Alaskan wild berry resources and human health under the cloud of climate change.
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.
Kellogg
Joshua
J
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
Wang
Jinzhi
J
Flint
Courtney
C
Ribnicky
David
D
Kuhn
Peter
P
De Mejia
Elvira González
EG
Raskin
Ilya
I
Lila
Mary Ann
MA
D000413:Alaska; D000818:Animals; D000872:Anthocyanins / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects; D002460:Cell Line; D057231:Climate Change; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D027824:Rosaceae / Q000737:chemistry*
D000872:Anthocyanins; D001786:Blood Glucose; D010936:Plant Extracts