Mirtillo
J. Agric. Food Chem. 2009; doi:10.1021/jf9035468. Atheroprotective Effects of Bilberry Extracts in Apo E-Deficient Mice
Mauray A, Milenkovic D, Besson C, Caccia N, Morand C, Michel F, Mazur A, Scalbert A, Felgines C
ABSTRACT
Previous studies have demonstrated that the intake of berry foods was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of two bilberry extracts, one rich in anthocyanins extracted from untreated bilberries (BE) and a second one extracted from yeast-fermented bilberries (FBE), on the development of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (apo E−/−). Apo E−/− mice received for 16 weeks a diet supplemented with 0.02% of either BE or FBE. Atherosclerotic plaque area was measured in the aortic sinus.
Supplementation of the diet with both bilberry extracts led to a significant inhibition of plaque development, whereas no effect on oxidative stress parameters or lipid profiles could be observed, suggesting the implication of other mechanisms of action. In addition, a better protection was observed with FBE, suggesting that the fermentation generates new bioactive compounds more effective in attenuating progression of the atherosclerotic lesions.
Commento
L’estratto di mirtillo fermentato può ostacolare l’accumulo di placche nelle arterie, impedendo l’indurimento dei vasi sanguigni e rafforzare la salute globale del cuore. La sua assunzione (30 mg di antociani/die) esercita una più efficace attività anti-aterogenica in vivo rispetto all’estratto standardizzato non trattato, suggerendo che la fermentazione ne aumenta l’efficacia e induce la formazione di nuovi composti bioattivi.