Can anthocyanins reach the brain?5 answersAnthocyanins, being water-soluble polyphenolic compounds, have the ability to reach the brain. Studies have shown that anthocyanins can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in various regions of the brain. However, the bioavailability of anthocyanins in the brain is relatively low compared to their metabolites. While some anthocyanins like Cy3Gal and Cy3G have shown the capability to protect against ischemia-induced brain damage, others have demonstrated limited ability to directly prevent neurotoxicity. Additionally, research indicates that the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier may exhibit selectivity towards certain anthocyanins, allowing only specific derivatives to enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Therefore, anthocyanins can indeed reach the brain, albeit with variations in bioavailability and protective effects against neurodegenerative processes.
How have anthocyanins been shown to impact biomarkers of health in humans in the latest clinical studies?7 answersRecent clinical studies have demonstrated that anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid found in various fruits and vegetables, have significant impacts on biomarkers of health in humans. These impacts span across various aspects of metabolic health, including improvements in body composition, glycemic control, lipid profiles, and even potential benefits in chronic disease management and prevention.
Anthocyanins have been shown to induce healthy changes in body fat mass and body mass index (BMI), with more pronounced effects observed in subjects with type 2 diabetes and those who used anthocyanins as supplements or extracts. This is supported by findings that anthocyanin-rich food consumption significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in both diabetic and obese subjects. Moreover, specific plasma metabolome biomarkers associated with anthocyanin intake from different dietary sources have been linked to reduced cardiometabolic risk, suggesting a connection between berry intake and cardiometabolic health benefits.
The bioavailability of anthocyanins, which is crucial for their health benefits, has been found to be low; however, strategies such as protein binding have been reported to enhance their bioactivity, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability. Additionally, anthocyanins have shown potential in modulating ligand-receptor bindings, cell membrane permeability, and intracellular signaling pathways, offering benefits in the management of osteoarthritis and obesity. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, along with effects on glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and pancreatic islet function, underscore their role in diabetes mellitus prevention and management.
Umbrella reviews have further confirmed the association of anthocyanins with reduced risks of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, improvements in plasmatic lipids, glucose metabolism, and endothelial function, without affecting blood pressure. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, and modulation of gut microbiota and neuropeptides suggest potential in treating central nervous system disorders. In vitro assays have also highlighted anthocyanins' anticancer potential by inhibiting cancer cell viability and promoting apoptosis. Despite their instability, which limits application, ongoing research focuses on enhancing the stability of anthocyanins for broader use in food and medicine.
Why does anthocyanin release higher at alkali conditions?3 answersAnthocyanin release is higher under alkali conditions due to the impact of alkaline pH on the stability and structure of anthocyanins. The alkaline conditions can lead to the unfolding of protein structures, exposing sulfhydryl and hydrophobic groups, which enhances the oxidation stability of anthocyanins. Additionally, the alkaline pH can promote the binding of a specific apple MYB transcription factor (MdMYB3) to the promoters of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes (MdDFR and MdUFGT), resulting in increased expression and activity of these genes. This acid-induced MdMYB3 transcription factor plays a crucial role in promoting anthocyanin accumulation under moderately acidic conditions. Therefore, the higher release of anthocyanins under alkali conditions can be attributed to the stability and structure changes induced by alkaline pH, as well as the activation of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes by acid-induced transcription factors.
What is the role of anthocyanins in the drought stress response of plants?5 answersAnthocyanins play a crucial role in the drought stress response of plants. They act as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers, protecting plants from oxidative damage and enhancing their sustainability. Under abiotic stress conditions, such as drought, plants produce anthocyanins in response to ROS signaling via the transcription of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes. Anthocyanins are utilized in antioxidant activities by scavenging excess ROS, thereby reducing oxidative damage to plants. The accumulation of anthocyanins in plants subjected to drought stress is associated with their ability to cope with the stress. Transgenic tobacco plants that over-accumulate anthocyanins showed a higher drought tolerance compared to wild-type plants. Additionally, ABA, a stress hormone, is involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis under drought stress. Overall, anthocyanins contribute to the acquired tolerance of plants to drought stress by protecting against oxidative damage and enhancing stress tolerance.
Are anthocyanins toxic for yeast cells?5 answersAnthocyanins, the pigments responsible for the color of fruits and vegetables, have been studied for their potential toxicity to yeast cells. The results from the studies suggest that the effects of anthocyanins on yeast cells are concentration-dependent. Low concentrations of cyanidin, a common anthocyanidin, were found to be toxic to yeast cells lacking the transcription factor Skn7, especially when exposed to visible light. On the other hand, high concentrations of cyanidin were shown to induce the translocation of the transcription factor Yap1 from the cytosol to the nucleus, possibly through the generation of reactive oxygen species, and impair yeast cell growth. However, other studies have shown that the adsorption of ochratoxin A, a mycotoxin, by yeast cells did not significantly affect the adsorption of anthocyanins in wine. Overall, the toxicity of anthocyanins to yeast cells appears to be dependent on the concentration and specific conditions of exposure.
What are the different methods that can be used to characterize anthocyanins using column chromatography?5 answersDifferent methods for characterizing anthocyanins using column chromatography include HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS, differential spectrophotometric method, and reversed-phase column chromatography. HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS was used to detect and identify anthocyanins and flavonols in black peanut skins. The differential spectrophotometric method was found to be unsuitable for measuring anthocyanins acylated by substituted cinnamic acids, and a simplified method without accounting for polymeric anthocyanins was proposed. Reversed-phase column chromatography was used to efficiently purify anthocyanins from Nitraria tangutorum, and a new anthocyanin, cyanidin 3-[2″-(6‴-coumaroyl)-glucosyl]-glucoside, was elucidated.