Journal of Food Bioactives, ISSN 2637-8752 print, 2637-8779 online
Journal website www.isnff-jfb.com

Review

Volume 16, December 2021, pages 19-24

Potential of dietary supplementation with berries to enhance immunity in humans: A mini-review

Tables

Table 1. Summary of major bioactives and metabolic compounds derived from berries that have been researched in clinical trials
 
Bioactive/metabolic compoundHypothesized mechanismPotential/proven benefits
FlavonoidsPolyphenolic structure bestows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Support gut microbiome and inhibit COX-2Reduce URTI rates and symptom severity
AnthocyaninsModulate inflammatory biomarkers and immune response cascade. Improve response to oxidative stressRecovery from strenuous exercise. Reduce inflammation in the elderly
AlkaloidsModulate inflammatory biomarkers and immune response cascadeRecovery from strenuous exercise (inconclusive)
Dietary fibersIncrease gene expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and reduce expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Improve antioxidant capacity and ROS processingReduce inflammation and support gut microbiome
StilbenesPromote anti-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines to induce Th2 cells. Reduce pro-inflammatory markers in plasma. Increase expression of antioxidant genesTreat Alzheimer’s patients by improving adaptive neuroimmunity. Reduce inflammation in ulcerative colitis patients
TanninsEllagitannins affect antioxidant capacityImmunoprotective via antioxidant functionality

 

Table 2. Summary of specific berries that have been researched in clinical trials
 
BerryHypothesized mechanismPotential/proven benefits
BlueberriesAnthocyanin and phenolic acid components promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activityReduce ROS-induced lesions. Reduce exercise-related inflammation. Improve adaptive immunity
Goji berriesUnknownImprove immunocompetence and antibody response to vaccination in the elderly
Black raspberriesPhenolic acids promote antioxidant activity. Alter immune signalingImprove immune response in familial adenomatous polyposis
CranberriesHigh proanthocyanidin content. Promote beneficial immune response and suppress bacterial proliferationPrevent or reduce recurrence of urinary tract infections. Decrease rates of Heliobacter pylori infection