Effects of Anthocyanin on Intestinal Health: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Intestinal health relies on the association between the mucosal immune system, intestinal barrier and gut microbiota. Bioactive components that affect the gut microbiota composition, epithelial physical barrier and intestinal morphology were previously studied. The current systematic review evaluated evidence of anthocyanin effects and the ability to improve gut microbiota composition, their metabolites and parameters of the physical barrier; this was conducted in order to answer the question: “Does food source or extract of anthocyanin promote changes on intestinal parameters?”. The data analysis was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines with the search performed at PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus databases for experimental studies, and the risk of bias was assessed by the SYRCLE tool. Twenty-seven studies performed in animal models were included, and evaluated for limitations in heterogeneity, methodologies, absence of information regarding allocation process and investigators’ blinding. The data were analyzed, and the anthocyanin supplementation demonstrated positive effects on intestinal health. The main results identified were an increase of Bacteroidetes and a decrease of Firmicutes, an increase of short chain fatty acids production, a decrease of intestinal pH and intestinal permeability, an increase of the number of goblet cells and tight junction proteins and villi improvement in length or height. Thus, the anthocyanin supplementation has a potential effect to improve the intestinal health. PROSPERO (CRD42020204835).

Dietary Polyphenol, Gut Microbiota, and Health Benefits

“…and Lactobacillus spp. [ 130 , 131 ] with probiotic effects to produce antibacterial substances, to compete with pathogens for adhering to the epithelium and for nutrients, to regulate the host immune system, and to inhibit the production of bacterial toxins [ 132 ]. The flavonoids (flavonols, flavones, and flavanones) can be biotransformed into p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, hydrocaffeic acid, coumaric acid, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid, and other aromatic metabolites [ 133 ].…”

Effects of anti-aging interventions on intestinal microbiota

“… 55 Dietary consumption of anthocyanins increased Bacteroidetes and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and decreased Firmicutes . 56 Red wine polyphenols significantly increased the number of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus and butyrate-producing bacteria ( Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Roseburia ) but decreased undesirable bacterial groups such as Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae . 57 A green tea and black tea polyphenol diet reduced body weight, resulting in decreased Firmicutes and increased Bacteroidetes in the cecum.…”

The Impact of Plant Phytochemicals on the Gut Microbiota of Humans for a Balanced Life

“…This can be attained by performing well-designed clinical trials in humans and animals with a balanced experiment design of the subjects’ age and genetic backgrounds. This should cover different forms and dosages of anthocyanins and establish a consistent approach to control diets [ 128 , 144 ].…”