Danny L. Barney

A Review of the Effects and Mechanisms of Polyphenolics in Cancer

This paper is a comprehensive review of the effects of bioactive polyphenolic compounds commonly found in many fruits and vegetables on cancer. These include the pheniolic acids, anthocyanins, catechins, stilbenes and several other flavonoids. We have attempted to compile information from most of the major studies in this area into one source. The review encompasses the occurrence and bioavailability of the polyphenolics, the in vitro and in vivo evidence for their effects on cancer, both positive and negative, and the various mechanisms by which the chemicals may exert their effects. Although most of the work done to date indicates a chemopreventative activity of these compounds, there are some studies that show cancer-inducing or no effects. There are several common mechanisms by which these chemicals exert their effects that could be conducive to additive, synergistic, or antagonistic interactions. These include effects on cellular differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, effects on proteins and enzymes that are involved in these processes at a molecular level, and other various effects through altered immune function and chemical metabolism.

Prospects for Domesticating Western Huckleberries

ABSTRACT Western huckleberries (Vaccinium spp.) are native to the western United States and western Canada. The fruits were important for food and trade among some Native American nations and were popular with European settlers. Commercial sales of huckleberry food and health products have increased dramatically, with demand often exceeding supplies. All fruits are presently harvested from naturally-occurring stands, predominantly from 1,200 to 1,800 m (4,000 to 6,000 ft) elevation mountain sites. Harvest labor costs and weather-related fluctuations in yields have limited commercial expansion. Forest and fire management practices on public lands have adversely impacted the size and productivity of huckleberry colonies, further limiting commercialization and increasing the potential for overharvest. This paper describes western huckleberries, summarizes pertinent research, and outlines prospects for domestication.

Effects of Light, Surface Sterilization, and Fungicides on the Germination of Black Huckleberry Seeds

Abstract Germination tests were conducted on seeds of black huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceumDouglas ex Hooker) to determine the effects of light exposure, surface sterilization, and fungicides. In total darkness, approximately 2% of seeds germinated. A single 24-h exposure to fluorescent light increased the rate to 37.4%. Daily exposure to 12 h of light for 77 d produced average germination rates of 78.6%. Surface sterilization in diluted household bleach (0.5% sodium hypochlorite) eliminated contamination by microorganisms without reducing germination percentages, but altered the germination versus time curves by shortening the lag period between sowing and radicle emergence. Treating seeds with captan or mancozeb fungicides increased the time necessary for germination and reduced the percentages of seeds that germinated. Light exposure is required for maximum seed germination. For germination trials where only maximum cumulative germination percentages are of interest, surface sterilization with bleach is a valuable tool. Seed treatment with captan or mancozeb fungicides can inhibit germination.