
Berries May
Protect Against Cancer and Heart DiseaseBy Hank Becker February 27, 2001Blueberries, cranberries,
huckleberries and related plants have now been found to contain resveratrol, a
potential anticancer agent, according to Agricultural Research Service scientists
who made the discovery. This new finding from ARS chemist Agnes Rimando at the
Natural
Products Utilization Research Unit, Oxford, Miss., adds to previous
research by other scientists who found that dark-skinned bunch grapes contain
resveratrol. Rimando is working with scientists at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Kentville, Nova
Scotia, and the ARS Small Fruit
Research Station in Poplarville, Miss. Using chemical identification procedures, the team of scientists measured
the resveratrol content of 30 whole fruit samples of blueberry, cranberry,
huckleberry and related plants. The samples represented five families and 10
species of Vaccinium fruit. They also measured resveratrol in skin,
juice/pulp and seed samples of muscadine grape. Because of its important biological properties, resveratrol
(3,5,4-trihydroxystilbene) has been examined extensively in grapes. Studies
showed the compound protects the grapes from fungal diseases. It also provides
health benefits for consumers by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The compound's anticancer potential warranted its examination in other fruits. The teams studies showed that several fruit samples of
Vaccinium contain varying amounts of the compound. Analysis of the
extracts of the skin, juice/pulp and seed of muscadine grapes showed that
concentration of resveratrol in the skin was highest. Levels in the juice/pulp
were much lower than in the skin and seeds. Analysis of more Vacciniumand muscadine samples is continuing. The new data could help build a foundation for increasing resveratrol in
those berry and grape crops that are important to many small farmers. Future
research goals will include enhancing production of resveratrol in selected
species. ARS is the lead scientific research agency of the
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Scientific contact: Agnes Rimando, ARS Natural Products Utilization
Research Unit, Oxford, Miss, phone (662) 915-1037, fax (662) 915-1035,
[email protected]. U.S. Department of Agriculture |