Dietary Effects of Anthocyanins in Human Health

Version	Summary	Created by	Modification	Content Size	Created at	Operation
1		Luís R. Silva	--	4073	2023-08-07 11:51:20	\|
2	format change	Peter Tang	+ 1 word(s)	4074	2023-08-08 02:45:30	\|

This entry is adapted from the peer-reviewed paper 10.3390/ph14070690

The consumption of natural-based foods, including beans, fruits, legumes, nuts, oils, vegetables, spices, and whole grains, has been encouraged. This fact is essentially due to their content in bioactive phytochemicals, with the phenolic compounds standing out. Among them, anthocyanins have been a target of many studies due to the presence of catechol, pyrogallol, and methoxy groups in their chemical structure, which confer notable scavenging, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities, being already recommended as supplementation to mitigate or even attenuate certain disorders, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular and neurological pathologies. The most well-known anthocyanins are cyanidin 3-O-glucoside and cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside. They are widespread in nature, being present in considerable amounts in red fruits and red vegetables.

anthocyanins antioxidants dietary source bioavailability biological activity biosynthesis

1. Introduction

In the past few years, it is widely accepted that the daily intake of medicinal herbs, fruits, and vegetables provides a wide array of benefits to human health ^[1]. This fact is essentially due to their composition, plentiful in several non-nutrient bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, whose abilities to modulate different processes and pathways in the human body, such as regulating glucose levels and boosting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects, are already well-known ^[2]^[3].

Considering that nature-based products have been used since ancient times to treat several disorders, such as colds, pain, gastrointestinal aches, and hypertension, among others, it is not surprising that this tendency continues to increase worldwide ^[4]. A clear example is their incorporation into pharmaceutical products used in cancer therapy ^[5]^[6]. According to the database of 2019, from the 247 anticancer drugs available in the market, about 81.0% are derived from natural products; the remaining ones are synthetic drugs (15.3%) or vaccines (3.65%) ^[3].

Among the phenolic compounds, anthocyanidins and their conjugated acyl-glycosylated or glycosylated forms, called anthocyanins, are both members of the flavonoids and an interesting class of water-soluble vacuolar pigments ^[7]. They are synthetized via the flavonoid path and considered the major contributors to the vivid red, orange, violet, and blue colours exhibited by various edible flowers, vegetables, fruits, some cereals, seeds and plant leaves, and their derivatives, such as juices, tea, and red wines ^[8]. They also have received much attention owing to their nutritional value, pharmacokinetic profile, pharmacological mechanisms, and health-promoting properties ^[9]^[10]. Indeed, recent human and animals surveys revealed that they are functional compounds able to increase antioxidant defences, diminish free radical damage, chronic inflammation and the risk of mutations, and attenuate, or even mitigate, the development and progression of many non-communicable and degenerative chronic disorders, namely, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, eye and kidney complications, many cancer types, and also to control weight ^[6]^[11]^[12]^[13]^[14]^[15]^[16]^[17]^[18]^[19]. These biological activities are associated with their chemical structure, the presence of the catechol and pyrogallol groups standing out, allowing them to have the ability to chelate metal ions and neutralize free radicals and reactive species ^[4]^[20]^[21]^[22]. The predominant ones found in foodstuffs are cyanidin, delphinidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, petunidin, and malvidin glycosides ^[6]^[23]^[24].

2. Chemical Structure and Function of Anthocyanins

Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites produced by plants to protect them against pathogens and predators, ultraviolet radiation, climate conditions, and acidified soils, acting also as attractants for pollinators, antifeedants, and phytoalexins ^[25]^[26]. They are also considered the main contributors to plants’ colour, nutritional, and sensory characteristics ^[27]. Their structure presents at least one benzene ring coupled to one or more hydroxyl groups and can range from simple phenolic, low molecular weight and single-aromatic molecules to highly polymerized compounds ^[28]. In order to facilitate their distinction, phenolics are classified into two major groups: (i) non-flavonoid compounds (phenolic acids, tannins, lignans, coumarins, stilbenes, and curcuminoids) and (ii) flavonoid compounds (anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, and their oligomeric structures, recognized as proanthocyanidins, flavanones, flavanonols, flavones, flavonols, and isoflavones) ^[7]^[25]^[26]. Their biosynthesis, comprises the shikimate, phenylpropanoid, and flavonoid pathways, and involves deamination, hydroxylation, and methylation reactions ^[25].

Concerning the flavonoids, they represent about two-thirds of the total dietary phenolics consumed, and currently, more than 9000 different flavonoids have been identified so far ^[29]^[30]. They all possess a common flavan nucleus, i.e., a 15 carbon-structure (C6 (A ring)-C3 (C ring)-C6 (B ring)), composed of 2 aromatic rings (A and B rings derived from the acetate/malonate and shikimate pathways, respectively), linked by a heterocyclic benzopyran 3-carbon ring that contains an oxygen atom (C ring) ^[26]^[31]. However, they differ in (i) the C ring unsaturation and oxidation state; (ii) A, B, and C ring substituents, such as the presence or absence of double bonds and carbonyl groups, and the possible occurrence of acylation, alkylation, glycosylation, oxygenation, and sulphonation processes; (iii) the position where the B ring is linked to the C ring; and (iv) location and number of hydroxy and methoxy groups on the B ring ^[26].

Focusing on anthocyanidins, their B ring is joined to the C ring through carbon 2 and the sugar residue of anthocyanins is typically found conjugated at carbon 3 ^[32]^[33]. Furthermore, their capacity to create flavylium cations makes them distinguishable from other flavonoid subclasses ^[22]. To date, about 27 different structural anthocyanin aglycones and 1000 anthocyanins are known ^[34]^[35]. In foods, the most commonly found are sugar moieties of cyanidin (50%), which is the most studied given their large distribution and number of hydroxyl groups, followed by pelargonidin, peonidin, and delphinidin (12%), and finally by petunidin and malvidin glycosides (7%) ^[8]. Together, they represent 90% of the total anthocyanins identified until now ^[36]. Their structure directly influences their biological potential, namely, the number of hydroxyl groups, the degree of glycosylation and acylation, the catechol residue on the B ring, and the oxonium ion on the C ring ^[37].

Therefore, the classification of anthocyanins is made according to (i) the number, position, and degree of methylation of the hydroxyl groups; (ii) the number and nature of the sugar moieties bonded to the aglycone; and (iii) the position of the aliphatic and/or aromatic carboxylate acids on the sugar molecule ^[38]. The stability of the anthocyanins is usually affected by the storage and processing conditions, temperature, and cooking, as well as by exposure to light and oxygen, the presence of enzymes, other phenolic compounds, metal ions, ascorbic acid, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), water, and/or sulphites ^[37].

3. Major Sources of Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are widely spread in nature and are considered mainly responsible for the vibrant red, blue, and purple colours exhibited by vegetables, fruits, and their derivatives ^[37]^[39]. Their levels differ markedly among different species, being largely influenced by plant genotypes, and less by agricultural practices, growing area, climatic conditions, seasonal variability, temperature and light exposure, ripening stage, harvest time, and the adopted methods for processing and storage ^[9]^[40].

The daily average intake of anthocyanins is estimated to vary from several milligrams to hundreds of milligrams, although its evaluation is inaccurate and depends on the diet, gender, existence (or not) of food intolerances in individuals, and their quantities in foods ^[41]. Their intake by humans is higher in countries with a Mediterranean diet, plentiful in reddish berries and other red and blue-coloured fruits and vegetables, and red wine ^[23]^[42]. In Europe, the ingestion ranges from 19.8 mg per day (the Netherlands) to 64.9 mg per day (Italy) in men and 18.4 mg per day (Spain) to 44.1 mg per day (Italy) in women ^[24]. In the United States of America, Australia, and Asian countries, the intake is about 12.5, 24.2, and 37 mg per day per person, respectively ^[23]^[42]^[43]. Furthermore, and although it is not well established since they are non-essential nutrients, the recommended daily consumption of these coloured compounds has been evaluated, with China already recommending a daily intake of 50 mg per day/person in order to reduce oxidative stress levels and consequently the risk of cancer, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, degenerative diseases, and other pathologies ^[44].

In a general way, the primary sources of anthocyanins are berries (43% in Europe and 39% in the USA), red wine (22% in Europe and 18% in the USA), vegetables, and other fruits (19% in Europe and 9% in the USA) ^[45]. Table 1 presents the main sources of anthocyanins. A major amount of anthocyanins are found in berries, especially elderberries, chokeberries, blueberries, pomegranate, and açaí, presenting values superior to 282.5 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalent per 100 g of fresh product ^[46]^[47]. Among the anthocyanins, cyanidin, malvidin, and delphinidin glycosides are the most found ^[47]^[48]^[49]^[50].

Table 1. Concentration of anthocyanins in fresh weight (FW) and dried weight (DW) in fruits, beverages, and vegetables.

Source	Maximum Anthocyanin Amount in FW (mg C3G/100 g)	Maximum Anthocyanin Amount in DW (mg C3G/100 g)	Dominant Anthocyanins	Reference
Fruits
Açaí	282.5–303.7		Cy 3,5-hexose pentose, Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-O-rutinoside, Pg 3-O-glucoside, Pn 3-O-glucoside, Pn 3-O-rutinoside, Cy 3-(acetyl)hexose	^[51]
Acerola	6.5–8.4		Cy 3-rhamnoside, Pg 3-rhamnoside Cy, Pg	^[51]
Apple	30.07–71.49 *		Cy 3-galactoside, Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-arabinoside, Pn 3-galactoside, Cy 7-arabinoside, Cy3-xyloside	^[46]^[52]
Blackberries	70.3–201	909.3	Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-O-rutinoside, Cy 3-xyloside, Cy 3-malonylglucoside, Cy 3-dioxalylglucoside	^[53]^[54]
Black currants	218.93	32,300 ¹	Dp 3-O-glucoside, Dp 3-O- rutinoside, Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-O- rutinoside	^[55]^[56]
Blueberries	406.90	1160¹	Dp 3-O-galactoside, Dp 3-O-glucoside, Cy-3-O-galactoside, Dp 3-O-arabinoside, Cy-3-glucoside, Pt-3-galactoside, Cy 3-O-arabinoside, Pt 3-O-glucoside, Pn 3-O-arabinoside, Mv 3-O-galactoside, Mv 3-O-glucoside	^[55]^[57]
Chokeberries	357.20		Cy 3-O-galactoside, Cy 3-arabinoside, Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy xyloside	^[55]^[58]
Cranberries	40.7–207.3 ¹		Cy 3-O-galactoside Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy arabinoside, Pn galactoside, Pn 3-O-glucoside, Pn arabinoside	^[59]
Elderberries	317.51	408.6–1066.6	Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-O-sambubioside	^[55]^[60]
Fig	0.3–10.9	4.6–83	Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-O-rutinoside, Cy 3-sambubioside-5-glucoside, Cy 3,5-diglucoside	^[61]^[62]
Grapes	38.70–186.02 ¹	135,960–533,630 ¹	Cy, Dp, Mv, Pn, Pt 3-O-glycosides; Mv, Pn, Pt 3-O-coumarylglucosides	^[63]^[64]
Haskaps	449–697	2273	Cy 3,5-di-glucoside; Cy 3-galactoside, Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-O-rutinoside, Pg 3-O-glucoside; Pn 3-O-glucoside	^[65]^[66]
Nectarine	0.22		Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-O-rutinoside	^[46]^[67]
Plums	7.4–36.6 ¹		Cy 3-xyloside, Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-O-rutinoside, Pn 3-O-rutinoside, Pn 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-galactoside, Cy 3-(6’’-acetoyl)glucoside	^[46]^[68]
Pomegranate	1500–2000		Dp 3,5-diglucoside, Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3,5-diglucoside, Pg 3-O-glucoside, Pg 3,5-diglucoside	^[69]^[70]
Peaches	0.27–2.50	0.28–15.34 ¹	Cy 3-O-rutinoside and glucoside	^[71]^[72]
Red cabbages	109–185	1111–1780	Cy 3-diglucoside-5-glucoside, Cy 3-(sinapoyl)(sinapoyl)-diglucoside-5-glucoside, Cy 3-(ρ-coumaroyl)-diglucoside-5-glucoside	^[73]^[74]
Red currants	19.78	149.91 ¹	Cyanidin-3-O-sambusoside, Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-O-rutinoside	^[55]^[75]
Red pears	1.2–12.0 ¹		Cy 3-O-galactoside, Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy pentoside, Cy 3-O-arabinoside, Cy 3-O-rutinoside	^[76]
Red raspberries	23.17–68.0	260.9–571.8	Cy 3-O-sophoroside, Cy 3-O-(2’’-O-glucosyl)rutinoside, Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-O-rutinoside, Cy 3-O-(2’’-O-xylosyl)rutinoside, Pg 3-O-sophoroside, Pg 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3,5-O-diglucoside	^[53]^[55]^[77]
Strawberries	20–60 ¹	31.9–315.2 ²	Pg 3-O-glucoside, Pg 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-O-rutinoside, Pg 3-O-glucoside, Pg 3-O-rutinoside, Pg 3-(malonoyl)glucoside, Pg 3-(6’’-acetoyl)glucoside	^[46]^[78]^[79]
Sweet cherries	2.06–462.77 ¹	107.70–218.36 ¹	Cy, Dp, Pg, Pn 3-O-rutinosides and glucosides, Cy 3-coumaroyl-diglucoside, Cy 3-O-sambubioside, Cy 3-5-diglucoside, Cy 3-sophoroside Cy 3-O-arabinoside Mv 3-O-glucoside-acetaldehyde	^[40]^[80]^[81]
Tamarillo		29.70–486.84 ¹	Dp 3-O-rutinoside, Cy 3-O-rutinoside, Cy 3-O-glucoside, Pg 3-O-rutinoside	^[82]
Tart cherries	65.06–82.40	114.59	Cy, Cy 3-O-sophoroside, Cy 3-glucosylrutinoside, Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-O-rutinoside, Pn 3-O-rutinoside	^[55]^[83]
Tomato	7.1 ¹	5.48–29.86 ³	Dp glycoside, Dp rutinoside, Dp ρ-coumaroyl-rutinoside Mv glycoside, Mv rutinoside, Mv ρ-coumaroyl-rutinoside-glycoside, Pt rutinoside, Pt ρ-coumaroyl-rutinoside, Pt ρ-coumaroyl-rutinoside-glycoside	^[84]^[85]
Vegetables
Black carrot	22.45 *	1.74–4.54 ¹	Cy 3-(ρ-coumaroyl)-diglucoside-5-glucoside	^[47]^[86]
Eggplant	6.31	138 ⁴	Dp 3-(ρ-coumaroylrutinoside)-5-glucoside, Dp 3-O-glucoside, Dp 3-glucosyl-rhamnoside, Pt -3-O-rutinoside, Cy -3-O-rutinoside	^[49]^[50]
Purple sweet potato	42.37 *		Pn 3-O-sophoroside-5-O-glucoside, Pn 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-ρ-hydroxybenzoylsophoroside-5-glucoside, Pn 3-ρ-hydroxybenzoylsophoroside-5-glucoside, Cy 3-caffeoylsophoroside-5-glucoside, Pn 3-caffeoylsophoroside-5-glucoside, Cyanidin-3-caffeoyl- ρ-hydroxybenzoylsophoroside-5-glucoside, Pn 3-dicaffeoylsophoroside-5-glucoside, Pn 3-caffeoyl-ρ-hydroxybenzoylsophoroside-5-glucoside, Pn 3-caffeoy-feruloylsophoroside-5-glucosie	^[47]
Red Chicory	39.20 *		Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-O-(6”-malonyl-glucoside)	^[47]
Red onion	29.99		Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-O-laminaribioside, Cy 3-(6’’-malonyl-glucoside), Cy 3-(6”-malonyl- laminaribioside), Cy 3-xylosylglucosylgalactoside, Dp 3,5-diglycosides	^[47]^[87]
Beverages
Blackberry juice	12.3–107		Cy 3-O-glycoside, Cy 3-O-rutinoside, Cy 3-xyloside, Cy malonylglucoside, Cy dioxalylglucoside	^[54]
Pomegranate juice	7.2–20 ¹		Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3,5-diglucoside, Dp 3,5-diglucoside, Cy 3,5-diglucoside, Pg 3,5-diglucoside, Dp 3-glucoside, Cy 3- O-glucoside; Pg 3-O-glucoside	^[88]
Red wine	32.71–87.17 ¹		Cy, Dp, Mv, Pn, Pt 3-O-glycosides, Pn 3-O-acetylglucoside, Mv 3-O-acetylglucoside, Mv 3-O-coumarylglucoside, Pn 3-O-ρ-coumarylglucoside;	^[48]^[89]
Tart cherry juice		72.2	Cy 3-sophoroside, Cy 3-glucosylrutinoside, Cy 3-O-glucoside, Cy 3-O-rutinoside, Cy, Pg, Pn 3-O-glucoside	^[90]

FW, fresh weight; DW, dry weight; Cy, cyanidin; Dp, delphinidin; Mv, malvidin; Pg, pelargonidin; Pn, peonidin; Pt, petunidin. * mg cyanidin 3-galactoside equivalent per 100 g. ¹ Total amount (weight) of anthocyanins identified by HPLC method. ² mg pelargonidin 3-glucoside equivalent per 100 g. ³ mg malvidin 3-rutinoside equivalent per 100 g. ⁴ Delphinidin 3-glucoside equivalent per 100 g.

4. Anthocyanins’ Bioavailability and Metabolism

Understanding the bioavailability of phenolics is crucial since, after consumption, their constituents undergo many modifications throughout the digestive tract (digestion, absorption, metabolization, and elimination), which have a great impact on their nutritional value and health-promoting properties ^[28]^[31].

Nowadays, it is established that the bioavailability of phenolics differs significantly between them, and therefore, the most abundant polyphenols in our dietary habits are not necessarily those that show the highest concentrations of active metabolites in organs and tissues ^[35]. Indeed, their bioavailability is highly dependent on the chemical structure of the phenolics, i.e., their molecular size, pattern of glycosylation and/or acylation (where acylation increases anthocyanin stability but declines their absorption), degree of polymerization, and conjugations and/or combinations with other compounds ^[36]^[91]. Furthermore, it is also influenced by the pH values observed along the gastrointestinal tract, facilitation of the compounds to cross membranes, digestibility, solubility, and absorption actions carried out by digestive enzymes, biliary acids, gut microbiota, and enterocytes. The food matrix maturity degree and cooking also influence the availability rates ^[35]. Although the thermal processing reduces anthocyanins’ stability, at the same time, it damages the anthocyanin cell walls, increasing their body absorption ^[28].

It is also important to take into account that the bioavailability also varies among individuals—inter-individual variability—due to intrinsic aspects (e.g., age, sex, physiological and/or pathological states, and genetic factors), which induce marked differences regarding enzymes and microbiota activity ^[43].

Unlike other phenolics, anthocyanins are quickly metabolized and eliminated, and even in high amounts, they rarely reach concentration values considered active. In fact, the intake of 10 and 720 mg of anthocyanins only results in maximal plasma concentrations of 1.4 and 200 nanomolar, respectively, achieved between 30 min and 2 h ^[92]^[93]^[94].

Table 2 summarizes the principal human trials focused on the pharmacokinetic profile of anthocyanins observed after their ingestion in common foods and beverages. In a general way, less than 1.8% of consumed anthocyanins is normally absorbed. However, this percentage can decrease if they are ingested alone, with or after other compounds; i.e., if anthocyanins are consumed alone or after overnight fasting, their digestion happens in 1 hour ^[93]^[95], whereas if they are ingested accompanied by other foods and beverages, ingested with high-fat meals, or after a meal, it occurs only after 1.5 or 4 h, respectively ^[96]. They disappear from the blood circulatory system in less than 6 h ^[57].

Table 2. Human studies considering the pharmacokinetic parameters of anthocyanins, after ingestion of common foods and beverages rich in this type of compound.

Intake	n ^(a)	Total Anthocyanins Intake	C_max ^(b)	t_{max (h)} ^(c)	AUC ^(d)	Urinary Excretion (%)	Reference
Foods
Blueberries (100 g)	5	1200 mg	13.1 ng/mL	4			^[57]
Elderberries (12 g)	4	720 mg	97.4 nmol/L	1.2 h			^[94]
Red raspberries (300 g)	9	292 µmol	0.1–180 nmol/L	1–1.5		0.007% (1–1.5 h)	^[77]
Beverages
Red wine (300 mL)	6	218 mg		6		1.5–5.1% (12 h)	^[89]
Red grape juice (400 mL)	9	Cy 3-O-glucoside	0.42 ng/mL	0.5	0.60 ng × h/mL (3 h)	0.09% (7 h)	^[97]
		Dp 3-O-glucoside	6.12 ng/mL	0.5	11.9 ng × h/mL (3 h)	0.20% (7 h)
		Mv 3-O-glucoside	48.8 ng/mL	0.5	71.7 ng × h/mL (3 h)	0.18% (7 h)
		Pn 3-O-glucoside	27.3 ng/mL	0.5	49.7 ng × h/mL (3 h)	0.29% (7 h)
		Pt 3-O-glucoside	16.1 ng/mL	0.5	31.5 ng × h/mL (3 h)	0.32% (7 h)
		Σ = 283.5 mg	100.1 ng/mL	0.5	168.4 ng × h/mL
Black currant juice (150 mL)	8	Cy 3-O-glucoside: 0.165 mg	5.0 nmol/L	1.34	11.0–19.6 ng × h/mL (4 h)	0.060% (8 h)	^[96]
		Cy 3-O-rutinoside: 1.24 mg	46.3 nmol/L	3.45	19.6–24.9 ng × h/mL (4 h)	0.098% (8 h)
		Dp 3-O-glucoside: 0.488 mg	22.7 nmol/L	4.19	11.0–16.3 ng × h/mL (4 h)	0.066 (8 h)
		Dp 3-O-rutinoside: 1.68 mg	73.4 nmol/L	3.18	16.3–24.9 ng × h/mL (4 h)	0.11% (8 h)
Açaí Juice (7 mL/kg of body weight)	12	165.9 mg/L	1138.51 ng/L	2	3314.04 ng × h/L (12 h)		^[11]
Cranberry Juice (480 mL)	15	Cy 3-O-galactoside (18.7 mg)	1.38 nmol/L	1.27	3.91 nmol × h/L (4 h)	0.007% (4 h)	^[98]
		Cy 3-O-glucoside (1.58 mg)	0.93 nmol/L	1.13	1.99 nmol × h/L (4 h)	0.007% (4 h)
		Cy 3-O-arabinoside (16.47 mg)	3.61 nmol/L	1.47	9.16 nmol × h/L (4 h)	0.010% (4 h)
		Mv 3-O-glucoside	0.56 nmol/L	0.93	1.25 nmol × h/L (4 h)
		Pn 3-O-galactoside (30.83 mg)	4.64 nmol/L	1.47	12.00 nmol × h/L (4 h)	0.015% (4 h)
		Pn 3-O-glucoside (5.85 mg)	0.71 nmol/L	1.40	1.85 nmol × h/L (4 h)	0.029% (4 h)
		Pn 3-O-arabinose (21.03 mg)	1.78 nmol/L	1.27	4.13 nmol × h/L (4 h)	0.010% (4 h)
		Σ = 94.47 mg
Tart cherry juice (60 mL)	12	62.47 mg/L	2.75 µg × h/mL	1	106.4 µg × h/mL		^[99]
Grape/blueberry juice (330 mL)	10	3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid	7.6 nmol/L	1	568 nmol × min/L		^[100]
		Cy 3-O-glucoside	0.10 nmol/L	1	6 nmol × min/L
		Dp 3-O-glucoside	0.18 nmol/L	1.1	10 nmol × min/L
		Mv 3-O-glucoside	1.5 nmol/L	1.1	103 nmol × min/L
		Mv 3-O-glucuronide	1.1 nmol/L	2	114 nmol × min/L
		Pn 3-O-glucuronide	1.1 nmol/L	1.8	114 nmol × min/L
		Pn 3-O-glucoside	1.7 nmol/L	1	52 nmol × min/L
		Pt 3-O-glucoside	0.8 nmol/L	1	12 nmol × min/L
		Σ = 841 mg/L	1.21 nmol/L
Orange juice	18	53.09 mg/L	0.63 nmol/L	0.96	8.99 nmol × h/L (8 h)	43–53% (2 h)	^[101]
Chokeberry juice (0.8 mg/kg of body weight)	13		32.7 nmol/L	1.3	109.4 nmol × h/L (1 h)	0.25 (24 h)	^[102]
Strawberry juice (34.7 mg)	14	Cy 3-O-glucoside: 7.8 µmol	0.6 nmol/L	2.1	1.7 nmol × h/L (10 h)		^[95]
		Pg glucuronide	38.0 nmol/L	1.7	123.8 nmol × h/L (10 h)
		Pg-3-O-glucoside: 58.8 µmol	5.2 nmol/L	1.3	15.0 nmol × h/L (10 h)
		Pg 3-O-rutinoside: 9.7 µmol	0.4 nmol/L	1.9	1.4 nmol × h/L (10 h)
		Σ = 76.6 µmol

^(a) Number of participants. ^(b) Maximum concentration in plasma. ^(c) Time to reach C_max in plasma. ^(d) Area under the curve, which describes the exposure of a compound over a set period of time.

Additionally, and considering that substitutions influence anthocyanin absorption, nowadays, it is well-described that pelargonidin derivatives are more readily absorbed than anthocyanins with more substituents on their B ring, such as peonidin-, delphinidin-, and cyanidin-based anthocyanins ^[46]. Furthermore, and comparing the sugar moieties, it was already verified that malvidin 3-O-arabinoside presents higher absorption rates than malvidin 3-O-glucoside ^[103].

Despite their low absorption and rapid metabolism, the regular consumption of anthocyanins is considered safe, and together with physical activity, it is encouraged as both can reduce the occurrence of several pathologies related to oxidative stress ^[36]. As far as the researchers know, until now, no adverse effects regarding anthocyanin consumption have been reported. In fact, and focusing on human studies, most people who consumed 160 mg of anthocyanins twice a day for 2 months tolerated the extract; only 4% of the participants revealed side effects, namely at the gastrointestinal level and eczema ^[104]^[105].

Therefore, after being consumed, anthocyanins are metabolized in the mouth, where the action of oral microbiota removes the glycosidic groups and transforms them into their corresponding chalcones ^[106].

After that, they pass along the gastrointestinal tract, starting in the stomach, where they do not suffer considerable changes, despite the acidic pH, and can be absorbed by bilitranslocase, becoming available for absorption (bioaccessibility) ^[106]^[107], or reach intestinal epithelial cells ^[108]. In fact, the literature suggests that it is possible that the gastric and intestinal bioavailability of anthocyanins are mainly done with the 3-monoglucosides, 3-monoglucoside acylated, and 3,5-diglucosides forms ^[106]^[107]^[109].

Therefore, anthocyanins can go through the portal vein to the liver and can be directed to the systemic circulation to be taken up by the target organs and tissues, or, if they are not absorbed, be discarded through urine and faeces (Figure 1) ^[41]^[110]. It is important to note that in intestines, liver, and kidneys, anthocyanins are metabolized by enzymes of phase I and phase II, being conjugated with additional hydroxyl, methyl, sulfuric, or glycoside groups in order to increase their availability ^[33]^[36]^[111].

Figure 1. Anthocyanin absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. CGB—cytosolic β-glucosidase; SULT—sulfotransferase; UDP-GT—glucuronosyltransferase; COMT—catechol-O-methyl transferase; GLUT—glucose transporters; LPH—lactase-phlorizin hydrolase.

In general, both native anthocyanidins and their conjugated forms are found in plasma and urine; nevertheless, the intact ones are more rapidly absorbed in the stomach (20–25%) and detected in plasma a few minutes after their ingestion ^[112]. This evidence is supported by previous studies based on the oral ingestion of red fruits, which revealed that anthocyanins are not metabolized into their aglycones, being directly absorbed and appearing in plasma 30 min after their consumption ^[92]. Their glycosylated forms are excreted in urine ^[8]^[93].

Notwithstanding, the major absorption rate is observed in the gut ^[33]. Therefore, in the gut, the lactase-phlorizin hydrolase (LPH) and β-glucosidase enzymes release the aglycone of the coloured compounds, increasing their hydrophobic character, thus facilitating their entrance by passive diffusion in epithelial cells ^[113]. Glycosides and acylated anthocyanins can also be absorbed by the small intestine due to the action of glucose transporters 1 and 3 (GLUT 1 and 3) ^[91]^[109]^[111]^[114]; however, the absorption of the acylated ones is four times lower than that of non-acylated anthocyanins ^[33]. Particularly, molecular docking studies revealed that smaller molecules interact with GLUT 1 and 3 by their glucose residue and AC rings, while larger compounds penetrate in both transporters by their C5 glucose, as well as B and coumaroyl rings ^[91]^[109].

Unabsorbed anthocyanins reach the colon and are hydrolysated within 20 min−2 h by colonic bacteria (e.g., α-galactosidase, β-D-glucuronidase, β-D-glucosidase, and α-rhamnosidase), which break down the glycosidic bonds and catalyse them into smaller phenolic compounds (e.g., benzaldehydes or hydroxytyrosol) or simple phenolic acids, such as ρ-hydroxybenzoic, homovanillic, phenylpropionic, protocatechuic, syringic, and vanillic acids, to simplify their absorption by colonic mucosa and consequently increase their availability ^[115]. This extensive metabolization is tremendously interesting and shows that the availability of anthocyanins is probably higher than we thought, and the reason why anthocyanins can be found in urine in amounts below 0.1% ^[91]^[116]. Indeed, a recent study indicates the intake of 300 g of red raspberries results in the identification of 18 different anthocyanin-derived metabolites ^[77]. Basically, delphinidin-based anthocyanins are transformed into 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzaldehyde, gallic, and syringic acids, while syringic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, and vanillic acids are the primary metabolites of malvidin, pelargonidin, and peonidin glucosides, respectively ^[111]^[117]. Cyanidin glycosides can produce around 35 metabolites, 31 being found in urine samples, 28 in faeces, and 17 in the circulatory system, where the main ones are 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzaldehyde, ρ-coumaric, protocatechuic and vanillic acids, and phenolic conjugates (e.g., hippuric, phenylacetic, and phenylpropenoic acids) ^[77]^[118].

Additionally, the cleavage of glycosidic bonds also enhances the beneficial effects exhibited by anthocyanins ^[33]. In fact, this modulation on colon microflora leads to the formation of short-chain fatty acids that together with phenolic acids induce a decrease in pH values, creating favourable conditions for the proliferation of probiotic bacteria, such as Actinobacteria, Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacilli ^[33]^[111]. These bacteria exert positive effects in the control of gastrointestinal and digestive disorders, allergies, eczema, and improvements in delicate cases of cardiac and mental illness ^[10]^[119].

5. Anthocyanin Encapsulation

Knowing that the incorporation of phenolic compounds into foods and pharmaceutical products is a challenge, due to their instability and susceptibility to degradation, during processing and storage, various delivery systems have been developed ^[4]. Among them, encapsulation is a good strategy. This technology allows entrapping an active agent, liquid, gas, or solid within a matrix or a polymeric wall in micro or nanoparticles, to protect the active compound from environmental conditions, undesirable interactions, and to control their transportation, release, and handling. The most common polymers used are carbohydrates (e.g., cellulose derivatives and maltodextrins), natural gums (e.g., alginates and gum arabic), lipids (e.g., emulsifiers and waxes), and/or proteins (e.g., dairy proteins, gelatine, and soy proteins) ^[33]. Additionally, their combination with other wall materials and some modifiers, such as antioxidants, chelate agents, and surfactants, can also increase the encapsulation benefits ^[4]. In a general way, the process of encapsulation is based on the formation of the wall around the compound of interest, ensuring that unwanted materials are kept outside, and preventing undesired leaks to happen. It is important to take into account, along with its cost, the particle size and physicochemical properties of the core and the origin of wall constituents, to favour capsule stability. To that end, several methods have been developed, and the best-known ones for anthocyanin encapsulation are emulsification, ionotropic gelation, thermal gelation, and spray-drying. This last one is the most applied technique (80–90% of encapsulated formulations are spray-dried) due to their cost and easy procedure ^[4]. Maltodextrins are the most used coating material given their ability to maintain anthocyanin stability ^[120].

Therefore, and in order to enhance their bioefficacy and stability, and thus prevent their rapid degradation, anthocyanins are mainly encapsulated with liposomes, nanocomplexes of alginate and chitosan, and gel emersions ^[34]. In fact, several studies already showed that anthocyanin nano-formulations, along with chemical modifications, favour their absorption and metabolization, and consequently increase their biological action ^[33]. Mueller et al. ^[112] conducted a human study and reported that the encapsulation of 2.4 g of blueberry anthocyanins with whey protein does not contribute to anthocyanin stabilization during intestinal passage given their ability to prolong their passage through the stomach, whereas the encapsulation with citrus pectin improves anthocyanin bioavailability and intestinal accessibility, thus increasing their concentrations in the bloodstream.

Furthermore, bioengineering-based, targeted drug delivery approaches using biodegradable PLGA@PEG nanoparticles revealed more notable results in both in vivo and in vitro Alzheimer’s disease models than anthocyanins alone, namely, lower levels of oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory hallmarks ^[121]^[122]. Furthermore, 50 mg/mL of blueberry anthocyanins encapsulated in liposomal micelles also revealed higher anticancer activity than non-encapsulated anthocyanins on K562 human erythroleukemic cancer cells ^[123].

6. Putative Health Benefits

The low ingestion of fruits and vegetables causes around 1.7 million deaths worldwide, being related to 14% of gastrointestinal malignancies, 9% of stroke, and 11% of coronary artery disorders ^[36]. Therefore, it is undeniable the role of anthocyanins in promoting human health and welfare ^[105]. Several in vitro scavenging assays, animal and human cell lines studies, animal models, and human clinical trials already indicated that the consumption of foods, beverages, and supplements rich in anthocyanins brings numerous health benefits. In fact, this is due to the easy capacity of the anthocyanins to eliminate and/or neutralize free radicals and reactive species, chelate metals, control signalling pathways, diminish pro-inflammatory markers, and, thus, reduce the risk of cardiovascular pathologies, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Additionally, they also contribute to control weight and improve vision. The general health benefits resulting from the consumption of anthocyanins are shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Health benefits of anthocyanins.

References

Mannino, G.; Perrone, A.; Campobenedetto, C.; Schittone, A. Phytochemical profile and antioxidative properties of Plinia trunciflora fruits: A new source of nutraceuticals. Food Chem. 2020, 307, 125515.
Ożarowski, M.; Karpiński, T.M.; Szulc, M.; Wielgus, K.; Kujawski, R.; Wolski, H.; Seremak-Mrozikiewicz, A. Plant phenolics and extracts in animal models of preeclampsia and clinical trials—Review of perspectives for novel therapies. Pharmaceuticals 2021, 14, 269.
Newman, D.J.; Cragg, G.M. Natural products as sources of new drugs over the nearly four decades from 01/1981 to 09/2019. J. Nat. Prod. 2020, 83, 770–803.
Martín, J.; Kuskoski, E.M.; Navas, M.J.; Asuero, A.G. Antioxidant capacity of anthocyanin pigments. In Flavonoids-From Biosynthesis to Human Health; Justino, G.C., Ed.; IntechOpen: London, UK, 2017; pp. 205–255.
Aziz, M.A.; Sarwar, M.S.; Akter, T.; Uddin, M.S.; Xun, S.; Zhu, Y.; Islam, M.S.; Hongjie, Z. Polyphenolic molecules targeting STAT3 pathway for the treatment of cancer. Life Sci. 2021, 268, 118999.
Grosso, G.; Stepaniak, U.; Topor-Madry, R.; Szafraniec, K.; Pajak, A. Estimated dietary intake and major food sources of polyphenols in the Polish arm of the HAPIEE study. Nutrition 2014, 30, 1398–1403.
Alappat, B.; Alappat, J. Anthocyanin pigments: Beyond aesthetics. Molecules 2020, 25, 5500.
Khoo, H.E.; Azlan, A.; Tang, S.T.; Lim, S.M. Anthocyanidins and anthocyanins: Colored pigments as food, pharmaceutical ingredients, and the potential health benefits. Food Nutr. Res. 2017, 61, 1361779.
Bendokas, V.; Skemiene, K.; Trumbeckaite, S.; Passamonti, S.; Borutaite, V.; Liobikas, J. Anthocyanins: From plant pigments to health benefits at mitochondrial level. Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr. 2020, 60, 3352–3365.
Sivamaruthi, B.S.; Kesika, P.; Chaiyasut, C. The influence of supplementation of anthocyanins on obesity-associated comorbidities: A concise review. Foods 2020, 9, 687.
Mertens-Talcott, S.U.; Rios, J.; Jilma-Stohlawetz, P.; Pacheco-Palencia, L.A.; Meibohm, B.; Talcott, S.T.; Derendorf, H. Pharmacokinetics of anthocyanins and antioxidant effects after the consumption of anthocyanin-rich açai juice and pulp (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in human healthy volunteers. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2008, 56, 7796–7802.
Lynn, A.; Mathew, S.; Moore, C.T.; Russell, J.; Robinson, E.; Soumpasi, V.; Barker, M.E. Effect of a tart cherry juice supplement on arterial stiffness and inflammation in healthy adults: A randomised controlled trial. Plant Foods Hum. Nutr. 2014, 69, 122–127.
Zhu, Y.; Ling, W.; Guo, H.; Song, F.; Ye, Q.; Zou, T.; Li, D.; Zhang, Y.; Li, G.; Xiao, Y.; et al. Anti-inflammatory effect of purified dietary anthocyanin in adults with hypercholesterolemia: A randomized controlled trial. Nutr. Metab. Cardiovasc. Dis. 2013, 23, 843–849.
Kent, K.; Charlton, K.; Roodenrys, S.; Batterham, M.; Potter, J.; Traynor, V.; Gilbert, H.; Morgan, O.; Richards, R. Consumption of anthocyanin-rich cherry juice for 12 weeks improves memory and cognition in older adults with mild-to-moderate dementia. Eur. J. Nutr. 2017, 56, 333–341.
Bowtell, J.L.; Aboo-Bakkar, Z.; Conway, M.; Adlam, A.-L.R.; Fulford, J. Enhanced task related brain activation and resting perfusion in healthy older adults after chronic blueberry supplementation. Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab. 2017, 42, 773–779.
Kwon, S.H.; Ahn, I.S.; Kim, S.-O.; Kong, C.S.; Chung, H.Y.; Do, M.S.; Park, K.Y. Anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects of black soybean anthocyanins. J. Med. Food 2007, 10, 552–556.
Thompson, K.; Hosking, H.; Pederick, W.; Singh, I.; Santhakumar, A.B. The effect of anthocyanin supplementation in modulating platelet function in sedentary population: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. Br. J. Nutr. 2017, 118, 368–374.
Shim, S.H.; Kim, J.M.; Choi, C.Y.; Kim, C.Y.; Park, K.H. Ginkgo biloba extract and bilberry anthocyanins improve visual function in patients with normal tension glaucoma. J. Med. Food 2012, 15, 818–823.
Li, L.; Lyall, G.K.; Martinez-blazquez, J.A.; Vallejo, F.; Tomas-barberan, F.A.; Birch, K.M.; Boesch, C. Blood orange juice consumption increases flow-mediated dilation in adults with overweight and obesity: A randomized controlled trial. J. Nutr. 2020, 150, 2287–2294.
Tang, P.; Monica Giusti, M. Metal chelates of petunidin derivatives exhibit enhanced color and stability. Foods 2020, 9, 11–15.
Mladěnka, P.; Říha, M.; Martin, J.; Gorová, B.; Matějíček, A.; Spilková, J. Fruit extracts of 10 varieties of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) interact differently with iron and copper. Phytochem. Lett. 2016, 18, 232–238.
Sinopoli, A.; Calogero, G.; Bartolotta, A. Computational aspects of anthocyanidins and anthocyanins: A review. Food Chem. 2019, 297, 124898.
Wu, X.; Beecher, G.R.; Holden, J.M.; Haytowitz, D.B.; Gebhardt, S.E.; Prior, R.L. Concentrations of anthocyanins in common foods in the United States and estimation of normal consumption. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2006, 54, 4069–4075.
Zamora-Ros, R.; Knaze, V.; Luján-Barroso, L.; Slimani, N.; Romieu, I.; Fedirko, V.; Magistris, M.S.; Ericson, U.; Amiano, P.; Trichopoulou, A.; et al. Estimated dietary intakes of flavonols, flavanones and flavones in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) 24 hour dietary recall cohort. Br. J. Nutr. 2011, 106, 1915–1925.
Rienth, M.; Vigneron, N.; Darriet, P.; Sweetman, C.; Burbidge, C.; Bonghi, C.; Walker, R.P.; Famiani, F.; Castellarin, S.D. Grape berry secondary metabolites and their modulation by abiotic factors in a climate change scenario—A review. Front. Plant Sci. 2021, 12, 1–26.
Šamec, D.; Karalija, E.; Šola, I.; Vujčić Bok, V.; Salopek-Sondi, B. The role of polyphenols in abiotic stress response: The influence of molecular structure. Plants 2021, 10, 118.
Legua, P.; Domenech, A.; Martinez, J.J.; Sánchez-Rodríguez, L.; Hernández, F.; Carbonell-Barrachina, A.A.; Melgarejo, P. Bioactive and volatile compounds in sweet cherry cultivars. J. Food Nutr. Res. 2017, 5, 844–851.
Bresciani, L.; Martini, D.; Mena, P.; Tassotti, M.; Calani, L.; Brigati, G.; Brighenti, F.; Holasek, S.; Malliga, D.E.; Lamprecht, M.; et al. Absorption profile of (poly)phenolic compounds after consumption of three food supplements containing 36 different fruits, vegetables, and berries. Nutrients 2017, 9, 194.
Wang, T.-Y.; Li, Q.; Bi, K.-S. Bioactive flavonoids in medicinal plants: Structure, activity and biological fate. Asian J. Pharm. Sci. 2018, 13, 12–23.
Landete, J.M. Dietary intake of natural antioxidants: Vitamins and polyphenols. Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr. 2013, 53, 706–721.
Cosme, P.; Rodríguez, A.B.; Espino, J.; Garrido, M. Plant phenolics: Bioavailability as a key determinant of their potential health-promoting applications. Antioxidants 2020, 9, 1263.
Diaconeasa, Z.; Ioana, S.; Xiao, J.; Leopold, N.; Ayvaz, Z.; Danciu, C.; Ayvaz, H.; Sttǎnilǎ, A.; Nistor, M.; Socaciu, C. Anthocyanins, vibrant color pigments, and their role in skin cancer prevention. Biomedicines 2020, 8, 336.
Mattioli, R.; Francioso, A.; Mosca, L.; Silva, P. Anthocyanins: A comprehensive review of their chemical properties and health effects on cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Molecules 2020, 25, 3809.
Ullah, R.; Khan, M.; Shah, S.A.; Saeed, K.; Kim, M.O. Natural antioxidant anthocyanins—A hidden therapeutic candidate in metabolic disorders with major focus in neurodegeneration. Nutrients 2019, 11, 1195.
Ribnickya, D.M.; Roopchand, D.E.; Oren, A.; Grace, M.; Poulev, A.; Lila, M.A.; Havenaar, R.; Raskin, I. Effects of a high fat meal matrix and protein complexation on the bioaccessibility of blueberry anthocyanins using the TNO gastrointestinal model (TIM-1). Food Chem. 2014, 142, 349–357.
Wallace, T.C.; Giusti, M.M. Anthocyanins. Adv. Nutr. 2015, 6, 620–622.
Prior, R.L.; Wu, X. Anthocyanins: Structural characteristics that result in unique metabolic patterns and biological activities. Free Radic. Res. 2006, 40, 1014–1028.
Tena, N.; Martín, J.; Asuero, A.G. State of the art of anthocyanins: Antioxidant activity, sources, bioavailability, and therapeutic effect in human health. Antioxidants 2020, 9, 451.
White, B.L.; Howard, L.R.; Prior, R.L. Proximate and polyphenolic characterization of cranberry pomace. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2010, 58, 4030–4036.
Gonçalves, A.C.; Campos, G.; Alves, G.; Garcia-Viguera, C.; Moreno, D.A.; Silva, L.R. Physical and phytochemical composition of 23 Portuguese sweet cherries as conditioned by variety (or genotype). Food Chem. 2021, 335, 127637.
Pojer, E.; Mattivi, F.; Johnson, D.; Stockley, C.S. The case for anthocyanin consumption to promote human health: A review. Compr. Rev. Food Sci. Food Saf. 2013, 12, 483–508.
Escobar-Cévoli, R.; Castro-Espín, C.; Béraud, V.; Buckland, G.; Zamora-Ros, R. An overview of global flavonoid intake and its food sources. In Flavonoids—From Biosynthesis to Human Health; Justino, G.C., Ed.; InTech: London, UK, 2017; pp. 371–391.
Igwe, E.O.; Charlton, K.E.; Probst, Y.C. Usual dietary anthocyanin intake, sources and their association with blood pressure in a representative sample of Australian adults. J. Hum. Nutr. Diet. 2019, 32, 578–590.
Chinese Nutrition Society. Chinese DRIs Handbook; Standards Press of China: Beijing, China, 2013.
Kim, K.; Vance, T.M.; Chun, O.K. Estimated intake and major food sources of flavonoids among US adults: Changes between 1999–2002 and 2007–2010 in NHANES. Eur. J. Nutr. 2016, 55, 833–843.
Wu, X.; Prior, R.L. Identification and characterization of anthocyanins by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS in common foods in the United States: Fruits and berries. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2005, 53, 2589–2599.
Frond, A.D.; Iuhas, C.I.; Stirbu, I.; Leopold, L.; Socaci, S.; Andreea, S.; Ayvaz, H.; Andreea, S.; Mihai, S.; Zorita, D.; et al. Phytochemical characterization of five edible purple-reddish vegetables: Anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acid derivatives. Molecules 2019, 24, 1536.
Kharadze, M.; Japaridze, I.; Kalandia, A.; Vanidze, M. Anthocyanins and antioxidant activity of red wines made from endemic grape varieties. Ann. Agrar. Sci. 2018, 16, 181–184.
Horincar, G.; Enachi, E.; Bolea, C.; Râpeanu, G.; Aprodu, I. Value-added lager beer enriched with eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) peel extract. Molecules 2020, 25, 731.
Zambrano-Moreno, E.L.; Chávez-Jáuregui, R.N.; Plaza, M.d.L.; Wessel-Beaver, L. Phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in organically and conventionally grown eggplant (Solanum melongena) fruits following thermal processing. Food Sci. Technol. 2015, 35, 414–420.
de Rosso, V.V.; Hillebrand, S.; Montilla, E.C.; Bobbio, F.O.; Winterhalter, P.; Mercadante, A.Z. Determination of anthocyanins from acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) and açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) by HPLC–PDA–MS/MS. J. Food Compos. Anal. 2008, 21, 291–299.
Polat, M.; Okatan, V.; Güclü, S.F.; Çolak, A.M. Determination of some chemical characteristics and total antioxidant capacity in apple varieties grown in Posof/Ardahan region. Int. J. Agric. Environ. Food Sci. 2018, 2, 131–134.
Wang, S.Y.; HsinShan, L. Antioxidant activity in fruits and leaves of blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry varies with cultivar and developmental stage. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2000, 48, 140–146.
Fan-Chiang, H.-J.; Wrolstad, R.E. Anthocyanin pigment composition of blackberries. JFS C Food Chem. Toxicol. 2005, 70, 198–202.
Jakobek, L.; Seruga, M.; Novak, I.; Medvidovic-Kosanovic, M. Flavonols, phenolic acids and antioxidant activity of some red fruits. Dtsch. Leb. 2007, 103, 369–378.
Esposito, D.; Damsud, T.; Wilson, M.; Grace, M.H.; Strauch, R.; Li, X.; Lila, M.A.; Komarnytsky, S. Black currant anthocyanins attenuate weight gain and improve glucose metabolism in diet-induced obese mice with intact, but not disrupted, gut microbiome. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2015, 63, 6172–6180.
Mazza, G.; Kay, C.D.; Cottrell, T.; Holub, B.J. Absorption of anthocyanins from blueberries and serum antioxidant status in human subjects. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2002, 50, 45–48.
Zielińska, A.; Siudem, P.; Paradowska, K.; Gralec, M.; Kaźmierski, S.; Wawer, I. Aronia melanocarpa fruits as a rich dietary source of chlorogenic acids and anthocyanins: 1H-NMR, HPLC-DAD, and chemometric studies. Molecules 2020, 25, 3234.
Jasutiene, L.; Cesonienė, I.; Sarkinas, A. Phenolics and anthocyanins in berries of European cranberry and their antimicrobial activity. Medicina 2009, 45, 992–999.
Duymuş, H.G.; Göger, F.; Başer, K.H.C. In vitro antioxidant properties and anthocyanin compositions of elderberry extracts. Food Chem. 2014, 155, 112–119.
Solomon, A.; Golubowicz, S.; Yablowicz, Z.; Grossman, S.; Bergman, M.; Gottlieb, H.E.; Altman, A.; Kerem, Z.; Flaishman, M.A. Antioxidant activities and anthocyanin content of fresh fruits of common fig (Ficus carica L.). J. Agric. Food Chem. 2006, 54, 7717–7723.
Kamiloglu, S.; Capanoglu, E. Polyphenol content in figs (Ficus carica L.): Effect of sun-drying. Int. J. Food Prop. 2015, 18, 521–535.
Silva, L.R.; Queiroz, M. Bioactive compounds of red grapes from Dão region (Portugal): Evaluation of phenolic and organic profile. Asian Pac. J. Trop. Biomed. 2016, 6, 315–321.
Kallithraka, S.; Aliaj, L.; Makris, D.P.; Kefalas, P. Anthocyanin profiles of major red grape (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties cultivated in Greece and their relationship with in vitro antioxidant characteristics. Int. J. Food Sci. Technol. 2009, 44, 2385–2393.
Khattab, R.; Brooks, M.S.-L.; Ghanem, A. Phenolic analyses of haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea L.): Spectrophotometry versus high performance liquid chromatography. Int. J. Food Prop. 2016, 19, 1708–1725.
Celli, G.B.; Ghanem, A.; Brooks, M.S.L. Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of anthocyanins from haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) using Response Surface Methodology. Ultrason. Sonochem. 2015, 27, 449–455.
Cantín, C.M.; Moreno, M.A.; Gogorcena, Y. Evaluation of the antioxidant capacity, phenolic compounds, and vitamin C content of different peach and nectarine breeding progenies. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2009, 57, 4586–4592.
Usenik, V.; Štampar, F.; Veberič, R. Anthocyanins and fruit colour in plums (Prunus domestica L.) during ripening. Food Chem. 2009, 114, 529–534.
Passafiume, R.; Perrone, A.; Sortino, G.; Gianguzzi, G.; Saletta, F.; Gentile, C.; Farina, V. Chemical-physical characteristics, polyphenolic content and total antioxidant activity of three Italian-grown pomegranate cultivars. NFS J. 2019, 16, 9–14.
Zhu, F.; Yuan, Z.; Zhao, X.; Yin, Y.; Feng, L. Composition and contents of anthocyanins in different pomegranate cultivars. Acta Hortic. 2015, 1089, 35–41.
Mihaylova, D.; Popova, A.; Desseva, I.; Petkova, N.; Stoyanova, M.; Vrancheva, R.; Slavov, A.; Slavchev, A.; Lante, A. Comparative study of early- and mid-ripening peach (Prunus persica L.) varieties: Biological activity, macro-, and micro- nutrient profile. Foods 2021, 10, 164.
Bento, C.; Gonçalves, A.C.; Silva, B.; Silva, L.R. Assessing the phenolic profile, antioxidant, antidiabetic and protective effects against oxidative damage in human erythrocytes of peaches from Fundão. J. Funct. Foods 2018, 43, 224–233.
Wiczkowski, W.; Szawara-Nowak, D.; Topolska, J. Red cabbage anthocyanins: Profile, isolation, identification, and antioxidant activity. Food Res. Int. 2013, 51, 303–309.
Ahmadiani, N.; Robbins, R.J.; Collins, T.M.; Giusti, M.M. Anthocyanins contents, profiles, and color characteristics of red cabbage extracts from different cultivars and maturity stages. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2014, 62, 7524–7531.
Jara-Palacios, M.J.; Santisteban, A.; Gordillo, B.; Hernanz, D.; Heredia, F.J.; Escudero-Gilete, M.L. Comparative study of red berry pomaces (blueberry, red raspberry, red currant and blackberry) as source of antioxidants and pigments. Eur. Food Res. Technol. 2019, 245, 1–9.
Galvis Sánchez, A.C.; Gil-Izquierdo, A.; Gil, M.I. Comparative study of six pear cultivars in terms of their phenolic and vitamin C contents and antioxidant capacity. J. Sci. Food Agric. 2003, 83, 995–1003.
Ludwig, I.A.; Mena, P.; Calani, L.; Borges, G.; Pereira-Caro, G.; Bresciani, L.; Del Rio, D.; Lean, M.E.J.; Crozier, A. New insights into the bioavailability of red raspberry anthocyanins and ellagitannins. Free Radic. Biol. Med. 2015, 89, 758–769.
Wang, H.; Nair, M.G.; Strasburg, G.M.; Booren, M.; Gray, I.; Dewitt, D.L. Cyclooxygenase active bioflavonoids from Balaton tart cherry and their structure activity relationships. Phytomedicine 2000, 7, 15–19.
Silva, F.L.; Escribano-Bailón, M.T.; Pérez Alonso, J.J.; Rivas-Gonzalo, J.C.; Santos-Buelga, C. Anthocyanin pigments in strawberry. LWT-Food Sci. Technol. 2007, 40, 374–382.
Gonçalves, A.C.; Bento, C.; Silva, B.M.; Silva, L.R. Sweet cherries from Fundão possess antidiabetic potential and protect human erythrocytes against oxidative damage. Food Res. Int. 2017, 95, 91–100.
Martini, S.; Conte, A.; Tagliazucchi, D. Phenolic compounds profile and antioxidant properties of six sweet cherry (Prunus avium) cultivars. Food Res. Int. 2017, 97, 15–26.
Diep, T.; Pook, C.; Yoo, M. Phenolic and anthocyanin compounds and antioxidant activity of Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.). Antioxidants 2020, 9, 169.
Cao, J.; Jiang, Q.; Lin, J.; Li, X.; Sun, C.; Chen, K. Physicochemical characterisation of four cherry species (Prunus spp.) grown in China. Food Chem. 2015, 173, 855–863.
Borghesi, E.; González-Miret, M.L.; Escudero-Gilete, M.L.; Malorgio, F.; Heredia, F.J.; Meléndez-Martínez, A.J. Effects of salinity stress on carotenoids, anthocyanins, and color of diverse tomato genotypes. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2011, 59, 11676–11682.
Blando, F.; Berland, H.; Maiorano, G.; Durante, M.; Mazzucato, A.; Picarella, M.E.; Nicoletti, I.; Gerardi, C.; Mita, G.; Andersen, Ø.M. Nutraceutical characterization of anthocyanin-rich fruits produced by “Sun Black” tomato line. Front. Nutr. 2019, 6, 133.
Kammerer, D.; Carle, R.; Schieber, A. Quantification of anthocyanins in black carrot extracts (Daucus carota ssp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef.) and evaluation of their color properties. Eur. Food Res. Technol. 2004, 219, 479–486.
Shi-Lin, Z.; Peng, D.; Yu-Chao, X.; Jian-Jun, W. Quantification and analysis of anthocyanin and flavonoids compositions, and antioxidant activities in onions with three different colors. J. Integr. Agric. 2016, 15, 2175–2181.
Legua, P.; Melgarejo, P.; Martínez, J.J.; Martínez, R.; Hernández, F. Evaluation of Spanish pomegranate juices: Organic acids, sugars, and anthocyanins. Int. J. Food Prop. 2012, 15, 481–494.
Lapidot, T.; Harel, S.; Granit, R.; Kanner, J. Bioavailability of red wine anthocyanins as detected in human urine. J. Agric. Food Chem. 1998, 46, 4297–4302.
Kirakosyan, A.; Seymour, E.M.; Llanes, D.E.U.; Kaufman, P.B.; Bolling, S.F. Chemical profile and antioxidant capacities of tart cherry products. Food Chem. 2009, 115, 20–25.
Oliveira, H.; Roma-Rodrigues, C.; Santos, A.; Veigas, B.; Brás, N.; Faria, A.; Calhau, C.; De Freitas, V.; Baptista, P.V.; Mateus, N.; et al. GLUT1 and GLUT3 involvement in anthocyanin gastric transport- Nanobased targeted approach. Sci. Rep. 2019, 789, 1–14.
European Food Safety Authority. Scientific opinion on the re-evaluation of anthocyanins (E 163) as a food additive. EFSA J. 2013, 11, 3145.
Matsumoto, H.; Inaba, H.; Kishi, M.; Tominaga, S.; Hirayama, M.; Tsuda, T. Orally administered delphinidin 3-rutinoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside are directly absorbed in rats and humans and appear in the blood as the intact forms. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2001, 49, 1546–1551.
Cao, G.; Muccitelli, H.U.; Sánchez-Moreno, C.; Prior, R.L. Anthocyanins are absorbed in glycated forms in elderly women: A pharmacokinetic study. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2001, 73, 920–926.
Sandhu, A.K.; Huang, Y.; Xiao, D.; Park, E.; Edirisinghe, I.; Burton-Freeman, B. Pharmacokinetic characterization and bioavailability of strawberry anthocyanins relative to meal intake. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2016, 64, 4891–4899.
Nielsen, I.L.F.; Dragsted, L.O.; Ravn-haren, G.; Freese, R.; Rasmussen, S.E. Absorption and excretion of black currant anthocyanins in humans and watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2003, 51, 2813–2820.
Bitsch, R.; Netzel, M.; Frank, T.; Strass, G.; Bitsch, I. Bioavailability and biokinetics of anthocyanins from red grape juice and red wine. J. Biomed. Biotechnol. 2004, 2004, 293–298.
Milbury, P.E.; Vita, J.A.; Blumberg, J.B. Anthocyanins are bioavailable in humans following an acute dose of cranberry juice. J. Nutr. 2010, 140, 1099–1104.
Keane, K.M.; Bell, P.G.; Lodge, J.K.; Constantinou, C.L.; Jenkinson, S.E.; Bass, R.; Howatson, G. Phytochemical uptake following human consumption of Montmorency tart cherry (L. Prunus cerasus) and influence of phenolic acids on vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro. Eur. J. Nutr. 2016, 55, 1695–1705.
Kuntz, S.; Rudloff, S.; Asseburg, H.; Borsch, C.; Fröhling, B.; Unger, F.; Dold, S.; Spengler, B.; Römpp, A.; Kunz, C. Uptake and bioavailability of anthocyanins and phenolic acids from grape/blueberry juice and smoothie in vitro and in vivo. Br. J. Nutr. 2015, 113, 1044–1055.
Giordano, L.; Coletta, W.; Tamburrelli, C.; D’Imperio, M.; Crescente, M.; Silvestri, C.; Rapisarda, P.; Reforgiato Recupero, G.; De Curtis, A.; Iacoviello, L.; et al. Four-week ingestion of blood orange juice results in measurable anthocyanin urinary levels but does not affect cellular markers related to cardiovascular risk: A randomized cross-over study in healthy volunteers. Eur. J. Nutr. 2012, 51, 541–548.
Wiczkowski, W.; Romaszko, E.; Piskula, M.K. Bioavailability of cyanidin glycosides from natural chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) juice with dietary-relevant dose of anthocyanins in humans. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2010, 58, 12130–12136.
McGhie, T.K.; Ainge, G.D.; Barnett, L.E.; Cooney, J.M.; Jensen, D.J. Anthocyanin glycosides from berry fruit are absorbed and excreted unmetabolized by both humans and rats. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2003, 51, 4539–4548.
Morazzoni, P.; Bombardelli, E. Vaccinium myrtillus L. Fitoterapia 1996, 67, 3–29.
He, J.; Giusti, M.M. Anthocyanins: Natural colorants with health-promoting properties. Annu. Rev. Food Sci. Technol. 2010, 1, 163–187.
Oliveira, H.; Perez-Gregório, R.; Freitas, V.; Mateus, N.; Fernandes, I. Comparison of the in vitro gastrointestinal bioavailability of acylated and non-acylated anthocyanins: Purple-fleshed sweet potato vs red wine. Food Chem. 2018, 276, 410–418.
Passamonti, S.; Vrhovsek, U.; Mattivi, F. The interaction of anthocyanins with bilitranslocase. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 2002, 296, 631–636.
Velderrain-Rodríguez, G.R.; Palafox-Carlos, H.; Wall-Medrano, A.; Ayala-Zavala, J.F.; Chen, C.Y.O.; Robles-Sánchez, M.; Astiazaran-García, H.; Alvarez-Parrilla, E.; González-Aguilar, G.A. Phenolic compounds: Their journey after intake. Food Funct. 2014, 5, 189–197.
Han, F.; Oliveira, H.; Brás, N.F.; Fernandes, I.; Cruz, L.; de Freitas, V.; Mateus, N. In vitro gastrointestinal absorption of red wine anthocyanins–Impact of structural complexity and phase II metabolization. Food Chem. 2020, 317, 126398.
Ramos, P.; Herrera, R.; Moya-león, M.A. Anthocyanins: Food sources and benefits to consumer’s health. In Handbook of Anthocyanins; Warner, L.M., Ed.; Nova Science Publishers, Inc.: New York, NY, USA, 2014; pp. 363–384.
Eker, M.E.; Aaby, K.; Budic-Leto, I.; Brncic, S.R.; El, S.N.; Karakaya, S.; Simsek, S.; Manach, C.; Wiczkowski, W.; De Pascual-Teresa, S. A review of factors affecting anthocyanin bioavailability: Possible implications for the inter-individual variability. Foods 2020, 9, 2.
Mueller, D.; Jung, K.; Winter, M.; Rogoll, D.; Melcher, R.; Kulozik, U.; Schwarz, K.; Richling, E. Encapsulation of anthocyanins from bilberries–Effects on bioavailability and intestinal accessibility in humans. Food Chem. 2018, 248, 217–224.
Rodriguez-Mateos, A.; Vauzour, D.; Krueger, C.G.; Shanmuganayagam, D.; Reed, J.; Calani, L.; Mena, P.; Del Rio, D.; Crozier, A. Bioavailability, bioactivity and impact on health of dietary flavonoids and related compounds: An update. Arch. Toxicol. 2014, 88, 1803–1853.
Norberto, S.; Silva, S.; Meireles, M.; Faria, A.; Pintado, M.; Calhau, C. Blueberry anthocyanins in health promotion: A metabolic overview. J. Funct. Foods 2013, 5, 1518–1528.
Azzini, E.; Bugianesi, R.; Romano, F.; Di Venere, D.; Miccadei, S.; Durazzo, A.; Foddai, M.S.; Catasta, G.; Linsalata, V.; Maiani, G. Absorption and metabolism of bioactive molecules after oral consumption of cooked edible heads of Cynara scolymus L. (cultivar Violetto di Provenza) in human subjects: A pilot study. Br. J. Nutr. 2007, 97, 963–969.
Martini, S.; Conte, A.; Tagliazucchi, D. Bioactivity and cell metabolism of in vitro digested sweet cherry (Prunus avium) phenolic compounds. Int. J. Food Sci. Nutr. 2018, 70, 335–348.
Dharmawansa, K.V.S.; Hoskin, D.W.; Rupasinghe, H.P. Chemopreventive effect of dietary anthocyanins against gastrointestinal cancers: A review of recent advances and perspectives. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21, 6555.
Mueller, D.; Jung, K.; Winter, M.; Rogoll, D.; Melcher, R.; Richling, E. Human intervention study to investigate the intestinal accessibility and bioavailability of anthocyanins from bilberries. Food Chem. 2017, 231, 275–286.
Lin, S.; Wang, Z.; Lam, K.L.; Zeng, S.; Tan, B.K.; Hu, J. Role of intestinal microecology in the regulation of energy metabolism by dietary polyphenols and their metabolites. Food Nutr. Res. 2019, 63, 1–12.
Yang, L.; Ling, W.; Yang, Y.; Chen, Y.; Tian, Z.; Du, Z.; Chen, J.; Xie, Y.; Liu, Z.; Yang, L. Role of purified anthocyanins in improving cardiometabolic risk factors in chinese men and women with prediabetes or early untreated diabetes—A randomized controlled trial. Nutrients 2017, 9, 1104.
Kim, M.J.; Rehman, S.U.; Amin, F.U.; Kim, M.O. Enhanced neuroprotection of anthocyanin-loaded PEG-gold nanoparticles against Aβ1-42-induced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration via the NF-KB /JNK/GSK3β signaling pathway. Nanomed. Nanotechnol. Biol. Med. 2017, 13, 2533–2544.
Amin, F.U.; Shah, S.A.; Badshah, H.; Khan, M.; Kim, M.O. Anthocyanins encapsulated by nanoparticles potentially improved its free radical scavenging capabilities via p38/JNK pathway against Aβ1-42-induced oxidative stress. J. Nanobiotechnol. 2017, 15, 12.
Thibado, S.; Thornthwaite, J.; Ballard, T.; Goodman, B. Anticancer effects of bilberry anthocyanins compared with NutraNanoSphere encapsulated bilberry anthocyanins. Mol. Clin. Oncol. 2017, 8, 330–335.

© Text is available under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Upload a video for this entry

Information

Subjects: Nutrition & Dietetics

Contributors MDPI registered users' name will be linked to their SciProfiles pages. To register with us, please refer to https://encyclopedia.pub/register :

Ana R. Nunes

View Times: 471

Update Date: 08 Aug 2023

Table of Contents

Video Upload Options

Confirm