Characterization of bioactive compounds in Fragaria × ananassa (Strawberry) and Vaccinium corymbosum (Blueberry) and their inhibitory activity against bovine thrombin in vitro

Yarleque-Chocas M.; Amado R.R.; Berrocal I.; Rueda E.; D´Arrigo G.; Borja N.A.; Yarlequé A. · Anales de la Facultad de Medicina (2026) · DOI: 10.15381/anales.v87i2.33012

Resumen

Introduction. Bioactive compounds present in berries have attracted increasing scientific interest due to their potential role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Objective. To characterize the bioactive compounds present in the ethanolic extracts of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) and blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), and to evaluate their in vitro inhibitory effect on the coagulant activity of bovine thrombin. Methods. An experimental comparative study was conducted using ethanolic extracts obtained by maceration. Bioactive compounds were subsequently analyzed using spectrophotometric methods and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant capacity was determined by the DPPH assay, and anticoagulant activity was evaluated through inhibition of bovine thrombin activity. Results. The results showed that total phenolic content was higher in strawberries (5699.27 ± 251.33 mg/100 g DW) than in blueberries (4483.02 ± 267.98 mg/100 g DW). In contrast, blueberries exhibited higher levels of flavonoids (188.04 ± 1.30 mg/100 g DW) and anthocyanins than strawberries (129.14 ± 7.17 mg/100 g DW). Strawberries showed higher contents of vitamins C and E, greater Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (334.39 ± 12.72 vs. 274.03 ± 8.04 μmol/100 g DW), and a lower IC value (25.28 ± 0.94 vs. 30.84 ± 0.91 mg/mL), indicating stronger antioxidant activity. However, the blueberry extract exhibited greater anticoagulant activity by significantly inhibiting bovine thrombin. Conclusions. Both fruits contain bioactive compounds with potential antioxidant and anticoagulant properties, suggesting a possible contribution to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. © (2025). (Anales de la Facultad de Medicina)., All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal; Universidad Femenina del Sagrado Corazón; Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de América Latina