Anthocyanins by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Anthocyanin Research

Anthocyanins are compounds found in plants, particularly berries, that have powerful antioxidant properties. Anthocyanins also provide some of the coloring or pigment of plants, flowers and fruits. Next to chlorophyll, anthocyanins are the most important group of plant pigments visible to the human eye. Strawberries have a high content of anthocyanins. Bilberry, Blackberry and Black Currant also have a high concentration of anthocyanins. Scientists have identified more than 500 different anthocyanins.
  
Anthocyanins are the largest group of water-soluble pigments in the plant kingdom and belong to the family of compounds known as flavonoids.

The color of fruitsm vegetables and flowers
Anthocyanins, anthocyanidins, and proanthocyanidins are a large water-soluble pigment group found in a large number of fruits, vegetables and flowers. particularly grapes and berries. These pigments give plants their brilliant colors ranging from pink through scarlet, purple and blue. Bilberry and other berries have a high concentration of anthocyanins. Scientists have identified several hundred different anthocyanins, including pelargonidin, malvidin, delphinidin, peonidin, and cyanidin, all attached to a sugar molecule. Anthocyanidins are similar to anthocyanins but they do not have a sugar molecule.

Bilberry Extract with anthocyanins

Bilberry Extract, also referred to as blueberry, is a potent extract yielding key bioflavonoids and antioxidants called anthocyanosides, anthocyanins, ellagitannins, and proanthocyanidins. A controlled extraction process guarantees at least 25% anthocyanosides.

Bilberry Supplement Facts:
Bilberry Fruit Standardized Extract - 80 mg*
   (Vaccinium myrtillus)
   Yielding 20 mg anthocyanosides

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Bilberry and anthocyanins
Anthocyanosides are the pharmacologically active constituents of bilberries. They consist of a backbone known as anthocyanidin which is bound to one of three sugars: arabinose, glucose, or galactose. Five different anthocyanidins in bilberry produce more than fifteen different anthocyanosides. The fresh fruit contains an anthocyanoside concentration of 0.1 to 0.25 percent. A concentrated bilberry extract however yields 25% anthocyanidin content, which corresponds to about 38% anthocyanosides.

What is an anthocyanidin?
Anthocyanidin plus a sugar molecule leads to an anthocyanin.

Health benefit of anthocyanins
Major sources of anthocyanins in the American diet are blueberries, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, black currants, purple grapes and red wine. Anthocyanins have a wide range of biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-cancer activities. In addition they display a variety of effects on blood vessels, platelets and lipoproteins able to reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases.

Anthocyanins and cancer
Anthocyanins, which give color to most red, purple and blue fruits and vegetables, may help protect against colon cancer and other types of cancer.

Absorption and distribution of anthocyanins
When absorbed into the bloodstream from food, anthocyanins can accumulate in tissues, including the liver, eye, and brain.

Anthocyanin intake and daily consumption
The intake of anthocyanins in humans has been estimated to be 180 to 200 mg/day in the US, which is much higher than the intake (25 mg/day) of other flavonoids, including quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, apigenin, and luteolin.

Anthocyanins in black raspberries
Several anthocyanins are present in black raspberries: cyanidin 3-sambubioside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-xylosylrutinoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, and pelargonidin 3-rutinoside.

Anthocyanin Research Update
Inhibition of protein and lipid oxidation in liposomes by berry phenolics.
J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Dec 1;52(24):7419-24.
The antioxidant activity of berry phenolics (at concentrations of 1.4, 4.2, and 8.4 mug of purified extracts/mL of liposome sample) such as anthocyanins, ellagitannins, and proanthocyanidins from raspberry (Rubus idaeus), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), and black currant (Ribes nigrum) was investigated in a lactalbumin-liposome system. The extent of protein oxidation was measured by determining the loss of tryptophan fluorescence and formation of protein carbonyl compounds and that of lipid oxidation by conjugated diene hydroperoxides and hexanal analyses. The antioxidant protection toward lipid oxidation was best provided by lingonberry and bilberry phenolics followed by black currant and raspberry phenolics. Bilberry and raspberry phenolics exhibited the best overall antioxidant activity toward protein oxidation. Proanthocyanidins, especially the dimeric and trimeric forms, in lingonberries were among the most active phenolic constituents toward both lipid and protein oxidation. In bilberries and black currants, anthocyanins contributed the most to the antioxidant effect by inhibiting the formation of both hexanal and protein carbonyls. In raspberries, ellagitannins were responsible for the antioxidant activity. While the antioxidant effect of berry proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins was dose-dependent, ellagitannins appeared to be equally active at all concentrations. In conclusion, berries are rich in monomeric and polymeric phenolic compounds providing protection toward both lipid and protein oxidation.

Anthocyanins Protect Against A2E Photooxidation and Membrane Permeabilization in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells.
Photochem Photobiol. 2005 Dec 1
The pyridinium bisretinoid A2E, an autofluorescent pigment that accumulates in retinal pigment epithelial cells with age and in some retinal disorders, can mediate a detergent-like perturbation of cell membranes and light-induced damage to the cell. The photodynamic events initiated by the sensitization of A2E include the generation of singlet oxygen and the oxidation of A2E at carbon-carbon double bonds. To assess the ability of plant-derived anthocyanins to modulate adverse effects of A2E accumulation on RPE cells, these flavylium salts were isolated from extracts of bilberry. Nine anthocyanin fractions reflecting monoglycosides of delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin and malvidin were obtained and all were shown to suppress the photooxidation of A2E, at least in part, by quenching singlet oxygen. The anthocyanins tested exhibited antioxidant activity of variable efficiency. Cells that had taken up anthocyanins also exhibited a resistance to the membrane permeabilization that occurs as a result of the detergent-like action of A2E.

Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori in vitro by various berry extracts, with enhanced susceptibility to clarithromycin.
Mol Cell Biochem. 2004 Oct;265(1-2):19-26.
Department of Pediatrics, Creighton University Health Sciences Center, Omaha, NE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of various berry extracts, with and without clarithromycin on Helicobacter pylori. Resistance to clarithromycin by H. pylori has been reported, leading to interest in alternatives/adjuncts to therapy with clarithromycin. H. pylori American type culture collection (ATCC) strain 49503 was grown, cell suspensions were made in PBS and diluted 10-fold. One hundred microL of the suspension was then incubated for 18 h with extracts of raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, elderberry, blueberry, bilberry, and OptiBerry, a blend of the six berries, at 0.25-1% concentrations. Serially diluted cell suspensions were exposed for 1 h to clarithromycin at 15 microg/ml. Ten microl of bacterial samples from the 10(-7) dilution tube were plated and incubated for 18 h and the number of colonies were counted. Growth of H. pylori was confirmed by the CLO test. All berry extracts significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited H. pylori, compared with controls, and also increased susceptibility of H. pylori to clarithromycin, with OptiBerry demonstrating maximal effects.

Isolation of two anthocyanin sambubiosides from bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) by high-speed counter-current chromatography.
J Chromatogr A. 2004 Aug 6;1045(1-2):59-63.
High-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) was used for the separation of anthocyanins on a preparative scale from bilberry fruit crude extract (Vaccinium myrtillus, Ericaceae) with a biphasic solvent system composed of methyl tert-butyl ether-n-butanol-acetonitrile-water-trifluoroacetic acid (1:4:1:5:0.01, v/v). Each injection of 500 mg crude extract yielded 130 mg of pure delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside, and 77 mg of pure cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside. The two anthocyanin disaccharides with a glucose (2 --> 1) xylose unit are novel compounds for bilberry fruit, and were elucidated by means of electrospray ionization MS-MS, 1H, 13C, distortion less enhancement by polarization transfer NMR, and two-dimensional HC-correlation experiments (heteronuclear multiple bond correlation and heteronuclear multiple quantum correlation).

Comparison of HPLC methods for determination of anthocyanins and anthocyanidins in bilberry extracts.
J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Feb 25;52(4):688-91.
An HPLC method and an acid hydrolysis HPLC method for the analysis of anthocyanins and anthocyanidins in bilberry extracts have been developed. The HPLC method coupled with a mass detector has identified 11 anthocyanins in bilberry extracts. The method provides anthocyanin profiles that are very useful in verifying the identity of botanical raw materials, monitoring the consistency of the raw material source, and quantitating the total anthocyanins. The acid hydrolysis HPLC method greatly simplifies the anthocyanin profile in bilberry samples and converts anthocyanins to five major anthocyanidin aglycones: delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, peonidin, and malvidin. Each of these aglycones can be separated completely and quantitated accurately with external standards. Various extraction and hydrolysis conditions were investigated, and the advantages and disadvantages of the HPLC and acid hydrolysis methods are discussed.

Anthocyanosides of Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) for night vision--a systematic review of placebo-controlled trials.
Surv Ophthalmol. 2004 Jan-Feb;49(1):38-50.
We have systematically reviewed placebo-controlled trials of V. myrtillus-extracted anthocyanosides for evidence of positive effects on night vision. Searches of computerized databases and citations in retrieved articles identified 30 trials with outcome measures relevant to vision in reduced light. Of these, 12 were placebo-controlled. The 4 most recent trials were all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and were negative in outcome. A fifth RCT and 7 non-randomized controlled trials reported positive effects on outcome measures relevant to night vision. Negative outcome was associated with more rigorous methodology but also with lower dose level and extracts from geographically distinct sources that may differ in anthocyanoside composition. Healthy subjects with normal or above average eyesight were tested in 11 of the 12 trials. The hypothesis that V. myrtillus anthocyanosides improves normal night vision is not supported by evidence from rigorous clinical studies. There is a complete absence of rigorous research into the effects of the extract on subjects suffering impaired night vision due to pathological eye conditions. Evidence from methodologically weaker trials and auxiliary evidence from animal studies, trials of synthetic anthocyanosides, and a recent randomized controlled trial of Ribes nigrum (black currant) anthocyanosides may warrant further trials of V. myrtillus anthocyanosides in subjects with impaired night vision.

Simultaneous comparison of relative reactivities of twelve major anthocyanins in bilberry towards reactive nitrogen species.
Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2004 Nov;52(11):1312-5.
The reactivities of twelve major anthocyanins identified in bilberry extracts towards nitric oxide (NO.) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) were studied in vitro using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). The reactivities of the anthocyanins towards NO. were slightly weak compared with that of (+)-catechin as a reference antioxidant under anaerobic conditions except delphinidin glycosides (Dp3glys). The reactivities of other anthocyanins were not significantly affected by either the aglycon structure or the type of sugar moiety. Under aerobic conditions, all anthocyanins and catechin showed significant enhancement of the reactivity, indicating that they reacted with other reactive species secondarily generated from NO. . Dp3glys showed rather extraordinally high reactivity towards ONOO- compared to other anthocyanins which showed approximately two times low reactivity than catechin when compared with IC50. Structural divergence in the reactivity was also small for all these anthocyanins.

Effects of commercial anthocyanin-rich extracts on colonic cancer and nontumorigenic colonic cell growth.
J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Oct 6;52(20):6122-8.
Commercially prepared grape (Vitis vinifera), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), and chokeberry (Aronia meloncarpa E.) anthocyanin-rich extracts (AREs) were investigated for their potential chemopreventive activity against colon cancer. The growth of colon-cancer-derived HT-29 and nontumorigenic colonic NCM460 cells exposed to semipurified AREs (10-75 microg of monomeric anthocyanin/mL) was monitored for up to 72 h using a sulforhodamine B assay. All extracts inhibited the growth of HT-29 cells, with chokeberry ARE being the most potent inhibitor. HT-29 cell growth was inhibited approximately 50% after 48 h of exposure to 25 microg/mL chokeberry ARE. Most importantly, the growth of NCM460 cells was not inhibited at lower concentrations of all three AREs, illustrating greater growth inhibition of colon cancer, as compared to nontumorigenic colon cells. Extracts were semipurified and characterized by high-pressure liquid chromatography, spectrophotometry, and colorimetry. Grape anthocyanins were the glucosylated derivatives of five different anthocyanidin molecules, with or without p-coumaric acid acylation. Bilberry contained five different anthocyanidins glycosylated with galactose, glucose, and arabinose. Chokeberry anthocyanins were cyanidin derivatives, monoglycosylated mostly with galactose and arabinose. The varying compositions and degrees of growth inhibition suggest that the anthocyanin chemical structure may play an important role in the growth inhibitory activity of commercially available AREs.

Effect of anthocyanins contained in a blackberry extract on the circulatory failure and multiple organ dysfunction caused by endotoxin in the rat.
Planta Med. 2004 Aug;70(8):745-52.
Anthocyanins are a group of naturally occurring phenolic compounds related to the colouring of plants, flowers and fruits. These pigments are important as quality indicators, chemotaxonomic markers and for their antioxidant activities. Here we have investigated the therapeutic efficacy of anthocyanins contained in a blackberry extract on (i) circulatory failure, (ii), multiple organ dysfunction and (iii) activity of the inducible isoforms of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) in anaesthetised rats with endotoxic shock. In a model of endotoxic shock induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, E. coli, 10 mg/kg, i.v.) in the rat, pretreatment with anthocyanins present in the blackberry extract (5 mg/kg, i. v. 30 min before LPS) prevented the hypotension induced by LPS. Endotoxaemia also caused rises in the serum levels of (i) glutamyl oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamyl pyruvic transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphates and bilirubin (hepatic dysfunction) (ii) creatinine (renal dysfunction), (iii) amylase and lipase (pancreatic injury), (iii) NOx and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. Anthocyanins attenuated the hepatic and pancreatic injury, the renal dysfunction and decreased NOx and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels. Endotoxaemia for 6 h resulted in a substantial increase in iNOS and COX activity in rat lung, which was attenuated in rats pretreated with anthocyanins. Moreover, anthocyanins inhibited in vitro iNOS and COX activity from lung of LPS-treated rats. Polymorphonuclear (PMN) infiltration (myeloperoxidase activity), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde levels), as well as tissue injury (histological examination) induced by LPS in rat lung and ileum was reduced by anthocyanins. Furthermore, endotoxaemia induced the formation of nitrotyrosine and poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase (PARS) activation as determined by immunohistochemical analysis of lung and ileum tissues. The degree of staining was lowered by anthocyanin treatment. These results indicate that the anthocyanins contained in the blackberry extract exert multiple protective effects in endotoxic shock.

Induction of apoptosis in cancer cells by Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and the anthocyanins.
J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Jan 1;51(1):68-75.
Among ethanol extracts of 10 edible berries, bilberry extract was found to be the most effective at inhibiting the growth of HL60 human leukemia cells and HCT116 human colon carcinoma cells in vitro. Bilberry extract induced apoptotic cell bodies and nucleosomal DNA fragmentation in HL60 cells. Of the extracts tested, that from bilberry contained the largest amounts of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, and showed the greatest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Pure delphinidin and malvidin, like the glycosides isolated from the bilberry extract, induced apoptosis in HL60 cells. These results indicate that the bilberry extract and the anthocyanins, bearing delphinidin or malvidin as the aglycon, inhibit the growth of HL60 cells through the induction of apoptosis. Only pure delphinidin and the glycoside isolated from the bilberry extract, but not malvidin and the glycoside, inhibited the growth of HCT116 cells.

Anti-angiogenic, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties of a novel anthocyanin-rich berry extract formula.
Biochemistry (Mosc). 2004 Jan;69(1):75-80, 1 p preceding 75. Bagchi D, Sen CK, Bagchi M, Atalay M.
Department of Pharmacy Sciences, Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Edible berry anthocyanins possess a broad spectrum of therapeutic and anti-carcinogenic properties. Berries are rich in anthocyanins, compounds that provide pigmentation to fruits and serve as natural antioxidants. Anthocyanins repair and protect genomic DNA integrity. Earlier studies have shown that berry anthocyanins are beneficial in reducing age-associated oxidative stress, as well as in improving neuronal and cognitive brain function. Six berry extracts (wild blueberry, bilberry, cranberry, elderberry, raspberry seeds, and strawberry) were studied for antioxidant efficacy, cytotoxic potential, cellular uptake, and anti-angiogenic (the ability to reduce unwanted growth of blood vessels, which can lead to varicose veins and tumor formation) properties. We evaluated various combinations of edible berry extracts and developed a synergistic formula, OptiBerry IH141, which exhibited high ORAC (Oxygen-Radical Absorbing Capacity) value, low cytotoxicity, and superior anti-angiogenic properties compared to the other combinations tested. Anti-angiogenic approaches to treat cancer represent a priority area in vascular tumor biology. OptiBerry significantly inhibited both H2O2- and TNF-alpha-induced VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) expression by human keratinocytes. VEGF is a key regulator of tumor angiogenesis. Matrigel assay using human microvascular endothelial cells showed that OptiBerry impaired angiogenesis. In an in vivo model of angiogenesis, OptiBerry significantly inhibited basal MCP-1 and inducible NF-kappaB transcriptions. Endothelioma cells pretreated with OptiBerry showed a diminished ability to form hemangioma and markedly decreased tumor growth by more than 50%. In essence, these studies highlight the novel anti-angiogenic, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic potential of a novel anthocyanin-rich berry extract formula, OptiBerry.

Comparison of HPLC methods for determination of anthocyanins and anthocyanidins in bilberry extracts.
J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Feb 25;52(4):688-91.
An HPLC method and an acid hydrolysis HPLC method for the analysis of anthocyanins and anthocyanidins in bilberry extracts have been developed. The HPLC method coupled with a mass detector has identified 11 anthocyanins in bilberry extracts. The method provides anthocyanin profiles that are very useful in verifying the identity of botanical raw materials, monitoring the consistency of the raw material source, and quantitating the total anthocyanins. The acid hydrolysis HPLC method greatly simplifies the anthocyanin profile in bilberry samples and converts anthocyanins to five major anthocyanidin aglycones: delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, peonidin, and malvidin. Each of these aglycones can be separated completely and quantitated accurately with external standards. Various extraction and hydrolysis conditions were investigated, and the advantages and disadvantages of the HPLC and acid hydrolysis methods are discussed.

Complete assignment of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) anthocyanins separated by capillary zone electrophoresis.
Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2004 Feb;52(2):226-9.
Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) mobilities of fifteen anthocyanins in bilberry extract were completely characterized. Four minor anthocyanins in bilberry extract (malvidin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (Mv 3-ara), peonidin 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (Pn 3-gal), peonidin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (Pn 3-ara), and petunidin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (Pt 3-ara)) that remained unidentified in our previous CZE study were isolated from the bilberry extract, and the chemical structures were assigned by NMR and MS. Their CZE mobilities were then precisely examined together with those of other major anthocyanins in the extract. When the CZE mobilities of the fifteen anthocyanins assigned here were plotted against their molecular weight/numbers of free phenolic group, it was found that separation of anthocyanins by CZE is primarily determined by the type of conjugated sugar present, and secondly by the aglycon structure.

Potential mechanisms of cancer chemoprevention by anthocyanins.
Curr Mol Med. 2003 Mar;3(2):149-59.
Anthocyanins are the chemical components that give the intense color to many fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, red cabbages and purple sweet potatoes. Epidemiological investigations have indicated that the moderate consumption of anthocyanin products such as red wine or bilberry extract is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and improvement of visual functions. Recently, there is increasing interesting in the pharmaceutical function of anthocyanins. This review summarizes current knowledge on the various molecular evidences of cancer chemoprevention by anthocyanins. These mechanisms can be subdivided into the following aspects: 1) the antioxidation; 2) the molecular mechanisms involved in anticarcinogenesis; 3) the molecular mechanisms involved in the apoptosis induction of tumor cells. Finally, the bioavailability and structure-activity relationship of anthocyanins are also summarized.

Induction of apoptosis in cancer cells by Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and the anthocyanins.
J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Jan 1;51(1):68-75.
Among ethanol extracts of 10 edible berries, bilberry extract was found to be the most effective at inhibiting the growth of HL60 human leukemia cells and HCT116 human colon carcinoma cells in vitro. Bilberry extract induced apoptotic cell bodies and nucleosomal DNA fragmentation in HL60 cells. The proportion of apoptotic cells induced by bilberry extract in HCT116 was much lower than that in HL60 cells, and DNA fragmentation was not induced in the former. Of the extracts tested, that from bilberry contained the largest amounts of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, and showed the greatest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Pure delphinidin and malvidin, like the glycosides isolated from the bilberry extract, induced apoptosis in HL60 cells. These results indicate that the bilberry extract and the anthocyanins, bearing delphinidin or malvidin as the aglycon, inhibit the growth of HL60 cells through the induction of apoptosis. Only pure delphinidin and the glycoside isolated from the bilberry extract, but not malvidin and the glycoside, inhibited the growth of HCT116 cells.

Structural and functional characterization of polyphenols isolated from acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) fruit.
Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2005 Feb;69(2):280-6.
Two anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-alpha-O-rhamnoside (C3R) and pelargonidin-3-alpha-O-rhamnoside (P3R), and quercitrin (quercetin-3-alpha-O-rhamnoside), were isolated from acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) fruit. These polyphenols were evaluated based on the functional properties associated with diabetes mellitus or its complications, that is, on the radical scavenging activity and the inhibitory effect on both alpha-glucosidase and advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation. C3R and quercitrin revealed strong radical scavenging activity. While the inhibitory profiles of isolated polyphenols except quercitrin towards alpha-glucosidase activity were low, all polyphenols strongly inhibited AGE formation.

Mulberry anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-rutinoside and cyanidin 3-glucoside, exhibited an inhibitory effect on the migration and invasion of a human lung cancer cell line.
Cancer Lett. 2005 Jun 21.
Anthocyanins, present in various fruits and vegetables as natural colorant, have been well characterized to be involved in various bioactive properties and are wildly used for their antioxidant properties. Furthermore, recent studies have revealed pleiotropic anticancer and antiproliferative capabilities of anthocyanin. Berry extract contains high amounts of anthocyanins and is commonly used in diet or in some therapeutic applications. In this study, we first observed that cyanidin 3-rutinoside and cyanidin 3-glucoside ( extracted from Morus alba L. mulberry ) exerted a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the migration and invasion, of highly metastatic A549 human lung carcinoma cells in absence of cytotoxicity. These result suggested that anthocyanins from mulberry could decrease the in vitro invasiveness of cancer cells and therefore, may be of great value in developing a potential cancer therapy.

The acai berry also has a high content of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are common ingredients of human diet, and the rich source of them are: aronia fruits, black currant, raspberry, grapes and apples. Because of their chemical structure they are able to influence many active substances in human body having antioxidative, antiinflammatory and cardioprotective activity.

Anthocyanin questions
Q. How good are anthocyanins in eyesight protection?
   A. In my opinion anthocyanins are good molecules for eyesight health, but there are many flavonoids, carotenoids and other compounds, such as fish oils, which are necessary for optimal vision.

Q. Do anthocyanins help with sexual enhancement?
   A. I'm not sure.

Q. I am a health food store owner and received an email that said: Ontroducing CYAN-X, the multi anthocyanin extract, from United Nutrition. CYAN-X multi anthocyanins is a proprietary powder blend of berries and fruit standardized for anythocyanin content. Anthocyanins are versatile flavonoid pigments found in red and purple fruits and vegetables, including cabbage, beets, blueberries, cherries, raspberries and grapes. Anthocyanins are associated as potent antioxidants with health benefits related to cardiovascular disease, eye health, as an anti-inflammatory and overall health.
   What is your opinion of this CYAN-X product?
   A. Anthocyanins are beneficial substances but I am not aware of specific research with this prroprietary blend.