Anthocyanins absorption metabolism

Bo CD, Ciappellano S, Klimis-Zacas D, Martini D, Gardana C, Riso P, Porrini M (2009) Anthocyanin absorption, metabolism, and distribution from a wild blueberry-enriched diet (Vaccinium angustifolium) is affected by diet duration in the spraeue-dawley rat. J Agric Food Chem 58 2491-2497... 

In solution, the anthocyanins actually might exist in equilibrium with essentially four molecular forms - the flavylium cation, the quinoidal base, the hemiacetal base and chalcone [19]. The relative amounts of the four structure forms depends on both the pH and the difference in structure of the anthocyanins [20-22], Generally, anthocyanins exist primarily as the stable flavylium cation above pH 2. This uniqueness in the chemical structure is one of the important key factors affecting their absorption, metabolism, bioavailability and, consequently, the biological responses of the human body to anthocyanins. 

Wu, X. Pittman, Fl.E.III., McKay, S. Prior, R.E. 2005a. Aglycones and sugar moieties alter anthocyanin absorption and metabolism after berry consumption in weanling pigs. J. Nutr. 135 2417-2424. 

Anthocyanins are a proanthocyanidin-type of flavonoid distributed in various fruits. These anthocyanins are the most important visible plant pigments in the natural kingdom. Anthocyanins have been clinically used in many folklore medicines worldwide for the treatment of age-related diseases and other disease. This review presents the functionality of anthocyanins in relation to their chemistry, synthetic pathway, antioxidant activity, antitumor activity (including apoptosis-inducing activity), pharmacodynamics (absorption, metabolism, distribution, and excretion) and toxicity, and discusses their possible use as food and dietary supplements and usage in potential nutraceuticals. 

Fig. 79.5 Hypothetic pathways of anthocyanin absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion based on current information (CGB-cytosolic beta-glucosidase SULT-sulfotransferase UDP-GT-glucuronosyltransferase COMT-catechoi-O-methyl transferase SGLT-sodium-dependent glucose cotransporters LPH-lactase-phlorizin hydrolase)...

In another recent study, blueberry anthocyanin absorption and metabolism in rats was accomplished, and the main metabolite detected in urine was hippuric acid, which may be produced in liver through a conjugation of glycine with aromatic phenolic acids [64]. 

Wu, X., Cao, G., and Prior, R.L., Absorption and metabolism of anthocyanins in elderly women after consumption of elderberry or blueberry, J. Nutr, 132,1865, 2002. Matsumoto, H. et al.. Orally administered delphinidin 3-rutinoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside are directly absorbed in rats and humans and appear in the blood as the intact forms, J. Agric. Food Chem., 49, 1546, 2001. 

Prior, R.L., Absorption and metabolism of anthocyanins potential health effects. Phytochemicals Mechanisms of Action, 4th International Phytochemical Conference, Phytochemicals Mechanisms of Action , Pomona, CA (October 21-22, 2002), 2004. 

Prior RL (2004) Absorption and metabolism of anthocyanins potential health effects. In Meskin M, Bidlack WR, Davies AJ, Lewis DS, Randolph RK (eds) Phytochemicals mechanisms of action. CRC, Boca Raton, pp 1-19... 

Anthocyanin glycosides with different colors are the daily dietary plant pigments they might prevent many diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiac infarction, and eye insufficiency. The preventive and therapeutic properties of anthocyanins and flavonoids highly depend on absorption and metabolism in the living body after intake. 

Flavonoids affect the immune system and the body s inflammatory cells. This function is partly accomplished through the effects on enzymes involved in the immune response and the generation of inflammatory cells. Balentine et al. (1999) recently reported that only the aglycon cyanidin, not the anthocyanin glycoside, showed inhibitory effects on enzymes involved in inflammatory activity. The anthocyanins can be metabolized into their glycoside-free constituents either before or after absorption in the gut and may thereby act as anti-inflammatory agents in the body. Middleton and Kandaswami (1994) stress the fact, however, that as most of these studies have been carried out as in vitro experiments, care should be taken not to draw too extensive conclusions for the in vivo actions of flavonoids. Fundamental biochemical research is needed before the mechanisms behind the diverse actions of flavonoids are fully understood. 

Wu X, Cao G, Prior RL (2002) Absorption and metabolism of anthocyanins in elderly women after consumption of elderberry or blueberry. J Nutr 132 1865-1871... 

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