New Cranberry Variety with Increased Antioxidants

Scientists from the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have developed a new raspberry variety with higher anthocyanins levels compared to ordinary cultivars. Anthocyanins are plant pigments much studied for their purported health benefits, including their roles as antioxidants. Recent studies implicated anthocyanins in stalling the growth of cancer cells in humans. In addition to anthocyanins, the new variety was also found to have significantly higher levels of proanthocyanidins, compounds known to inhibit the adhesion of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract.

The new variety was obtained by crossing two related raspberry species. Unlike common commercial cultivars, the anthocyanins in the new variety are glucose-linked. Anthocyanins bound to glucose are relatively high in antioxidant capacity and are well absorbed in human gut, in contrast to those linked to other sugars like arabinose and galactose. By backcrossing, the scientists have now raspberry lines with good productivity, adaptation and vigor. The next step is to produce a commercially acceptable cultivar for growers to use.

Read more at http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2008/080108.htm