Quantitative comparison of phytochemical profile, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of blackberry fruits adapted to Argentina

The phytochemical profile by HPLC-TOF-MS of three blackberry cultivars ('Jumbo', 'Black Satin' and 'Dirksen'), adapted to the central-east of Argentina, was determined. The antioxidant capacity by DPPH and FRAP assays, and the effect of the blackberry extracts on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and biomarkers of inflammation were also evaluated. 'Dirksen' fruits exhibited the highest vitamin C content (24 and 14% higher than values found in 'Black Satin' and 'Jumbo', respectively). However, 'Jumbo' and 'Black Satin' fruits presented higher total phenolic contents (more than 15%) than 'Dirksen'. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside was the main polyphenolic compound quantified in all samples. 'Jumbo' and 'Black Satin' cultivars exhibited higher antioxidant capacity, and significantly reduced the release of ROS. The mRNA expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were reduced consistently (more than 30%) by extracts of both cultivars, and showed slight suppressions on NO production. However, effective inhibition in the gene expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was not observed by any extract. These results suggest the potential of blackberries cultivars 'Black Satin' and 'Jumbo' to contribute to a healthy diet, based on their higher polyphenol content, providing higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.