Comparison of the antiglycation activity of leaves of eight traditionally used wild blueberry species (Vaccinium L.) from northern Canada and Europe with their phytochemistry

Blueberry leaves (Vaccinium spp. L.) are used as a natural health product and traditional medicine for health maintenance in type-2 diabetes. In this study, seven blueberry species available to northern communities in North America and one used by the Lukomir Highlanders in Europe were assessed for phytochemical content and antidiabetic activity using an in vitro advanced glycation end product (antiglycation) assay. All Vaccinium spp. were found to have potent antiglycation activity that was greater than that of the outgroup Gaylussacia sp. Inhibitory concentrations of leaf extracts from Vaccinium spp. varied from 4.1 to 79.0 μg/mL. The activity was correlated to phenolic content, and eight phenolic metabolites were found to provide species markers. These species have potential for complementary dietary strategies for type-2 diabetics in northern communities.