Understanding health benefit of fruits in our diet

Epidemiological studies suggest that high consumption of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of cancer and other disease. Chemopreventive mechanisms of these antioxidants have been suggested to their effects against oxidative DNA damage. Although reactive oxygen species induce DNA damage resulting in cancer initiation, but they also involved in tumor promotion and damage to neuron cells. Since cherries are a highly colored fruit (more antioxidants), we have been working on their antioxidant and antineurodegenerative activities.

We extracted phenolic compounds and identified their chemical nature. We measured total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and their antioxidant and antineurodegenerative activities.

Cherry phenolics protected neuronal cells (PC 12) from cell-damaging oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner mainly due to anthocyanins. Overall results showed that cherries are rich in phenolics, especially in anthocyanins, with a strong antineurodegenerative activity and that cherries can serve as a good source of biofunctional phytochemicals in our diet.

• Dae-Ok Kim
• Ho-Jim Heo
• Young Jun Kim
• Hyun Seuk Yang