Aurorablue Wild Blueberry Blend
Also known as: Vaccinium uliginosum, Vaccinium ovalifolium, Wild Alaskan blueberry, AuroraBlue®, Aurora Blue Wild Blueberry Blend, wild blueberry extract, bog blueberry, oval-leaf blueberry
Overview
AuroraBlue® is a proprietary extract derived from wild Alaskan blueberries, primarily *Vaccinium uliginosum* and *Vaccinium ovalifolium*. It is characterized by an exceptionally high concentration of anthocyanins and other flavonoids, reported to be up to 10 times greater than those found in cultivated blueberries. These bioactive compounds are responsible for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The extract is primarily utilized to support neuronal health, cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and glucose metabolism. While direct clinical trials on AuroraBlue® itself are limited, extensive research on general blueberry supplementation provides a strong evidence base for its potential health benefits, particularly those related to its rich phytochemical profile.
Benefits
AuroraBlue®, due to its high anthocyanin content, offers several evidence-based benefits. For **cardiovascular health**, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies (n=400 adults) showed that blueberry supplementation significantly improved endothelial function, with a 1.50% increase in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and a 0.26 increase in reactive hyperemia index (RHI). It also reduced diastolic blood pressure by 1.95 mmHg, with significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure observed in smokers. For **neuroprotection and cognitive function**, blueberry anthocyanins reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in neuronal cells, protecting against glutamate toxicity and microglial inflammatory stress. Clinical trials with blueberries have demonstrated improvements in memory and executive function, especially in older adults and individuals with metabolic syndrome, with benefits typically emerging after weeks to months of daily supplementation. Some evidence suggests blueberry flavonoids support healthy **glucose regulation**, potentially benefiting metabolic syndrome, though direct clinical data on AuroraBlue® are limited. Dietary blueberries may also positively influence **gut microbiota composition and gut barrier function**, contributing to overall health, according to systematic reviews, though specific data on AuroraBlue® are lacking. In vitro studies hint at potential **antiproliferative effects** on cancer cells, but human clinical evidence is insufficient.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for AuroraBlue® stems from its rich content of anthocyanins and other flavonoids. These compounds act as potent antioxidants, effectively scavenging reactive oxygen species and mitigating oxidative stress throughout the body. They also modulate inflammatory pathways, notably by inhibiting microglial activation and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the cardiovascular system, these compounds enhance nitric oxide bioavailability, leading to vasodilation and subsequent reductions in blood pressure, thereby improving endothelial function. For neuronal protection, they reduce glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation, supporting cognitive function. Anthocyanins have moderate bioavailability, undergoing metabolism by gut microbiota and hepatic enzymes, which produces bioactive metabolites that contribute to their systemic effects.
Side effects
Blueberry extracts, including AuroraBlue®, are generally considered safe with a low incidence of adverse effects. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been reported in rare cases but is uncommon. There are no significant drug interactions formally documented; however, caution is advised when co-administering with anticoagulants due to a theoretical potential for additive effects, although this is not well-established. No formal contraindications have been established, but individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergies to blueberries or related berries should exercise caution. Regarding special populations, data on the safety of AuroraBlue® in pregnant or breastfeeding women and children are limited, so use in these groups is not well-studied. While generally safe for adults, comprehensive long-term safety studies specifically on AuroraBlue® are still needed to fully understand its profile over extended periods.
Dosage
Typical dosages for general blueberry supplementation in clinical studies vary widely, commonly ranging from 25–50 grams of freeze-dried blueberry powder or an equivalent anthocyanin dose of approximately 200–500 mg per day. For AuroraBlue® specifically, exact dosing is not publicly standardized, but its anthocyanin content is approximately 4-5% by dry weight, suggesting a lower total powder weight would be needed to achieve similar anthocyanin levels. Daily supplementation, preferably taken with meals, is generally recommended to improve absorption and tolerance. The extract is typically available in powder or capsule form, standardized for its anthocyanin content. Factors such as co-administration with food and the health of an individual's gut microbiota may influence the bioavailability and effectiveness of the anthocyanins. There are no established upper limits or safety thresholds specifically for AuroraBlue®, but adherence to recommended dosages for similar blueberry extracts is prudent.
FAQs
Is AuroraBlue® more potent than regular blueberry extracts?
Yes, AuroraBlue® is reported to have up to 10 times higher anthocyanin concentration than cultivated blueberries, suggesting stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
How long does it take to see benefits from AuroraBlue®?
Cognitive and cardiovascular benefits from blueberry supplementation typically manifest after several weeks to months of consistent daily use.
Is AuroraBlue® safe for long-term use?
Current evidence suggests a good safety profile for blueberry extracts, but specific long-term studies on AuroraBlue® are limited.
Can AuroraBlue® replace prescribed medication?
No, AuroraBlue® is a supplement and should not replace prescribed therapies for cardiovascular, cognitive, or other medical conditions. It may complement them.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2024.1368892/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials (n=400 adults) found that blueberry supplementation significantly improved endothelial function (FMD +1.50%) and reduced diastolic blood pressure (-1.95 mmHg). The study highlights the cardiovascular benefits of blueberries, despite some heterogeneity in study designs.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mnfr.202300096 – This systematic review indicated that dietary blueberries can positively influence gut microbiota composition and gut barrier function. While promising, the review noted that more randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these effects and elucidate specific mechanisms.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.8069 – This systematic review and meta-analysis on blueberry and cranberry supplementation showed modest but significant blood pressure reductions in patients with cardiovascular disease. The study supports the cardiovascular benefits of blueberry polyphenols, noting adequate sample sizes and control groups in the included studies.
- https://www.proveitsupplements.com/ingredients/wild-blueberry-extract – This source provides general information on wild blueberry extract, noting its neuroprotective properties, ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in neuronal cells, and potential benefits for memory and executive function, particularly in older adults and those with metabolic syndrome.