Anthocyanin pigments are responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors of many fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, and flowers, increasing the interest due to their strong antioxidant capacity and their possible use to the benefit of human health. Abundant evidence is available about the preventive and therapeutic roles of anthocyanin in different kinds of chronic diseases. According to the structural differences and anthocyanin content of berries such as blackberry, blueberry, chokeberry, and others, there are different healthy properties in the treatments of circulatory disorders, cancer cell lines, and diabetes as well as antiviral and antimicrobial activities. On the other hand, molecular aspects play an important role in anthocyanin biosynthesis, making it possible to determine how biotic and abiotic factors impact its biosynthesis complex. Thus, the aim of this chapter was to describe the use of anthocyanins from berries for human health and their potential use as a pharmacological bioresource in the prevention of chronic diseases. In addition, an update of the molecular mechanisms involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis will be discussed.
Part of the book: Superfood and Functional Food
In recent years, there has been great interest in the nutraceutical compounds of fruits from native Chilean plant species. In this context, fruits of Amomyrtus meli (Meli), Aristotelia chilensis (Maqui), Berberis microphylla (Calafate), Luma apiculata (Arrayán), Luma chequén (Chequén), and Ugni molinae (Murtilla) growing predominantly in Chilean forests have been studied. This chapter has compiled the existing information about antioxidant activity and antioxidant compound contents of the above mentioned fruit species and their association with the prevention of pathophysiological disorders in humans, such as inflammation, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Results show that the antioxidant compounds of these species, particularly anthocyanins, decrease inflammation as well as the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, consumption of these fruits is a good alternative for preventing cardiovascular and age-related diseases and pathophysiological disorders.
Part of the book: Superfood and Functional Food