# _Vaccinium_ Species (Ericaceae): From Chemical Composition to Bio-Functional Activities
## 1 Introduction  
In recent years, _Vaccinium_ species, mainly their fruits, have gained great attention for their potential health benefits. _Vaccinium_ L. (Ericaceae) is a morphologically various genus of terrestrial or epiphytic shrubs and sub-shrubs, comprising approximately 450 species across Europe, North and Central America, South East and Central Africa, and Asia [1]. Deciduous or evergreen dwarf shrubs, shrubs or small trees characterize the genus, and the fruits of each variety are edible. The European flora comprises _V. corymbosum_ (blueberry), _V. axycoccos_ (cranberry), _V. microcarpum_, _V. macrocarpon_, _V. viitis-idea_, _V. uliginosum_, _V. myrtillus_, _V. arctosaphylos_, and _V. cylindraceum_. _V. corymbosum_ was imported by North America, and now is cultivated in Europe for its big edible fruits [2]. _V. myrtillus_ (bilberry) is a woody dwarf shrub, present in the forests of the Northern Hemisphere. It needs acid and well-drained soils for its growth, and it is considered to be an indicator of the biodiversity of forests due to its abundance.  
Fruits of several _Vaccinium_ species have been extensively investigated for their chemical profile. They are described as being a rich source of polyphenols and carotenoids. Nevertheless, especially due to their high content of anthocyanins, these fruits are recognized for their bioactive properties, such as prevention or treatment of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, cancer, urinary tract infections, and aging diseases [3, 4].  
Polyphenols are the subject of increasing interest because of their potential beneficial effects on human health [5, 6, 7, 8, 9]. In fact, several epidemiological studies suggested that longterm consumption of foods rich in polyphenols offered protection against the development of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases [5; 6]. Polypphenols have been recognized due to their potent antioxidant activity and ability to modulate key signalling pathways of several inflammatory cytokines and enzymes [5]. Therefore, beyond these modulatory roles, their antioxidant activity related to the capacity to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), or to activate cellular endogenous antioxidant systems, may be of importance in countering the oxidative stress in inflammatory diseases [5; 6].  
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of _Vaccinum_ species are also reflected in a protective role for vascular endothelium against cardiovascular diseases linked to endothelial dysfunction [10; 11].  
The present review is designed to report the current knowledge on the plant species that belong to the _Vaccinium_ genus, their phytochemicals, and their potential biological properties, with particular emphasis on their cardiovascular protective effects. Attention is focused on the ability of _Vaccinium_ species to revert endothelial dysfunction promoted by increased oxidative stress and inflammatory status. All collected data have been obtained from different databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Sci Finder, Web of Science, Science Direct, NCBI, and Google Scholar.