The boysenberry is a hybrid fruit. It is a cross between a European raspberry, a blackberry and a loganberry. The boysenberry is a large, edible fruit with large seeds and a dark red or purple color. Consumption of boysenberries can promote several health benefits due to their high concentration of antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemicals that rid your body of free radicals that cause cell damage and promote disease. The boysenberry has a ORAC score of 42 umole TE/g. This value measures the oxygen free-radical absorbance of foods. The boysenberry ORAC score is almost twice as high as blackberry, which is thought to be the fruit of greatest antioxidant capability.
Anthocyanins
Boysenberries contain an extremely high concentration of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are pigments that give foods their characteristic red, blue or purple color. Anthocyanins are a form of flavonoid that are dietary antioxidants that promote overall health when consumed. The anthocyanin concentration in boysenberries is 120 to 160mg per 100g. According to the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, a study conducted by the Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand revealed the anthocyanin concentration of boysenberries was effective at reducing damage and rebuilding cells previously damaged by free radicals. These findings are promising for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Ellagic Acid
Another compound in boysenberries that promotes health benefits is ellagic acid. Ellagic acid, in additon to boysenberries, is also found in raspberries, strawberries, cranberries and walnuts. The presence of this compound in boysenberries has a preventive activity against some forms of cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, many studies performed on cell cultures and animals have proven to slow the growth of some tumors. It has been found that ellagic acid reduces the effect of estrogen on the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Ellagic acid was also found effective in assisting the liver in ridding the blood of cancer-causing substances. This compound is also useful in decreasing risk for heart disease and promotes wound healing.
Gallic Acid
Boysenberries contain a significant concentration of gallic acid. Gallic acid is a chemical that is found in almost all plants. Grapes and tea contain the highest concentrations of gallic acid, but the concentration in boysenberries is higher than most foods. Gallic acid is important because it acts as an anti-cancer agent by inducing cytotoxicity in cancer cells. According to Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, a study conducted by the University of Colorado-Denver revealed that the presence of oral gallic acid inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cancer cells and reduced the incidence of adenocarcinoma without any evidence of toxicity.
References
- Oregon State University Department of Food Science and Technology: Health and Healing Fact Sheets
- American Cancer Society: Ellagic Acid
- Molecular Cancer Therapeutics: Chemopreventive Effects of Oral Gallic acid Feeding on Tumor Growth and Progression in TRAMP Mice
- Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute: The Possible Health Benefits of Anthocyanin Pigments and Polyphenolics
- Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture: Cytoprotective Effects of Anthocyanins and Other Phenolic Fractions of Boysenberry and Blackcurrant on Dopamine and Amyloid β-induced Oxidative Stress Intransfected COS-7 Cells
- Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry: Major Flavonoids in Grape Seeds and Skins: Antioxidant Capacity of Catechin, Epicatechin and Gallic Acid
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