Alaskan wild berry resources and human health under the cloud of climate change

J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Apr 14;58(7):3884-900. doi: 10.1021/jf902693r.

Abstract

Wild berries are integral dietary components for Alaska Native people and a rich source of polyphenolic metabolites that can ameliorate metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. In this study, five species of wild Alaskan berries (Vaccinium ovalifolium , Vaccinium uliginosum , Rubus chamaemorus , Rubus spectabilis , and Empetrum nigrum) were screened for bioactivity through a community-participatory research method involving three geographically distinct tribal communities. Compositional analysis by HPLC and LC-MS(2) revealed substantial site-specific variation in anthocyanins (0.01-4.39 mg/g of FW) and proanthocyanidins (0.74-6.25 mg/g of FW) and identified A-type proanthocyanidin polymers. R. spectabilis increased expression levels of preadipocyte factor 1 (182%), and proanthocyanidin-enriched fractions from other species reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Selected extracts reduced serum glucose levels in C57BL/6J mice by up to 45%. Local observations provided robust insights into effects of climatic fluctuations on berry abundance and quality, and preliminary site-specific compositional and bioactivity differences were noted, suggesting the need to monitor this Alaska Native resource as climate shifts affect the region.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alaska
  • Animals
  • Anthocyanins / analysis
  • Anthocyanins / pharmacology
  • Blood Glucose / drug effects
  • Cell Line
  • Climate Change*
  • Fruit / chemistry
  • Health*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Obesity / drug therapy*
  • Plant Extracts / analysis
  • Plant Extracts / metabolism
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Random Allocation
  • Rosaceae / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anthocyanins
  • Blood Glucose
  • Plant Extracts