4-Week consumption of anthocyanin-rich blood orange juice does not affect LDL-cholesterol or other biomarkers of CVD risk and glycaemia compared with standard orange juice: a randomised controlled trial

Hesperidin reduces systolic blood pressure in diabetic patients and has no effect on blood pressure in healthy individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis

In recent years, there have been a number of studies where hesperidin was administered to modify arterial blood pressure, but the conclusions of each study are contradictory. In order to investigate the effect of hesperidin on blood pressure, we searched the CNKI, Wanfang Database, the VIP database, Sinomed database, Pubmed, Embase and The Cochrane Library databases, and searched the literature on hesperidin and blood pressure published in Chinese and English journals, mainly focusing on patients' systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. The search time frame was from the inception of the databases until December 2023. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the overall quality and used Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ) to measure agreement. We did preliminary screening of the retrieved literature through Notexpress, 14 articles with a total of 656 patients were included. Cochrance data conversion tool was used for data conversion, and RevMan 5.3 was used for meta-analysis, and finally Stata was used to make the Egger's test for the included study. The results of total population blood pressure showed that hesperidin had no antihypertensive effect on the population, but the conclusions changed when the population was divided into groups. The results of different populations showed that hesperidin had no effect on systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -0.50, 95% CI: -3.25 ~ 2.26, Z = 0.35, p = 0.72) and diastolic blood pressure (WMD = -0.51, 95% CI: -2.53 ~ 1.51, Z = 0.50, p = 0.62) in healthy individuals. However, hesperidin reduced systolic blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes (WMD = -4.32, 95% CI: - 7.77 ~ - 0.87, Z = 2.45, p = 0.01), and had a tendency to reduce diastolic blood pressure in diabetic patients (WMD = -3.72, 95% CI: -7.63 ~ 0.18, Z = 1.87, p = 0.06). The results in patients with type 2 diabetes needed to be further supported by future research focusing on individuals with diabetes.

Health effects of 100% fruit and vegetable juices: evidence from human subject intervention studies

The health effects of 100% fruit and vegetable juices (FVJ) represent a controversial topic. FVJ contain notable amounts of free sugars, but also vitamins, minerals, and secondary compounds with proven biological activities like (poly)phenols and carotenoids. The review aimed to shed light on the potential impact of 100% FVJ on human subject health, comprehensively assessing the role each type of juice may have in specific health outcomes for a particular target population, as reported in dietary interventions. The effects of a wide range of FVJ (orange, grapefruit, mandarin, lemon, apple, white, red, and Concord grapes, pomegranate, cranberry, chokeberry, blueberry, other minor berries, sweet and tart cherry, plum, tomato, carrot, beetroot, and watermelon, among others) were evaluated on a series of outcomes (anthropometric parameters, body composition, blood pressure and vascular function, lipid profile, glucose homeostasis, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress, cognitive function, exercise performance, gut microbiota composition and bacterial infections), providing a thorough picture of the contribution of each FVJ to a health outcome. Some juices demonstrated their ability to exert potential preventive effects on some outcomes while others on other health outcomes, emphasising how the differential composition in bioactive compounds defines juice effects. Research gaps and future prospects were discussed. Although 100% FVJ appear to have beneficial effects on some cardiometabolic health outcomes, cognition and exercise performance, or neutral effects on anthropometric parameters and body composition, further efforts are needed to better understand the impact of 100% FVJ on human subject health.

Effects of hesperidin on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant response in healthy people: a meta-analysis and meta-regression

Hesperidin is a prominent flavanone found in citrus fruits that has a broad range of biological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. The study's objective was to evaluate the effects of hesperidin supplementation on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant parameters such as MDA, TAC, GSH, SOD, and CAT; CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-4 levels respectively, by analyzing human intervention trials. Google Scholar, PubMed, grey literature databases, and the ClinicalTrials website were scanned to identify eligible studies. For the meta-analysis, eighteen studies were chosen. Hesperidin supplementation had significant lowering effect on not only CRP, IL-6, and IL-4 levels but also MDA level (Meta-regression analysis revealed a non-significant direct relationship between hesperidin dosage and chance in CRP, IL-6, and MDA levels. As a result, it can be said that hesperidin supplementation contributes to the inflammatory and antioxidant response, but this contribution is independent of dosage.

Anthocyanin Effects on Vascular and Endothelial Health: Evidence from Clinical Trials and Role of Gut Microbiota Metabolites

Hypertension and derived cardiovascular disease (CVD) are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Increased oxidative stress and inflammatory state are involved in different alterations in endothelial functions that contribute to the onset of CVD. Polyphenols, and in particular anthocyanins, have aroused great interest for their antioxidant effects and their cardioprotective role. However, anthocyanins are rarely detected in blood serum because they are primarily metabolized by the gut microbiota. This review presents studies published to date that report the main results from clinical studies on the cardioprotective effects of anthocyanins and the role of the gut microbiota in the metabolism and bioavailability of anthocyanins and their influence on the composition of the microbiota. Even if it seems that anthocyanins have a significant effect on vascular health, more studies are required to better clarify which molecules and doses show vascular benefits without forgetting the crucial role of the microbiota.

Effects of anthocyanin supplementation on blood lipid levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Dyslipidemia is a major cardiovascular disease risk factor associated with increased mortality. The intake of plant food-derived bioactive compounds is associated with beneficial cardiovascular effects, including decreased blood lipid levels and cardiovascular risk. We aimed to evaluate the effects of anthocyanin intake on blood lipid levels by analyzing relevant randomized controlled trials.

Methods

We searched the PubMed and Embase databases using the "Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes" format to determine whether anthocyanin supplementation intervention affected blood lipid levels compared with placebo supplementation in human participants.

Results

A total of 41 studies with 2,788 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Anthocyanin supplementation significantly reduced triglyceride [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.18, -0.01) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (SMD = -0.16; 95% CI -0.26, -0.07) levels and increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (SMD = 0.42; 95% CI 0.20, 0.65).

Discussion

Anthocyanin supplementation significantly improved blood lipid component levels in the included studies. Larger, well-designed clinical trials are needed to further investigate the effects of anthocyanin intake on blood lipid levels and the safety of anthocyanin supplementation for treating dyslipidemia.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021257087, identifier: CRD42021257087.

Are (poly)phenols contained in 100% fruit juices mediating their effects on cardiometabolic risk factors? A meta-regression analysis

Background

The consumption of 100% fruit juices has not been associated with substantial detrimental outcomes in population studies and may even contribute to improving the cardiometabolic profile if included in a healthy balanced diet. The main contributors to such potential beneficial effects include vitamins, minerals, and likely the (poly)phenol content. This study aimed to investigate whether the (poly)phenols contained in 100% fruit juices may mediate their effects on cardiometabolic risk factors based on published randomized controlled trials (RCT).

Methods

A systematic search in PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase, updated till the end of October 2022, was carried out to identify RCT providing quantitative data on (poly)phenol content in 100% fruit juices and used as an intervention to improve cardiometabolic parameters such as blood lipids, glucose, and blood pressure. Meta-regression analysis was performed to calculate the effect of the intervention [expressed as standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI)] using the (poly)phenol content as moderator.

Results

A total of 39 articles on RCT investigating the effects of 100% fruit juices on cardiometabolic risk factors reporting data on total (poly)phenol and anthocyanin content were included in the analysis. Total (poly)phenol content was substantially unrelated to any outcome investigated. In contrast, each 100 mg per day increase in anthocyanins was related to 1.53 mg/dL decrease in total cholesterol (95% CI, -2.83, -0.22, p = 0.022) and 1.94 mg/dL decrease in LDL cholesterol (95% CI, -3.46, -0.42, p = 0.012). No other potential mediating effects of anthocyanins on blood triglycerides, glucose, systolic and diastolic pressure were found, while a lowering effect on HDL cholesterol after excluding one outlier study was observed.

Discussion

In conclusion, the present study showed that anthocyanins may mediate the potential beneficial effects of some 100% fruit juices on some blood lipids. Increasing the content of anthocyanins through specific fruit varieties or plant breeding could enhance the health benefits of 100% fruit juices.

Regular Consumption of Cocoa and Red Berries as a Strategy to Improve Cardiovascular Biomarkers via Modulation of Microbiota Metabolism in Healthy Aging Adults

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of cocoa flavanols and red berry anthocyanins on cardiovascular biomarkers, such as homocysteine, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), nitric oxide (NO), flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), blood pressure and lipid profile. Additionally, we aimed to ascertain their possible interactions with microbiota related metabolites, such as secondary bile acids (SBA), short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). A randomized, parallel-group study, single-blind for the research team, was performed on 60 healthy volunteers between the ages of 45 and 85, who consumed 2.5 g/day of cocoa powder (9.59 mg/day of total flavanols), 5 g/day of a red berry mixture (13.9 mg/day of total anthocyanins) or 7.5 g/day of a combination of both for 12 weeks. The group that had consumed cocoa showed a significant reduction in TMAO (p = 0.03) and uric acid (p = 0.01) levels in serum, accompanied by an increase in FMD values (p = 0.03) and total polyphenols. corrected by creatinine (p = 0.03) after the intervention. These latter values negatively correlated with the TMAO concentration (R = -0.57, p = 0.02). Additionally, we observed an increase in carbohydrate fermentation in the groups that had consumed cocoa (p = 0.04) and red berries (p = 0.04) between the beginning and the end of the intervention. This increase in carbohydrate fermentation was correlated with lower levels of TC/HDL ratio (p = 0.01), systolic (p = 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.01). In conclusion, our study showed a positive modulation of microbiota metabolism after a regular intake of cocoa flavanols and red berry anthocyanins that led to an improvement in cardiovascular function, especially in the group that consumed cocoa.

Cholesterol-Lowering Activity of Vitisin A Is Mediated by Inhibiting Cholesterol Biosynthesis and Enhancing LDL Uptake in HepG2 Cells

Pyranoanthocyanins have been reported to possess better chemical stability and bioactivities than monomeric anthocyanins in some aspects. The hypocholesterolemic activity of pyranoanthocyanins is unclear. In view of this, this study was conducted to compare the cholesterol-lowering activities of Vitisin A with the anthocyanin counterpart Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside(C3G) in HepG2 cells and to investigate the interaction of Vitisin A with the expression of genes and proteins associated with cholesterol metabolism. HepG2 cells were incubated with 40 μM cholesterol and 4 μM 25-hydroxycholeterol with various concentrations of Vitisin A or C3G for 24 h. It was found that Vitisin A decreased the cholesterol levels at the concentrations of 100 μM and 200 μM with a dose-response relationship, while C3G exhibited no significant effect on cellular cholesterol. Furthermore, Vitisin A could down-regulate 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis through a sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2)-dependent mechanism, and up-regulate low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and blunt the secretion of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) protein to promote intracellular LDL uptake without LDLR degradation. In conclusion, Vitisin A demonstrated hypocholesterolemic activity, by inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis and enhancing LDL uptake in HepG2 cells.

Blood orange juice intake modulates plasma and PBMC microRNA expression in overweight and insulin-resistant women: impact on MAPK and NFκB signaling pathways

Blood orange consumption presents potential health benefits and may modulate epigenetic mechanisms such as microRNAs (miRNAs) expression. MiRNAs are non-coding RNAs responsible for post-transcriptional gene regulation, and these molecules can also be used as biomarkers in body fluids. This study was designed to investigate the effect of chronic blood orange juice (BOJ) intake on the inflammatory response and miRNA expression profile in plasma and blood cells in overweight women. The study cohort was comprised of twenty women aged 18-40 years old, diagnosed as overweight, who consumed 500 mL/d of BOJ for four weeks. Clinical data were collected at baseline and after 4 weeks of juice consumption, e.g., anthropometric and hemodynamic parameters, food intake, blood cell count, and metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. BOJ samples were analyzed and characterized. Additionally, plasma and blood cells were also collected for miRNA expression profiling and evaluation of the expression of genes and proteins in the MAPK and NFκB signaling pathways. BOJ intake increased the expression of miR-144-3p in plasma and the expression of miR-424-5p, miR-144-3p, and miR-130b-3p in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Conversely, the beverage intake decreased the expression of let-7f-5p and miR-126-3p in PBMC. Computational analyses identified different targets of the dysregulated miRNA on inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, BOJ intake increased vitamin C consumption and the pJNK/JNK ratio and decreased the expression of IL6 mRNA and NFκB protein. These results demonstrate that BOJ regulates the expression of genes involved in the inflammatory process and decreases NFкB-protein expression in PBMC.

Distribution, Antioxidant Capacity, Bioavailability and Biological Properties of Anthocyanin Pigments in Blood Oranges and Other Citrus Species

Anthocyanins are natural pigments that give a red, purple, and blue color to many plant, flower, fruit, and vegetable species. Their presence within the genus Citrus was first reported in 1916, and it is well-known that the red color of the flesh and rind of blood (red or pigmented) oranges (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) is due to the presence of anthocyanins. They are also present in the young shoots, flowers, and peel of lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.), citron (Citrus medica L.), and other citrus species. Since then, the scientific community has expressed increasing interest in studying their profile and distribution, with many published studies focused on the quali-quantitative pattern in the different vegetative tissues belonging to the genus Citrus. Moreover, with the discovery of their relevant antioxidant activity, owing to their ability to capture free radicals, much research has been performed in the last two decades on their radical scavenging power, in vitro and in vivo biological properties, and anticarcinogenic capacity, also focusing attention on their bioavailability for humans. The present work is intended as a comprehensive review of the advances in scientific research on anthocyanin pigments naturally occurring within the genus Citrus, including their natural distribution, antioxidant capacity, bioavailability, and biological value and properties. The scientific evidence herein reported can be used to further increase the knowledge of this class of compounds and represents a valuable and comprehensive contribution to promoting anthocyanin-rich citrus fruit consumption as a healthy dietary habit.

Polyacylated Anthocyanins Derived from Red Radishes Protect Vascular Endothelial Cells Against Palmitic Acid-Induced Apoptosis via the p38 MAPK Pathway

Palmitic acid (PA), a widely consumed saturated fat, is known to induce the apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells. This study examined the protective effect of anthocyanin from red radish (ARR), which has been shown to protect the cardiovascular system and is rich in polyacylated pelargonidin (P) glycosides, on PA-treated SV 40 transfected aortic rat endothelial cells (SVAREC). In all, 22 distinct anthocyanins were identified in the ARR via ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, the most abundant of which were pelargonidin-3-(p-coumaroyl)diglucoside-5-glucoside (31.60%), pelargonidin-3-(feruloyl)diglucoside-5-(malonyl)glucoside (22.98%), pelargonidin-3-(p-coumaroyl)diglucoside-5-(malonyl)glucoside (8.02%), and pelargonidin-3-(feruloyl)diglucoside-5-glucoside (6.25%). P displayed the highest serum level (93.72%) in the ARR-treated mice, while polyacylated P glucosides were also absorbed intact. Furthermore, ARR treatment effectively increased cellular activity and reduced the ratio of Bcl-2-associated X protein : B cell lymphoma-2, while simultaneously alleviating the excessive production of reactive oxygen species in PA-treated SVAREC. Transcriptome and further verification analyses confirmed that the ARR-inhibiting PA-induced apoptosis of SVAREC was related to the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Our results are the first to demonstrate that ARR may be a promising phytochemical in the prevention of PA-induced endothelial dysfunction.

Beneficial Effects of Citrus Flavanones Naringin and Naringenin and Their Food Sources on Lipid Metabolism: An Update on Bioavailability, Pharmacokinetics, and Mechanisms

Naringin and naringin's aglycone naringenin belong to a subclass of flavonoids called flavanones. While many studies of pure naringenin and naringin and their food sources have shown beneficial health effects, including improved lipid metabolism, in animals and humans, the mechanisms underlying the lipid-lowering effects have not been completely understood. In recent years, multiple studies using various in vitro and rodent models have revealed new mechanisms underlying the hypolipidemic effects of naringin and naringenin, including regulation of lipid digestion, reverse cholesterol transport, and LDL receptor expression. In addition, naringin and naringenin show diverse effects in populations with different health conditions, such as obesity and diabetes. Furthermore, a novel naringin and naringenin enriched food source citrus bergamia (bergamot) and other citrus fruits have recently been studied for lipid-lowering effects in animal models and human clinical trials. In this review, we provide an update on recent advances on naringin and naringenin and their enriched food sources on lipid metabolism and underlying mechanisms. Because absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, particularly in the presence of food matrix, impact the bioavailability, which in turn affects the bioactivities of these flavonoids in vivo, we also summarize new findings from the pharmacokinetics studies and on interplays between naringin and naringenin and gut microbiota.

Effects of 100% Orange Juice on Markers of Inflammation and Oxidation in Healthy and At-Risk Adult Populations: A Scoping Review, Systematic Review, and Meta-analysis

One hundred percent orange juice (OJ) has no added sugar, naturally contains flavonoids and ascorbic acid, and can modulate the body's oxidative and inflammatory systems. This scoping review, systematic review, and meta-analysis investigated associations between 100% OJ and markers of inflammation or oxidation in healthy adults and those at risk for chronic diseases. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and scoping review extension. Literature in English was searched to July 2021 in Embase and 4 Ovid platform databases. Clinical and observational studies of any duration were eligible. Cochrane Collaboration tools were used to assess the risk of bias in controlled trials. Strength of evidence was determined using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The scoping review presents a qualitative synthesis of evidence in summary and results tables. Twenty-one interventional studies (16 controlled trials and 5 before-after studies) conducted in 307 healthy and 327 at-risk participants were included. Six common markers [C-reactive protein (CRP) or high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), IL-6, TNF-α, malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized LDL (oxLDL), and antioxidant capacity] measured across 16 studies were systematically reviewed, and results were synthesized narratively. Random-effects model meta-analyses were conducted on 10 studies reporting hs-CRP, IL-6, and/or MDA. After consuming 100% OJ, healthy and at-risk participants showed significantly lower IL-6 concentrations (pooled net difference: -1.51 pg/mL; 95% CI: -2.31, -0.70) and lower, but nonsignificant, hs-CRP (pooled net change: -0.58 mg/L; 95% CI: -1.22, 0.05) and MDA (crossover trials pooled net difference: -0.06 μmol/L; 95% CI: -0.19, 0.08). Findings suggest that 100% OJ may reduce inflammation, but results should be interpreted with caution due to moderate risk of bias, very low strength of evidence, and the low number of subjects. This study was registered on PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/) as CRD42021235438.

An Insight into Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Inflammation Related Diseases of Anthocyanins: A Review of Both In Vivo and In Vitro Investigations

Anthocyanin is a type of flavonoid pigment widely present in fruits and vegetables. It can not only be used as natural pigment, but also has a variety of health functions, for instance, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and neuroprotective activities. Persistent proinflammatory status is a major factor in the development, progression, and complications of chronic diseases. Not surprisingly, there are thus many food ingredients that can potentially affect inflammation related diseases and many studies have shown that anthocyanins play an important role in inflammatory pathways. In this paper, the inflammation related diseases (such as, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer) of anthocyanins are introduced, and the anti-inflammatory effect of anthocyanins is emphatically introduced. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of anthocyanins is elaborated from the aspects of NF-κB, toll like receptor, MAPKs, NO, and ROS and the main efficacy of anthocyanins in inflammation and related diseases is determined. In conclusion, this review aims to get a clear insight into the role of anthocyanins in inflammation related diseases.

A Review of the Properties of Anthocyanins and Their Influence on Factors Affecting Cardiometabolic and Cognitive Health

The incidence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases has increased over the last decades and is an important cause of death worldwide. An upcoming ingredient on the nutraceutical market are anthocyanins, a flavonoid subgroup, abundant mostly in berries and fruits. Epidemiological studies have suggested an association between anthocyanin intake and improved cardiovascular risk, type 2 diabetes and myocardial infarct. Clinical studies using anthocyanins have shown a significant decrease in inflammation markers and oxidative stress, a beneficial effect on vascular function and hyperlipidemia by decreasing low-density lipoprotein and increasing high-density lipoprotein. They have also shown a potential effect on glucose homeostasis and cognitive decline. This review summarizes the effects of anthocyanins in in-vitro, animal and human studies to give an overview of their application in medical prevention or as a dietary supplement.

Effects of Anthocyanins on Vascular Health

Cardiovascular disorders are leading mortality causes worldwide, often with a latent evolution. Vascular health depends on endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques. Preventive medicine deserves special attention, focusing on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including diet. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has well-known health benefits, especially due to its polyphenolic components. Anthocyanins, water-soluble flavonoid species, responsible for the red-blue color in plants and commonly found in berries, exert favorable effects on the endothelial function, oxidative stress, inhibit COX-1, and COX-2 enzymes, exert antiatherogenic, antihypertensive, antiglycation, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory activity, ameliorate dyslipidemia and arterial stiffness. The present review aims to give a current overview of the mechanisms involved in the vascular protective effect of anthocyanins from the human diet, considering epidemiological data, in vitro and in vivo preclinical research, clinical observational, retrospective, intervention and randomized studies, dietary and biomarker studies, and discussing preventive benefits of anthocyanins and future research directions.

Impact of hesperidin in 100% orange juice on chronic disease biomarkers: A narrative systematic review and gap analysis

Hesperidin in orange juice may affect chronic disease biomarkers. This narrative systematic review aimed to determine appropriate recommendations toward the dose and frequency of hesperidin consumption from 100% orange juice and conduct a gap analysis. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis was conducted to identify articles through September 2020, utilizing four databases: Pub-Med Central, Agricola, Embase, and MEDLINE. Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria. Results showed that overall effect sizes from the studies were considerably weak. Although higher frequencies, doses, and concentration of hesperidin in 100% orange juice had an impact on global cognitive function, cardiac, insulin, inflammatory, antioxidant/phenolic, and oxidative stress outcomes compared to lower frequencies, doses, and concentration of hesperidin. A gap analysis demonstrated there was a variability in dose and frequency of OJ and hesperidin, diet, genetics, and evaluation measures, which made the role of hesperidin in 100% OJ on chronic diseases unclear. This review revealed a trend toward improving chronic disease biomarkers following consumption of hesperidin in 100% orange juice. Steps can be taken in future research to improve the consistency of clinical study designs, methodology and outcomes.

Low anthocyanin plum nectar does not impact cognition, blood pressure and gut microbiota in healthy older adults: A randomized crossover trial

Queen Garnet plum (QGP), known for its high levels of anthocyanins, is a hybrid of the Japanese plum developed in Queensland, Australia. Anthocyanins provide the red, blue, and purple pigments in plants with demonstrated beneficial health effects. This study hypothesized that low-dose anthocyanin QGP intake will have a significant positive effect on cognition, blood pressure, and gut microbiota in healthy older adults. A randomized crossover trial was conducted to determine the effect and within subject variance on cognition and 24 hr. ambulatory blood pressure in older adults without cognitive impairment following daily consumption of 200 mL low-dose anthocyanin (5 mg/100 g) QGP nectar (intervention) or raspberry cordial (control). Secondary outcomes included inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein), nerve growth factor (BDNF), and gut microbiota (16S rRNA gene sequencing). Twenty-eight participants (55+ years) were recruited. Each randomized treatment arm lasted for 8 weeks with a 4-week washout period. Cognition, blood pressure, and urine samples were measured at each visit (5 total) while blood and fecal samples were collected at baseline, 8 weeks, and 20 weeks. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data. Across the treatments, no significant difference was observed for the different domains of cognition, blood pressure, or anti-inflammatory biomarkers. No intervention effect was found for genera or class of gut microbes. Low anthocyanin nectar derived from the QGP did not have any significant effects on cognition, blood pressure, or gut microbiota in healthy older adults.

Blood Orange Juice Consumption Increases Flow-Mediated Dilation in Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies have indicated an inverse association between citrus fruit consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. There is, however, a paucity of data concerning effects of blood orange juice (BOJ) intake on endothelial function and cardiovascular risk biomarkers.

OBJECTIVES

We examined short-term effects of BOJ on endothelial function, blood pressure, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers in healthy participants of European origin who were overweight or obese.

METHODS

In a randomized, controlled, single-blind, crossover trial, 15 men and women (age: 28.7 ± 6.5 y; BMI: 28.3 ± 3.1 kg/m2) consumed BOJ or a sugar-matched control drink (CD) (200 mL twice daily) for 2 wk with a washout period of 1 wk. Endothelial function, measured as flow-mediated dilation (FMD) (primary outcome), and the secondary outcomes blood pressure, anthropometric measures, lipid profile, inflammatory markers, markers of vasodilation and vasoconstriction, and urinary flavanone metabolites were evaluated prior to and at the end of each treatment period following an overnight fast. Changes between treatments over time were assessed using repeated-measures ANOVA.

RESULTS

The results demonstrate a significant increase in FMD following BOJ consumption (pre: 8.15% ± 2.92%; post: 10.2% ± 3.31%; P = 0.002) compared with CD (pre: 8.11% ± 2.52%; post: 7.77% ± 2.43%; time × treatment interaction: P = 0.001). Concurrent significant increases in urinary hesperetin-3'-glucuronide and hesperetin-7-glucuronide were observed following BOJ supplementation only (time × treatment interaction: P ≤ 0.01). Baseline blood pressure, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and endothelin-1 were generally within healthy ranges and unaffected by the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

A 2-wk consumption of BOJ exerted favorable effects on endothelial function in healthy women and men who were overweight or obese, which is likely mediated by the combined actions of anthocyanin and flavanone metabolites on mechanisms that contribute to enhancing NO bioavailability. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03611114.

Anthocyanins: A Comprehensive Review of Their Chemical Properties and Health Effects on Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Anthocyanins are a class of water-soluble flavonoids widely present in fruits and vegetables. Dietary sources of anthocyanins include red and purple berries, grapes, apples, plums, cabbage, or foods containing high levels of natural colorants. Cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, peonidin, petunidin, and pelargonidin are the six common anthocyanidins. Following consumption, anthocyanin, absorption occurs along the gastrointestinal tract, the distal lower bowel being the place where most of the absorption and metabolism occurs. In the intestine, anthocyanins first undergo extensive microbial catabolism followed by absorption and human phase II metabolism. This produces hybrid microbial-human metabolites which are absorbed and subsequently increase the bioavailability of anthocyanins. Health benefits of anthocyanins have been widely described, especially in the prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that health-promoting effects attributed to anthocyanins may also be related to modulation of gut microbiota. In this paper we attempt to provide a comprehensive view of the state-of-the-art literature on anthocyanins, summarizing recent findings on their chemistry, biosynthesis, nutritional value and on their effects on human health.

Effects of chronic consumption of specific fruit (berries, citrus and cherries) on CVD risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Purpose

This review aims to compare the magnitude of the effects of chronic consumption of fruits; specifically berries, citrus and cherries on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and psycARTICLES were searched from inception until January 2020. Forty-five chronic (≥ 1 week) randomised controlled trials assessing CVD risk factors including endothelial (dys)function, blood pressure (BP), blood lipids and inflammatory biomarkers were included.

Results

Investigated interventions reported improvements in endothelial function (n = 8), inflammatory biomarkers and lipid status (n = 14), and BP (n = 10). Berries including juice of barberry, cranberry, grape, pomegranate, powder of blueberry, grape, raspberry and freeze-dried strawberry significantly reduced SBP by 3.68 mmHg (95% CI − 6.79 to − 0.58; P = 0.02) and DBP by 1.52 mmHg (95% CI − 2.87 to − 0.18, P = 0.04). In subgroup analysis, these associations were limited to cranberry juice (SBP by 1.52 mmHg [95% CI − 2.97 to − 0.07; P = 0.05], DBP by 1.78 mmHg [95% CI − 3.43 to − 0.12, P = 0.04] and cherry juice (SBP by 3.11 mmHg [95% CI − 4.06 to − 2.15; P = 0.02]). Berries also significantly elevated sVCAM-1 levels by 14.57 ng/mL (85% CI 4.22 to 24.93; P = 0.02).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that supplementing cranberry or cherry juice might contribute to an improvement in blood pressure. No other significant improvements were observed for other specified fruits. More research is warranted comparing different classes of fruit and exploring the importance of fruit processing on their cardiovascular-protective effects.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00394-020-02299-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The role of anthocyanins as antidiabetic agents: from molecular mechanisms to in vivo and human studies

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose concentration. Nowadays, type 2 diabetes or insulin resistant diabetes is the most common diabetes, mainly due to unhealthy lifestyle. Healthy habits like appropriate nutritional approaches or the consumption of certain natural products or food supplements have been suggested as non-pharmacological strategies for the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes. Some of the main bioactive compounds from plant foods are polyphenols, important mainly for their antioxidant capacity in oxidative stress conditions and ageing. Anthocyanins are polyphenols of the flavonoid group, which act as pigments in plants, especially in fruits such as berries. A search of in vitro, in vivo and human studies in relation with antidiabetic properties of anthocyanins has been performed in different electronic databases. Results of this review demonstrate that these compounds have the ability to inhibit different enzymes as well as to influence gene expression and metabolic pathways of glucose, such as AMPK, being able to modulate diabetes and other associated disorders, as hyperlipidaemia, overweight, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, human interventional studies have shown that high doses of anthocyanins have potential in the prevention or treatment of type 2 diabetes; nevertheless, anthocyanins used in these studies should be standardized and quantified in order to make general conclusions about its use and to claim benefits for the human population.

Phenolic Compounds Exerting Lipid-Regulatory, Anti-Inflammatory and Epigenetic Effects as Complementary Treatments in Cardiovascular Diseases

Atherosclerosis is the main process behind cardiovascular diseases (CVD), maladies which continue to be responsible for up to 70% of death worldwide. Despite the ongoing development of new and potent drugs, their incomplete efficacy, partial intolerance and numerous side effects make the search for new alternatives worthwhile. The focus of the scientific world turned to the potential of natural active compounds to prevent and treat CVD. Essential for effective prevention or treatment based on phytochemicals is to know their mechanisms of action according to their bioavailability and dosage. The present review is focused on the latest data about phenolic compounds and aims to collect and correlate the reliable existing knowledge concerning their molecular mechanisms of action to counteract important risk factors that contribute to the initiation and development of atherosclerosis: dyslipidemia, and oxidative and inflammatory-stress. The selection of phenolic compounds was made to prove their multiple benefic effects and endorse them as CVD remedies, complementary to allopathic drugs. The review also highlights some aspects that still need clear scientific explanations and draws up some new molecular approaches to validate phenolic compounds for CVD complementary therapy in the near future.

Where to Look into the Puzzle of Polyphenols and Health? The Postbiotics and Gut Microbiota Associated with Human Metabotypes

The full consensus on the role of dietary polyphenols as human-health-promoting compounds remains elusive. The two-way interaction between polyphenols and gut microbiota (GM) (i.e., modulation of GM by polyphenols and their catabolism by the GM) is determinant in polyphenols' effects. The identification of human metabotypes associated with a differential gut microbial metabolism of polyphenols has opened new research scenarios to explain the inter-individual variability upon polyphenols consumption. The metabotypes unequivocally identified so far are those involved in the metabolism of isoflavones (equol and(or) O-desmethylangolesin producers versus non-producers) and ellagic acid (urolithin metabotypes, including producers of only urolithin-A (UM-A), producers of urolithin-A, isourolithin-A, and urolithin-B (UM-B), and non-producers (UM-0)). In addition, the microbial metabolites (phenolic-derived postbiotics) such as equol, urolithins, valerolactones, enterolactone, and enterodiol, and 8-prenylnaringenin, among others, can exert differential health effects. The knowledge is updated and position is taken here on i) the two-way interaction between GM and polyphenols, ii) the evidence between phenolic-derived postbiotics and health, iii) the role of metabotypes as biomarkers of GM and the clustering of individuals depending on their metabotypes (metabotyping) to explain polyphenols' effects, and iv) the gut microbial metabolism of catecholamines to illustrate the intersection between personalized nutrition and precision medicine.

The Colors of Health: Chemistry, Bioactivity, and Market Demand for Colorful Foods and Natural Food Sources of Colorants

There is an increasing consumer demand for natural colors in foods. However, there is a limited number of available natural food sources for use by the food industry because of technical and regulatory limitations. Natural colors are less stable and have less vibrant hues compared to their synthetic color counterparts. Natural pigments also have known health benefits that are seldom leveraged by the food industry. Betalains, carotenoids, phycocyanins, and anthocyanins are major food colorants used in the food industry that have documented biological effects, particularly in the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. The color industry needs new sources of stable, functional, and safe natural food colorants. New opportunities include sourcing new colors from microbial sources and via the use of genetic biotechnology. In all cases, there is an imperative need for toxicological evaluation to pave the way for their regulatory approval.

Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Human Health and Disease

Polyphenols are a class of well-known bioactive compounds widely distributed in the plant kingdom and abundant in plant foods and derived food products [...].

Anthocyanins: From Sources and Bioavailability to Cardiovascular-Health Benefits and Molecular Mechanisms of Action

Anthocyanins are phytochemicals widely found in plant foods, with berries and fruit-derived beverages as the main dietary sources. Accumulating evidence suggests the positive role of anthocyanins in preserving cardiovascular health. Epidemiological data show an association between anthocyanin intake and lower risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular-disease-related mortality. Clinical studies report the beneficial effects of the consumption of different anthocyanin-rich sources on surrogate markers of cardiovascular risk. Animal and in vitro evidence suggest the protective role of anthocyanins in dysfunctions related to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Still, the underlying molecular mechanisms of anthocyanin action seem complex and are not entirely clear. This review aims to give a comprehensive update on anthocyanins and their cardioprotective properties. It provides information on their sources; quantities consumed through diet; absorption; bioavailability; cardiovascular properties; and underlying mechanisms of action, including their effects on gene and protein expression and their interactions with cell-signaling pathways and miRNAs.

Structure-stability relationship of anthocyanins under cell culture condition

This work aims to evaluate the structure-stability relationship of anthocyanins in cell culture. An early degradation time (^CT₁₀) and half-degradation time (^CT₅₀) were used to characterise the stability of 10 of the most common anthocyanins, incubated with DMEM at 37 °C, pH = 7.4, 5% CO₂ for different time periods. According to the glycosylation, the glycosylated forms were more stable than the not glycosylated forms. The methylation at 3'' or 5' position at ring B enhanced their stability; contrarily, the hydroxylation at 3' or 5' position at ring B weakened their stability. Glycosylated forms were much more stable in water than in the culture medium. Although not glycosylated forms were also instable in water, their stability was improved compared with culture medium. Together with the cell culture experiments and, in order to avoid artefacts, stability tests of polyphenols should be performed in parallel experiments with DMEM.