ISHS Acta Horticulturae 744: I International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruits and Vegetables
BIOACTIVITY, ABSORPTION AND METABOLISM OF ANTHOCYANINS |
| Author: | G. Mazza |
| Keywords: | flavonoids, pigments, coronary heart disease, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective effects, in vitro studies, in vivo studies, clinical trials |
| Abstract:
Anthocyanins are responsible for most of the red, blue and purple colors of fruits, vegetables, flowers and other plant tissues or products. They are particularly abundant in berries and other fruits with red, blue, or purple color and in red wines. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that anthocyanins display a wide range of biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-carcinogenic activities; improvement of vision; induction of apoptosis; and neuroprotective effects. However, while anthocyanins have powerful bioactive characteristics in vitro, there is much we do not understand about these compounds in vivo, with little data regarding their absorption and metabolism in humans. Recent evidence from our laboratory indicates that anthocyanins are absorbed and metabolized by humans. The metabolites persist in the urine for up to 24 h and retain their basic anthocyanin structure. Initial pharmacokinetic evidence suggests that the concentration of the parent glycosides and their glucuronide derivatives are prominent in early blood samples (0–5 h), with increasing methylation occurring over time. This evidence suggests that anthocyanins bioactivity is likely altered over time as a result of metabolic transformation post consumption. | |
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