Vaccinium Species (Ericaceae): From Chemical Composition to Bio-Functional Activities
Source abstract
Abstract
The genus Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) includes more than 450 species, which mainly grow in cooler areas of the northern hemisphere. Vaccinium species have been used in traditional medicine of different cultures and the berries are widely consumed as food. Indeed, Vaccinium supplement-based herbal medicine and functional food, mainly from V. myrtillus and V. macrocarpon, are used in Europe and North America. Biological studies support traditional uses since, for many Vaccinium components, important biological functions have been described, including antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and endothelium protective activities. Vaccinium components, such as polyphenols, anthocyanins and flavonoids, are widely recognized as modulators of cellular pathways involved in pathological conditions, thus indicating that Vaccinium may be an important source of bioactive molecules. This review aims to better describe the bioactivity of Vaccinium species, focusing on anti-inflammatory and endothelial protective cellular pathways, modulated by their components, to better understand their importance for public health.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activities · Natural product bioactivities and synthesis · Phytochemistry and Biological Activities
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
Université de Paris, UFR de Pharmacie de Paris, U.M.R. n°8038, -CiTCoM- (CNRS, Université de Paris), F-75006 Paris, France
Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
Funding
MIUR - Ministry of Education, University and Research (Italy)
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