Interplay between Anthocyanins and Gut Microbiota

Abstract

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring compounds abundant in the human diet. Evidence has accumulated regarding the positive association of their intake with healthy biological effects. The microbiota has just been started to be considered as a metabolic organ, hence contributing to the metabolism of phenolic compounds and, consequently, to their bioavailability and the biological effects displayed by them. This review aimed to compile information regarding interaction of anthocyanins with the microbiota, from two perspectives: (i) identification of their colonic metabolites as potential bioactive molecules and (ii) their role as prebiotic agents. These perspectives are key points in anthocyanin metabolomics. Several metabolites have been identified after anthocyanin consumption with potential health benefits, in particular phenolic acids and simple phenols. On the other hand, microbiota modulation is closely related to several physiological impairments, and its modulation has been considered as a possible mechanism by which phenolic compounds may exert their effect.

Dietary anthocyanins as a complementary medicinal approach for management of inflammatory bowel disease

“…Despite poor absorption, high elimination and thus relatively low bioavailability of anthocyanins, recent investigations suggested that anthocyanin's metabolites are involved in the positive biological functions of these components. In addition, metabolic activity of gut microbiota promotes the generation of bioactive metabolites from dietary anthocyanins and these metabolites subsequently modulate composition and beneficial effects of the gut microbiota within GI tract [165,166]. It has been reported that a wide range of anthocyanidins along with their glycosides are involved in the protective or therapeutic action of anthocyanin-rich dietary supplementations.…”

Polyphenols-rich fruit in maternal diet modulates inflammatory markers and the gut microbiota and improves colonic expression of ZO-1 in offspring

“…Thus, the anti-inflammatory effect of polyphenols possibly involves underlying mechanisms related to their functions in the intestine and interactions with the gut microbiota (Espley et al, 2014;Neyrinck et al, 2013). Since these compounds are not metabolized and absorbed in the intestine, they reach the proximal colon and are degraded to phenolic acids by microbiota (Faria, Fernandes, Norberto, Mateus, & Calhau, 2014;Neyrinck et al, 2013;Talavéra et al, 2005).…”

Clinical evidence on potential health benefits of berries

“…and Lactobacillus spp. [58 ]. The metabolites of phenolic compounds produced by the action of microbiota may be important modulators of the gut microbiome by suppressing the growth and colonization of pathogenic bacteria [58 ].…”