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Frontiers in Nutrition 2021Life expectancy steadily increases, and so do age-associated diseases, leading to a growing population suffering from cognitive decline and dementia. Impairments in...
Life expectancy steadily increases, and so do age-associated diseases, leading to a growing population suffering from cognitive decline and dementia. Impairments in working memory (WM) and episodic memory (EM) are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. While there are no effective pharmacological therapies to preserve or enhance cognition and to slow down the progression from mild memory complaints to dementia so far, plant-based nutrients including polyphenols have been suggested to exert beneficial effects on brain aging. This review studies whether supplementary polyphenols are effective in preserving or enhancing memory in both non-pathological and pathological aging, and whether there are polyphenol efficiency differences between WM and EM. A systematic literature search was conducted and 66 out of 294 randomized clinical trials with 20 participants or more per group, aged 40 years or older were included. These covered a daily intake of 35-1,600 mg polyphenols, e.g., flavonols, flavonoids, isoflovones, anthocyanins, and/or stilbenes, over the course of 2 weeks to 6.5 years duration. In total, around half of the studies reported a significantly improved performance after polyphenol administration compared to control, while three studies reported a worsening of performance, and the remainder did not observe any effects. According to pooled WM and EM meta-analysis of all memory outcomes reported in 49 studies, overall effect size for WM and EM indicated a significant small positive effect on EM and WM with similar estimates ( ~ 0.24, < 0.001), with large study heterogeneity and significant Funnel asymmetry tests suggesting a positivity bias. These results remained similar when excluding studies reporting extremely large positive effect sizes from the meta-analyses. While and isoflavones did not show benefits in subgroup meta-analyses, those suggested some effects in extracts containing anthocyanins, other flavonoids and resveratrol, again potentially resulting from publication bias. To conclude, a systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that short- to moderate-term polyphenol interventions might improve WM and EM in middle-to older aged adults, however, publication bias in favor of positive results seems likely, rendering definite conclusions difficult. Future studies with larger, more diverse samples and sensitive monitoring of cardiovascular, metabolic and beginning brain pathologies as well as longer follow-up are needed to better understand the impact of age, (beginning) pathologies, gender, and long-term use on polyphenol action.
PubMed: 35155509
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.720756 -
Journal of Translational Medicine Nov 2016Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are an important cause of death worldwide. Anthocyanins are a subgroup of flavonoids found in berries, flowers, fruits and leaves. In... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are an important cause of death worldwide. Anthocyanins are a subgroup of flavonoids found in berries, flowers, fruits and leaves. In epidemiological and clinical studies, these polyphenols have been associated with improved cardiovascular risk profiles as well as decreased comorbidities. Human intervention studies using berries, vegetables, parts of plants and cereals (either fresh or as juice) or purified anthocyanin-rich extracts have demonstrated significant improvements in low density lipoproteins oxidation, lipid peroxidation, total plasma antioxidant capacity, and dyslipidemia as well as reduced levels of CVD molecular biomarkers. This review discusses the use of anthocyanins in animal models and their applications in human medicine, as dietary supplements or as new potent drugs against cardiovascular disease.
Topics: Animals; Anthocyanins; Antioxidants; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cardiovascular System; Disease Models, Animal; Humans
PubMed: 27846846
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-1076-5 -
Nutricion Hospitalaria Mar 2017Introduction: The influence of antioxidants on ocular processes has taken on a significant importance in recent years for its effects on visual health. Oxidative stress... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Introduction: The influence of antioxidants on ocular processes has taken on a significant importance in recent years for its effects on visual health. Oxidative stress is a factor involved in the development of major pathologies such as cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Objective: To establish the scientific evidence that exists about the different types of antioxidants and their effects on ocular pathological processes through a systematic review. Methods: Literature search in MEDLINE, Scielo and Cochrane for studies evaluating the use of antioxidants in the prevention and/or treatment of eye diseases. Selected randomized controlled clinical trials over the past 7 years were selected. Results: The relationship between different types of antioxidants, vitamin E, C, beta carotene, zinc, lutein, anthocyanins and carotenoids, suggests a positive relationship with the risk and progression of AMD and glaucoma parameters, indicating a lower risk of the disease due to an increased consumption of antioxidants in the diet. Initial reports suggest a potential role for diet modification in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma primarily, not evidencing for the prevention of cataract. Conclusions: Promoting adequate consumption of antioxidants in the diet can prevent and protect against highly prevalent eye diseases. The antioxidants of the group of vitamins are the most studied so far in the ocular pathologies. More clinical trials are needed to establish these relationships more precisely.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Diet; Eye Diseases; Humans; Vision Disorders
PubMed: 28421807
DOI: 10.20960/nh.420 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Sep 2017Numerous clinical trials have examined the role of anthocyanins on cardiometabolic health, but their effects have not been quantitatively synthesized and systematically... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Numerous clinical trials have examined the role of anthocyanins on cardiometabolic health, but their effects have not been quantitatively synthesized and systematically evaluated. The aim of our study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of anthocyanins on glycemic regulation and lipid profiles in both healthy populations and those with cardiometabolic diseases. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane database, OVID EBM Reviews, and clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched until February 2017. RCTs with a duration of ≥2 wk that evaluated the effects of anthocyanins on glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and lipids as either primary or secondary outcomes were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the study quality. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were determined by random-effects models. Meta-regression, sensitivity, and subgroup analyses were performed to explore the influence of covariates on the overall effects. Thirty-two RCTs (1491 participants) were eligible for meta-analysis. Anthocyanins significantly reduced fasting glucose (SMD: -0.31; 95% CI: -0.59, -0.04; = 80.7%), 2-h postprandial glucose (SMD: -0.82; 95% CI: -1.49, -0.15; = 77.7), glycated hemoglobin (SMD: -0.65; 95% CI: -1.00, -0.29; = 72.7%), total cholesterol (SMD: -0.33; 95% CI: -0.62, -0.03; = 86.9%), and LDL (SMD: -0.35; 95% CI: -0.66, -0.05; = 85.2%). Sensitivity analyses showed that the overall effects remained similar by excluding the trials with a high or unclear risk of bias. The significant improvements in glycemic control and lipids support the benefits of anthocyanins in the prevention and management of cardiometabolic disease. Further well-designed RCTs are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of anthocyanins on metabolic profiles and to explore the optimal formula and dosage. The protocol for this review was registered at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#index.php as CRD42016033210.
Topics: Anthocyanins; Blood Glucose; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Metabolic Syndrome; Postprandial Period; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Triglycerides
PubMed: 28916569
DOI: 10.3945/an.116.014852 -
The British Journal of Nutrition Sep 2014Demand for organic foods is partially driven by consumers' perceptions that they are more nutritious. However, scientific opinion is divided on whether there are... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Higher antioxidant and lower cadmium concentrations and lower incidence of pesticide residues in organically grown crops: a systematic literature review and meta-analyses.
Demand for organic foods is partially driven by consumers' perceptions that they are more nutritious. However, scientific opinion is divided on whether there are significant nutritional differences between organic and non-organic foods, and two recent reviews have concluded that there are no differences. In the present study, we carried out meta-analyses based on 343 peer-reviewed publications that indicate statistically significant and meaningful differences in composition between organic and non-organic crops/crop-based foods. Most importantly, the concentrations of a range of antioxidants such as polyphenolics were found to be substantially higher in organic crops/crop-based foods, with those of phenolic acids, flavanones, stilbenes, flavones, flavonols and anthocyanins being an estimated 19 (95 % CI 5, 33) %, 69 (95 % CI 13, 125) %, 28 (95 % CI 12, 44) %, 26 (95 % CI 3, 48) %, 50 (95 % CI 28, 72) % and 51 (95 % CI 17, 86) % higher, respectively. Many of these compounds have previously been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including CVD and neurodegenerative diseases and certain cancers, in dietary intervention and epidemiological studies. Additionally, the frequency of occurrence of pesticide residues was found to be four times higher in conventional crops, which also contained significantly higher concentrations of the toxic metal Cd. Significant differences were also detected for some other (e.g. minerals and vitamins) compounds. There is evidence that higher antioxidant concentrations and lower Cd concentrations are linked to specific agronomic practices (e.g. non-use of mineral N and P fertilisers, respectively) prescribed in organic farming systems. In conclusion, organic crops, on average, have higher concentrations of antioxidants, lower concentrations of Cd and a lower incidence of pesticide residues than the non-organic comparators across regions and production seasons.
Topics: Antioxidants; Cadmium; Crops, Agricultural; Flavonoids; Food, Organic; Humans; Hydroxybenzoates; Nutritive Value; Organic Agriculture; Pesticide Residues; Polyphenols
PubMed: 24968103
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114514001366 -
Nutrients Jul 2022Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Increasingly... (Review)
Review
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Increasingly more evidence has shown that the senescence of vascular endothelial cells is the key to endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. Anthocyanin is a type of water-soluble polyphenol pigment and secondary metabolite of plant-based food widely existing in fruits and vegetables. The gut microbiome is involved in the metabolism of anthocyanins and mediates the biological activities of anthocyanins and their metabolites, while anthocyanins also regulate the growth of specific bacteria in the microbiota and promote the proliferation of healthy anaerobic flora. Accumulating studies have shown that anthocyanins have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects. Many animal and in vitro experiments have also proven that anthocyanins have protective effects on cardiovascular-disease-related dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanism of anthocyanin in eliminating aging endothelial cells and preventing cardiovascular diseases is very complex and is not fully understood. In this systematic review, we summarize the metabolism and activities of anthocyanins, as well as their effects on scavenging senescent cells and cardioprotection.
Topics: Animals; Anthocyanins; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diet; Endothelial Cells; Vegetables
PubMed: 35889793
DOI: 10.3390/nu14142836 -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... 2023Anthocyanins (ACN), the sub-class of (poly)phenols responsible for the red-blue-purple pigmentation of fruit and vegetables, have gained considerable interest in sport... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Anthocyanins (ACN), the sub-class of (poly)phenols responsible for the red-blue-purple pigmentation of fruit and vegetables, have gained considerable interest in sport and exercise research due to their potential to facilitate exercise recovery. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and CINAHL. Thirty nine studies were included and the standardized mean difference (Hedges ) for creatine kinase (CK), anti-oxidative and inflammatory markers, strength, power and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) indices were pooled in separate meta-analyses; meta-regression was also performed on reported ACN dose. Immediately post-exercise there was an increase in antioxidant capacity (: 0.56) and reduced C reactive protein (: -0.24) and tumor necrosis factor α (: -40); ≤ 0.02. Strength was improved with ACN at all time points (: 0.45-0.67). DOMS (: -0.23) was lower 24 hours post-exercise and power was improved 24 hours (: 0.62) and 48 hours (: 0.57) post exercise. The CK was lower 48 hours post-exercise (: -0.31) and there was a trend for a positive association with ACN dose ( = 0.057). This systematic review provides new data showing ACN-rich foods promote functional and subjective recovery likely due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ACN.
Topics: Humans; Antioxidants; Anthocyanins; Exercise; Myalgia; Diet
PubMed: 34402657
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1963208 -
Journal of Agricultural and Food... Nov 2018Anthocyanins (ACNs) are promising health-enhancing phenolic compounds. We focus on ACN animal tissue bioavailability to provide an evidentiary link between tissue ACNs... (Review)
Review
Anthocyanins (ACNs) are promising health-enhancing phenolic compounds. We focus on ACN animal tissue bioavailability to provide an evidentiary link between tissue ACNs and their associated health properties. We performed a systematic review of electronic libraries; 279 results were retrieved, and 13 publications met inclusion criteria. Extracted information included animal model employed, administration route, doses, analysis method, and ACN concentration values in tissues. Total ACN concentrations were detected in mice kidney (2.17 × 10 pmol/g), liver (1.73 × 10 pmol/g), heart (3.6 × 10 pmol/g), and lung (1.16 × 10 pmol/g); and in pig brain (6.08 × 10 pmol/g). ACNs showed a predominance of parent ACNs in long-term experiments versus an ACN metabolite predominance in short-term experiments. ACNs detected in animal tissues, such as cyanidin-3-glucoside, suggest it may have an important role in human health. This information could be useful to determine proper ACN-intake biomarkers in biological samples in futures studies.
Topics: Animal Structures; Animals; Anthocyanins; Biological Availability; Humans; Plant Extracts; Swine
PubMed: 30345762
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b04014 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Feb 2024The genus Alchemilla L. (lady's mantle) comprises 1000 species, of which more than 300 have been characterized from Europe. Notably, as folk medicines, Alchemilla... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
The genus Alchemilla L. (lady's mantle) comprises 1000 species, of which more than 300 have been characterized from Europe. Notably, as folk medicines, Alchemilla species have long been prescribed for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, pruritus vulvae, menopausal complaints, and related diseases in women. This review summarizes the traditional uses, highlights promising plant species, and focuses on phytochemical and biological studies to highlight future areas of research.
AIM OF THE REVIEW
This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Alchemilla species, covering their botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological and pharmacological activities, and to summarize the current research status to better understand the application value of Alchemilla plants in modern phytotherapy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The search strategy utilized the major thematic platforms Reaxys, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, the USDA Plant Database and Kew Science (Royal Botanic Gardens) and was performed with the term Alchemilla. These platforms were systematically searched for articles published from 1960 to 2023.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Alchemilla species, as members of the Rosaceae family, produce tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, coumarins, triterpenes and violet compounds. Effort has been made with this comprehensive review of Alchemilla plants to highlight the recent developments and milestones achieved in modern phytochemistry and phytotherapy, underlaying a broad spectrum of the activities of these plants, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antiobesity, cardiovascular, anticancer, and wound healing effects.
CONCLUSIONS
An increasing number of studies on the plants in the Alchemilla genus have provided data about the main constituents and their importance in modern medicine. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that Alchemilla plants possess an extensive spectrum of biological activities. Regardless of the remarkable medical potential of Alchemilla extracts, clinical studies are limited and need to be performed to produce safer and less expensive plant-based drugs.
Topics: Female; Humans; Ethnopharmacology; Plants, Medicinal; Alchemilla; Rosaceae; Anthocyanins; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 37981119
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117439 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2021The associations between intake of anthocyanins and anthocyanin-rich berries and cardiovascular risks remained to be established. We aimed to quantitatively summarize...
Anthocyanins, Anthocyanin-Rich Berries, and Cardiovascular Risks: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 44 Randomized Controlled Trials and 15 Prospective Cohort Studies.
The associations between intake of anthocyanins and anthocyanin-rich berries and cardiovascular risks remained to be established. We aimed to quantitatively summarize the effects of purified anthocyanins and anthocyanin-rich berries on major surrogate markers of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and the longitudinal associations between dietary anthocyanins and CVD events. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies. We included 44 eligible RCTs and 15 prospective cohort studies in this study. Pooled analysis of RCTs showed that purified anthocyanin supplementation could significantly reduce blood LDL cholesterol (weighted mean difference (WMD): -5.43 mg/dL, 95% CI: -8.96, -1.90 mg/dL; = 0.003) and triglyceride (WMD: -6.18 mg/dL, 95% CI: -11.67, -0.69 mg/dL; = 0.027) while increase HDL cholesterol (WMD: 11.49 mg/dL, 95% CI: 7.43, 15.55 mg/dL; < 0.001) concentrations. Purified anthocyanins also markedly decreased circulating tumor necrosis factor alpha (WMD: -1.62 pg/mL, 95% CI: -2.76, -0.48 pg/mL; = 0.005) and C-reactive protein (WMD: -0.028 mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.050, -0.005 mg/dL; = 0.014). Besides, administration of anthocyanin-rich berries could significantly lower blood total cholesterol (WMD: -4.48 mg/dL, 95% CI: -8.94, -0.02 mg/dL; = 0.049) and C-reactive protein (WMD: -0.046 mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.070, -0.022 mg/dL; < 0.001). Neither purified anthocyanins nor anthocyanin-rich berries could cause any substantial improvements in BMI, blood pressure, or flow-mediated dilation. In addition, meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies suggested that high dietary anthocyanins were related to lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) (relative risk (): 0.83, 95% CI: 0.72, 0.95; = 0.009), total CVD incidence (: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.55, 0.97; = 0.030), and total CVD deaths (: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.87, 0.96; < 0.001). Habitual intake of anthocyanins and anthocyanin-rich berries could protect against CVDs possibly improving blood lipid profiles and decreasing circulating proinflammatory cytokines. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42020208782.
PubMed: 34977111
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.747884