Evaluation of Blackberry Cultivars and Blackberry-Pear Synergies for Potential Management of Type Ii Diabetes and Hypertension

The incidences of diabetes are on the constant rise, and thus need an alternative dietary approach to improve glucose metabolism in type II diabetes patients. Fruits and vegetables have long been known for their beneficial fiber, phenolics and antioxidants, and by incorporating these dietary components into our everyday diet have proven beneficial in controlling the glucose metabolism. In this study, Prime-Jan and Kiowa blackberry cultivars were evaluated for their anti-diabetic properties using a variety of in vitro assays. Overall, the Kiowa blackberry reigned supreme over the Prime-Jan blackberry in the majority of functionality assays, more specifically alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, total soluble phenolics and DPPH free radical scavenging activity. In an attempt to incorporate anti-hypertensive properties into this study, we chose to integrate the Bartlett pear, known as the most widely consumed pear in the United States and recognized for its moderate ACE inhibition. Our results indicated a combination of 70% pear to 30% blackberry as the most beneficial ratio for exhibiting high alpha-amylase (96.5%) and alpha-glucosidase inhibition (95.6%). Additionally, the 70/30 combination exhibited high DPPH free radical scavenging activity (80.7%), total soluble phenolics (1.9 mg/g FW), while also maintaining moderately high ACE inhibition (25.2%). Therefore, there is vast potential for a combination of 70% pear to 30% blackberry to serve as a beneficial alternative in the diet of patients suffering from type 2 diabetes