Effect of dietary anthocyanins on biomarkers of glycemic control and glucose metabolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

[Display omitted] •This study assessed effect of anthocyanins (ACNs) on markers of glucose metabolism.•ACNs significantly reduced levels of FBS, 2-hPPG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, resistin, and PAI-1.•Intervention duration of >8 weeks and ACNs doses of >300 mg/day are more useful.•Dietary ACNs are more useful for diabetic subjects compared to other individuals. Anthocyanins, as natural food colorants, are bioactive substances with several health advantages. In this research, the effects of dietary anthocyanins on biomarkers of glycemic control and glucose metabolism was evaluated through a meta-analysis. The results revealed a significant reduction in levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS; −2.70 mg/dl, 95% CI: −4.70 to −1.31; P 8 weeks and at doses >300 mg/day significantly reduced levels of FBS, 2-h PPG, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR. Moreover, anthocyanins administration reduced the levels of FBS, 2-h PPG, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR in type 2 diabetic subjects and HOMA-IR in overweight/obese individuals. Overall, dietary anthocyanins can be used as an adjuvant therapy to improve biomarkers of glycemic control and glucose metabolism specially in diabetic subjects.