Delphinidin and Its Glycosides’ War on Cancer: Preclinical Perspectives

Abstract

Until now, several studies have looked at the issue of anthocyanin and cancer, namely the preventive and inhibitory effects of anthocyanins, as well as the underlying molecular processes. However, no targeted review is available regarding the anticarcinogenic effects of delphinidin and its glycosides on various cancers and their plausible molecular mechanisms. Considerable evidence shows significant anticancer properties of delphinidin-rich preparations and delphinidin alone both in vitro and in vivo. This review covers the in vitro and preclinical implications of delphinidin-mediated cell protection and cancer prevention; thus, we strongly recommend that delphinidin-rich preparations be further investigated as potential functional food, dietary antioxidant supplements, and natural health products targeting specific chronic diseases, including cancer. In addition to in vitro investigations, future research should focus on more animal and human studies to determine the true potential of delphinidin.

Comparative Assessment of the Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Plicosepalus acacia and Plicosepalus curviflorus: Metabolomic Profiling and In Silico Studies

“…Numerous in vitro and in vivo models have been employed to inspect the anticarcinogenic and anticancer effects of natural phenolic compounds [ 55 ]. Delphinidin was reported to prompt apoptosis in prostate cancer PC-3 Cells by interfering with nuclear factor-κB signaling [ 66 , 67 ]. Moreover, in human prostate cancer LNCaP cells, delphinidin triggers caspase- and p53-mediated apoptosis.…”

“…Moreover, in human prostate cancer LNCaP cells, delphinidin triggers caspase- and p53-mediated apoptosis. Meanwhile, evidence has been acquired of the inhibitory effect of myrtillin (delphinidin-3-glucoside) on dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced cell growth, which is associated with decreased prostate-specific antigen production [ 67 ]. Delphinidin-3-glucoside was also reported to attenuate breast cancer progression by Akt/HOTAIR signaling pathway deactivation [ 68 ].…”

Angioprevention of Urologic Cancers by Plant-Derived Foods

“…This blue-red pigmented compound is abundant in many fruits such dark grapes and berries, and vegetables, such as eggplants, red cabbages and tomatoes. Delphinidin and its natural occurring glycosides possess interesting health-promoting potential, exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anticancer activity, among others [280]. The antiangiogenic activity of delphinidin has been reported in vitro and in vivo, and this effect seems to be mediated by a blockage of endothelial cell cycle (in G0-G1 transition point) and a decrease in VEGF-A/VEGFR2 signaling pathway [281,282].…”

Association between Dietary Anthocyanidins and Risk of Lung Cancer

“…In particular, the beneficial effects of anthocyanidins in specific cancer prevention have been extensively discussed. Reviews have clearly demonstrated remarkable anti-cancer activity of anthocyanidins [12][13][14][15]. Anthocyanidins reduced the cell proliferation of tumors by blocking activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway [13].…”

“…Disappointingly, these encouraging experimental findings in vitro and in animal models have not been extrapolated to existing human research to the same extent. Epidemiological studies in humans have not provided such convincing evidence of the anti-cancer effects of anthocyanidins [12,13]. A prospective study with 7534 postmenopausal women in the USA and another study with 2590 middle-aged eastern Finnish men showed that anthocyanidins were not significantly associated with lung cancer risk in women and men, respectively [18,19].…”