Aurorablue Wild Alaska Blueberry
Also known as: Vaccinium alaskensis, Vaccinium uliginosum, Vaccinium ovalifolium, Alaska blueberry, bog blueberry, blue huckleberry, Wild Alaska blueberry complex, AuroraBlue®, Vaccinium alaskensis complex
Overview
AuroraBlue® is a proprietary complex derived from wild Vaccinium berries harvested in Alaska, including species like *Vaccinium alaskensis*, *Vaccinium uliginosum*, and *Vaccinium ovalifolium*. These berries thrive in harsh northern environments, leading to a highly concentrated nutrient profile. It is primarily utilized as a dietary supplement ingredient, valued for its exceptional antioxidant capacity. The complex is rich in anthocyanins (4-5% dry weight), proanthocyanidins (3.5-4%), and various flavonols such as quercetin, myricetin, fisetin, and catechins. While specific clinical trials on AuroraBlue® are limited, its high content of bioactive compounds is well-documented in independent research on Alaska wild berries. It is marketed for its potential benefits in cardiovascular health, blood sugar regulation, cognitive function, mood support, and general antioxidant protection. The research maturity for AuroraBlue® itself is moderate, relying heavily on compositional studies and extrapolation from broader Vaccinium and blueberry research, which includes more extensive clinical trials.
Benefits
AuroraBlue® offers significant health benefits primarily due to its potent antioxidant capacity. Its ORAC values are reported to be 2-3 times higher than cultivated blueberries, indicating superior free radical scavenging potential. This high antioxidant activity is attributed to its rich content of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and flavonols. While direct clinical trials on AuroraBlue® are limited, benefits are extrapolated from extensive research on blueberries and related *Vaccinium* species. These studies suggest potential improvements in cardiovascular health, including blood pressure and endothelial function, and cognitive function, particularly in older adults. Furthermore, there is evidence for its role in blood sugar regulation, making it potentially beneficial for individuals with metabolic syndrome or prediabetes. The general blueberry interventions show small to moderate improvements in these areas over weeks to months. AuroraBlue® is considered more potent than regular blueberry extracts, containing up to 10 times more bioactive compounds than cultivated blueberries due to the unique growing conditions of the wild Alaskan berries.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for AuroraBlue® stems from its rich array of bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and various flavonols. These compounds function primarily as potent antioxidants, effectively neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. They also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. At a molecular level, these bioactives modulate cellular signaling pathways crucial for vascular function, glucose metabolism, and neuroprotection. Specific targets include endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which is vital for blood vessel health, and various inflammatory cytokines. They also interact with enzymes involved in oxidative damage. While anthocyanins and flavonoids have moderate bioavailability, they undergo metabolism by gut microbiota, contributing to their systemic effects and enabling them to exert their beneficial actions across various physiological systems.
Side effects
Wild blueberry extracts, including AuroraBlue®, are generally considered safe with a low incidence of adverse effects. No serious side effects have been reported in clinical studies involving blueberry consumption. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or upset stomach, may rarely occur in individuals with high sensitivity, but this is uncommon. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications specifically documented for AuroraBlue®. However, due to the general flavonoid content found in berries, a cautious approach is advised for individuals taking anticoagulant medications, as flavonoids can theoretically have mild antiplatelet effects. This interaction is typically not clinically significant at common supplement dosages but warrants awareness. Specific safety data for special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, are currently lacking, and therefore, use in these groups should be approached with caution and under medical guidance. Overall, the safety profile is consistent with other well-tolerated fruit extracts.
Dosage
There is no standardized or officially published dosing guideline specifically for AuroraBlue®. However, based on studies involving other anthocyanin-rich blueberry extracts, typical daily dosages range from 100 mg to 1,000 mg of the extract. The optimal dosage for AuroraBlue® would depend on its specific anthocyanin content, which is reported to be 4-5% by dry weight. To maximize absorption and minimize potential mild gastrointestinal discomfort, it is generally recommended to take AuroraBlue® with meals. The product is commonly available in powder or dried flake forms, processed using Refractance Window® drying to preserve its bioactive compounds. As with any supplement, it is advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it while monitoring for individual response. There are no established upper limits or safety thresholds specifically for AuroraBlue®, but general blueberry consumption is considered safe even at high intakes.
FAQs
Is AuroraBlue® more potent than regular blueberry extracts?
Yes, AuroraBlue® is considered more potent. Due to the harsh growing conditions in Alaska, the wild berries used in AuroraBlue® contain significantly higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, reportedly up to 10 times more than cultivated blueberries.
Are the health claims clinically proven for AuroraBlue®?
While extensive clinical evidence supports the health benefits of blueberries in general, specific randomized controlled trials directly on AuroraBlue® are limited. The benefits are largely inferred from its rich compositional data and the broader research on Vaccinium species.
Is AuroraBlue® safe for long-term use?
Yes, based on the general safety data for blueberry extracts, AuroraBlue® is considered safe for long-term consumption. No serious adverse effects have been reported with consistent use of blueberry products.
How quickly can one expect to see benefits from AuroraBlue®?
Similar to other blueberry interventions, the health benefits from AuroraBlue® typically emerge gradually. Clinical studies on blueberry consumption suggest that noticeable improvements usually appear over a period of weeks to several months of consistent use.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3751288/ – This study by Prior et al. (2013) conducted laboratory analyses on Alaska wild berries, demonstrating significantly higher ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values compared to cultivated blueberries. The findings indicated that Alaska wild berries possess 3-5 times greater antioxidant potential (e.g., 76 vs. 30 ORAC units), supporting claims of superior antioxidant capacity for these wild varieties.
- https://denalibiotech.com/products/aurorablue/ – This source, from Denali BioTechnologies, provides information on AuroraBlue®, highlighting its proprietary nature and the high concentration of bioactive compounds like anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. It emphasizes the product's origin from wild Alaskan berries and its purported benefits for various health aspects, including cardiovascular and cognitive health, based on its rich antioxidant profile.
- https://lieflabs.com/product-of-the-month-aurorablue/ – This article from Lief Labs discusses AuroraBlue® as a featured ingredient, detailing its unique composition derived from wild Alaskan berries. It underscores the enhanced potency of AuroraBlue® compared to cultivated blueberries, attributing this to the harsh growing conditions that lead to a higher concentration of beneficial compounds.
- https://www.uaf.edu/afes/places/gbg/research/files/pdfs/2006.-Holloway-Dinstel-Leiner.Note-35.pdf – This research note by Holloway, Dinstel, and Leiner (2006) from the University of Alaska Fairbanks discusses the nutritional composition of Alaskan wild berries. It provides insights into the high levels of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds found in these berries, supporting the basis for the health claims associated with products like AuroraBlue®.
- https://www.knowde.com/stores/denali-biotechnologies – This source from Knowde, featuring Denali BioTechnologies, provides a commercial overview of AuroraBlue®. It reiterates the product's origin from wild Alaskan Vaccinium species and highlights its high antioxidant content, positioning it as a premium ingredient for dietary supplements aimed at supporting overall health and wellness.
