What are anthocyanins? Anthocyanins are a class of natural compounds with more than 500 different anthocyanins have been isolated from various plants and foods. In nature, it often seems that the brighter pigments are used for their medicinal properties and anthocyanins are not any different. Traditionally, plants containing anthocyanins have been used for generations in folk medicine.
Often these compounds are associated with being ‘antioxidants’ but research is suggesting they may have a bigger role in health promotion. More recently, pharmacological properties are being described that suggest specific mechanisms that could benefit those with heart disease, inflammation, brain function and more.
Background on Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are in a variety of foods and are most often associated with bright red-orange to blue-violet colors in nature. Often in the literature, you may see anthocyanins referred to as a anthocyanin glycone or anthocyanin aglycone. The glycone simply means there is a sugar group linked to the anthocyanin while an ‘aglycone’ does not have a sugar linked to it. Other names you may see include anthocyanins having a glycoside group which is just another way of saying a sugar is attached to it.
Natural sources of anthocyanins
Where can anthocyanins be found? Anthocyanins can be found in a variety of plants including fruits and vegetables. High levels of anthocyanins are present in acai, aronia, backcurrant, blueberry, bilberry, cherry, red grape raspberry, strawberry, and purple corn. Examples of anthocyanins include cyanidin, delphinidin, peonidin, malvidin along with more than 500 other anthocyanins.
Function of anthocyanins in plant:
What is the purpose of anthocyanins in a plant? A plant may produce anthocyanins for many different reasons. One function of anthocyanins is that they protect plants against cell damage caused by UV radiation. Another function of anthocyanins is attract animals and insects using the bright colors of reds, blues, and purple colors come from anthocyanins. This can help contribute to dispersion of plans and promote pollination.
Grape juice linked to lowering blood pressure in a clinical trial.
Health benefits of anthocyanins:
Cardiovascular: Anthocyanins have been linked to reducing atherosclerosis and blood pressure. . In addition, anthocyanins can reduce oxidative stress and free radical damage which is process known to contribute to heart disease. Several human studies have suggested a benefit with anthocyanins for protecting your heart. The Nurses Health Study II evaluated 69,715 people found that those with the highest intake of anthocyanins decreased their risk of high blood pressure by 8%. For those over the age of 60 the benefit was even greater with a risk reduction of 12%.
A recent clinical trial evaluated juice for reducing high blood pressure with very interesting results.
On possible suggestion for the benefit is that anthocyanins could reduce the risk of blood vessel stiffness and reducing blood pressure.
Anti-inflammatory: Anthocyanins have been linked in lab studies to reducing inflammation. The mechanism of reducing inflammation would be different from aspirin or ibuprofen. In fact, recent studies have linked ibuprofen to heart failure.
Anthocyanins appear to inhibit cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules as well as enzymes involved inflammation like cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX) which are often high in inflammation. Often these inflammatory enzymes like COX and LOX are overactive. Anthocyanins have been shown to decrease the activity of LOX and COX, which is an important step for reducing inflammation. (2)
Brain function: Anthocyanins may improve brain function, improve memory, and help reduce age related mental declines. Here are the results of a clinical trial using grape juice for improving brain function. One possible mechanism of anthocyanins is the possible role of reducing inflammation, activating nerve signaling and improving blood flow to the brain. (3)
Detoxification: Anthocyanins can also help your body detoxify. Studies have shown that anthocyanins can increase the activity of enzymes in the body. These enzymes include glutathione-s-tranferase (GST), Nrf2, NQO1 and more. These enzymes will ‘tag’ foreign compounds in the body and help remove them from your body. For example, if we are exposed to chemicals these enzymes will ‘tag’ the chemical and help remove it from your body in your stool or urine. (4)
References:
- Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr.2017 May 24;57(8):1729-1741.
- Int J Food Sci Nutr.2012 Sep;63(6):749-65.
- J Hum Nutr Diet.2017 Jun;30(3):260-274.
- Curr Med Chem.2013;20(37):4665-79.
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Antioxidant, Ask the Pharmacist, Heart, Plant Medicine