Anthocyanin Rich Fruit linked to Colitis Benefits

Quoting from a recent report cited in the http://www.nutraingredients.com website, research undertaken by the Universities of Wurzburg, Regensburg and Zurich reveals that ‘Anthocyanin-rich extracts from bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) may reduce inflammation in colitis patients and offer a natural alternative to steroids’.

‘A study with lab animals found  an extract from bilberry was associated with reductions in the secretion of inflammatory markers in the colon, with the extract outperforming pure bilberries

‘Colitis is inflammation of the colon. According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), ulcerative colitis is a relatively uncommon condition, affecting about 100,000 people in England. Women are 30 per cent more likely to develop the condition than their male counterparts. Other inflammatory conditions of the colon include Crohn’s disease. Symptoms of such conditions include abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

“Bilberries could be an additional nutritional approach for mild to moderate colitis that helps to avoid immunosuppression with the respective side effects, such as infections, in those patients,” he said.

The researchers tested the effects on animal models of acute and chronic colitis and found the histological scores – a measure of the microscopic structure of the animals’ tissue – showed a reduction of almost 50 per cent when animals were fed the bilberry extract containing 1 per cent anthocyanins. Higher histological scores are said to represent sever changes caused by the inflammatory process such as thickening of the wall of the intestine and infiltration of gut tissue by immune cells.

“In this animal model we assed the histological score, which is also the most valid parameter in humans. Therefore the animal model is a good predictor, but nevertheless we need to determine the effect in colitis patients, said the researchers.

This is good news for the AuraGold Farms Ooray Rain Plum powder and VegeShot products.’ We track overseas clinical trials and studies to determine what new information comes out re the effects of the red antioxidant called the anthocyanin’, says Scott Mathias Creator of the AuraGold Farms range of Pure Australian Superfoods.

‘The Ooray Rain Plum is indigenous to Australia and contains as much as 8220mg/100g of rich anthocyanin. Our ever changing focus group of individual customers report back a range of results after taking both products as supplements to their daily food intake and the overwhelming consensus is that they experience a great deal of relief in stomach and intestinal wellbeing’, says Scott Mathias.

‘We are moving towards running our own in depth trials here in Australia but even though there is alot of enthusiasm for high antioxidant Australian superfoods derived from indigenous fruit there is not the state or commonwealth funding to assist in determining beyond anecdotal references that people obtain long term beneficial affects from the anthocyanin.Studies have been done from a high level perspective on some of the Vitamins and minerals in Australian indigenous fruits and foods but not their exact and specific benefits to a human condition’, says Scott Mathias.

The Ooray Rain Plum range of products is available at www.auragoldfarms.com.au

Source: Journal of Nutrition
Accepted for publication
“Bilberries and their anthocyanins ameliorate experimental colitis”
Authors: H. Piberger, A. Oehme, C. Hofmann, A. Dreiseitel, P. Sand, F. Obermeier, J. Schoelmerich, P. Schreier, G. Krammer, G. Rogler

http://www.nutraingredients.com

All information on this site or page is of a general nature and is ‘for information only’. No medical claims are made and you should seek the advice of a qualified medical practitioner should any prevailing medical condition exist. Above all seek out your options.