Effect of Jaboticaba Berry (M. cauliflora) on Macro- and Microvascular Function in Individuals with Cardiovascular Risk Factors Following One Week of Consumption: A Randomized Study

Abstract

Background: The consumption of berries is widely recommended as part of a cardioprotective diet due to their bioactive properties. Jaboticaba, a Brazilian berry, has been reported to possess high antioxidant activity. However, to date, no human studies have evaluated the effects of jaboticaba consumption on vascular function in individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of seven-day jaboticaba consumption on macro and microvascular function in individuals with risk factors for CVD. Study Design: This was a randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled study. Methodology: Twelve volunteers with CVD risk factors consumed 420 mL of jaboticaba smoothies twice a daily (1,457.28 ± 21.51 mg of total polyphenols per day) or placebo (247.95 ± 118.32 mg of total polyphenols per day) for one week. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) responses to 5-minute cuff occlusion were assessed using Doppler ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Results: Supplementation with jaboticaba smoothies promoted improvements in macrovascular function, evidenced by a significant increase in ΔFMD when the data were analyzed using an allometric scale (p = 0.029), in addition to a moderate to large effect size in favor of jaboticaba (d = 0.72). On the other hand, no significant changes were observed in StO₂ parameters and plasma GSH levels (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that jaboticaba smoothie consumption may improve macrovascular function but did not affect microvascular reactivity and redox balance in individuals at risk of CVD.