Blueberry Powder for Depression in Aging

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Hebrew SeniorLife

Must not be taking: Anti-inflammatories, Immune-suppressants, Antibiotics, Antidepressants

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Major depression, Diabetes, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 3 days

6 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Do I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you must stop taking anti-inflammatory, immune-suppressant drugs, and anti-depressants to participate in this trial.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

If you are currently taking anti-inflammatory or immune-suppressant drugs, or if you are on anti-depressants, you will need to stop taking them to participate in this trial.

What data supports the idea that Blueberry Powder for Depression in Aging is an effective treatment?

The available research shows that blueberry extract can improve depression-like behavior in mice. In one study, mice given blueberry extract showed reduced signs of depression compared to those that did not receive it. Another study found that adolescents who took wild blueberry supplements reported fewer depression symptoms than those who took a placebo. These findings suggest that blueberry powder might help reduce depression symptoms. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in older adults. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Freeze-dried Blueberry Powder for depression in aging?

Research shows that blueberry extract can improve depression-like behavior in mice by reducing inflammation and protecting brain cells. Additionally, a study found that wild blueberry supplementation reduced depression symptoms in adolescents, suggesting potential benefits for mood improvement. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What safety data exists for blueberry powder used in depression treatment?

The provided research does not contain specific safety data for blueberry powder or its variants like freeze-dried blueberry powder, bilberry powder, or wild blueberry powder. The studies focus on other herbal supplements such as St. John's Wort and Ginkgo biloba, highlighting their adverse effects and interactions. Therefore, no direct safety data for blueberry powder in the context of depression treatment is available from these sources. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Is blueberry powder a promising treatment for depression in aging?

Yes, blueberry powder shows promise as a treatment for depression in aging. Studies suggest that blueberries have beneficial effects on mood due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They may help improve depression-like behavior and reduce neurochemical changes in the brain, making them a potential natural option for managing depression. ^{1 2 5 11 12}

How does blueberry powder treatment for depression in aging differ from other treatments?

Blueberry powder is unique because it uses natural compounds like anthocyanins and polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, to potentially improve depression symptoms. Unlike traditional antidepressants, it may also offer neuroprotective benefits by modulating brain enzyme activities and reducing neuroinflammation. ^{1 2 5 11 12}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This randomized, cross-over, pilot study aims to compare preliminary impact of a standard dose of blueberry powder (24 g) vs a higher dose (48 g) on the bioavailability of flavonoids and inflammatory biomarkers in older adults with minor levels of depressive symptoms.

Eligibility Criteria

The ABSORB trial is for men and women aged 65 or older who have minor depressive symptoms. Participants should score between 4 and 16 points on a depression scale used to measure their mood.

Inclusion Criteria

You have mild symptoms of depression.

I am 65 years old or older.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants consume either 24 g or 48 g of freeze-dried blueberry powder for 3 consecutive days, followed by assessments.

3 days

2 visits (in-person)

Washout

A two-week washout period where no blueberry powder is consumed.

2 weeks

Crossover Treatment

Participants switch to the alternate dose of blueberry powder for 3 consecutive days, followed by assessments.

3 days

2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in inflammatory and flavonoid biomarkers after treatment.

1 week

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Freeze-dried Blueberry Powder

Trial Overview This study tests the effects of two doses of freeze-dried blueberry powder (24g and 48g) on flavonoid levels in the body and markers that indicate inflammation, which are related to aging and depression.

Participant Groups

Group I: Higher Dose Freeze-dried Blueberry Powder Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Consumption of 48 g of freeze dried blueberry powder for 3 consecutive days.

Group II: Standard Dose Freeze-dried Blueberry Powder Active Control 1 Intervention

Consumption of 24 g of freeze dried blueberry powder for 3 consecutive days.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Hebrew SeniorLife

Lead Sponsor

Trials

52

Recruited

273,000+

Findings from Research

Blueberry extract demonstrated antidepressant-like effects in mice, effectively protecting against depressive-like behavior induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), similar to the effects of fluoxetine, without affecting locomotor activity.

The extract also restored oxidative stress markers and reduced neuroinflammation by modulating tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels, indicating its potential as a neuroprotective agent.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blueberry extract as a potential pharmacological tool for preventing depressive-like behavior and neurochemical dysfunctions in mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide. Spohr, L., Luduvico, KP., Soares, MSP., et al.[2022]

In a study involving male Swiss mice, blueberry extract (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced depressive-like behavior, similar to the effects of fluoxetine, without affecting locomotor activity, suggesting its potential as a natural antidepressant.

Blueberry extract also demonstrated neuroprotective effects by improving Na+/K+-ATPase activity and reducing neuroinflammatory markers in the brain, indicating its ability to counteract neurochemical changes associated with depression.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blueberry Extract Modulates Brain Enzymes Activities and Reduces Neuroinflammation: Promising Effect on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior. Spohr, L., de Aguiar, MSS., Bona, NP., et al.[2023]

Berries, particularly in freeze-dried powder form, contain powerful chemopreventive agents like anthocyanins and ellagitannins, which show promise in preventing cancer based on laboratory research.

The commentary outlines a stepwise scheme for developing food-based cancer prevention strategies, highlighting preclinical assessments and preliminary clinical trial results in areas such as the oral cavity, esophagus, and colon.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Foodstuffs for preventing cancer: the preclinical and clinical development of berries. Stoner, GD.[2021]

In a study involving 37 young adults, both whole blueberries and freeze-dried blueberry powder did not show significant differences in improving cardiovascular health compared to a control group, indicating that the form of blueberry may not matter for cardiovascular benefits.

However, both blueberry treatments improved plasma nitrite levels significantly compared to baseline, suggesting a potential positive effect on vascular function, even though other cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol levels did not show significant changes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Blueberry Consumption on Cardiovascular Health in Healthy Adults: A Cross-Over Randomised Controlled Trial. Wang, Y., Gallegos, JL., Haskell-Ramsay, C., et al.[2022]

A 4-week study involving 64 adolescents showed that daily supplementation with wild blueberry (WBB), rich in anthocyanins, significantly reduced self-reported symptoms of depression compared to a placebo group.

While WBB supplementation did not affect anxiety symptoms or transient mood changes, the findings suggest that flavonoid-rich foods like WBB could be a promising strategy for preventing depression in adolescents.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of 4 weeks daily wild blueberry supplementation on symptoms of depression in adolescents. Fisk, J., Khalid, S., Reynolds, SA., et al.[2022]

In a 12-week observational study involving 1,778 patients treated with St. John's Wort for depression, there was a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, with a 63.1% drop in ICD-10 scores and 72.4% of patients rated as 'normal to mildly ill' by the end of the study.

The treatment was well tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse drug reactions (3.54%) that decreased over time, and no serious adverse reactions were reported, indicating that St. John's Wort is a safe and effective option for managing mild to moderate depression in everyday clinical practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A hypericum extract in the treatment of depressive symptoms in outpatients: an open study. Melzer, J., Brignoli, R., Keck, ME., et al.[2010]

The study analyzed adverse event reports related to herbal supplements from two databases, FAERS and CVAR, revealing that herbal supplements accounted for 2.51% and 6.83% of total reports, respectively, indicating a significant presence of herbal-related safety concerns.

Common herbs associated with adverse events included Avena sativa (oats), Cannabis sativa (marijuana), and Hypericum perforatum (St John's Wort), highlighting the need for further investigation into the safety profiles of these supplements.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Identifying Herbal Adverse Events From Spontaneous Reporting Systems Using Taxonomic Name Resolution Approach. Sharma, V., Gelin, LFF., Sarkar, IN.[2020]

A case study of a female patient with a history of mild traumatic brain injury and depression revealed that adding St John's wort and Ginkgo biloba to her existing medications (fluoxetine and buspirone) led to hypomania, highlighting potential risks of herbal medicine interactions with SSRIs.

The hypomanic symptoms resolved after stopping the herbal supplements, emphasizing the importance of educating patients and healthcare providers about the possible interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed psychopharmacological treatments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hypomania induced by herbal and pharmaceutical psychotropic medicines following mild traumatic brain injury. Spinella, M., Eaton, LA.[2022]

Ginkgo biloba extracts (EGb) have shown reproducible positive effects on cognitive functions in older adults with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, based on a review of existing literature.

EGb is well tolerated by patients, indicating a favorable safety profile for its use in treating cognitive impairments associated with aging.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Review about Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 (Ginkgo). Gertz, HJ., Kiefer, M.[2019]

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is generally well tolerated for treating mild to moderate depression, with adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurring at rates similar to placebo, based on a systematic review of various studies.

The most common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, dizziness, and sedation, while serious effects like photosensitivity are very rare; however, more long-term studies are needed to fully understand its safety profile.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse effects profile of the herbal antidepressant St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). Ernst, E., Rand, JI., Barnes, J., et al.[2019]

Clarified açaí juice (EO) demonstrated significant antidepressant effects in mice, effectively reducing despair-like and anhedonia behaviors after just four doses, comparable to the effects of the traditional antidepressant imipramine.

EO also exhibited antioxidant and antiaging properties by preventing lipid peroxidation and increasing the expression of TERT mRNA, which is crucial for telomere maintenance, suggesting potential neuroprotective benefits against age-related consequences in the brain.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Antidepressant and Antiaging Effects of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in Mice. Souza-Monteiro, JR., Arrifano, GPF., Queiroz, AIDG., et al.[2020]

A new method for screening blueberry samples revealed significant variations in anthocyanin and phenolic acid content, with total anthocyanins ranging from 201.4 to 402.8 mg/100 g and phenolic acids from 23.6 to 61.7 mg/100 g in frozen fruits.

Freeze-drying blueberries resulted in a slight decrease in anthocyanins but a notable increase in phenolic acids, suggesting that processing methods can affect the health-promoting compounds in blueberries.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficient quantification of the health-relevant anthocyanin and phenolic acid profiles in commercial cultivars and breeding selections of blueberries ( Vaccinium spp.). Yousef, GG., Brown, AF., Funakoshi, Y., et al.[2021]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blueberry extract as a potential pharmacological tool for preventing depressive-like behavior and neurochemical dysfunctions in mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blueberry Extract Modulates Brain Enzymes Activities and Reduces Neuroinflammation: Promising Effect on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior. [2023]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Foodstuffs for preventing cancer: the preclinical and clinical development of berries. [2021]

4. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Blueberry Consumption on Cardiovascular Health in Healthy Adults: A Cross-Over Randomised Controlled Trial. [2022]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of 4 weeks daily wild blueberry supplementation on symptoms of depression in adolescents. [2022]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A hypericum extract in the treatment of depressive symptoms in outpatients: an open study. [2010]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Identifying Herbal Adverse Events From Spontaneous Reporting Systems Using Taxonomic Name Resolution Approach. [2020]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hypomania induced by herbal and pharmaceutical psychotropic medicines following mild traumatic brain injury. [2022]

9. United Arab Emirates pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Review about Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 (Ginkgo). [2019]

10. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse effects profile of the herbal antidepressant St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). [2019]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Antidepressant and Antiaging Effects of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in Mice. [2020]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficient quantification of the health-relevant anthocyanin and phenolic acid profiles in commercial cultivars and breeding selections of blueberries ( Vaccinium spp.). [2021]