1. Introduction
There have been intense interest and active researches in the
area of dietary antioxidants to develop functional food products
[1]. Rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei) are used as
endogenous antioxidant defense ingredients in the modern
health-conscious food industry, due to their significant levels
of anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and vitamins [2, 3]. The
health benefits of blueberries have been reported as reduction
of coronary heart disease risk, visual improvement, and
antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory effects [4]. The composition
and molecular structure of anthocyanin determine
the functional properties of blueberries [5]. Among fresh
fruits and vegetables, blueberries contain greater amount of
anthocyanin, especially malvidin-3-glucoside (Mv-3-glc) and
malvidin-3-galactoside (Mv-3-gal) [6].
Malvidin possesses great antioxidant capacity with excellent
free radical scavenging properties in vitro [7]. Malvidin
exhibits antihypertensive activity by inhibiting angiotensin Iconverting
enzyme and anti-inflammatory effect by blocking
NF-