Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) Fruit as a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Health-Promoting Effects—A Review

Abstract

Berries, especially members of the Ericaceae family, are among the best dietary sources of bioactive compounds with beneficial health effects. The most popular berries are in the genus Vaccinium, such as bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon, V. oxycoccos), and blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) is less prevalent in the daily human diet because they are collected from the wild, and plant breeding of lingonberry is still on a small scale. Lingonberries are classed as “superfruits” with the highest content of antioxidants among berries and a broad range of health-promoting effects. Many studies showed various beneficial effects of lingonberries, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Lingonberries have been shown to prevent low-grade inflammation and diet-induced obesity in diabetic animals. Moreover, lingonberry intake has been associated with a beneficial effect on preventing and treating brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders. The consumption of berries and their health-promoting activity is a subject receiving a great deal of attention. Many studies investigated the natural compounds found in berries to combat diseases and promote healthy aging. This article’s scope is to indicate the potential beneficial effect of lingonberry consumption on health, to promote well-being and longevity.

Sweeteners from Different Lingonberry Jams Influence on Bioaccessibility of Vitamin C, Anthocyanins and Antioxidant Capacity under In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion

“…Vaccinium vitis-idaea , also commonly known as lingonberries, are small red berries of the Ericaceae family and the genus Vaccinium. They grow wild in the forests of northern countries, in Central Europe, Russia, and Canada [ 1 , 2 ]. These fruits are consumed raw or cooked in the form of lingonberry jam, compote, juice or syrup [ 3 ] and have been associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities [ 2 , 3 , 4 ].…”

Lingonberries—General and Oral Effects on the Microbiome and Inflammation

“…Polyphenols from berries are bioavailable from diet [28] and they retain their biological activities in ileal samples [29]. Lingonberry bioac-tive molecules show anti-cancerous, antimicrobial, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects [30].…”

“…Berries contain polyphenols which act as potent antioxidants and are neuroprotective, having beneficial effects on health [30,53]. Antioxidant activities of lingonberries have been assessed in vitro in several studies [41,[54][55][56][57][58][59][60].…”

Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. Fruits: Chromatographic Analysis of Seasonal and Geographical Variation in Bioactive Compounds

“…Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. (lingonberry) belonging to the family Ericaceae Juss. and the genus Vaccinium L. bear an annual crop of sour-tart taste reddish color berries which has been widely used in traditional Scandinavian diets and are also widespread in Baltic States, Russia, and North America [8,9]. Lingonberry fruits are regarded as nonpoisonous, natural, and safe food, which can be consumed not only in fresh and frozen forms but also processed into juice, wine, jam, jellies, pastries, and other desserts [10,11].…”

“…Lingonberry fruits are regarded as nonpoisonous, natural, and safe food, which can be consumed not only in fresh and frozen forms but also processed into juice, wine, jam, jellies, pastries, and other desserts [10,11]. These products are often classified as 'superfoods' due to their richness of dietary micronutrients and bioactive compounds [9]. Lingonberries contain a significantly higher anthocyanin level than other commonly consumed berries [12].…”