Vaccinium meridionale Swartz (commonly known as agraz or Andean blueberry is a wild fruit native to Colombia and rich in anthocyanins. In this systematic review, we evaluated the effects of agraz supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar for articles published up to March 2024, without restrictions on language, publication date, or geographical region. Among the 2,616 records identified initially through the database searches, 6 studies were included in this review. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 252 participants were analyzed. The intervention durations ranged from 21 days to 4 weeks, and the agraz supplementation doses were between 200 and 250 mL per day. Agraz supplementation significantly reduced urinary and serum levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). However, among 3 studies examining high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, only 1 reported a statistically significant decrease in its levels. No significant effects were observed for other inflammatory or oxidative stress biomarkers. Agraz supplementation notable reduced urinary and serum 8-OHdG levels, suggesting potential antioxidant effects; however, its effect on hs-CRP levels remains inconclusive. No significant changes were observed in the levels of the other biomarkers. Further RCTs with larger doses and longer durations are necessary to confirm these findings and to clarify the therapeutic potential of agraz in MetS.

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• Polyphenolic Compounds from Andean Berry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) and Derived Functional Benefits: A Systematic and Updated Review
  Ana Rosa Ramos-Polo, Ivan Luzardo-Ocampo, Sandra Navarro-Gallón, Silvia A. Quijano, Sandra Sulay Arango-Varela
  Foods.2025; 14(22): 3861.     CrossRef

Following up with recovered coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients is necessary. Given the importance of psychological function accompanied by significant effects of food quality, we want to examine the association between food quality score (FQS) and mental disorders among recovered COVID-19 patients. This case-control study was performed on 246 eligible adults. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to evaluate dietary intake. We using Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaires to evaluate the psychological function. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for score categories of the FQS index and psychological function in multivariate-adjusted models. Only in case subjects, we found significant associations between adherence to the FQS diet and depression, anxiety, and stress in the crude model (OR, 0.796, 95% CI, 0.661–0.958, p = 0.016; OR, 0.824, 95% CI, 0.707–0.960, p = 0.013; OR, 0.824, 95% CI, 0.709–0.956, p = 0.011, respectively). These associations remained significant in all two adjusted models. However, no significant associations were found between FQS and psychological functions in the control group. Our data suggests that overall food quality intake is associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms during the post-infection period. Also, adequate daily intakes of fruits, legumes, nuts, and whole grains are associated with reduced risks of psychological impairment and sleep disorders which are common among recovered patients.

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• Digestive Manifestations of Post-COVID-19: A Focus on Therapeutic Strategies
  Cristina Stasi, Massimo Bellini
  Pathogens.2025; 14(6): 555.     CrossRef