Berries: gastrointestinal protection against oxidative stress and inflammation

Berries are small, pulpy and edible fruits used in human diet for their organoleptic features that can vary considerably depending on the plant considered. Berries are an important source of micronutrients, fibers, vitamins, and phytochemicals, including tannins and anthocyanins. The present review summarizes the literature on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of berry fruits in the gastro-intestinal tract. Among berries considered, strawberry and wolfberry showed in vivo high antioxidant activity by increasing the levels of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Raspberry and blackberry showed a high in vivo protective effect against ethanol gastric injury in rats through inhibition of IL-8 release and NF-B pathway, showing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The studies reported herein suggest that berry consumption may prevent or treat gastro-intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress, although future clinical studies are mandatory to clarify in vivo the beneficial effect of berries in human gastro-intestinal tract.