Berries boost the heart, new research suggests

Blueberries, cranberries, huckleberries and related plants contain resveratrol, a potential anticancer agent, according to the results of a study by US Agricultural Research Service (ARS)​ scientists. This new finding from ARS chemist Agnes Rimando at the Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, Oxford, Miss., adds to previous research that suggests that dark-skinned bunch grapes contain resveratrol. Using chemical identification procedures, the 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. 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 Vaccinium and muscadinesamples is continuing. Previous studies on resveratrol (3,5,4-trihydroxystilbene) have shown that the compound protects the grapes from fungal diseases. It may also provide health benefits for consumers by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.