Health compounds in Boysenberries

Anthocyanins
Scientific evidence shows the antioxidant properties of fruit may play an important role in maintaining human health. The inherent antioxidant properties of many fruits are due to compounds called anthocyanins. These are polyphenolic compounds that are also responsible for the red coloured pigments in berry-fruit, including boysenberries.

Anthocyanin compounds protect against the oxidative stress that occurs in all organisms. If the oxidative stress went unchecked it would cause damage to essential cell components, such as DNA, lipids, and proteins.

Current research links anthocyanins to:
· improved eyesight
· reduced inflammation
· improved micro-circulation
· protection from cardiovascular disease and
· minimised effects of ageing.

Plant & Food Research has data that shows boysenberries contain more anthocyanins (167 mg/100 g) than many other berry-fruit e.g. cranberry (140 mg/100 g), red raspberry (92 mg/100 g), strawberry (21 mg/100 g).


High anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity are often used to label and rank fruits as ‘superfruits’. However, scientists recognise that these are only some of the ‘health capabilities’ of fruits.  Scientists are discovering that some fruits contain compounds, other than anthocyanins, that promote health by mechanisms additional to antioxidant activity.

Boysenberries are a good natural source of a diverse set of compounds beneficial to health including:
· anthocyanins
· ellagitanins
· folate and
· probably lignans.
These compounds may work alone or in combination to deliver health benefits.