Feijoa, blackberry found to have anti-inflammatory effect

14 Jan 2015

Feijoa and blackberry are two fruits with a strong anti-inflammatory effect that could help people with inflammatory diseases, according to recent research from the University of Auckland. The research into treatments for inflammatory bowel disease investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of 12 fruits. They tested mango, feijoa, elderberry, cranberry, blackcurrant, blackberry, red raspberry, strawberry, […]

Feijoa, blackberry found to have anti-inflammatory effect

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-image-feijoa-image16989981Feijoa and blackberry are two fruits with a strong anti-inflammatory effect that could help people with inflammatory diseases, according to recent research from the University of Auckland.

The research into treatments for inflammatory bowel disease investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of 12 fruits.

They tested mango, feijoa, elderberry, cranberry, blackcurrant, blackberry, red raspberry, strawberry, green grapes, plum, pear and black grapes.

“Most fruits are good for you and have some anti-oxidant effect, but feijoa and blackberry showed the strongest anti-inflammatory response in the experiments,” said University of Auckland Nutrition and Dietetics researcher Professor Lynn Ferguson.

The study identified fruit compounds with an anti-inflammatory effect through certain chemical pathways that could be tested further to develop them as complementary therapies for inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory disorders.

“Inflammatory responses are important for coping with damage, but an over-active inflammatory response is also damaging and can create problems,” said Ferguson. “These responses can be debilitating for New Zealanders with an inflammatory disease, and these fruits can help to limit the inflammatory response.”

Feijoa and blackberry showed the highest and strongest anti-inflammatory effects in the various test screens carried out for this research.  The study also showed that the anti-oxidant action of the feijoa compounds was not a direct effect, but was mediated through inhibitory effects on the enzyme, kinase.

“Our studies support other results that suggest these fruit extracts could help to regulate oxidative stress and inflammation in cells, both directly and indirectly,” said Ferguson. “Feijoa is already known to be very high in polyphenols such as flavonoids and these may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects.  Research to identify the active compounds will be the subject of further studies.”

For the experiments reported in the study, the testing included the skin and pulp of all the fruits.

“In feijoa, the skin has more bio-activity than the pulp,” continued Ferguson.  “Some Asian cultures eat the skin, but in most western cultures many people find the taste too sour.”

 

 

Related news

Redefining brand value: Empower consumers to be resourceful and creative in the face of rising costs [Interview]

Redefining brand value: Empower consumers to be resourceful and creative in the face of rising costs [Interview]

16 Nov 2022

With inflation, greater instability, and supply chain disruptions as a global backdrop of 2022, consumers are increasing looking for value, products with functional benefits, and convenience for the coming year, says Innova Market Insights.

Read more 
MicroThermics’ Formulators Guide to Process Selection for Plant-Based Beverages

MicroThermics’ Formulators Guide to Process Selection for Plant-Based Beverages

15 Nov 2022

Plant-based beverages & products are mainstream! Come to FIE booth 4D122 & read our whitepaper to see how processing in the lab at commercial HTST & UHT conditions gets you to market faster for less!

Read more 
Affordability, indulgence, and health: Top trends for 2023 [Interview]

Affordability, indulgence, and health: Top trends for 2023 [Interview]

14 Nov 2022

Consumers want affordable alternatives that offer the same great taste and health benefits as their favourite products. Brands that can deliver on this will dominate in 2023, according to Mintel.In the food and beverage space, consumers are key in driv...

Read more 
Give your fermented protein drinks a clear head start

Give your fermented protein drinks a clear head start

10 Nov 2022

Fermented protein beverages are rising in popularity as more consumers make efforts to strengthen their health and wellbeing. Made for the ready-to-drink segment, products such as kombucha and drinking yoghurt are gaining traction as healthier alternat...

Read more 
Red Bull’s ex-head of marketing shares strategies for social branding success [Interview]

Red Bull’s ex-head of marketing shares strategies for social branding success [Interview]

21 Oct 2022

Ex-head of marketing at Red Bull Europe and current CEO of energy drink TENZING, Huib van Bockel, shares his top tips for cutting through the marketing noise and creating a socially relevant brand.

Read more 
Healthy, sustainable eating shapes UK specialty product launches

Healthy, sustainable eating shapes UK specialty product launches

14 Sep 2022

From probiotic ice cream to CBD-infused chocolate and chorizo seasoning for plant-based meat, Ingredients Network went trendspotting at the Specialty and Fine Food Fair in London.

Read more 
Scouting out the latest health trends and innovations at Vitafoods Europe

Scouting out the latest health trends and innovations at Vitafoods Europe

20 May 2022

From mood, cognition, and gut health to the importance of selling experiences rather than products, the Healthy Marketing Team (HMT) rounds up the biggest trends it spotted at Vitafoods Europe last week.

Read more 
Top trends to watch at Expo West

Top trends to watch at Expo West

18 Feb 2022

From the foodification of supplements to mission-driven commerce, trendspotters at Natural Products Expo West have identified the top 10 trends shaping the US healthy food industry.

Read more 
New Product Zone showcased the most innovative products at Fi Europe

New Product Zone showcased the most innovative products at Fi Europe

15 Dec 2021

Attendees of Fi Europe 2021 were able to discover an extensive selection of the most innovative products, showcased alongside insightful information at the New Product Zone.

Read more 
Startup Innovation Challenge 2021: Recognising disruptive ideas in F&B innovation

Startup Innovation Challenge 2021: Recognising disruptive ideas in F&B innovation

6 Dec 2021

The Fi Global Startup Innovation Challenge aims to support innovative projects within the F&B industry by offering startups the opportunity to showcase their innovations and meet the industry's foremost ingredients professionals.

Read more