Integrative Review of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L.: Phytochemical Composition, Biological Activities, Comparative Insights, and Future Development Prospects

Abstract

Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. (Ericaceae), is a medicinal shrub that commonly found in Caucasus and western Asia (Iran and Turkey). Traditionally, this plant has been employed for its antidiabetic and antihypertensive effects. Recent studies have indicated that V. arctostaphylos contains several important bioactive compounds, including terpenoids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, primarily found in its aerial parts. Although there is increasing evidence from laboratory and clinical studies supporting its beneficial effects on diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, a comprehensive review of its ethnobotany, dietary value, chemical composition, pharmacological properties, and clinical applications remains lacking. This article serves as the first detailed review summarizing the current knowledge about V. arctostaphylos, encompassing its chemical constituents, biological activities, and findings from clinical trials. The information presented has been gathered from major scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed. Overall, V. arctostaphylos presents a multifaceted therapeutic potential as a nutraceutical, offering complementary benefits in the modulation and management of complex metabolic disorders.

Keywords: Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Bioactive compounds, Pharmacological properties, Dietary value, Clinical applications