The following information contains solid medical research on Pine Cone Extract, Black Currant, and Quercetin. The article has been laid out in medical lingo that may be difficult to comprehend at times, but, there is a mountain of information on their potential effects on the Immune System, growth of solid tumors (Cancer), AIDS, Insulin production (Diabetes), E-Coli, and Influenza. Therefore, the main point is to provide you with thorough insights as to how these nutrients can help you in many different facets in your health. At the end of the research, we provide you with information on how to obtain these three natural alternatives.
PINE CONE EXTRACT (PCE) RESEARCH
PINE CONE EXTRACT ANTI-VIRAL PROPERTIES
1- Interaction between influenza virus proteins and pine cone antitumor substance that inhibits the virus multiplication
Watanabe K, Momose F, Handa H, Nagata K
Fractions obtained from pine cone extract (PCE) of Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc. have been shown to suppress the growth of influenza virus…
In Vivo. 1992 Sep-Oct; 6(5): 491-5 Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1995 Sep 14; 214(2): 318-23
2- Anti-influenza virus activity of a lignin fraction from cone of Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc.
Sakagami H, Takeda M, Kawazoe Y, Nagata K, Ishihama A, Ueda M, Yamazaki S
…the infectivity of virus that had been pre-incubated with a lignin prepared from cones of Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc. was significantly reduced… These data suggest that [this lignin] either inactivates the virus or induces the anti-viral state in cells by binding to virions or cells.
Antiviral Res. 1991 Jan; 15(1): 41-9
3- Possible involvement of lignin structure in antiinfluenza virus activity
Harada H, Sakagami H, Nagata K, Oh-hara T, Kawazoe Y, Ishihama A, Hata N, Misawa Y, Terada H, Konno K
The data suggest that the polymerized phenolic structure of lignified materials is responsible for the anti-influenza A virus activity [of pine cone extract].
Antiviral Res. 1990 Jan; 13(1): 11-21
4- Inhibition of influenza virus infection by pine cone antitumor substances
Nagata K, Sakagami H, Harada H, Nonoyama M, Ishihama A, Konno K
The anti-influenza virus activity of polysaccharides and other high molecular weight fractions from pine cone extract (PCE) of Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc. was investigated… These results suggest that PCE, which has been shown to contain antitumor substance(s), also contains anti-influenza virus substance(s).
Anticancer Res. 1992 May-Jun; 12(3): 845-7
5- Suppression by a pine cone extract of Pinus parviflora Sieb et Zucc of mammary tumor virus in milk of mice
Nagasawa H, Iwai Y, Iwai M, Suzuki A, Imai S
[Pine cone extract] prevented an increase in milk levels of mouse mammary tumor virus…
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1991 Mar 15; 88(6): 2249-53
PINE CONE EXTRACT ANTI-HIV PROPERTIES
6- A soluble factor induced by an extract from Pinus parviflora Sieb et Zucc can inhibit the replication of human immunodeficiency virus in vitro
Tamura Y, Lai PK, Bradley WG, Konno K, Tanaka A, Nonoyama M
We showed that an extract (PC6) from cones of Pinus parviflora Sieb et Zucc induced the human T-cell line CEM to produce a pepsin-sensitive soluble factor(s) that could inhibit the replication of the type 1 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) in CEM T cells, in U-937 histocytes, in THP-1 monocytes, and in mitogen-activated human tonsillar mononuclear cells… The anti-HIV-1 factor induced by PC6 may be novel…
AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 1991 Mar; 7(3): 349-57
7- Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus forward and reverse transcription by PC6, a natural product from cones of pine trees
Takayama H, Bradley G, Lai PK, Tamura Y, Sakagami H, Tanaka A, Nonoyama M
We have previously shown that PC6, a natural product extracted from cones of Pinus parviflora Sieb et Zucc, can inhibit the replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in CD4+ T cells and in monocyte/macrophage cell lines. Here, we show by immunoprecipitation of HIV-1 proteins with a specific pooled serum that PC6 inhibited the expression of all HIV-1 proteins in CEM cells…
AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 1990 Feb; 6(2): 205-17
8- Modification of human immunodeficiency viral replication by pine cone extracts
Lai PK, Donovan J, Takayama H, Sakagami H, Tanaka A, Konno K, Nonoyama M
We have shown previously that two fractions (PC6 and PC7) extracted from cones of the Japanese white pine Pinus parvifloria Sieb. et Zucc have potent immunopotentiating effects. Here, we show that PC6 and PC7 inhibited HIV-1 replication (greater than 95%), in a dose-dependent manner, in chronically infected CR10/HIV-1 cells and in acute cytolytic HIV-1 infection of CEM cells. Treatment of CEM cells, prior to or after acute infection with HIV-1, reduced subsequent viral production, but the best inhibitory effect was obtained with treatment before and after infection: an 80% inhibition was achieved with as little as 3 micrograms/ml of PC6. Comparable results were also obtained when PC6 was used to inhibit HIV-1 replication in the U937 human histiocytic lymphoma cell line. Both PC6 and PC7 were relatively nontoxic to cells. The anti-HIV-1 effect of PC6 and PC7 we observed in this report, coupled with earlier reports of their immunopotentiating properties suggest their potential as ideal therapeutic agents for the treatment of AIDS.
In Vivo. 1990 Jan-Feb; 4(1): 7-12
PINE CONE EXTRACT ANTI-MICROBIAL PROPERTIES
9- Antimicrobial spectrum of lignin-related pine cone extracts of Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc.
Oh-Hara T, Sakagami H, Kawazoe Y, Kaiya T, Komatsu N, Ohsawa N, Fujimaki M, Tanuma S, Konno K
Pine cone… extracts were tested for ability to induce antimicrobial activity in mice infected with Staphylococcal aureus., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, or Salmonella enteritidis. These alkaline extracts were potent against the first 5 of these strains of microorganisms…
Anticancer Res. 1988 Jul-Aug; 8(4): 581-7
10- Induction of antimicrobial activity by antitumor substances from pine cone extract of Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc.
Harada H, Sakagami H, Konno K, Sato T, Osawa N, Fujimaki M, Komatsu N
Pretreatment with two distinct antitumor substances extracted from pine cone of Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc. Protected mice from the lethal effects of E. coli infection… The results suggest a significant role… for the expression of antimicrobial activity induced by pine cone extracts.
In Vivo. 1989 Nov-Dec; 3(6): 359-62
PINE CONE EXTRACT ANTI-PARASITIC PROPERTIES
11- Induction of antiparasite activity by pine cone ligninrelated substances
Abe M, Okamoto K, Konno K, Sakagami H
Pretreatment with two distinct lignin-related antitumor substances extracted from pine cone of Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc. protected infant mice from… infection… [and had] significant antiparasite effects…
Anticancer Res. 1987 Nov-Dec; 7(6): 1153-9
PINE CONE EXTRACT ANTI-OXIDANT PROPERTIES
12- Ascorbyl radical scavenging activity of polyphenols
Satoh K, Sakagami H
A variety of tannin and lignin-related compounds were compared for their ability to modify the ascorbyl radical intensity of sodium ascorbate. Hot-water extracts prepared from green tea, black tea and pine cone (Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc.), and various wines potently scavenged ascorbyl radical intensity…
Anticancer Res. 1996 Sep-Oct; 16(5A): 2885-90
PINE CONE EXTRACT ANTI-TUMOR AND ANTI-MUTAGENIC PROPERTIES
13- Antitumor activity of polysaccharide fractions from pine cone extract of Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc.
Sakagami H, Ikeda M, Unten S, Takeda K, Murayama J, Hamada A, Kimura K, Komatsu N, Konno K
Hot water extract of pine cone (PCE) of Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc. dose-dependently suppressed both solid and ascites tumor cells transplanted into various mice. Acidic polysaccharides of PCE significantly increased the survival time of mice bearing ascites tumor cells… One of the four polysaccharide fractions… significantly suppressed the growth of solid tumor cells, with occasional tumor regression and necrosis… All acidic polysaccharides were able to activate mouse macrophage-like [white blood cells]…
Anticancer Res. 1989 Nov-Dec; 9(6): 1593-8
14- Molecular species of the antitumor and antiviral fraction from pine cone extract
Sakagami H, Oh-Hara T, Kaiya T, Kawazoe Y, Nonoyama M, Konno K
The most active fraction (Fr. VI) of antitumor and antiviral pine cone extract was subjected to chemical structure analysis… A commercial alkali-lignin showed antiviral activity and granulocyte iodination stimulating activity as effective as those of Fr. VI, but had much weaker immunopotentiating activities, such as antitumor and antimicrobial activities and splenocyte [white blood cell] stimulating activity…
Mutat Res. 1993 Jul; 297(1): 53-60
15- Interaction of pine cone extract fraction VI with mutagens
Lee H, Aoki K, Sakagami H, Yoshida T, Kuroiwa Y
Pine cone extract… shows indirect [and direct] antimutagenicity…
Anticancer Res. 1992 Mar-Apr; 12(2): 501-3
16- Inhibitory effect of lignin-related pine cone extract on cell proliferating enzyme activity of spontaneous mammary tumors in mice
Nagasawa H, Sakamoto S, Sawaki K
… All results suggest that these lignin-related compounds [from cone extract of pine (Pinus parviflora Sieb et Zucc)], may be useful as chemopreventive [anti-cancer] agents…
Int Immunopharmacol. 2003 Feb; 3(2): 209-23
PINE CONE EXTRACT IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT PROPERTIES
17- The novel differentiation of human blood mononuclear cells into CD1a-negative dendritic cells is stimulated in the absence of exogenous cytokines by an extract prepared from pinecones
Bradley WG, Widen RH, Weiser AM, Powers JJ, Fountain LB, Punjwani P, Lofgren SM, Hadzic T, Klein R, Green WH, Tanaka A
The production of dendritic cells, both in-vivo and in-vitro, has become the intense focus of research activities. Common to many of these production protocols is the use of cytokines, typically granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor and either interleukin 4 or tumor necrosis factor alpha or a combination of all three. Herein, we report our findings that a proprietary pinecone extract is capable of in a dose-dependent manner, and in the absence of exogenous cytokines, the rapid differentiation from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of mature CD1a-negative dendritic cells.
Anticancer Res. 1991 Mar-Apr; 11(2): 841-5
18- Stimulation of mouse peritoneal macrophages [white blood cells] by lignin-related substances
Kikuchi K, Sakagami H, Fujinaga S, Kawazoe Y, Oh-Hara T, Ichikawa S, Kurakata Y, Takeda M, Sato T
Various lignified materials, including pine cone extract and a commercial lignin, stimulated the morphological change (spreading) of mouse peritoneal macrophages [white blood cells], and their functional maturation…
Adv Exp Med Biol. 1992; 319: 331-5
19- Multiple immunological functions of extracts from the cone of Japanese white pine, Pinus parviflora Sieb. et Zucc.
Sakagami H, Konno K, Kawazoe Y, Lai P, Nonoyama M
Anticancer Res. 1991 Mar-Apr; 11(2): 881-8
20- Antitumor, antiviral and immunopotentiating activities of pine cone extracts: potential medicinal efficacy of natural and synthetic lignin-related materials (review)
Sakagami H, Kawazoe Y, Komatsu N, Simpson A, Nonoyama M, Konno K, Yoshida T, Kuroiwa Y, Tanuma S
Several antitumor substances that effectively inhibited the growth of ascites and solid tumor cells transplanted in mice were isolated from pine cone… These antitumor substances were also potent antiviral agents against human immunodeficiency virus, herpes simplex virus and influenza virus; they induced antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcal aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans, and induced antiparasite activity against Hymenolepis nana in mice…
Anticancer Res. 1989 Jul-Aug; 9(4): 961-6
21- Mitogenic activity of pine cone extracts against cultured splenocytes [white blood cells] from normal and tumor-bearing animals
Kurakata Y, Sakagami H, Takeda M, Konno K, Kitajima K, Ichikawa S, Hata N, Sato T
An acidic pine cone extract, Fr. V. of Pinus parviflora Sieb. Et Zucc. significantly stimulated DNA synthesis of isolated splenocytes [white blood cells] from both mice and rats, but only marginally affected the DNA synthesis of leukemic cell lines…
J Leukoc Biol. 1989 Feb; 45(2): 168-75
22- Stimulation of granulocytic cell iodination by pine cone antitumor substances
Unten S, Sakagami H, Konno K
Antitumor substances (Fractions VI and VII) prepared from the NaOH extract of pine cone significantly stimulated the iodination (incorporation of radioactive iodine into an acid insoluble fraction) of human peripheral blood adherent mononuclear cells, polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), and human promyelocytic leukemic HL-60 cells. In contrast, these fractions did not significantly increase the iodination of nonadherent mononuclear cells, red blood cells, other human leukemic cell lines (U-937, THP-1, K-562), human diploid fibroblast (UT20Lu), or mouse cell lines (L-929, J774.1)…The stimulation activity of these fractions was generally higher than that of various other immunopotentiators…
Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2007 May; 71(5): 1342-4. Epub 2007 May 7
BLACK CURRANT (BC) AKA NEW ZEALAND CASSIS BERRY RESEARCH BC ANTI-TUMOR AND ANTI-MUTAGENIC PROPERTIES
23- Improvement of the antitumor activity of black currant polysaccharide by an enzymatic treatment
Takata R, Yanai T, Yamamoto R, Konno T
A polysaccharide-rich substance isolated from black currant, named cassis polysaccharide (CAPS), was partially digested… and its immunostimulatory activity was investigated… In vivo, partially digested CAPS with a mean MW of approximately 20,000 showed the most potent antitumor activity against Ehrlich carcinoma in mice.
Anticancer Res. 2007 Mar-Apr; 27(2): 937-48
24- Inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and suppression of TNF-induced activation of NFkappaB by edible berry juice
Boivin D, Blanchette M, Barrette S, Moghrabi A, Béliveau R
Berries contain several phytochemicals, such as phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins and other flavonoids. There has been growing interest in a variety of potential chemopreventive activities of edible berries… The growth of various cancer cell lines, including those of stomach, prostate, intestine and breast, was strongly inhibited by raspberry, black currant, white currant, gooseberry, velvet leaf blueberry, low-bush blueberry, sea buckthorn and cranberry juice…
The inhibition of cancer cell proliferation by berry juices… appeared to involve cell-cycle arrest… These results illustrate that berry juices have striking differences in their potential chemopreventive activity and that the inclusion of a variety of berries in the diet might be useful for preventing the development of tumors.
J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Feb 21;55(4):1156-63. Epub 2007 Jan 23
25- Berry phenolic extracts modulate the expression of p21 (WAF1) and Bax but not Bcl-2 in HT-29 colon cancer cells
Wu QK, Koponen JM, Mykkänen HM, Törrönen AR
Previous studies have shown that anthocyanin-rich berry extracts inhibit the growth of cancer cells in vitro. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of berry extracts containing different phenolic profiles on cell viability and expression of markers of cell proliferation and apoptosis in human colon cancer HT-29 cells… Anthocyanins were the predominant phenolic compounds in bilberry, black currant, and lingonberry extracts… The results demonstrate that berry extracts inhibit cancer cell proliferation…
J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Dec 1; 52(24): 7264-71
26- Inhibition of cancer cell proliferation in vitro by fruit and berry extracts and correlations with antioxidant levels
Olsson ME, Gustavsson KE, Andersson S, Nilsson A, Duan RD
The effects of 10 different extracts of fruits and berries on cell proliferation of colon cancer cells HT29 and breast cancer cells MCF-7 were investigated. The fruits and berries used were rosehips, blueberries, black currant, black chokeberries, apple, sea buckthorn, plum, lingonberries, cherries, and raspberries. The extracts decreased the proliferation of both colon cancer cells HT29 and breast cancer cells MCF-7…
Mutat Res. 2010 Aug 14. [Epub ahead of print]
27- Fruits and vegetables protect against the genotoxicity of heterocyclic aromatic amines activated by human xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes expressed in immortal mammalian cells
Platt KL, Edenharder R, Aderhold S, Muckel E, Glatt H
Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) can be formed during the cooking of meat and fish at elevated temperatures and are associated with an increased risk for cancer. On the other hand, epidemiological findings suggest that foods rich in fruits and vegetables can protect against cancer. In the present study three teas, two wines, and the juices of 15 fruits and 11 vegetables were investigated for their protective effect… Only sour cherry, blueberry, and black currant juices suppressed the first step of HAA enzymatic activation…
Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2005 Nov; 69(11): 2042-50
BLACK CURRANT IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT PROPERTIES
28- Immunostimulatory effects of a polysaccharide-rich substance with antitumor activity isolated from black currant (Ribes nigrum L.)
Takata R, Yamamoto R, Yanai T, Konno T, Okubo T
The fruit juice of black currant was found to contain a polysaccharide-rich substance, which was designated cassis polysaccharide (CAPS), with macrophage-stimulating activity. Especially, its interleukin (IL)-1beta-inducing activity was remarkably high, compared with other fruit juice preparations… Oral administration of black currant juice and CAPS to Ehrlich carcinoma-bearing mice retarded the growth of the solid tumor by 45% and 51% respectively. CAPS administration had a stimulatory effect on the release of IL-2, IL-10, interferon-gamma, and IL-4 from splenocytes… CAPS showed a certain cytotoxicity directly against tumor cells.
J Inflamm (Lond). 2005 Aug 9; 2: 9
BLACK CURRANT ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES
29- Proanthocyanidins, from Ribes nigrum leaves, reduce endothelial adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1
Garbacki N, Kinet M, Nusgens B, Desmecht D, Damas J
The effects of proanthocyanidins (PACs), isolated from blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) leaves, on neutrophil accumulation during inflammatory processes were investigated in vivo and in vitro… This study provides evidence to support the anti-inflammatory activity of proanthocyanidins…
BMC Pharmacol. 2004 Oct 21; 4: 25
30- Inhibitory effects of proanthocyanidins from Ribes nigrum leaves on carrageenin acute inflammatory reactions induced in rats
Garbacki N, Tits M, Angenot L, Damas J
The anti-inflammatory effects of proanthocyanidins (PACs), isolated from blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) leaves, were analyzed… PACs reduced paw oedema [and] pleurisy in rats. They reduced (A) lung injury, (B) pleural exudate formation, (C) polymorphonuclear cell infiltration, (D) pleural exudates levels… Moreover, PACs inhibited in vivo nitric oxide release.
J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Aug 23; 54(17): 6271-6.
BLACK CURRANT ANTI-OXIDANT PROPERTIES
31- Antioxidant capacity of black currant varies with organ, season, and cultivar
Tabart J, Kevers C, Pincemail J, Defraigne JO, Dommes J
Small berries such as black currant constitute one of the important sources of potential health-promoting phytochemicals because these fruits are rich sources of compounds with high antioxidant properties…
Phytother Res. 2003 Feb; 17(2): 120-2.
BLACK CURRANT ANTI-VIRAL PROPERTIES
32- Anti-influenza virus activity of crude extract of Ribes nigrum L. [black currant]
Knox YM, Suzutani T, Yosida I, Azuma M
This experiment was designed to detect the antiviral activities of crude fruit extracts of wild Ribes nigrum L. (Kurokarin extract) against influenza virus types A and B… Proven antiinfluenza virus effects of the extracts were shown… the extract inhibited the virus release from the infected cells.
Planta Med. 2004 Jul; 70(7): 620-6
BLACK CURRANT AND ULCER-CAUSING PATHOGEN
33- High molecular weight polysaccharides from black currant seeds inhibit adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to human gastric mucosa
Lengsfeld C, Deters A, Faller G, Hensel A
Several crude and purified polysaccharides from black currant seeds (Ribes nigrum L.) have been isolated, analyzed and examined on their effects against Helicobacter pylori in in situ adhesion studies on sections of human gastric mucosa… We conclude that acidic, high molecular weight galactans are responsible for the antiadhesive qualities of black currant seed extracts and that these polymers are able to block Helicobacter surface receptors, thus inhibiting their interaction with specific binding factors located on human gastric epithelia.
Physiol Res. 2003; 52(2): 177-87
BLACK CURRANT AND ARTERIAL PLAQUE
34- Antioxidant status, lipoprotein profile and liver lipids in rats fed on high-cholesterol diet containing currant oil rich in n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids
Vecera R, Skottová N, Vána P, Kazdová L, Chmela Z, Svagera Z, Walterá D, Ulrichová J, Simánek V
Plant-based n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) possess a prospective antiatherogenic [reducing arterial plaque deposits] potential. Currant oil from Ribes nigrum L. [black currant] is one of the few plant oils containing PUFAn-3 (15.3 mol%) in addition to PUFAn-6 (60.5 mol%). These [study] results suggest that currant oil affects positively the lipid metabolism in the liver, above all it does not cause the development of a fatty liver.
J Pharmacol. 1986 Jan-Mar; 17(1): 21-7
BLACK CURRANT AND HEART HEALTH
35- Flavonoids extracted from Ribes nigrum L. [black currant] and Alchemilla vulgaris L.: 1. In vitro inhibitory activities on elastase, trypsin and chymotrypsin. 2. Angioprotective activities compared in vivo
Jonadet M, Meunier MT, Villie F, Bastide JP, Lamaison JL
In vitro experiments were conducted on the inhibitory properties of extracts from Ribes nigrum L. [black currant] and Alchemilla vulgaris L… The results suggest a possible role by these inhibitors in the protection of conjunctive and elastic tissues adversely affected by proteolytic enzymes. An additional advantage is their lack of toxicity.
J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Feb 13; 56(3): 627-9. Epub 2008 Jan 23
BLACK CURRANT MULTIPLE BENEFITS
36- Berry fruits: compositional elements, biochemical activities, and the impact of their intake on human health, performance, and disease
Seeram NP
An overwhelming body of research has now firmly established that the dietary intake of berry fruits has a positive and profound impact on human health, performance, and disease… Given the wide consumption of berry fruits and their potential impact on human health and disease, conferences and symposia that target the latest scientific research (and, of equal importance, the dissemination of this information to the general public), on the chemistry and biological and physiological functions of these “superfoods” are necessary.
Bosn J Basic Med Sci. 2008 Aug; 8(3): 254-8
BLACK CURRANT BIO-AVAILABILITY
37- Stability of anthocyanins from commercial black currant juice under simulated gastrointestinal digestion
Uzunović A, Vranić E
Anthocyanins are effective antioxidants but they have also been proposed to have other biological activities independent of their antioxidant capacities that produce health benefits. Examples range from inhibition of cancer cell growth in vitro, induction of insulin production in isolated pancreatic cells, reduction of starch digestion… suppression of inflammatory responses as well as protection against age related declines in cognitive behavior and neuronal dysfunction in the central nervous system. However, to achieve any biological effect in a specific tissue or organ, anthocyanins must be bioavailable; i.e. effectively absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) into the circulation and delivered to the appropriate location within the body… Anthocyanins present in commercial black currant juice remain stable during in vitro digestion in gastric fluid…
Nutr Cancer. 2006; 54(1): 13-7
38- Bioavailability of quercetin from berries and the diet
Erlund I, Freese R, Marniemi J, Hakala P, Alfthan G
Berries are a rich source of various polyphenols, including the flavonoid quercetin. In this article, the results of three intervention studies investigating the bioavailability of quercetin from berries are reviewed. In the first study, we investigated the short-term kinetics of quercetin after consumption of black currant juice and showed that quercetin is rapidly absorbed from it. In the second study, we showed that plasma quercetin levels increase up to 50% in subjects consuming 100 g/day of bilberries, black currants, and lingonberries as a part of their normal diets for 2 mo. In the third study, healthy subjects consumed a diet high or low in vegetables, berries, and other fruit for 6 wk. Quercetin concentrations nearly doubled in the high-vegetable, -berry, and -other fruit group and decreased by 30% in subjects consuming less of these foods than normally. The results showed that plasma quercetin is bioavailable from a diet containing berries and indicate that it may be a good biomarker of fruit and vegetable intake in general.
J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Oct 5; 53(20): 7878-85
BLACK CURRANT SOURCE AND QUALITY ARE IMPORTANT VARIABLES
39- Anthocyanin-flavanol condensation products from black currant (Ribes nigrum L.)
McDougall GJ, Gordon S, Brennan R, Stewart D
Putative flavanol-anthocyanin condensation products were detected in a polyphenol-rich concentrate from black currant (Ribes nigrum L.)… These compounds are similar in structure to compounds thought to influence color and quality in red wines and strawberry juice products. There was also evidence for the presence of a range of other flavanolanthocyanin condensation products. The compounds were present at differing levels in juices of 10 black currant varieties, which were roughly correlated to the content of the parent anthocyanins… Flavanol-anthocyanin products may influence color or quality parameters of black currant juices, and they may confer enhanced stability to the biological activities reported for their anthocyanin parents.
J Agric Food Chem. 2001 Jul;49(7):3274-7
40- Flavonol content varies among black currant cultivars
Mikkonen TP, Määttä KR, Hukkanen AT, Kokko HI, Törrönen AR, Kärenlampi SO, Karjalainen RO
Flavonoids and related plant compounds in fruits and vegetables are of particular importance as they have been found to possess antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity… The content of the flavonols quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol [was analyzed] in 10 black currant cultivars… The high variability in the levels of flavonols in different cultivars offers possible avenues for identifying and selecting cultivars rich in certain flavonols for the special production of berries for industrial use.
J Agric Food Chem. 2000 Jul; 48(7): 2960-5
41- Influence of domestic processing and storage on flavonol contents in berries
Häkkinen SH, Kärenlampi SO, Mykkänen HM, Törrönen AR
Effects of domestic processing and storage on the flavonols quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol in five berries were studied… In fresh berries, the total content of flavonols was highest in lingonberry and black currant… During nine months of storage at 20°C, quercetin content decreased markedly (40%) in bilberries and lingonberries, but not in black currants or red raspberries…
Mutat Res. 2001 Sep 1; 480-481: 269-76
BLACK CURRANT AND QUERCETIN
42- Dietary supplementation with the anti-tumor promoter quercetin: its effects on matrix metalloproteinase gene regulation
Morrow DM, Fitzsimmons PE, Chopra M, McGlynn H
Dietary modification, especially the consumption of larger amounts of fruits and vegetables can act to decrease the risk of a variety of human cancers. Quercetin, a bioflavonoid widely distributed in fruits and vegetables has been shown to have a chemoprotective role in cancer, through complex effects on signal transduction involved in cell proliferation and angiogenesis… We examined the effects of dietary supplementation of quercetin incorporated into a black currant drink… This study has outlined a potential role for the anti-tumor promoter quercetin as a dietary mediator of the carcinogenic cascade.
Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003 Jan; 57(1): 37-42
43- Consumption of black currants, lingonberries and bilberries increases serum quercetin concentrations
Erlund I, Marniemi J, Hakala P, Alfthan G, Meririnne E, Aro A
Twenty subjects consumed 100 g/day of berries (black currants, lingonberries and bilberries) for 8 weeks. Twenty subjects consuming their habitual diets served as controls… The results indicate that the berries used in this study are a good source of bioavailable quercetin.
Metabolism. 2008 Jul; 57(7 Suppl 1): S39-46
44- Quercetin transiently increases energy expenditure but persistently decreases circulating markers of inflammation in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet
Stewart LK, Soileau JL, Ribnicky D, Wang ZQ, Raskin I, Poulev A, Majewski M, Cefalu WT, Gettys TW
Quercetin, a polyphenolic compound and a major bioflavonoid in the human diet, has anti-inflammatory properties and has been postulated to enhance energy expenditure (EE)… Dietary supplementation with quercetin produces transient (3W) increases in EE… Quercetin at the levels provided was effective in reducing circulating markers of inflammation observed in animals…
Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2009 Apr; 296(4): R1071-7. Epub 2009 Feb 11
45- Quercetin increases brain and muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and exercise tolerance
Davis JM, Murphy EA, Carmichael MD, Davis B
Quercetin is one of a broad group of natural polyphenolic flavonoid substances that are being investigated for their widespread health benefits. These benefits have generally been ascribed to its combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but recent in vitro evidence suggests that improved mitochondrial biogenesis could play an important role. In addition, the in vivo effects of quercetin on mitochondrial biogenesis exercise tolerance are unknown. We examined the effects of 7 days of quercetin feedings in mice on markers of mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle and brain, and on endurance exercise tolerance… These benefits of quercetin on fitness without exercise training may have important implications for enhancement of athletic and military performance and may also extend to prevention and/or treatment of chronic diseases.
Mutat Res. 2001 Sep 1; 480-481: 269-76
46- Dietary supplementation with the anti-tumor promoter quercetin: its effects on matrix metalloproteinase gene regulation
Morrow DM, Fitzsimmons PE, Chopra M, McGlynn H
Dietary modification, especially the consumption of larger amounts of fruits and vegetables can act to decrease the risk of a variety of human cancers. Quercetin, a bioflavonoid widely distributed in fruits and vegetables has been shown to have a chemoprotective role in cancer, through complex effects on signal transduction involved in cell proliferation and angiogenesis. In this study we examined the effects of dietary supplementation of quercetin (30 mg per day) incorporated into a black currant drink…This study has outlined a potential role for the anti-tumor promoter quercetin as a dietary mediator of the carcinogenic cascade.
J Agric Food Chem. 1999 Jun; 47(6): 2274-9
47- Content of the flavonols quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol in 25 edible berries
Häkkinen SH, Kärenlampi SO, Heinonen IM, Mykkänen HM, Törrönen AR
The amounts of quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol aglycons in 25 edible berries were analyzed… Total contents of these flavonols in cranberry, bog whortleberry, lingonberry, black currant, and crowberry were higher than those in the commonly consumed fruits or vegetables, except for onion, kale, and broccoli.
PRODUCTS CONTAINING PINE CONE EXTRACT, BLACK CURRANT, AND QUERCETIN
Life Force International produces a product named Vitali-C Plus that contains all three; Pine Cone Extract, Black Currant, and Quercetin. Your best defense against illness is a healthy immune system. Stress, lack of rest, and poor diet all contribute to reducing the strength of your immune system and weakening your body’s response. Unfortunately, we often don’t think about bolstering our immune response until it’s too late. This is what Vitali-C Plus was made for, to help support our immune systems.
Click HERE for questions and answers with Dr. Frank Tufaro about Immune System health, HERE for an audio call about the Immune System and our best support options for it, and HERE to learn more about Vitali-C Plus and/or purchase the product.
This information is for educational purposes and is neither designed nor intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
