A cross-cultural study of sustainable nutrition and its environmental impact in Asia and Europe:A comparison of China and Germany

Global challenges such as climate change,biodiversity loss,and health crises necessitate a shift towards sustainable diets.Incorporating sustainability into food-based dietary guidelines(FBDGs)is essential for this shift,and cultural considerations also play a vital role,as food culture significantly influences dietary habits.Considering that Asia and Europe exhibit distinct food cultures,tailored approaches are necessary.Additionally,countries face diverse nutritional challenges,ranging from malnutrition to diet-related diseases,and regional variation in environmental impact necessitates context-specific strategies.Achieving sustainable nutrition depends on understanding cultural influences and regional dynamics.This paper compares China’s and Germany’s dietary guidelines and dietary patterns and their impact on sustainability.It shows that Chinese and German FBDGs only slightly differ,despite the different eating cultures and habits of each country.Alone the recommended amounts for eggs and fish are considerably higher in China than in Germany.However,in both China and Germany,actual dietary patterns deviate from the dietary guidelines.In China,concomitant with economic growth and urbanization,a dietary shift towards increased consumption of animal products and decreased consumption of vegetables and cereals has been observed in the last decades,which has led to a decline in nutritional deficiencies but an increase in obesity and overweight.Obesity and overweight are also on the rise in Germany.A dietary shift could therefore also be beneficial for public health.While following the respective national guidelines would benefit the environment,alternative diets such as a plant-based diet offer even lower environmental footprint.Revising guidelines to prioritize sustainability in addition to health aspects while considering regional contexts and cultural preferences is recommended to foster sustainable eating habits globally.This approach is pivotal for promoting dietary shift towards sustainability on a global scale.

Geographic Distribution of Aspergillus Section Flavi Subspecies Isolated from Crops, Foods, and Feedstuffs in Benin

Mycotoxins are one of the most dangerous chemical contaminants found in staple foods. Aflatoxins, a well-known mycotoxin, are mostly dangerous for both humans and livestock, according to the International Agency Cancer for Research on Cancer. In this paper, the author aimed to establish a geographical distribution map of aflatoxins fungi producers on several food like maize, maize of popcorn, popcorm, fish, spices, cassava, mil, sorghum, peanut and voandzou from the eight (8) agroecological area in Benin. Several molds were isolated from these foods and morphologically characterized on malt extract agar. Among the fungi, 318 species isolated from four leading subspecies, A. flavus, A. parasiticus, A. nomius, and A. togoensis, belonging to the Aspergillus section Flavi, were identified. For molecular analysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods were used to amplify 1450 pb of the beta-tubulin gene, and their products were used to realize restruction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) to identify genic characteristics. From this strain, three DNA fragments were identified as belonging to subspecies A. flavus, and four DNA fragments were classified as belonging to A. parasiticus. Furthermore, chemotaxonomic’s analysis was performed on all strains isolated by thin layer chromatography revealing variable levels of aflatoxin’s contamination in the samples. All feedstuffs from the eight agroecological areas in Benin were found to be contaminated by several molds, and their mycotoxins mainly comprised four types of aflatoxins: B1, B2, G1 and G2. This study revealed that the four agroecological areas in northern Benin are primarily contaminated by A. flavus and A. togoensis, producers of aflatoxins B1 and B2, whereas the four agroecological areas southern Benin are contaminated by A. parasiticus and A. nomius, producers of both sets of aflatoxins B1 and B2 and aflatoxins G1 and G2. This study can be used to protect public health from the risks associated with liver cancer.

Dietary xylo‑oligosaccharides and arabinoxylans improved growth efficiency by reducing gut epithelial cell turnover in broiler chickens

Background One of the main roles of the intestinal mucosa is to protect against environmental hazards.Supple-mentation of xylo-oligosaccharides(XOS)is known to selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria and improve gut health and function in chickens.XOS may have an impact on the integrity of the intestinal epithelia where cell turnover is critical to maintain the compatibility between the digestive and barrier functions.The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of XOS and an arabinoxylan-rich fraction(AXRF)supplementation on gut func-tion and epithelial integrity in broiler chickens.Methods A total of 128 broiler chickens(Ross 308)were assigned into one of two different dietary treatments for a period of 42 d:1)control diet consisting of a corn/soybean meal-based diet;or 2)a control diet supplemented with 0.5%XOS and 1%AXRF.Each treatment was randomly distributed across 8 pens(n=8)with 8 chickens each.Feed intake and body weight were recorded weekly.On d 42,one male chicken per pen was selected based on aver-age weight and euthanized,jejunum samples were collected for proteomics analysis.Results Dietary XOS/AXRF supplementation improved feed efficiency(P<0.05)from d 1 to 42 compared to the con-trol group.Proteomic analysis was used to understand the mechanism of improved efficiency uncovering 346 dif-ferentially abundant proteins(DAP)(Padj<0.00001)in supplemented chickens compared to the non-supplemented group.In the jejunum,the DAP translated into decreased ATP production indicating lower energy expenditure by the tissue(e.g.,inhibition of glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle pathways).In addition,DAP were associated with decreased epithelial cell differentiation,and migration by reducing the actin polymerization pathway.Put-ting the two main pathways together,XOS/AXRF supplementation may decrease around 19%the energy required for the maintenance of the gastrointestinal tract.Conclusions Dietary XOS/AXRF supplementation improved growth efficiency by reducing epithelial cell migration and differentiation(hence,turnover),actin polymerization,and consequently energy requirement for maintenance of the jejunum of broiler chickens.

Excess dietary Lys reduces feed intake, stimulates jejunal CCK secretion and alters essential and non‑essential blood AA profile in pigs

Background Commercial diets are frequently formulated to meet or exceed nutrient levels including those of lim-iting essential amino acids(AA)covering potential individual variations within the herd.However,the provision of dietary excess of AA,such as Lys,may lead to reduced appetite and growth in pigs.The mechanisms modulat-ing these responses have not been extensively investigated.This study evaluated the effect of Lys dietary excesses on performance and satiety biomarkers in post weaning pigs.Methods Twenty-four pigs aged 21 d and weighing 6.81±0.12kg(mean±SEM)were individually housed and offered 1 of 4 dietary treatments for 3weeks:a diet containing a standardized ileal digestible Lys reaching 100%(T0),120%(T1),150%(T2)or 200%(T3)of the NRC(2012)requirements.At the end of the experiment,blood samples from the cephalic vein of the T0 and T3 groups were obtained for AA analysis.In addition,primary intestinal cultures from T0 pigs were used,following their humane killing,to evaluate the effect of Lys on gut hormone secretion and AA sensors gene expression under ex vivo conditions.Results Feed intake was linearly reduced(P<0.001)and the weight gain to feed ratio reduced(P<0.10)with increased dietary levels of Lys during the third-and first-week post weaning,respectively.Cholecystokinin con-centration(P<0.05)and the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 and the solute carrier family 7 member 2(P<0.10)gene expression was enhanced in proximal jejunum tissues incubated with Lys at 20mmol/L when compared to the control(Lys 0mmol/L).Plasma Lys and Glu(P<0.05)concentration increased in the T3 compared to T0 pigs.In contrast,plasma levels of His,Val,Thr,Leu(P<0.05)and Gln(P<0.10)were lower in T3 than T0 pigs.Conclusion The present results confirm that excess dietary Lys inhibits hunger in pigs.Moreover,the results provide evidence of pre-and post-absorptive mechanisms modulating these responses.Lys dietary excesses should be nar-rowed,when possible,to avoid negative effects of the AA on appetite in pigs.

“Dietary fibre”: moving beyond the “soluble/insoluble” classification for monogastric nutrition, with an emphasis on humans and pigs

This review describes dietary fibres originating from a range of foods,particularly in relation to their plant cell walls.It explores the categorization of dietary fibres into "soluble" or "insoluble".It also emphasizes dietary fibre fermentability,in terms of describing how the gastro-intestinal tract(GIT) microbiota respond to a selection of fibres from these categories.Food is categorized into cereals,legumes,fruits and vegetables.Mention is also made of example whole foods and why differences in physico-chemical characteristics between "purified" and "non-purified"food components are important in terms of health.Lastly,recommendations are made as to how dietary fibre could be classified differently,in relation to its functionality in terms of fermentability,rather than only its solubility.

Consumption of spicy foods and the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome

AIM:To explore the association between consumption of spicy foods and prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)among Iranian adults.METHODS:In this cross-sectional study,data from4763 Iranian adult participants were used.Consumption of spicy foods was estimated using a dietary habits questionnaire that included a question on spicy foods consumption:"how frequently do you use spicy foods(pepper,curry,ginger,cinnamon and turmeric)during a week?"Participants could respond to the question by choosing one of these choices:never,1-3 times,4-6times,7-9 times,or more than 10 times per week.A modified Persian version of the RomeⅢquestionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of IBS.RESULTS:IBS was prevalent in 21.7%(18.6%of men and 24.1%of women)of the study population.After controlling for potential confounders including dietary behaviors,those consuming spicy foods≥10 times per week were 92%more likely to have IBS compared with those who never consumed spicy foods(OR=1.92;95%CI:1.23-3.01,Ptrend<0.01).The association remained significant even after taking lactose intolerance into account(OR=1.85;95%CI:1.18-2.90,Ptrend<0.01).Stratified analysis by gender revealed that the association between consumption of spicy foods and IBS was not significant in men;however,a significant association was found among women after taking potential cofounders,including meal regularity and lactose intolerance,into account.Women who consumed spicy foods≥10 times per week were two times more likely to have IBS compared with those who never consumed spicy foods(OR=2.03;95%CI:1.09-3.77,Ptrend=0.02).CONCLUSION:Consumption of spicy foods is directly associated with IBS,particularly in women.Further,prospective studies are warranted to(1)examine this association in other populations;and(2)evaluate whether dietary interventions,for example a reduction in spice consumption,would improve IBS symptoms.

Quantitation of Pesticide Residue in Water and Food in Louisiana, USA

Pesticides can remain in the environment for decades and contaminate surface water that is used for irrigation of produce. This study examined pesticide residues in some surface waters and foods in Louisiana. Samples of 8 foods (tomato, corn, rice, blueberry, cucumber, cabbage, wheat and melon) and 35 surface waters were studied using a QuEChERS extraction method for food samples and liquid-liquid extraction method for the water samples. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze water and food samples. Nine pesticides were detected in the surface water samples and 5 in the food samples. Pesticides detected in foods were below FDA tolerance limit but 0.18 ppm cypermethrin found in tomato was within 90% of the FDA limit (0.2 ppm). Four water samples had atrazine levels that were above the FDA limit for potable water. This study suggests the need to intermittently monitor pesticide contamination in our food and water.

Effect of replacement of soybean oil by Hermetia illucens fat on performance,digestibility,cecal microbiome,liver transcriptome and liver and plasma lipidomes of broilers

Background In contrast to protein-rich insect meal,the feed potential of insect fat is generally less explored and knowledge about the suitability of insect fat as a fat source specifically in broiler diets is still limited.In view of this,the present study aimed to comprehensively investigate the effect of partial(50%) and complete replacement of soybean oil with insect fat from Hermetia illucens(HI) larvae in broiler diets on performance,fat digestibility,cecal microbiome,liver transcriptome and liver and plasma lipidomes.Thus,100 male,1-day-old Cobb 500 broilers were randomly assigned to three groups and fed three different diets with either 0(group HI-0,n cens(HI) larvae fat for 35 d.= 30),2.5%(group HI-2.5,n %(HI-5.0,n = 35) or 5.0= 35) Hermetia illuResults Body weight gain,final body weight,feed intake,and feed:gain ratio during the whole period and apparent ileal digestibility coefficient for ether extract were not different between groups.Cecal microbial diversity did not differ between groups and taxonomic analysis revealed differences in the abundance of only four low-abundance bacterial taxa among groups;the abundances of phylum Actinobacteriota,class Coriobacteriia,order Coriobacteriales and family Eggerthellaceae were lower in group HI-5.0 compared to group HI-2.5(P < 0.05).Concentrations of total and individual short-chain fatty acids in the cecal digesta were not different between the three groups.Liver transcriptomics revealed a total of 55 and 25 transcripts to be differentially expressed between groups HI-5.0 vs.HI-0 and groups HI-2.5 vs.HI-0,respectively(P < 0.05).The concentrations of most lipid classes,with the exception of phosphatidylethanolamine,phosphatidylglycerol and lysophosphatidylcholine in the liver and cholesterylester and ceramide in plasma(P < 0.05),and of the sum of all lipid classes were not different between groups.Conclusions Partial and complete replacement of soybean oil with HI larvae fat in broiler diets had no effect on growth performance and only modest,but no adverse effects on the cecal microbiome and the metabolic health of broilers.This suggests that HI larvae fat can be used as an alternative fat source in broiler diets,thereby,making broiler production more sustainable.

Nutritional supplements use in high-performance athletes is related with lower nutritional inadequacy from food

Background: The use of nutritional supplements(NS) among athletes is widespread. However, little is known about the relationship between nutritional adequacy and NS usage. The aims of this study were to evaluate the NS usage and to compare the nutritional intake from food and prevalence of micronutrient inadequacy(PMI) between NS users and non-users.Methods: Portuguese athletes from 13 sports completed an NS usage questionnaire and a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire assessing information over the previous 12 months. The estimated average requirement cut-point method was used to calculate PMI. General linear models were used to compare nutritional intake and NS usage. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression were performed to study, respectively,relationships and associations between PMI and NS usage.Results: From the 244 athletes(66% males, 13–37 years), 64% reported NS usage. After adjustment, NS users showed a higher intake from food(p < 0.05), for at least 1 gender, for energy, and for 7 of the 17 studied nutrients. The highest PMI were seen for vitamins D and E, calcium, folate,and magnesium. After adjustment, NS users, irrespective of gender, reported lower PMI for calcium(OR = 0.28, 95%CI: 0.12–0.65), and female users for magnesium(OR = 0.06, 95%CI: 0.00–0.98).Conclusion: Athletes using NS reported a higher nutritional intake from food, and a lower PMI for several nutrients. Perhaps, those who were taking NS were probably the ones who would least benefit from it.

Nutritional and Safety Evaluation of Local Weight-Gain Formulas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Markets

This study was conducted to examine the nutritional content, contamination levels, and biological effects of 3 local prepared formulas. Formula (1) contained mixed nuts;formula (2) contained moghat, honey and royal jelly, while formula (3) contained honey, fenugreek and royal jelly. Groups of albino rats (90 rats) were randomly allocated to diets of control group or 1 - 3 treatment groups. The tested diets contained 15% carbohydrate. The weight and food intake were recorded. Blood tests were conducted to determine total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, urea, creatinine, white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin (HB), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and haematocrit (HCT). Results showed that bacterial contamination was found in formula (1) and formula (3). Fungal contamination was detected in formula (2) and formula (3). Body weight increased significantly in the rats fed treatment formulas compared to the control group. The blood tests indicated significant increases in the levels of glucose, WBC, HCT, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides as well as a significant decrease in HDL level in the group (2) was fed formula (1) the control. In conclusion, these findings indicate that these local formulas may not be safe, and further studies are required to understand the consequences of a long-term consumption of these formulas.

Microbial Food Safety Risks Associated with Fresh and Thawed Catfish Fillets during Refrigerated Storage

Fish processing environment is very favorable for the growth of microorganisms and highlights a potential risk associated with microbial hazards. The present study investigated the growth behavior of aerobic bacteria, yeasts and molds, and bacterial pathogens or surrogate (Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium sporogenes) on thawed and fresh catfish fillets during refrigerated storage (5&deg;C - 7&deg;C). Thawed and fresh fillets were respectively inoculated with L. monocytogenes and C. sporogenes, and packaged in LDPE bags. In uninoculated catfish, the populations of aerobic bacteria, and yeasts and molds increased significantly (P C. sporogenes vegetative cells on fresh catfish fillets. These results indicated that the microbiological quality of refrigerated thawed catfish would become unacceptable within 3 - 4 days. Our results also implied that environmental pathogens such as L. monocytogenes and Clostridium sp. can survive on catfish fillets for extended periods during refrigerated storage. Proper sanitation and hygienic practices are essential to control microbial hazards during handling and processing of catfish fillets.

Insights into the relations between cell wall integrity and in vitro digestion properties of granular starches in pulse cotyledon cells after dry heat treatment

Natural foods,such as whole pulses,are recommended in the dietary guidelines of the US and China.The plant cell wall structure in whole pulses has important implications for the nutritional functionalities of starch.In this study,garbanzo bean cells with varying degrees of cell wall integrity were subjected to dry heat treatment(DHT)and used to elucidate the food structure-starch digestion properties of pulse food.The morphological features suggested that all cell samples do not exhibit remarkable changes after being subjected to DHT.Molecular rearrangement and the crystallite disruption of starch granules entrapped in cells occurred during DHT as assessed by the crystal structure and thermal properties.DHT decreased the inhibitory effects of enzymes of both the soluble and insoluble components,but the digestion rate and extent of slightly and highly damaged cell samples did not exhibit significant differences compared with their native counterparts.We concluded that the starch digestion of pulse cotyledon cells is primarily determined by the intactness of the cellular structure.This study reveals the role of food structure on the ability to retain the desirable nutritional properties of starch after subjection to physical modification.

Investigating the Relationship between Food Pairings and Plate Waste from Elementary School Lunches

Plate waste, defined as the quantity of edible food left uneaten after a meal, is a challenge for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The new nutrition standards in the NSLP of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) were implemented at the beginning of school year (SY) 2012-2013. School foodservice authorities were concerned that the new standards would result in increased plate waste and reduced participation, especially by students who paid full prices for lunch. There are many reasons for plate waste, including students’ dislike of the foods served, the composition of meals, the environment in which students are eating, the lack of time to eat, or perhaps other factors. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between entrée/vegetable “pairings” and plate waste by elementary school students pre- and post-implementation of the new school meal standards. Plate waste was measured to determine which entrée/vegetable pairs produced the least amount of waste. Plate waste of 144 and 305 entrée/vegetable pairings was analyzed, pre- and post-implementation, respectively. Our results indicated that more nutritious meals were offered during the post-implementation period. The new school meal standards led to no significant changes in entrée plate waste, but vegetable plate waste increased by 5.6%. As such, increases in the combined entrée/vegetable plate waste were evident from 40.4% pre-implementation to 43.5% post-implementation. The top five vegetables in terms of popularity were all starchy vegetables, the majority of which were potatoes in various processed forms. The least popular vegetables were dark-green leafy vegetables, such as steamed broccoli, both pre- and post-implementation. Chicken nuggets were the most popular entrée and were wasted the least. Understanding the dynamics of food pairings and providing desirable entrée and vegetable pairings can help reduce waste from school lunches.

Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System Assessment of the Nutrients Limiting and Nutritional Status of Tomato

Tomato is an important field crop,and nutritional imbalances frequently reduce its yield.Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System(DRIS),uses ratios for nutrient deficiency diagnosis instead of absolute concentration in plant tests.In this study,local DRIS norms for the field tomatoes were established and the nutrient(s)limiting tomatoes yield were determined.Tomato leaves were analyzed for nutrients,to identify nutritional status using the DRIS approach.One hundred tomatoes fields were selected from Chatter Plain Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Sheikupura Punjab Pakistan.The first fully matured leaf was sampled,rinsed,dried and ground for analyzing P,K,Ca,Mg,Cu,Fe,Mn and Zn using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer(ICP AES).Plant tissue N and S were measured by the combustion method.The tomatoes yields were recorded at each location.The data were divided into high-yielding(≥3.79 kg/10 plant)and low-yielding(<3.79 kg/10 plant)populations and norms were computed using standard DRIS procedures.High-yielding plant population had a statistically greater mean S and Fe than the low-yielding population.The average balance index,the sum of functions,for S and Fe were−11.04 and−5.17 which reflected deficiency of S and Fe.Plant nutrients norms established may optimize plant nutrition in field tomatoes for high yield.

Availability, Accessibility and Contribution of Infant Flours to the Diet of Children Aged 6-59 Months in Benin

This study assesses the nutritional composition as well as the availability and affordability of infant flour found on the market and in the households of Benin. To do that assessment, a two-step cross-sectional survey based on food ethnography methods was used. A total of 61 marketplaces were visited in seven towns and rural districts as part of the availability and affordability survey, while 400 children (aged 6 to 59 months) were surveyed to track the uses of infant flours at the household level. The results obtained reveal that pre-manufactured infant flour is sold more in urban areas (Cotonou, Porto-Novo and Parakou) than in rural ones. The average infant flours price did not vary (p = 0.985) in any given year (regardless of abundance or lean periods) nor does it vary (p = 0.133) from one point of sale to another (drugstore or supermarkets). However, the average price is found to be expensive considering the purchasing power of the households surveyed. On the other hand, the amount of ingredients used in the production of the flour types found on the market complies with the recommendations of the Codex Alimentarius, unlike the homemade ones. Pre-manufactured infant flour is found to be outside of the economic reach of most households (92%) who rely heavily on the homemade ones to feed their children. In light of the above, public authorities should help improve geographic access and pricing affordability to quality infant flour for low-income households in urban and remote areas. Moreover, awareness should be raised among mothers relative to the importance of complementary feeding through education on good nutrition practices.

Finding biomarkers of experience in animals

At a time when there is a growing public interest in animal welfare,it is critical to have objective means to assess the way that an animal experiences a situation.Objectivity is critical to ensure appropriate animal welfare outcomes.Existing behavioural,physiological,and neurobiological indicators that are used to assess animal welfare can verify the absence of extremely negative outcomes.But welfare is more than an absence of negative outcomes and an appropriate indicator should reflect the full spectrum of experience of an animal,from negative to positive.In this review,we draw from the knowledge of human biomedical science to propose a list of candidate biological markers(biomarkers)that should reflect the experiential state of non-human animals.The proposed biomarkers can be classified on their main function as endocrine,oxidative stress,non-coding molecular,and thermobiological markers.We also discuss practical challenges that must be addressed before any of these biomarkers can become useful to assess the experience of an animal in real-life.

Brazilin from Caesalpinia sappan heartwood and its pharmacological activities:A review

Caesalpinia sappan L.(CS) is a plant of Leguminosae family,commonly known as Brazil or Sappan wood.CS is distributed in Southeast Asia and its dried heartwood has been used as traditional ingredient of food or beverages and has a wide variety of medicinal properties.Higher extraction yield of CS wood was achieved with 95% ethanol for 2 h.Chemical constituent's investigation of sappan wood resulled in the isolation of various structural types of phenolic components including one xanihone,one coumarin,three chalcones,two flavones three homoisoflavonoids and brazilin.Brazilin[(6a S-cis)-7,11b-dihydrobcnz[b]indeno[1.2-d]pyran-3.6a.9.10(6H)- tetroll.a major and active compound found in CS heartwood.Most of the folkloric uses of brazilin were validated by the scientific studies such as antioxidant,antibacterial,anti-inflammatory,anti-photoaging.hypoglycemic,vasorelaxant,hepatoproteetive and anti-acne activity.CS heartwood extract is safe and did not produce any acute or subacute toxicity in both male and female rats.Brazilin is the safe natural compound having potential to develop as a medicinal compound with application in food,beverage,cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries to screen its clinical use in modern medicine.The information gained could provide the important and potential approach for pharmaceutical researcher to implicate the knowledge of brazilin in the formulation of new drug and to reveal therapeutic and gaps requiring future research opportunities.More studies are needed to evaluate the potential application of brazilin as preservative and coloring agent in food processing industries.

Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside and Blueberry Extracts Supplementation Improves Spatial Memory and Regulates Hippocampal ERK Expression in Senescence-accelerated Mice

Objective To investigate whether the antioxidation and the regulation on the Extracellular Regulated Protein Kinases （ERK） signaling pathway are involved in the protective effects of blueberry on central nervous system. Methods 30 Senescence-accelerated mice prone 8 （SAMP8） mice were divided into three groups and treated with normal diet, blueberry extracts （200 mg/kg.bw/day） and cyaniding-3-O-galactoside （Cy-3-GAL） （50 mg/kg.bw/day） from blueberry for 8 weeks. 10 SAMR1 mice were set as control group. The capacity of spatial memory was assessed by Passive avoidance task and Morris water maze. Histological analyses on hippocampus were completed. Malondialdehyde （MDA） levels, Superoxide Dismutase （SOD） activity and the expression of ERK were detected. Results Both Cy-3-GAL and blueberry extracts were shown effective functions to relieve cellular injury, improve hippocampal neurons survival and inhibit the pyramidal cell layer damage. Cy-3-GAL and blueberry extracts also increased SOD activity and reduced MDA content in brain tissues and plasma, and increased hippocampal phosphorylated ERK （p-ERK） expression in SAMP8 mice. Further more, the passive avoidance task test showed that both the latency time and the number of errors were improved by Cy-3-GAL treatment, and the Morris Water Maze test showed significant decreases of latency were detected by Cy-3-GAL and blueberry extracts treatment on day 4. Conclusion Blueberry extracts may reverse the declines of cognitive and behavioral function in the ageing process through several pathways, including enhancing the capacity of antioxidation, altering stress signaling. Cy-3-GAL may be an important active ingredient for these biological effects.