Potential health benefits of anthocyanins in oxidative stress related disorders

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring water-soluble plant pigments belonging to the flavonoids chemical class. The red, blue and purple colours of leaves, flowers and fruits of plants confirm that they are rich sources of anthocyanins. Many in vivo and in vitro studies reveal that anthocyanins have different health beneficial effects such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antihypertensive and anticancer properties. Major benefits of anthocyanin administration are owing to their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Recent investigations have revealed that anti-inflammatory activities of anthocyanins follow the inhibitory pathways of NF-кB-mediated decline of inflammatory cytokines production. Inhibition of the anti-inflammatory pathways also influences the modulation of arteriolar disorders and cardiovascular complications due to anthocyanin administration. Moreover, anthocyanins improve diabetes, obesity and cancer pathology by inhibiting NF-кB-mediated inflammatory pathways. However, considerable variations in activities do exist among structurally diverse anthocyanins. This review appraises the recent literature regarding the health benefits of anthocyanins and their molecular mechanisms in various oxidative stress related pathophysiological conditions.