Effects of anthocyanins on cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation in pre-hypertensive men: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover study

Abstract

High intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk. A number of fruits and vegetables are rich in anthocyanins, which constitute a subgroup of the flavonoids. Anthocyanins have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, and anthocyanin-rich interventions have indicated beneficial effects on blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. We assessed whether a purified anthocyanin supplement improves cardiovascular metabolic risk factors and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in prehypertensive participants, and whether plasma polyphenols are increased 1-3 h following intake. In all, 31 men between 35-51 years with screening blood pressure >140/90 mm Hg without anti-hypertensive or lipid-lowering medication, were randomized in a double-blinded crossover study to placebo versus 640 mg anthocyanins daily. Treatment durations were 4 weeks with a 4-week washout. High-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and blood glucose were significantly higher after anthocyanin versus placebo treatment (P=0.043 and P=0.024, respectively). No effects were observed on inflammation or oxidative stress in vivo, except for von Willebrand factor, which was higher in the anthocyanin period (P=0.007). Several plasma polyphenols increased significantly 1-3 h following anthocyanin intake. The present study strengthens the evidence that anthocyanins may increase HDL-cholesterol levels, and this is demonstrated for the first time in prehypertensive and non-dyslipidemic men. However, no other beneficial effects in the short term were found on pathophysiological markers of cardiovascular disease.

Effects of Dietary Flavonoids on Reverse Cholesterol Transport, HDL Metabolism, and HDL function

“…Nevertheless, supplemental forms of anthocyanins are commercially available and could also be consumed to achieve higher intake amounts. A higher dose of purified anthocyanins (640 mg/d) over a shorter duration (4 wk) resulted in a similar increase in serum HDL cholesterol in men with hypertension (94). Overall, there is strong evidence in preclinical and clinical studies to suggest that the anthocyanidin subclass of flavonoids improves HDL function and RCT.…”

Phytochemicals in Japanese plums: impact of maturity and bioaccessibility

“…Recent publications indicate that the consumption of dietary anthocyanins as fresh food, juice, puree or powder may exert protection against cardiovascular risk factors, type 2 diabetes,oesophageal cancer and deterioration of bone tissues in humans Chen et al, 2012;Hassellund et al, 2013;Jennings et al, 2012;Jennings, Welch, Spector, Macgregor, & Cassidy, 2014;Welch et al, 2012;Zhu et al, 2013).…”

Anthocyanin-rich plum juice reduces ambulatory blood pressure but not acute cognitive function in younger and older adults: a pilot crossover dose-timing study

“…The acute significant reduction in blood pressure at 2h is associated with evidence on the absorption and bioavailability of anthocyanins that occurs within 2h post consumption [48]. Anthocyanin concentrations in the body have been observed to reach peak levels between 1-2h and begin to clear from 6h falling back to baseline levels as they get excreted from the body up to 48h [49].…”