Potential Benefits of Berry Anthocyanins on Vascular Function

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, is the leading cause of global death. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a strong predictor for most CVD making it a therapeutic target for both drug and nutrition interventions. It has been previously shown that polyphenols from wine and grape extracts possess vasodilator activities, due to the increased expression and phosphorylation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and consequent vasodilator nitric oxide (NO) production. This is vital in the prevention of ED, as NO production contributes to the maintenance of endothelial homeostasis. Moreover, polyphenols have the ability to inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause oxidative stress, as well as suppress the upregulation of inflammatory markers within the endothelium. However, while the majority of the research has focused on red wine, this has overshadowed the potential of other nutritional components for targeting ED, such as the use of berries. Berries are high in anthocyanin flavonoids a subtype of polyphenols with studies suggesting improved vascular function as a result of inducing NO production and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This review focuses on the protective effects of berries within the vasculature.

Urinary Nitric Oxide Levels Are Associated with Blood Pressure, Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Total Polyphenol Excretion in Adolescents from the SI! Program

“…Conflicting results were found in studies with postmenopausal women, or adults with prehypertension or hypertension, in which a daily intake of 150–400 mg nitrate over periods ranging from 10 days to 12 weeks increased NO (measured by nitrate in urine or plasma) but did not reduce SBP or DBP [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ]. The consumption of fruits and vegetables, as a source of polyphenols, could induce NO production by increasing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation [ 51 , 52 ].…”

“…Additionally, some researchers suggest that polyphenols could improve the metabolism of NO through the L-arginine-NOS pathway, enhancing the activity of eNOS, which is activated via Pi3K/Akt [ 60 , 62 , 63 , 64 ]. In addition, reactive oxygen species can be inhibited by polyphenols, thereby reducing oxidative stress and the upregulation of inflammatory markers within the endothelium and upregulating NO synthesis [ 51 ].…”

Anthocyanins in Chronic Diseases: The Power of Purple

“…Cyanidin 3-glucoside decreased inflammation, suppressed apoptosis, lowered blood lipid concentrations and improved artery wall structure and function in rabbits fed a high-fat diet [ 202 ]. Berry anthocyanins may protect the vasculature in cardiometabolic disease by inducing NO production and decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress [ 203 ] as well as changes in the gut microbiota [ 204 ]. Further, Queen Garnet plum juice containing approximately 250 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside reduced the postprandial effects of a high-fat high-energy meal on vascular endothelial function and inflammatory responses in older humans [ 205 ].…”

Roles of Reactive Oxygen Species in Vascular Complications of Diabetes: Therapeutic Properties of Medicinal Plants and Food

“…Berries are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, fiber, and minerals [174]. A trial sequence analysis reported berries as a nutraceutical or functional food to prevent and control cardiovascular disease [175].…”