Determination of Pterostilbene in Blueberry Samples Produced in Mexico
Resumen
The objective of this study was to determine the concentration of pterostilbene, a bioactive compound with well-recognized antioxidant and anticancer properties, in different species of blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) cultivated in Mexico. Pterostilbene is a secondary metabolite and a methylated analog of resveratrol, notable for its high bioavailability and potential application as an alternative therapeutic agent.
Extractions of pterostilbene were performed from plant samples, mainly from the Biloxi variety, evaluating the efficiency of different extraction methods. UV spectroscopy was used for detection and quantification, determining the maximum absorption wavelength (?max) at 320 nm. A calibration curve with good linearity was constructed, enabling precise quantification of the compound. Results showed that extraction efficiency varied depending on the treatment applied, identifying the optimal method for isolating pterostilbene in the analyzed samples.
Using the selected extraction method, extracts were prepared from Biloxi, V. leucanthum, and V. ashei (“Rabbit eye”) varieties. Within each variety, different developmental stages or treatments were evaluated, and comparative analysis revealed significant variability in pterostilbene content across maturation stages, with differentiated concentrations. This suggests that the maturation stage within each variety influences the accumulation of this compound.
In conclusion, Mexican blueberries represent a relevant source of pterostilbene, positioning them as a potential raw material for the development of alternative therapies based on natural compounds and their use as functional foods. This study provides key information for the valorization of native blueberries and helps fill the existing knowledge gap regarding pterostilbene presence in blueberries produced in Mexico, laying the groundwork for future exploitation of their nutraceutical properties.