Charakterystyka botaniczna, skład chemiczny i właściwości biologiczne owoców żurawiny amerykańskiej ( Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton)

*Elżbieta Hołderna-Kędzia

Summary
The American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) occurs on swampy soils and peatbogs in eastern North America. It is a perennial shrub, high 0.2-2 m, a shrub with procumbent, prostrate sprouts. In industry are used many cultivars of this species. This plant is cultivated on artificial bogs or on soils with a high underground water level. Till today from cranberry fruits have been isolated organic acids of different chemical groups like: hydroxyl acids, aliphatic and aromatic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids of flavonol origin including myricetin, quercetin and methoxyquercetin glycosides. From other groups of chemical compounds have been isolated anthocyanin derivative of cyanidin, peonidin, malvidin and delphinidin also polymeric proanthocyanidins. In the fruits of cranberry have been found terpenes, triterpenes esters of ursolic acid origin, plant sterols and carbohydrates, pectins, vitamins, microelements. To the valuable biological properties of fruits and products of American cranberry belongs the antimicrobial activity inhibiting the of Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and dermatophytes. It was reported that cranberry shows the antiadhesive properties inhibiting the adherence of Gram-negative bacteria to the mucosal membranes of many human body organs. The American cranberry has also the strong antioxidative properties and inhibits the oxidation of lipids and has antiproliferative activity. Other health benefits of cranberry is the anti-inflammatory, antioedematous and diuretic activity.

To jest tylko fragment artykułu. Aby przeczytać całość, przejdź do Czytelni medycznej.