Blackberries (Rubus fruticosus) can prevent inflammation and ulcers on vulnerable tissues. In a study, led the University of Messina, researchers looked at the anti-inflammatory effects of R. fruticosus juice. The findings were published in the journal Phytotherapy Research.

• Researchers analyzed R. fruticosus juice for their polyphenol content. They then tested it in vitro for its antioxidant effects and in vivo for its anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activity.
•  R. fruticosus juice was tested to determine its components and it was noted to contain anthocyanins, such as cyanidin derivatives. The researchers also detected significant amounts of phenolic acids and smaller amounts of flavonoids.
• To determine the antioxidant properties of this juice, the researchers used DPPH, TE antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and beta?carotene bleaching assays.
• Based on the tests,  R. fruticosus juice exhibited significant antioxidant properties. It was able to scavenge large amounts of free radicals during all of the tests.
• Rat models also showed that R. fruticosus juice significantly inhibited inflammation after being treated with carrageenan. The anti-inflammatory effects of R. fruticosus juice were particularly effective when used with phenylbutazone.
• In addition, the pre-treatment of R. fruticosus juice inhibited ethanol?induced ulcers in rats.
• From the results of the in vivo tests and tissue analysis, R. fruticosus juice exhibited radical scavenging properties which confirmed its potent antioxidant activity.

Based on the results of their experiment, the researchers concluded that the ability of blackberry juice to scavenge free radicals is connected to beneficial biological effects on an animal model.

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Journal Reference:

Monforte MT, Smeriglio A, Germanò MP, Pergolizzi S, Circosta C, Galati EM. 15 April 2018. EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT, ANTIINFLAMMATORY, AND GASTROPROTECTIVE PROPERTIES OF RUBUS FRUTICOSUS L. FRUIT JUICE. Phytotherapy Research 32:1404–1414. DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6078