Cytoprotective effect of a bilberry extract against oxidative damage of rat hepatocytes

The effect of a bilberry extract (BE, 25% anthocyanins) against oxidative damage in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes, induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide and allyl alcohol, was investigated. BE displayed cytoprotective effects at 100 and 500 μg/ml in the MTT viability test. It protected the cells against lactate dehydrogenase leakage and lipoperoxidation products formation. Maximum protection (58%) was noted using 500 μg/ml of BE and intoxication by allyl alcohol. The observed cytoprotective effect is probably due to the antioxidant properties of its constituents, mainly anthocyanins. BE scavenged DPPH (IC50 3.99 ± 0.14 μg/ml) and enzymatically generated superoxide radical with an activity equivalent to 108 ± 7.2 U of superoxide dismutase per mg of extract. Our results support the use of bilberry and bilberry extracts in functional foods and food supplements designed for the prevention of chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress.