Blueberry

Presentation Slides

Chinese Medicine Research Hub

Meta-Analysis

Blueberry consumption significantly improves two-back test accuracy, suggesting potential cognitive benefits.

2023 CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets The Potential Effect of Blueberry on Cognitive Health and Mood State based on Human Intervention Studies: Systematic Review and Mini Meta-Analysis
Soveid N, Barkhidarian B, Moradi S, Gholami F, Rasaei N, Himmerich H, Mirzaei K

Chinese Medicine Research Hub

Randomised Controlled Trial

Consumption of blueberry powder daily improves vascular function, cognitive abilities, and reduces blood pressure in healthy older individuals.

2023 The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Wild blueberry (poly)phenols can improve vascular function and cognitive performance in healthy older individuals: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Wood E, Hein S, Mesnage R, Fernandes F, Abhayaratne N, Xu Y, Zhang Z, Bell L, Williams C, Rodriguez-Mateos A

Chinese Medicine Research Hub

Review Article

Berry fruits such as blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries could potentially improve gut microbiota and reverse dysbiosis in chronic kidney disease patients.

2023 Nutrition Reviews Blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry as modulators of the gut microbiota: target for treatment of gut dysbiosis in chronic kidney disease? From current evidence to future possibilities
Coutinho-Wolino KS, Melo MFS, Mota JC, Mafra D, Guimarães JT, Stockler-Pinto MB

Chinese Medicine Research Hub

Randomised Controlled Trial

Consumption of wild blueberries over six months can improve cognitive performance and speed of processing information amongst older adults.

2022 Nutritional Neuroscience Six-month intervention with wild blueberries improved speed of processing in mild cognitive decline: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.
Cheatham CL, Canipe LG, Millsap G, Stegall JM, Chai SC, Sheppard KW, Lila MA

Chinese Medicine Research Hub

Randomised Controlled Trial

Both whole blueberries and freeze-dried blueberry powder significantly enhanced plasma nitrite levels, a marker of cardiovascular health, but did not significantly affect other cardiovascular risk factors.

2022 Nutrients Effects of Blueberry Consumption on Cardiovascular Health in Healthy Adults: A Cross-Over Randomised Controlled Trial
Wang Y, Gallegos JL, Haskell-Ramsay C, Lodge JK

Chinese Medicine Research Hub

Review Article

Cherries and blueberries, rich in phenolic compounds, can be effectively used in pharmaceutical products, smart foods, functional beverages, and nutraceuticals to prevent or treat diseases.

2022 Molecules Cherries and Blueberries-Based Beverages: Functional Foods with Antidiabetic and Immune Booster Properties
Gonçalves AC, Nunes AR, Flores-Félix JD, Alves G, Silva LR

Chinese Medicine Research Hub

Meta-Analysis

Blueberry and cranberry consumption significantly lowered fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels in individuals with diabetes.

2022 Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases Effects of blueberry and cranberry on type 2 diabetes parameters in individuals with or without diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Delpino FM, Figueiredo LM, Gonçalves da Silva T, Flores TR

Chinese Medicine Research Hub

Clinical Study

Consumption of blueberries can alter levels of certain beneficial compounds in the blood, potentially contributing to improved cognitive function in older adults.

2021 Food & Function Blueberry phenolics are associated with cognitive enhancement in supplemented healthy older adults
Rutledge GA, Sandhu AK, Miller MG, Edirisinghe I, Burton-Freeman BB, Shukitt-Hale B

Chinese Medicine Research Hub

Meta-Analysis

Supplementation with blueberry shows a potential for beneficial impact on reducing body weight, which might indirectly influence cardiovascular disease risk factors.

2020 Complementary Therapies in Medicine Blueberry and cardiovascular disease risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Miraghajani M, Momenyan S, Arab A, Hasanpour Dehkordi A, Symonds ME

Chinese Medicine Research Hub

Systematic Review

Blueberries and their products may improve certain measures of cognitive performance, particularly memory, and positively affect mood.

2020 Brain, Behavior, and Immunity The effect of blueberry interventions on cognitive performance and mood: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Travica N, D'Cunha NM, Naumovski N, Kent K, Mellor DD, Firth J, Georgousopoulou EN, Dean OM, Loughman A, Jacka F, Marx W

Executive Summary

Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Research into Chinese medicine treatment for Blueberry" summarising the research below and using language that can be easily understood by patients and avoiding medical jargon using a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Researched Chinese medicine treatments for Blueberry" summarising the research below in an objective and easy to understand way, and using language that can be easily understood by patients. Group the article into Chinese medicine treatments first, followed by nutrition and other treatments. Avoid using medical jargon and use a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write me a concise but easy to understand executive summary on the topic of "Chinese medicine treatments for Blueberry" based on the following research that I will give you. Your summary should be 2 paragraphs long in Australian English spelling and include references to the studies.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2023 in the journal CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets found that Blueberry consumption significantly improves two-back test accuracy, suggesting potential cognitive benefits. Methodology: A comprehensive search was conducted in April 2021 for relevant clinical trials on blueberry supplementation and its effects on cognitive performance and mood. The search was conducted through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar, and the random effect size was used to estimate the pooled effect size. Cochrane Q test and I-squared tests were used to evaluate heterogeneity between studies, and a subgroup analysis was done to detect potential sources of such heterogeneity. Fourteen randomized trials were included in the quantitative analysis, and six were pooled for statistical analysis. Results: Blueberry intervention did not produce any significant impact on mood state score, attention task reaction time, or on the percentages of attention task accuracy. Similarly, it had no significant effect on one-back test accuracy. However, a noticeable positive effect was detected in two-back test accuracy, indicating possible cognitive benefits associated with blueberry consumption.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2023 in the journal The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that Consumption of blueberry powder daily improves vascular function, cognitive abilities, and reduces blood pressure in healthy older individuals. This double-blind, parallel randomized controlled trial engaged 61 healthy older individuals aged between 65 to 80 years old. Participants were given either 26g of freeze-dried wild blueberry (WBB) powder, comprising 302 mg anthocyanins, or a similar placebo with zero mg anthocyanins. Measurements were made for endothelial function, cognitive function, arterial stiffness, blood pressure, cerebral blood flow, gut microbiome, and blood parameters, both at the start of the trial and again following 12 weeks of daily consumption. In addition, plasma and urinary polyphenol metabolites were analyzed through the use of microelution solid-phase extraction combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. In the WBB group, there was a notable increase in endothelial function and a decrease in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure, when compared to the placebo group. Enhanced immediate recall on the auditory verbal learning task was also observed, along with better accuracy on a task-switch task following administering of WBB. Notably, the total 24-hour urinary excretion of polyphenols also significantly increased in the WBB group comparative to the control group. In contrast, there were no discernible changes in cerebral blood flow or gut microbiota composition. These findings imply that WBB polyphenols could contribute to reducing future cardiovascular disease risk in older populations, and might enhance memory processes and executive functioning in older adults at risk of cognitive decline.

A Review Article published in 2023 in the journal Nutrition Reviews found that Berry fruits such as blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries could potentially improve gut microbiota and reverse dysbiosis in chronic kidney disease patients. Methodology: This research explores the therapeutic potential of berry fruits, including blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries, in relation to modulating gut microbiota in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The fruit’s rich polyphenol and nutrient content are assumed to promote the selective growth of beneficial bacteria, thus improving the clinical status of these patients. The study scrutinizes the impact on the abundance of mucus-producing bacteria and short-chain fatty acids specifically. Discussion of Results: The gathered evidence illustrates that berry fruits, particularly with a daily intake of 5 mg, can promote diversity in the gut microbiota and possibly reverse dysbiosis, a common issue in chronic kidney disease patients. These fruits are found to increase the expression of mRNA involved in gut tight junctions such as occludin, TJP1, and mucin, and they may reduce uremic toxins by controlling the gut microbiota, improving the uremic condition. As such, long-term use of berry fruits could be an effective strategy for CKD patients.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience found that Consumption of wild blueberries over six months can improve cognitive performance and speed of processing information amongst older adults. The methodology of this research involved conducting a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial where participants with cognitive issues ascertained by Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores were asked to consume wild blueberry or placebo powder daily for a 6-month period. There was also a separate reference group involved, comprised of individuals devoid of any cognitive issues. These individuals were tested at the commencement and end of the trial using the Cambridge Neurological Test Automated Battery and an electrophysiological paradigm named event-related potentials. The results presented disclosed a significant improvement in the speed of processing information in the group consuming blueberries compared to the placebo group over the 6-month intervention period. Additionally, the speed of this group's processing was re-established to the level of the reference group, revealing the restoration of cognitive abilities. The most distinct enhancement was noted in participants aged between 75-80 years in the blueberry group.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal Nutrients found that Both whole blueberries and freeze-dried blueberry powder significantly enhanced plasma nitrite levels, a marker of cardiovascular health, but did not significantly affect other cardiovascular risk factors. In this study, a cross-over randomised controlled trial was carried out with three groups: one consuming fresh blueberries, one consuming freeze-dried blueberry powder, and one as the control group. All participated in 1 week of treatment, with a 1-week wash-out period between treatments. The study involved the measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, plasma cholesterol levels (low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol), triglyceride levels, and glucose and nitrite concentrations. The results indicated an improvement of plasma nitrite levels following both whole blueberry and blueberry powder supplementations compared to their baselines, hinting at potential benefits to cardiovascular health. However, no other significant effects were observed for blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, or glucose. Also, none of the changes in individual treatment arms were significantly different from the control. Essentially, the form of blueberry consumed, whether whole or in powder form, did not show any unique advantage in improving cardiovascular health factors.

A Review Article published in 2022 in the journal Molecules found that Cherries and blueberries, rich in phenolic compounds, can be effectively used in pharmaceutical products, smart foods, functional beverages, and nutraceuticals to prevent or treat diseases. The research primarily studied the health-promoting potential of cherries and blueberries, given their high nutritional density and substantial phenolic compounds. The focus was on their ability to counteract oxidative stress markers and suppress pro-inflammatory responses, which are significant factors in chronic diseases such as diabetes. The researchers analyzed these fruits for their potential incorporation into various products such as pharmaceutical preparations, smart foods, functional beverages, and nutraceuticals. In the discussion of the results, it was emphasized how cherries and blueberries exhibit significant biological potential. They were not only seen as effective in combatting oxidative stress and inflammation but also as potential immune boosters. The conclusions underscored the fruits' potential role as functional foods and their relevance to the burgeoning popularity of functional beverages, hinting at their promise for inclusion in a variety of health-related products.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2022 in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases found that Blueberry and cranberry consumption significantly lowered fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels in individuals with diabetes. The research methodology involved a systematic literature review and meta-analysis using publications sourced from seven different databases (PubMed, LILACS, Scielo, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase) up until May 2021. The researchers included randomized clinical trials where the effects of blueberry or cranberry on parameters linked to type 2 diabetes such as fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, and glycated hemoglobin were compared. The quality of these studies was evaluated using the Cochrane scale while the Egger test was utilized to assess publication bias and the meta-regression evaluated the estimated effect sizes with potential moderator variables. Following an initial identification of 2034 studies, 39 full-text studies were read, out of which 22 met the criteria to be included in the final meta-analysis. The findings showed that individuals with diabetes experienced significant reductions in fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin readings following the consumption of blueberries or cranberries. However, no significant effects were seen on insulin resistance. While the results were not universally significant when it came to the general population, an exception was found in the sensitivity analysis for fasting blood glucose.

A Clinical Study published in 2021 in the journal Food & Function found that Consumption of blueberries can alter levels of certain beneficial compounds in the blood, potentially contributing to improved cognitive function in older adults. The research method involved a study on 38 healthy older adults between 60 to 75 years of age, over a 90-day period. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups – a blueberry group and a control group. The blueberry group received 24 grams of freeze-dried blueberries, equivalent to a cup of fresh berries, every day, while the control group received no treatment. Blood samples were taken from the subjects before breakfast and two hours post-breakfast, on the start day, the 45th day and the 90th day. Additionally, the study subjects also took cognitive tests on these days. Results showed that after 90 days, there were significant changes in the levels of circulating phenolic compounds, including such compounds as hippuric acid, phloroglucinaldehyde and syringic acid, among others, in the blood of those who had consumed blueberries. Moreover, improvements in cognitive functions were observed and these changes were linked to alterations in the concentrations of specific phenolic compounds like ferulic acid-glucuronide, syringic acid, and malvidin-3-galactoside. These results suggest a correlation between daily blueberry consumption, changes in phenolic compounds in the blood, and improvements in brain performance.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2020 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that Supplementation with blueberry shows a potential for beneficial impact on reducing body weight, which might indirectly influence cardiovascular disease risk factors. The methodology involved searching various digital databases such as ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library in March 2020. The researchers looked for all randomized and controlled clinical trials that used blueberry supplements to modify cardiovascular disease risk factors. Inclusion criteria were not restricted by language. References lists from primary studies and review articles were also checked for any additional studies. The results showed that although blueberry supplementation had a small, insignificant effect in reducing plasma triglycerides, there were no differences found between blueberry and control groups for any other cardiovascular disease risk outcomes. However, subgroup analysis indicated a potential favorable impact of blueberry on reducing body weight. It was found that studies lasting longer than 6 weeks or those that used blueberry powder or freeze-dried blueberry were indicative of significant weight loss.

A Systematic Review published in 2020 in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that Blueberries and their products may improve certain measures of cognitive performance, particularly memory, and positively affect mood. The systematic review process involved evaluating the results from randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of blueberries and blueberry products on cognitive performance and mood. A total of eleven articles, encompassing twelve studies, were examined. The studies employed various forms of blueberries - freeze-dried, whole, and concentrate. Different demographic groups were considered across the studies: children, young adults, and older people with or without known cognitive impairment. The studies considered the impact of consumed or supplemented blueberries, varied in dosage and duration, on cognitive performance, specifically in relation to both short-term and long-term memory, as well as spatial memory. Also, the studies investigated the effects on mood, particularly the potential enhancement of positive feelings. The findings revealed that eight out of twelve studies reported an improvement in cognitive performance following the ingestion of blueberries, although variations in each specific study's design, dosage, and anthocyanin content made cross-study comparisons challenging. Regarding mood, out of five studies, only one study reported a significant improvement in mood upon consumption of blueberry products, while the others reported no significant change. Despite differences, all studies featured a low risk of bias overall, underscoring the perceived validity of these findings.

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