HUMAN HEALTH EFFECTS OF STRAWBERRY: A REVIEW OF CURRENT RESEARCH

Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) are a rich source of nutrients and
bioactive phytochemicals.
Apart from being a nutritious fruit, they are also rich in
vitamin-C, folate, potassium, and dietary fibers and especially in polyphenols
belonging to many different classes: anthocyanins, flavonols, flavan-3-ols,
hydroxybenzoic acids, ellagic acid, ellagitannins, gallotannins and condensed tannins
(proanthocyanidins). They also contain significant quantities of other beneficial
molecules like lignans, flavanones, and sesquiterpenoids.
These molecules display
biological activity against many chronic and degenerative diseases.
For instance,
strawberry reduces the level of specific biomarkers associated with cardiovascular
diseases and metabolic syndrome; it reduces inflammation, lowers LDL cholesterol,
and reduces blood pressure.
It also appears directly involved in the control of the
body’s energy metabolism, and controls glycaemia.
Moreover, strawberry has
antitumor activity in esophageal, lung and colon cancers and reduces cognitive
decline.
It also displays antimicrobial action and may condition the gut microbiota.
At present, many studies are being conducted to unravel the mode of action of
strawberry bioactive compounds.
This paper will thus briefly review the
composition and biological activity of the phytochemicals found in strawberry and
will discuss their potential impact on human health.

VII International Strawberry Symposium

Y. Desjardins

Fragaria × ananassa, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, inflammation,

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2014.1049.132