Berries: A New Paradigm for Nutraceuticals

Abstract

The berries are edible, small, mushy fruit. Different types of berries available throughout the world are strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, mulberry, blackberry, cranberry, gooseberry, elderberry, huckleberry, black current, dewberry, etc. Berries are most commonly rich in phenolic compounds, like flavonoids (i.e. anthocyanins, flavonoids, cathechins), tannins (i.e. ellagitannins, proanthocyanidins), stilbenoids (i.e. resveratrol, piceatannol), phenolic acids (i.e. hydrobenzoic and acid derivatives) and lignans. The growing body of research supports the classification of berries as a functional food with numerous therapeutic and preventative health effects. These organic goods are created to separate the constituents known as flavonoids and anthocyanins. In a number of nutraceutical, pharmacological, medical and cosmetic applications, they are increasingly viewed as an essential component. These compounds showed a wide variety of biological activities through positive effects on the body which includes antioxidant action, control of enzyme activity, and prevention of cellular growth. They all play a role in the regulation of several hormones, including androgens, oestrogens, and thyroids. Consuming diets high in fruits and vegetables is consistently linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease, according to epidemiological research. In the present review, we aim to assess the health-promoting potential of berries as a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical aspect.