Abstract:
In recent years, there is a growing interest
in nutraceutical-rich functional foods for promoting
human health. Wild fruits and berries are excellent
sources of phytochemicals even though the most
deeply studied are the polyphenolic compounds,
among them, the major ones such as flavonoids,
anthocyanins, or tannins. This review aimed to
comprehensively analyze the currently available lit-
erature on wild edible fruits and berries, since these
fruits are characterized for their high content of
polyphenolic compounds. Moreover, both intrinsic
(ripening and genetic variability) and extrinsic (envi-
ronmental conditions: habitat, light, temperature)
factors where considered since they affect the
polyphenolic content in these fruits. Besides, the
therapeutic potential of berries for treating human
diseases was assessed through the revision of in vivo
and in vitro assays and clinical studies, having in mind
that most of these effects are exerted due to their
antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, recent challenges
and future trends on the research and utilization of
wild fruits and berries were addressed to complete the
overview of this sustainable source of natural
