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ProEnvironment

ProEnvironment 13 (2020) 44-48

A Review

Berries Present in the Spontaneous and Cultivated Flora from Cluj County

BURDUHOS Maria Daniela, Antonia ODAGIU*, Ioan OROIAN, Cristian IEDERAN, Daniela BORDEA

University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, 3-5 Mănăștur Str., 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Received 10 April 2020; received and revised form 4 May 2020; accepted 11 June 2020 Available online 30 June 2020

Abstract

Berries are used in food both fresh and as dried . Berries are also used in the preparation of jams, , jellies and other preparations, but can also be used in the pharmaceutical industry for the preparation of medicines. The main berries often encountered in the area of Cluj County are: raspberry, blackberry, blueberry and black currant. Their use in human nutrition brings lots of positive contribution, mainly concerning health. These effects are the result berries’ content in antioxidants, and water. Besides antioxidant compounds, berries nutritional value and benefic effects on human health are due to their content in fiber, and folic acid.

Keywords: blackberry, black currant, blueberry, raspberry

1. Introduction number of valuable compounds, due to their antioxidant properties. In addition to the antioxidants The berries are small, round, brightly colored, that berries contain, they are juicy with a high sweet or sour, with and edible. Among the most water content. Juicy fruits are ideal for maintaining a common berries are: raspberries, blueberries, hydrated body, but also for optimal weight because blackberries, currants, cranberries, etc. [1] they give the feeling of satiety shortly after Berries are used in food both fresh and as dried consumption. Berries also contain folic acid and fruit. Berries are also used in the preparation of jams, fiber. Folic acid provides protection against syrups, jellies and other preparations, but can also be cardiovascular disease and memory loss. Also, folic used in the pharmaceutical industry for the acid contributes to the production of serotonin, so the preparation of medicines. Due to their nutritional consumption of berries also helps to improve mood value and aroma, berries can be eaten regardless of [1]. the season, either cold, fresh or dried, and the most well-known species of berries are listed below [1]. 2. The berries Protected from pollution in cities, grown in nature, usually in mountainous areas, berries are Black currant is a fruit shrub native to Tibet, considered true natural medicines. They contain a with small fruits that have a pleasant aroma. It belongs to the Kingdom of Plantae, the Division of Magnoliophyta, the Class Magnoliopsida, the Order * Corresponding author. Tel: +40-264-596384 , the Family Grossulariaceae, the Genus Fax: +40-264-593792 , the Species Ribes nigrum, known by the e-mail: [email protected] binomial humus Ribes nigrum L. With a sweet-sour

44 BURDUHOS Maria Daniela et al./ProEnvironment 13(2020) 44 - 48 taste, currants are among the berries rich in stress, cataracts and eye pain, aggravated by long- and with countless therapeutic properties. term computer use. Blackcurrants have a high content of essential Other possible benefits of blackcurrants are: oils, which gives it a fragrance and aroma that is hard reduces the effects of arthritis and rheumatism; gout to confuse. They are rich in vitamins C, B1, B2 and control; fighting urinary tract infections, etc. sugars (13%). contain more than Blueberry is a bush. It belongs to the blackcurrants, but less C and sugars than Kingdom of Plantae, Division of Magnoliophyta, these. White currants are rich in iodine and vitamins Class Magnoliopsida, Order Ericales, Family A and E. Currants have countless benefits if you Ericaceae, Genus Vaccinium, Species Vaccinium suffer from avitaminosis (lack of vitamins), physical myrtillus, known by the binomial humus Vaccinium and mental exhaustion or impotence. The small myrtillus L. It has a green stem, about 30–60 cm long, sweet-sour berries are helpful in treating colds with angular branches. The leaves are short-petiolate, (especially blackcurrants), because they strengthen small, oval, dentate (notched on the edge), green on immunity. They also reduce blood pressure, improve both sides. The are reddish green, white or heart function and memory, increase appetite and pink with the joined in the shape of a bell, stabilize liver function. arranged 1-2 at the axil (thin) of the leaves. It blooms It is considered the elixir of youth, because it in May-June. The fruit is called blueberry and contains a high concentration of , represents a dark blue or blue-brumaria , round , iron, , vitamins A, B, C and in shape, 0.5 - 0.6 cm in diameter, juicy, with purple minerals, organic acids, antioxidants, essential fatty juice, with a pleasant sweet and sour taste. acids, and phytonutrients. Blackcurrants Blueberries grow in alpine regions up to an altitude have twice as much potassium as bananas, four times of 2000–2500 m, especially on shady and wet slopes, as much as oranges and twice as many through coniferous forests, mountain meadows, antioxidants as blueberries. rocks and siliceous soils. Blueberries are fruits The use of blackcurrant as a medicine began in specific to the great heights, but offered especially, as the Middle Ages, when it was widely used in natural it were, to supplement the rather poor food of the treatments. Today there is more and more scientific mountain people. A portion of blueberries is worth 3- evidence that can help prevent disease and aging. In 4 boxes of vitamins, with the specification that addition, blackcurrant is a diuretic, antisclerotic, vitamins A, E, F, PP and B (B1 and B2) contained in sweaty, antidiarrheal, anticolytic and antirheumatic. blueberries are much easier to assimilate, because The unique composition of blackcurrant they are in the natural formula. In terms of includes a rare but essential combination of Omega- therapeutic actions, their list impresses both in size 3 and Omega ALA-6 GLA fatty acids that improve and in the unusual effect of these food-drugs or, immune and cardiovascular functions and prevent rather, drugs-food, which are blueberries. premenstrual and menopausal symptoms, skin Fresh blueberry fruit, but also dried helps to diseases and ensure brain health. regenerate blood vessels, normalize blood sugar and Studies show that regular consumption of regenerate retinal purpura, increases the sensitivity of blackcurrant improves the health of the intestines by photoreceptors in the eye, neutralizes intestinal increasing the number of good bacteria, reduces the infections, slightly dilates coronary vessels. It number of pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium protects the body against radioactivity. Blueberry, a spp. and Bacteroides spp. And significantly reduces substance contained in fruits and leaves, penetrates the activity of beta-glucuronidase. This fruit acts as a the bacterium's cell and weakens its vitality, and powerful prebiotic. administered internally, lowers blood sugar. The Another recent study found that subjects who fruits have a very good taste and are aromatic, at the received a daily mixture of berries (including same time being berries rich in vitamins A, E, B1 and blackcurrants) had a reduction in blood pressure and B2. Blueberry, a substance found in leaves has many an increase in good cholesterol (HDL), two factors healing effects, being also called " insulin". that may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. , Therapeutic effects. Also called fruit- such as heart attack and stroke. medicine, blueberries are known over time because Blackcurrant contains powerful compounds of the benefits of sight. It also treats iron deficiency called proanthocyanidins, that act and gastrointestinal diseases. Fresh blueberries are against tumor cells and could help protect against also indicated in reducing the symptoms of gout, Alzheimer's disease. rheumatism and inflammatory diseases. The Consumption of blackcurrants also has decoction of blueberry leaves (1 teaspoon of leaves significant beneficial effects on visual functions, in a cup of hot water) reduces sweating of the hands including night vision. Anthocyanins from and feet, soothes inflammation in the throat blackcurrants work wonders in treating and reducing andmouth and lowers blood sugar, so it is

45 BURDUHOS Maria Daniela et al./ProEnvironment 13(2020) 44 - 48 recommended with confidence for people suffering The fruits, blackberries, are very tasty and are from diabetes. consumed as such when ripe (black and slightly soft). Blueberries have the highest antioxidant From them you can also prepare various jams, jellies, capacity of all fruits, especially due to the presence compotes, syrups and alcoholic beverages. Freshly of , the pigment responsible for the blue eaten fruits have a mild laxative effect. Recent color of blueberries, which stimulates the immune findings show that these fruits can prevent certain system and prevents infections. From the multitude forms of cancer. They contain vitamins A, B, C, E, K of antioxidants that blueberries have, we note the B- and sugars, being among the fruits with the highest complex vitamins, vitamins C, A and E, copper (a amount of antioxidants. The fruits contain salicylic, strong antibacterial that strengthens immunity), iron which is the same active substance found in aspirin (has a strong immune role by the fact that hemoglobin and which has very good anti-inflammatory effects. and oxygen concentration in the blood increase), For this reason, increased caution is needed in selenium and . Consumption of blueberries helps people who do not have a high tolerance to aspirin. lower cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of heart In addition, blackberries have a lot of anthocyanins, attacks. Blueberries protect the brain from oxidative which give them their specific color and are great stress and reduce diseases related to aging. A diet rich antioxidants, along with vitamins E and C and ellagic in blueberries improves memory, helps the brain acid found in blackberries. Heart disease can be function better, improves the ability to think and alleviated with the help of these fruits, and the aging learn. Protects against colon cancer, ovarian cancer process will tend to be more visibly slowed down. and helps maintain eye health. They also have a Regarding mental illness and the effect of regular calming, rejuvenating effect, making the skin more consumption of blackberries, research shows that it beautiful and radiant. Blueberry compounds have a can contribute in a positive way to the improvement very strong effect on bones, making them stronger, of these diseases. In addition, blackberries contain healthier, more resistant. Intensifies burning and and other fibers known for their protective role prevents the formation of new adipose tissue. on the health of the digestive system. Although Blueberry juice prevents tooth decay. vitamin C may cause you some appetite, fiber will Blackberry is a shrub. It belongs to the keep obesity at bay. Kingdom of Plantae, the Kingdom of Cormobionta, Tonsils or simple sore throats, hoarseness, the Division Magnoliophyta, the Class Magnoliatae, constipation or prolonged menstruation and even the Order Rosales, the Family Rosaceae, the urinary tract infections can be alleviated with the help Subfamily Rosoideae, the genus Rubus, the species of these fruits, eaten as such. 3 handfuls of Rubus fruticosus, known by the binomial humus blackberries eaten a quarter of an hour before meals Rubus fruticosus L. It has 1–3 m tall shoots arched, may be exactly what you needed to keep these rarely creeping, covered with straight or curved conditions at bay. Another recommendation is to spines. The leaves are palmately compound, with make the following mixture, which must be kept in a irregular edges, with hairy and prominent ribs on the closed jar for 40 days: half a glass of freshly picked inside. The flowers are white or pink, arranged blackberries and a glass and a half of honey. You can corymb-like, and open in June-August. The fruits are consume a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 fleshy, compound, red and sour at first, black and teaspoons of this mixture per day, either filtered or in sweet when ripe. It is found at the edge of forests, in its natural state. clearings, in bushes, in meadows and along flowing Blackberries are also remineralizing and waters, in hilly areas. 4th century BC Hr. It currently astringent, antirheumatic and hypotensive, and can comprises over 100 species and over 1000 hybrid relieve the symptoms of osteoporosis or pulmonary varieties. emphysema, arteriosclerosis, oral candidiasis or In principle, fruits, leaves and even stems seem uterine fibroids. In addition, these fruits can prevent to have very good effects on health. The leaves, stems certain cancers, such as breast, stomach or colon or roots can be used in the form of tea, which will cancer, mainly due to chlorogenic acid, which is also play the role of an exceptional tonic. The dried responsible for preventing the formation of leaves contain an appreciable amount of tannins, carcinogens in the body. Oral neoplasms and other flavonic derivatives, vitamin C, organic acids (malic oral malignancies can be reduced by about 44%, acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid), inositol. according to the latest research in the field. The leaves seem to be able to help treat diarrhea, Therapeutic effects: unripe fruits are beneficial for colitis, bleeding or canker sores and stomatitis; they diarrhea, and ripe ones treat constipation. can also relieve the symptoms of diabetes and Blackberries have the role of strengthening the hemorrhoids, but also of leukorrhea. Sweet, tasty and capillary walls, having anti-inflammatory and healthy, blackberries, blackberries, can be harvested memory-improving action. Blackberry root in August and September. decoction can be used to treat respiratory infections

46 BURDUHOS Maria Daniela et al./ProEnvironment 13(2020) 44 - 48 and help restore liver function. Blackberry leaves color of cranberries and inhibits breast cancer, cure diarrhea and stop bleeding. cranberries being the main source for this Cranberry, or red blueberry, is a bushy antioxidant; subshrub 10–40 cm tall. It belongs to the Kingdom of • Prevents and treats inflammation due to Plantae, Order Ericales, Family Ericaceae, Genus ursolinic acid, a tripeptide antioxidant found in large Vaccinium, Species Vaccinium vitis-idaea, known by • Strengthen the immune system the binomial humus Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. Some recent studies have concluded that The stem is cylindrical and branched. The cranberry extract has quite surprising effects, leaves are alternate, elliptical, with inverted edges strengthening immunity and lowering the frequency and black dots on the back. The flowers are bell- of colds and flu symptoms. This is due to pro- shaped, white-pink, in terminal with two or anthocyanidin, a substance found in cranberries that six flowers. takes care of the immune system and keeps diseases Cranberries are the small fruits of shrubs that at bay. This substance is part of a class of polyphenols grow on mountain meadows in both North and South that nourish the digestive tract, an important part of America (eastern United States and Canada, the immune system. Due to its antibacterial role, Argentina and Chile) and ripen in November and cranberries prevent the accumulation of toxic December, as well as in Europe, predominantly in the substances in the body and stimulate the development Netherlands, in our country being found especially in of good bacteria that protect us from disease. Also, a the Apuseni Mountains area, but also in areas in the certain combination of antioxidants has an increased Eastern and Southern Carpathians, where they ripen power to strengthen our immune system: resveratrol, at the end of summer, in August and September. piceatanol and pterostilben. One study found that this It grows at high altitudes, in alpine meadows combination of antioxidants along with vitamin C or clearings, less often in shady places (spruces). and (which is found in significant Cranberry grows on skeletal soils, strongly acidic, amounts) creates almost ideal conditions to fight any with low soil requirements. It also resists drought. In condition that could threaten our immune system. Romania, cranberries grow in the high areas of the The raspberry, Rubus idaeus L., is the fruit of Carpathian Mountains, especially in Transylvania. a bushy, perennial shrub, with creeping shoots, with These fruits are yellow or red, round in shape, straight stems, arched towards the top, with straight but also oval (depending on the variety), the size of a spines, in the shape of needles, often placed only on cherry, with a sweet-sour taste, strongly astringent. the underside. Raspberries belong to the Rosaceae The shrubs are small, but can have branches about 2 family. The leaves are composed of 3-7 leaflets, meters long, and the flowers are dark pink, with toothed on the edges, green on the upper side, whitish inverted petals and exposed stamina and pistil, hence on the lower side. They are used fresh or dried in the the German name kraanbere, which came from the preparation of medicinal teas, which are resemblance to the neck, head and beak of the rooster. recommended for the treatment of menstrual cramps. In addition, the small amount of sugars they contain Raspberry flowers are white, composed of 5 , 5 makes cranberries the ideal even for those petals and numerous , and are an important suffering from diabetes. Used for hundreds of years source of nectar for honey-producing bees. The fruit, in the prevention of urinary tract diseases, cranberries which is called raspberry, is red in color, with a have been used successfully in the treatment and pleasant smell and a sour-aromatic taste. Raspberries prevention of other infections and diseases (cancer, are grown for two reasons: for consumption of fresh heart disease), but also the weaknesses of the body fruit and for industrial processing. Xylitol is extracted caused by the inability of the small intestine to absorb from raspberries, which is an artificial sweetener . . Rich in vitamin C and fiber, cranberries used mainly in the treatment and prevention of dental are an important source of antioxidants, surpassing caries. Raspberries bloom from May to July. It grows traditional wonder foods such as spinach, raspberries, spontaneously in rocky places, forest clearings, hilly cherries, strawberries and broccoli. Studies have and mountainous regions. It can be found throughout confirmed the antioxidant power of cranberries, eaten Romania, being a plant specific to areas with fresh or dehydrated, as follows: temperate climate. • Protects the respiratory system and prevents allergies due to the content of quercitin, a 3. Conclusion polyphenolic antioxidant rarely found in nature; • Prevent the development of diseases such as The main berries often encountered in the area thrombosis, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer, due to of Cluj County are: raspberry, blackberry, blueberry present in cranberries; and black currant. Their use in human nutrition • Peonidine is another important antioxidant brings lots of positive contribution, mainly present in these fruits. It is responsible for the red concerning health. These effects are the result

47 BURDUHOS Maria Daniela et al./ProEnvironment 13(2020) 44 - 48 berries’ content in antioxidants, and water. Besides benefic effects on human health are due to their antioxidant compounds, berries nutritional value and content in fiber, and folic acid.

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