Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Proanthocyanidins”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The effect of proanthocyanidin-rich hulls and proanthocyanidin extracts from bean (Vicia faba L.) hulls on nutrient digestibility and digestive enzyme activities in young chicks.

Proanthocyanidins were prepared from three bean (Vicia faba L.) varieties by extracting hulls in aqueous acetone. The amounts of freeze-dried extracts recovered were 74, 89 and 97 g/kg hull for the varieties Brunette, Statissa and Minica respectively. Chicks (3 weeks old) were fed on a maize-soya-bean control diet or the same control diet substituted with either 30 g proanthocyanidin extracts/kg or 300 g proanthocyanidin-rich hulls/kg. Chicks were tube-fed diets twice daily for 4 d. Nutrient digestibilities were calculated from amounts present in diets and freeze-dried excreta with the aid of titanium dioxide as a marker. Enzyme activities were measured in digesta removed from the jejunum. Extracts of proanthocyanidins depressed the digestibility of protein by 34%, starch by 3% and had no effect on the digestibility of lipid. Proanthocyanidin-rich hulls depressed the digestibility of protein by 62%, starch by 6% and lipid by 4%. Digestive enzyme activities were depressed to the same extent by extracts and hulls, trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4) by 55 and 62%, alpha-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) by 75 and 78% and lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) by 31 and 32% for proanthocyanidin-extract and proanthocyanidin-rich-hull diets respectively. The susceptibility of substrates as well as enzymes to the effects of proanthocyanidins is discussed.

Animals↗

Variation in antimicrobial action of proanthocyanidins from Dorycnium rectum against rumen bacteria.

The proanthocyanidin polymer fractions of the leaves of the forage legume Dorycnium rectum were analysed by acid catalysis with benzyl mercaptan, NMR and ES-MS. The results showed that D. rectum differs from other temperate proanthocyanidin-containing forage legumes in that the range of polymers extends up to very high degrees of polymerisation. Three fractions were characterised as low, medium, and high molecular weight proanthocyanidin fractions with mean degree of polymerisations of 10.3, 41 and 127, respectively. Epigallocatechin was the most abundant extension unit and the terminating flavan-3-ols comprised largely catechin and gallocatechin units in equal proportions. Formation of thiolyated dimer products showed the interflavan-linkages of the lower molecular weight proanthocyanidins to be predominantly C4-->C8 with a small amount of C4-->C6. ES-MS spectra distinguished lower from higher polymeric proanthocyanidins from M2- to M8(2)-. The antibacterial activity of proanthocyanidin fractions against pure cultures of microbes selected from the ruminal population to represent fibre degrading, proteolytic and hyper ammonia producing bacteria in broth culture was evaluated. The activity of proanthocyanidin fractions against Clostridium aminophilum, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Clostridium proteoclasticum was significantly dependent on their structure but not so against Ruminococcus albus and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius. The latter observation was unique in that they were sensitive to all proanthocyanidin fractions evaluated, even at the lowest concentration (100 microg/ml). The results suggest the effects of the extractable proanthocyanidins on rumen microbes should be considered when evaluating an alternative proanthocyanidin-containing forage source for ruminants, such as D. rectum.

Animals↗

A-type cranberry proanthocyanidins and uropathogenic bacterial anti-adhesion activity.

Clinical, epidemiological and mechanistic studies support the role of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) in maintaining urinary tract health. Cranberry proanthocyanidins contain A-type linkages and have been associated with preventing adhesion of P-fimbriated uropathogenic Escherichia coli to uroepithelial cells. It is not known if the presence of the A-type linkage is a prerequisite for anti-adhesion activity. Other commercial sources of proanthocyanidins with all B-type linkages have not previously been screened for this activity. The goals of this study were to compare the in vitro anti-adhesion activity of A-linked proanthocyanidins from cranberry juice cocktail with the anti-adhesion activities of B-linked proanthocyanidins from commercial grape and apple juices, green tea and dark chocolate, and determine if anti-adhesion activity is detectable in human urine following consumption of single servings of each commercial food product. Structural heterogeneity and presence of the A-type linkage in cranberry proanthocyanidins was confirmed utilizing MALDI-TOF/MS and DI/ESI MS, as was the presence of all B-type linkages in the proanthocyanidins from the other commercial products. The isolated A-type proanthocyanidins from cranberry juice cocktail elicited in vitro anti-adhesion activity at 60 microg/ml, the B-type proanthocyanidins from grape exhibited minor activity at 1200 microg/ml, while other B-type proanthocyanidins were not active. Anti-adhesion activity in human urine was detected following cranberry juice cocktail consumption, but not after consumption of the non-cranberry food products. Results suggest that presence of the A-type linkage in cranberry proanthocyanidins may enhance both in vitro and urinary bacterial anti-adhesion activities and aid in maintaining urinary tract health.

Bacterial Adhesion↗

Proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds attenuates the development of aortic atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiatherosclerotic effect of proanthocyanidin-rich extracts from grape seeds in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Proanthocyanidin-rich extracts (0.1% and 1% in diets [w/w]) did not appreciably affect the changes in serum lipid profile of cholesterol-fed rabbits. The level of cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides (ChE-OOH) induced by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane-dihydrochloride (AAPH) were lower in the plasma of rabbits fed proanthocyanidin-rich extract plus cholesterol than in the plasma of rabbits fed cholesterol alone, but not in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Aortic malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased in rabbits fed proanthocyanidin-rich extract. Feeding proanthocyanidin-rich extracts (0.1 and 1% in the diet) to rabbits significantly reduced severe atherosclerosis in the aorta. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a decrease in the number of oxidized LDL-positive macrophage-derived foam cells in atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta of rabbits fed proanthocyanidin-rich extract. When proanthocyanidin-rich extract was administered orally to rats, proanthocyanidin was detected in the plasma by Porters method but not in the lipoproteins (LDL plus VLDL). In an in vitro experiment using human plasma, proanthocyanidin-rich extract added to the plasma inhibited the oxidation of cholesteryl linoleate in LDL, but not in the LDL isolated after the plasma and the extract were incubated in advance. These results suggested that proanthocyanidins, the major polyphenols in red wine, might trap reactive oxygen species in aqueous series such as plasma and interstitial fluid of the arterial wall, thereby inhibiting oxidation of LDL and showing an antiatherosclerotic activity.

Amidines↗

[Effect of proanthocyanidins on COX-2 enzyme activity and COX-2 mRNA /protein expression in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells].

AIM: To study the effect of proanthocyanidins on the COX-2 enzyme activity and COX-2 protein expression in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. METHODS: After being pretreated with different concentrations of proanthocyanidins for 30 min, and then 1 mg x L(-1) LPS for 9 h, the effect of proanthocyanidins on the activity of COX-2 enzyme in RAW264.7 cells was analysed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). After being pretreated with different concentrations of proanthocyanidins for 30 min, and then 1 mg x L(-1) LPS for 9 h, the effects of proanthocyanidins on the expressions of COX-2 mRNA and protein in RAW264.7 cells were analysed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: The activity of COX-2 enzyme was not inhibited by proanthocyanidins (0. 8, 4 and 20 mg x L(-1), P > 0.05 vs LPS group), but the activity of COX-2 enzyme was significantly inhibited by 10 micromol x L(-01) NS-398 (P < 0.01 vs LPS group). The expression of COX-2 mRNA was inhibited by proanthocyanidins (0. 8, 4 and 20 mg x L(-1)). The expression of COX-2 protein was inhibited by proanthocyanidins (4 and 20 mg x L(-1)). CONCLUSION: Proanthocyanidins had no effect on the activity of COX-2 enzyme in LPS-induced RAW264. 7 cells. Proanthocyanidins inhibited significantly the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.

Animals↗

The influence of proanthocyanidin-rich bean hulls and level of dietary protein on energy metabolizability and nutrient digestibility by adult cockerels.

Cotyledons and hulls were prepared from twelve varieties of field beans (Vicia faba L.). Adult cockerels were tube-fed either beans, cotyledons or hull diets containing high or low levels of protein. Metabolizable energy coefficients and starch digestibility coefficients were determined for beans, cotyledons and hull diets. Lipid digestibility coefficients from hull diets were also determined. When cotyledons were fed there were no significant differences in the way in which adult cockerels metabolized energy or digested starch from the proanthocyanidin-free and proanthocyanidin-rich varieties (0.780, 0.908, 0.775 and 0.918 respectively). When beans were fed, however, both energy metabolizability and starch digestibility decreased due to the presence of hulls, with proanthocyanidin-rich hulls decreasing values the most to 0.660 and 0.819 respectively, and proanthocyanidin-free hulls decreasing values to a lesser extent to 0.709 and 0.886 respectively. Diets composed of proanthocyanidin-rich hulls depressed metabolizable energy and maize starch digestibility. Their effect on maize starch digestibility, however, was considerably less than that on bean starch. Lipid digestibility was enhanced by proanthocyanidins but only when the protein content of the diet was high. There was a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between the vanillin and anthocyanidin formation methods for the estimation of proanthocyanidins (r 0.779). There was also a highly significant regression of bean starch digestibility v. proanthocyanidin content of coloured-flowered bean hulls (P < 0.001). The regression of maize starch digestibility v. hull proanthocyanidins was also significant at P < 0.005.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

Proanthocyanidin from grape seeds enhances doxorubicin-induced antitumor effect and reverses drug resistance in doxorubicin-resistant K562/DOX cells.

With the aim of enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents, we investigated the antitumor actions and reversal effect on drug resistance of proanthocyanidin plus doxorubicin. The results showed that proanthocyanidin 12.5-200 mg/L significantly inhibited proliferation of K562, K562/DOX, SPC-A-1, and Lewis cells in vitro in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, as determined by microculture tetrazolium assay. A combination of proanthocyani din 12.5, or 25 mg/L and doxorubicin treatment synergistically inhibited cell proliferation with decreased IC50 values. Proanthocyanidin reverses drug resistance in doxorubicin-resistant K562/DOX cells, and IC50 values were decreased by 9.19 (3.64-23.19), 2.56 (1.48-.44), and 0.94 (0.81-1.09) mg/L, respectively, after 24 h treatment with doxorubicin 0.1-9.0 mg/L alone or in combination with proanthocyanidin 12.5 or 25 mg/L; the proanthocyanidin reversal fold was 3.6 and 9.8, respectively. Under confocal laser scanning microscope, the combination of proanthocyanidin 25 or 50 mg/L with doxorubicin 3 mg/L significantly increased the accumulation of intracellular doxorubicin, Ca2+, and Mg2+, and reduced the pH value and mitochondrial membrane potential in K562/DOX cells as compared with doxorubicin alone (p < 0.01). Additionally, the apoptosis rate was increased by 11.3% +/- 3.3%, 14.2% +/- 5.4%, and 23.8% +/- 2.8%, respectively, for doxorubicin 3 mg/L alone or with proanthocyanidin 12.5 or 25 mg/L, as compared with controls (3.0% +/- 1.4%), as demonstrated by flow cytometry. In vivo experiments demonstrated that i.p. administration of proanthocyanidin 10 mg/kg with doxorubicin 2 mg/kg had an inhibitory effect on the growth of transplantation tumor sarcoma 180 and hepatoma 22 in mice as compared with doxorubicin alone (p < 0.05). These results suggest that proanthocyanidin enhances doxorubicin-induced antitumor effect and reverses drug resistance, and its mechanism is attributed partially to the promotion of doxorubicin-induced apoptosis through an elevation of intracellular doxorubicin, and Ca2+, Mg2+ concentration, and a reduction of pH value and mitochondrial membrane potential.

Animals↗

Quantitative analysis of polymeric proanthocyanidins in birch leaves with normal-phase HPLC.

The proanthocyanidin composition and content in the leaves of nine birch species (Betula albosinensis, B. ermanii B. maximowicziana, B. nana, B. papyrifera, B. pendula, B. platyphylla, B. pubescens, and B. pubescens ssp. czerepanovii) were studied with different methods including colorimetric assay, HPLC coupled with PAD or ESI/MS and NMR. Total proanthocyanidin content was determined using the acid butanol assay. A normal phase-HPLC method was applied for the analysis of polymeric proanthocyanidins. The content of polymeric proanthocyanidins was estimated from a late eluting peak in the chromatogram. With this HPLC method, quantitative analysis of polymeric proanthocyanidins could be performed directly from leaf extracts: no additional purification or preparation steps were required. It was shown that birch leaves contained mainly polymeric proanthocyanidins with a degree of polymerisation greater than 10. Total proanthocyanidin content (expressed as dry weight) was found to vary from 44mg/g (B. papyrifera) to 145mg/g (B. nana), and polymeric proanthocyanidin content from 39mg/g (B. pendula) to 119 mg/g (B. nana).

Betula↗

The protective and hormonal effects of proanthocyanidin against gastric mucosal injury in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Proanthocyanidin, a grape-seed polyphenol, has been reported to have protective properties against vascular injury and ulcers, preventive effects against atherosclerosis and cancer, and antioxidative effects, such as improving lipid metabolism and slowing aging. However, little has been reported on its antiulcer effects. We aimed to elucidate the antiulcer mechanism of proanthocyanidin. METHODS: Gravinol, containing 89.3% proanthocyanidin, was used. Proanthocyanidin solution, in distilled water, at 0.002%, 0.02%, 0.2%, or 1%, was given to rats ad libitum for 2 weeks. Distilled water was given to control rats. The effect of proanthocyanidin on gastric mucosal injury was investigated with the water-immersion restraint stress model. The ratios of areas of hemorrhagic erosion were compared as the lesion index. Myeloperoxidase activities were also examined, as an index of tissue injury. Superoxide dismutase activity was measured to examine its antioxidative effect. Furthermore, serum gastrin, somatostatin, histamine, and prostaglandin E(2) levels were measured in this rat model. RESULTS: Proanthocyanidin administration significantly suppressed gastric mucosal injury, induced by water-immersion restraint stress, in a dose-dependent manner. Myeloperoxidase activities were also significantly inhibited, whereas superoxide dismutase activities were significantly stimulated. As to gastrointestinal hormones, the secretion of gastrin, somatostatin, and histamine was significantly inhibited, while prostaglandin E(2) secretion was significantly stimulated. CONCLUSIONS: Proanthocyanidin was shown to have a protective effect on the gastric mucosa. The mechanisms underlying the effect of proanthocyanidin were considered to be the following: anti-gastrin and anti-histamine effects to prevent attacks by water-immersion restraint stress, and mucoprotective properties, bestowed by increased prostaglandin and increased superoxide dismutase activities in the gastric mucosa.

Animals↗

Changes in proanthocyanidin chain length in winelike model solutions.

Reactions of seed and skin proanthocyanidins in the presence or absence of (-)-epicatechin were followed in winelike solutions over 53 days at 30 degrees C. Proanthocyanidins were separated from flavanol monomers by sequential elution from a Sep Pak cartridge, and changes in proanthocyanidin composition were monitored by thiolysis analysis of the proanthocyanidin fraction. In solutions containing no free (-)-epicatechin, trace amounts of monomers were released and important losses of proanthocyanidins were measured, but their average composition and mean degree of polymerization (mDP) were hardly modified. In the presence of (-)-epicatechin, the mDP value decreased and oligomeric proanthocyanidins accumulated throughout the incubation while losses of total units were dramatically reduced. Our data indicate that interflavanic bond cleavage of proanthocyanidins occurred under mild acidic conditions such as encountered in wine and that the resulting carbocation proceeded to unknown species. The latter reaction did not take place in the presence of (-)-epicatechin. Epicatechin added to the intermediate carbocation, thus being incorporated as the end unit of a shorter proanthocyanidin chain. The results of this study are discussed in relation to the loss of astringency reported during wine aging.

Anthocyanins↗

Increase of antioxidative potential of rat plasma by oral administration of proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds.

The effect of a single oral administration of proanthocyanidins, oligomeric and polymeric polyhydroxyflavan-3-ol units, on the antioxidative potential of blood plasma was studied in rats. Proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds was administered by intragastric intubation to fasted rats at 250 mg/kg of body weight. The plasma obtained from water- or proanthocyanidin-administered rats was oxidized by incubation with copper sulfate or 2, 2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) at 37 degrees C, and the formation of cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides (CE-OOH) was followed. The plasma obtained from proanthocyanidin-administered rats was significantly more resistant against both copper ion-induced and AAPH-induced formation of CE-OOH than that from control rats. The lag phase in the copper ion-induced oxidation of rat plasma was remarkably increased at 15 min after administration of proanthocyanidins and reached a maximum level at 30 min. When the plasma from proanthocyanidin-administered rat was hydrolyzed by sulfatase and beta-glucuronidase following analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, metabolites of proanthocyanidins occurred in rat plasma at 15 min after administration, three peaks of which were identified as gallic acid, (+)-catechin, and (-)-epicatechin. These results suggest that the intake of proanthocyanidins, the major polyphenols in red wine, increases the resistance of blood plasma against oxidative stress and may contribute to physiological functions of plant food including wine through their in vivo antioxidative ability.

Administration, Oral↗

The antioxidative function, preventive action on disease and utilization of proanthocyanidins.

Proanthocyanidins, which belong to a class of polyphenols, are widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom. Most people ingest trace amounts of proanthocyanidins through foods such as red wine and cranberry juice. However, the functional properties of proanthocyanidins have been little understood. Since 1983, we have studied the antioxidative functions, preventive actions on diseases and utilization of proanthocyanidins. The antioxidative activities of proanthocyanidins were found to be much stronger than vitamin C or vitamin E in aqueous systems. The mechanisms for their antioxidative actions were shown to involve radical scavenging, quenching, and enzyme-inhibiting actions. The preventive actions of proanthcyanidins on diseases relating to reactive oxygen species was examined using animal tests. Proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract was showed to have preventive actions on diseases such as atherosclerosis, gastric ulcer, large bowel cancer, cataracts and diabetes. In human intervention trials, grape seed extract was shown to have preventive effects on the increase in lipid peroxides in human plasma after exercise and on muscle fatigue after training. The uses and manufacturing techniques of proanthocyanidin products were subsequently developed. The products were launched as antioxidants in food additives, ingredients in nutritional supplements, and cosmetics.

Animals↗

Cardioprotective effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin against ischemic reperfusion injury.

There is increasing evidence to indicate cardioprotective effects of red wine consumption. Such cardioprotective properties of wine have been attributed to certain polyphenolic constituents of grapes. The purpose of this investigation was to examine whether proanthocyanidins derived from grape seeds possess cardioprotective properties. Rats were randomly divided into two groups: grape-seed proanthocyanidin was administered orally to one group of rats (100 mg/kg/day) for 3 weeks while the other group served as control. After 3 weeks, rats were killed, hearts excised, mounted on the perfusion apparatus and perfused with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate (KHB) buffer. After stabilization hearts were perfused in the working mode for baseline measurements of contractile functions. Hearts were then subjected to 30 min of global ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Coronary perfusates were collected to monitor malonaldehyde formation, a presumptive marker for oxidative stress development. At the end of each experiment, the heart was processed for infarct size determination. Peroxyl radical scavenging activity of proanthocyanidin was determined by examining its ability to remove peroxyl radical generated by 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride while hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was tested with its ability to reduce 7-OH.-coumarin-3-carboxylic acid. The results of our study demonstrated that proanthocyanidin-fed animals were resistant to myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury as evidenced by improved recovery of post-ischemic contractile functions. The proanthocyanidin-fed group revealed reduced extent of myocardial infarction compared to the control group. Fluorimetric study demonstrated the antioxidant property of proanthocyanidin as judged by its ability to directly scavenge peroxyl radicals. Taken together, the results of this study showed that grape seed-proanthocyanidins possess a cardioprotective effect against ischemia reperfusion injury. Such cardioprotective property, at least in part, may be attributed to its ability to directly scavenge peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals and to reduce oxidative stress developed during ischemia and reperfusion.

Animals↗

Exobasidium vexans infection of Camellia sinensis increased 2,3-cis isomerisation and gallate esterification of proanthocyanidins.

Infection of leaves of tea (Camellia sinensis (Kuntze) L, cv TRI 2025) which was susceptible to blister blight (Exobasidium vexans Massee), resulted in a shift of the proanthocyanidin stereochemistry away from 2,3-trans (e.g. catechin and gallocatechin) and towards 2,3-cis (e.g. epicatechin and epigallocatechin). Infection also resulted in increased gallic acid esterification of the initiating subunits of proanthocyanidins. This was shown by both mass spectroscopy and phloroglucinolysis. Proanthocyanidins isolated from healthy tissue had a predominantly 2,3-trans stereochemistry which accounted for 53% and 61% of the total initiating and extension units of proanthocyanidin, respectively. Conversely in infected tissue, proanthocyanidin subunits with a 2,3-trans stereochemistry accounted for 26% and 40% of the total initiating and extension units, respectively. Infection had little impact on the hydroxylation state of the B-rings of proanthocyanidins. The products of acid hydrolysis under oxidative conditions had a slight excess of di-hydroxylated B-rings with cyanidin accounting for 58.3+/-0.05% and 60.4+/-0.2% of the total anthocyanidin recovered following hydrolysis of proanthocyanidin isolated from infected and healthy leaves, respectively. Similar results were obtained by phloroglucinolysis.

Basidiomycota↗

Rapid quantification of proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins) with a continuous flow analyzer.

Proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins) frequently need to be quantified in large numbers of samples in food, plant, and environmental studies. An automated colorimetric method to quantify proanthocyanidins with sulfuric acid (H(2)SO(4)) was therefore developed for use in a continuous flow analyzer. Assay conditions were optimized using 50% methanol extracts of paper birch, sugar maple, and quaking aspen leaves. Short extraction times and centrifugation of samples prevented proanthocyanidin degradation that otherwise occurred in 50% methanol extracts of aspen leaves. Extraction of birch and maple proanthocyanidins with 50% methanol was comparable to or better than that with 70% acetone. Proanthocyanidin levels in aspen were lower when extracted with aqueous methanol, but relative differences among samples were consistent with those found in aqueous acetone extracts. Results from the automated sulfuric acid assay were highly correlated with those of the conventional BuOH-HCl method for proanthocyanidins and, except for birch, with the Folin--Denis assay for total phenolics. This new technique significantly improves assay processing rate and repeatability compared to conventional colorimetric proanthocyanidin assays.

Anthocyanins↗

Influence of vine vigor on grape (Vitis vinifera L. Cv. Pinot Noir) and wine proanthocyanidins.

The relationships between variations in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinot noir) growth and resulting fruit and wine phenolic composition were investigated. The study was conducted in a commercial vineyard consisting of the same clone, rootstock, age, and vineyard management practices. The experimental design involved monitoring soil, vine growth, yield components, and fruit composition (soluble solids, flavan-3-ol monomers, proanthocyanidins, and pigmented polymers) on a georeferenced grid pattern to assess patterns in growth and development. Vine vigor parameters (trunk cross-sectional area, average shoot length, and leaf chlorophyll) were used to delineate zones within both blocks to produce research wines to investigate the vine-fruit-wine continuum. There was no significant influence of vine vigor on the amount of proanthocyanidin per seed and only minimal differences in seed proanthocyanidin composition. However, significant increases were found in skin proanthocyanidin (mg/berry), proportion of (-)-epigallocatechin, average molecular mass of proanthocyanidins, and pigmented polymer content in fruit from zones with a reduction in vine vigor. In the wines produced from low-vigor zones, there was a large increase in the proportion of skin tannin extracted into the wine, whereas little change occurred in seed proanthocyanidin extraction. The level of pigmented polymers and proanthocyanidin molecular mass were higher in wines made from low-vigor fruit compared to wines made from high-vigor fruit, whereas the flavan-3-ol monomer concentration was lower.

Chlorophyll↗

Pigmented Soybean (Glycine max) Seed Coats Accumulate Proanthocyanidins during Development.

The dominant I gene inhibits accumulation of anthocyanin pigments in the epidermal layer of soybean (Glycine max) seed coats. Seed-coat color is also influenced by the R locus and by the pubescence color alleles (T, tawny; t, gray). Protein and RNA from cultivars with black (i,R,T) and brown (i,r,T) seed coats are difficult to extract. To determine the nature of the interfering plant products, we examined seed-coat extracts from Clark isogenic lines for flavonoids, anthocyanins, and possible proanthocyanidins by thin-layer chromatography. We show that yellow seed-coat varieties (I) do not accumulate anthocyanins (anthocyanidin glycosides) or proanthocyanidins (polymeric anthocyanidins). Mature, black (i,R,T) and imperfect-black (i,R,t) seed coats contained anthocyanins, whereas mature, brown (i,r,T) and buff (i,r,t) seed coats did not contain anthocyanins. In contrast, all colored (i) genotypes tested positive for the presence of proanthocyanidins by butanol/ HCl and 0.5% vanillin assays. Immature, black (i,R,T) and brown (i,r,T) seed coats contained significant amounts of procyanidin, a 3[prime],4[prime]-hydroxylated proanthocyanidin. Immature, black (i,R,T) or brown (i,r,T) seed-coat extracts also tested positive for the ability to precipitate proteins in a radial diffusion assay and to bind RNA in vitro. Imperfect-black (i,R,t) or buff (i,r,t) seed coats contained lesser amounts of propelargonidin, a 4[prime]-hydroxylated proanthocyanidin. Seed-coat extracts from these genotypes did not have the ability to precipitate protein or bind to RNA. In summary, the dominant I gene controls inhibition of not only anthocyanins but also proanthocyanidins in soybean seed coats. In homozygous recessive i genotypes, the T-t gene pair determines the types of proanthocyanidins present, which is consistent with the hypothesis that the T locus encodes a microsomal 3[prime]-flavonoid hydroxylase.

Journal Article↗

Differential effects of blueberry proanthocyanidins on androgen sensitive and insensitive human prostate cancer cell lines.

Blueberries are rich in health-promoting polyphenolic compounds including proanthocyanidins. The purpose of this study was to determine if proanthocyanidin-rich fractions from both wild and cultivated blueberry fruit have the same inhibitory effects on the proliferation of LNCaP, an androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cell line, and DU145, a more aggressive androgen insensitive prostate cancer cell line. When 20 microg/ml of a wild blueberry proanthocyanidin fraction (fraction 5) was added to LNCaP media, growth was inhibited to 11% of control with an IC50 of 13.3 microg/ml. Two similar proanthocyanidin-rich fractions from cultivated blueberries (fractions 4 and 5) at the same concentration inhibited LNCaP growth to 57 and 26% of control with an IC50 of 22.7 and 5.8 microg/ml, respectively. In DU145 cells, the only fraction that significantly reduced growth compared to control was fraction 4 from cultivated blueberries with an IC50 value of 74.4 microg/ml, indicating only minor inhibitory activity. Differences in cell growth inhibition of LNCaP and DU145 cell lines by blueberry fractions rich in proanthocyanidins indicate that blueberry proanthocyanidins have an effect primarily on androgen-dependant growth of prostate cancer cells. Possible molecular mechanisms for growth inhibition are reviewed.

Androgens↗