminary anti-inflammatory screening with the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced RAW264.7 cell model revealed moderate NO production inhibitory activity for compounds 1 and 4. In addition, the expression of three LPS-induced inflammatory factors IL-6, iNOS and COX-2 was also blocked by 1 and 4., (© 2024 Wiley‐VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Presbyopia is a global problem with an estimated 1.3 billion patients worldwide. In the area of functional food applications, dietary supplements or herbs, there are very few reports describing the positive effects of their use. In the available literature, there is a lack of studies in humans as well as on an animal model of extracts containing, simultaneously, compounds from the polyphenol group (in particular, anthocyanins) and iridoids, so we undertook a study of the effects of a preparation composed of these compounds on a condition of the organ of vision. Our previous experience on a rabbit model proved the positive effect of taking an oral extract of Cornus mas in stabilizing the intraocular pressure of the eye. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an orally administered ternary compound preparation on the status of physiological parameters of the ocular organ. The preparation contained an extract of the chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa, the honeysuckle berry Lonicera caerulea L., and the bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus (hereafter AKB) standardized for anthocyanins and iridoids, as bioactive compounds known from the literature. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over study lasting with a "wash-out" period of 17 weeks evaluated a group of 23 people over the age of 50, who were subjects with presbyopia and burdened by prolonged work in front of screen monitors. The group of volunteers was recruited from people who perform white-collar jobs on a daily basis. The effects of the test substances contained in the preparation on visual acuity for distance and near, sense of contrast for distance and near, intraocular pressure, and conjunctival lubrication, tested by Schirmer test, LIPCOF index and TBUT test, and visual field test were evaluated. Anthocyanins (including cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, delphinidin 3-O-arabinoside, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside) and iridoids (including loganin, sweroside, loganic acid) were identified as substances present in the extract obtained by HPLC-MS. The preliminary results showed that the composition of AKB applied orally does not change visual acuity in the first 6 weeks of administration. Only in the next cycle of the study was an improvement in near visual acuity observed in 92.3% of the patients. This may indicate potential to correct near vision in presbyopic patients. On the other hand, an improvement in conjunctival wetting was observed in the Schirmer test at the beginning of week 6 of administration in 80% of patients. This effect was weakened in subsequent weeks of conducting the experiment to 61.5%. The improvement in conjunctival hydration in the Schirmer test shows the potential beneficial effect of the AKB formulation in a group of patients with dry eye syndrome. This is the first study of a preparation based on natural, standardized extracts of chokeberry, honeysuckle berry, and bilberry. Preliminary studies show an improvement in near visual acuity and conjunctival hydration on the Schirmer test, but this needs to be confirmed in further studies.