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.

OBJECTIVE

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.