The effects of raspberries on early atherosclerosis in Syrian hamsters were investigated using three juices prepared from var. Cardinal, Glen Ample and Tulameen berries. The hamsters received an atherogenic diet for 12 weeks and at the same time a juice at a daily dose corresponding to the consumption of 275 ml by a 70 kg human. A control group received the same diet with water instead juice. The principal polyphenolic compounds in the juices were anthocyanins and ellagitannins, which were present at concentrations of 218-305 μg mL(-1) and 45-72 μg mL(-1), respectively. The three juices had similar but not identical effects. They all inhibited cardiac and aortic production of superoxide anion and increased hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity although only Tulameen juice brought about a significant increase in superoxide dismutase activity. Glen Ample was the only juice to significantly increase plasma paraoxonase activity. All the juices lowered plasma triglyceride level while consumption of Tulameen and Cardinal, but not Glen Ample, significantly lowered plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. Cardinal was the sole juice to significantly increase HDL-cholesterol and likewise it also significantly reduced body weight. These findings suggest that moderate consumption of raspberry juices can help to prevent the development of early atherosclerosis, with the underlying mechanisms related to improved antioxidant status and serum lipid profiles.

These findings indicate that polyphenols are responsible, at least in part, for the antiatherogenic/antioxidant effects of wines.

Le raisin possède une spécificité par les composés phénoliques antioxydants qu'il renferme (flavonoïdes et nonflavonoïdes). Les structures et principales familles de composés phénoliques du raisin sont données. La consommation modérée de raisin ou de produits dérivés (contenant des polyphénols) peut conduire à une diminution de l'agrégation plaquettaire ainsi qu'à des effets vasodilatateurs des vaisseaux sanguins. Les effets physiologiques obtenus pour la consommation nutritionnelle d'extrait de polyphénols de raisin sur l'athérosclérose, le diabète ou l'hypertension montrent une prévention in vivo de ces pathologies pour les modèles étudiés avec une synergie lorsque éthanol et polyphénols sont associés, par l'intermédiaire de plusieurs mécanismes. Les polyphénols du raisin peuvent donc jouer un rôle de nutrition préventive.Abstract: The phenolic antioxidant components of the grape (flavonoids and non-flavonoids) cause it to stand out. The article states the structure and main families of phenolic components found in the grape. Moderate consumption of grapes and products derived from grapes (containing polyphenols) can lead to decreased platelet aggregation as well as dilating the blood vessels. The physiological effects of consuming polyphenols derived from grapes on diabetes, raised blood-pressure or arthritis demonstrate in vivo prevention of these pathologies, with synergy if ethanols are associated with the grape polyphenols by various mechanisms. Grape polyphenols can therefore be said to have a role in preventive nutrition.