Chapter 6: Mechanisms of Action of Berry Bioactives on the Vascular System

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally. CVD is initiated through atherosclerosis that has a major impact on organs, leading to heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Dietary patterns can influence cardiovascular health by modulating cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and blood pressure. Berries are an important part of the diet as they are rich sources of a wide variety of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, derivatives of stilbenes, and flavonoids such as anthocyanins. Evidence from epidemiological, clinical, and animal studies supports the beneficial effects of dietary berries on cardiovascular health. Berry bioactive compounds exert beneficial effects on the vasculature by acting on multiple targets such as activating endothelial nitric oxide signaling pathway, suppressing endothelial inflammation, modulating redox signaling, altering lipid metabolism, and modifying the vascular glycocalyx. This chapter highlights recent advancements toward our understanding of the vascular effects of dietary berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, with special emphasis on the molecular mechanisms involved.