Neuroprotective Properties of Partridgeberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. var. minus Lodd) Polyphenols

Abstract

This study aimed at the extraction and biochemical characterization of polyphenols of partridgeberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. var. minus Lodd) found in Southern Labrador, Canada and the investigation of their cytoprotective and neuroprotective characteristics. Three partridgeberry polyphenol fractions (PPFs) were prepared which were rich in either, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols and flavonols. The fractions rich in flavan-3-ols and flavonols, were potent antioxidants, and displayed effective attenuation of amyloid-beta sensitized neural injury in primary neurons in vitro, possibly through superoxide dismutase and catalase hyperactivity. Furthermore, pre-exposure of primary neurons to these PPFs significantly increased their viability following Oxygen Glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion (OGD/R) injury. ELISA analysis revealed that the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, HIF-1α and PPAR-γ were also modulated towards neuroprotection. These properties make the flavan-3-ols- and flavonols-rich PPFs suitable aspirants for preventive nutritional intervention against brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and ischemic stroke, for which there is currently no medicinal remedy.