A Review on Berry Seeds—A Special Emphasis on Their Chemical Content and Health-Promoting Properties

Abstract

Berries are important components of the human diet, valued for their high content of nutrients and active compounds. Berry seeds are also important objects of scientific investigation as, in some cases, they can have a higher concentration of certain phytochemicals than other parts of the fruit. Moreover, they are often byproducts of the food industry that can be reused to make oil, extracts, or flour. We have reviewed available literature related to the chemical content and biological activity of seeds from five different berry species—red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L. and Rubus coreanus Miq.), strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa), grape (Vitis vinifera L.), sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.). We have searched various databases, including PubMed, Web of Knowledge, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Last search was conducted on 16.01.2023. Various preparations from berry seeds are valuable sources of bioactive phytochemicals and could be used as functional foods or to make pharmaceuticals or cosmetics. Some products, like oil, flour, or extracts, are already available on the market. However, many preparations and compounds still lack appropriate evidence for their effectiveness in vivo, so their activity should first be assessed in animal studies and clinical trials.

Raspberry Leaves and Extracts-Molecular Mechanism of Action and Its Effectiveness on Human Cervical Ripening and the Induction of Labor

“…They are rich in vitamins such as vitamins C, A, and E, which are known for their antioxidant activity. The inorganic composition is strongly influenced by the place where the plant is grown, and the method of cultivation [ 23 , 24 ]. Besides inorganic compounds, raspberries contain many bioactive molecules, such as polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoids, and fatty acids.…”

“…The group of polyphenols includes flavonoids (anthocyanins, kaempferol, catechin), phenolic acids (mainly ellagic acid), and stilbenes (such as resveratrol). Anthocyanins—a group of flavan-3-ols such as malvidin, cyanidin, petunidin, delphinidin, pelargonidin, and peonidin—manifest a strong antioxidant activity, and are responsible for the color of the fruits of these plants [ 20 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. The compound with the highest concentration in raspberry leaves is ellagic acid.…”

“…Red raspberries contain ellagic acid, which occurs in three forms: as free ellagic acid, ellagic acid glycoside, and as ellagitannins, in which hexahydroxydiphenic acid is combined into esters with sugar. Ellagic acid makes up approximately 50% of the dry mass of all phenols in raspberries, and shows a strong antiproliferative effect [ 24 ]. Another group of compounds found in berries comprises saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as myristic acid or linoleic acid.…”

Berries vs. Disease: Revenge of the Phytochemicals

“…Berries that have been found to contain high levels of bioactive components typically include black raspberries, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and Indian gooseberries ( Figure 1 A–G) [ 15 ]. Black raspberries (BRB; Rubus occidentalis) are especially rich in phytochemicals such as phytosterols (β-sitosterol), and a variety of polyphenols such as ellagic acid, ferulic acid, ellagitannins, anthocyanins, protocatechuic acid, and bioflavonoids (quercetin), among others which contribute to a positive impact on health [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. In this review, we will focus on how BRBs and their phytochemicals have been used in dietary studies for chemoprevention of a variety of cancers.…”

Berry Extracts and Their Bioactive Compounds Mitigate LPS and DNFB-Mediated Dendritic Cell Activation and Induction of Antigen Specific T-Cell Effector Responses

“…Additionally, BRBs contain a diverse range of bioactive phytochemicals, including phytosterols like β-sitosterol, various polyphenols such as ellagic acid, ferulic acid, ellagitannins, anthocyanins, protocatechuic acid (PCA), and bioflavonoids like quercetin. These compounds collectively contribute to the positive impact of BRBs on overall health [ 53 , 54 , 55 ]. Consumption of BRBs at 35–45 g/day has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in patients [ 56 ].…”