Anthocyanins--an adjunct to cardiovascular therapy?

Background: Anthocyanins are one of the most important water-soluble plant pigments. They belong to flavonoids and are derivatives of 2-phenylo-benzo-gamma pyren. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and, therefore, may be potentially used to combat oxidative stress, frequently present in cardiovascular diseases.

Aim: To assess the effects of anthocyanins from chokeberry (Aronia Melanocarpa) on some parameters of oxidation-reduction balance in an animal model.

Methods: Of 20 male Wistar rats, 10 received for 3 months pure water, and the other rats 10-100 mg/l of anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa. Afterwards, blood samples were collected for assessment of the (1) content of substances reacting with thiobarbitural--TBARS, (2) antioxidant status and glutathione peroxidase activity, (3) concentration of sulphydryl groups, and (4) nitrite concentration.

Results: Anthocyanins significantly reduced the content of TBARS and thiol protein groups and non-significantly increased glutathione peroxidase activity, total content of antioxidants and nitrite concentration.

Conclusions: Anthocyanins from chokeberry decrease lipid peroxidation which may be potentially used to combat oxidative stress.