ABSTRACT
Haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) have attracted much interest as a new “superfruit.” The berries are rich in polyphenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins, and exhibit high antioxidant activity corresponding to their chemical composition and bioactive content. The berries have been traditionally used as a medicine, and there are many studies in the literature investigating their health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties. Freezing, frozen storage, thawing, drying, and extraction processes can significantly decrease the bioactive content of processed haskap products such as juice, powder, frozen, and dried berries. However, retention of the bioactive components, especially anthocyanins, is an important consideration for the development of health-promoting functional foods and nutraceuticals. Although there is evidence of specific health benefits from haskap berries for many diseases, more clinical trials in humans are needed to confirm results from in vitro and in vivo trials. Gastroretentive systems are recommended as a strategy for the targeted delivery of anthocyanins to effectively treat disease.
