Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (724 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
A group of flavonoids derived from flavonols, which lack the ketone oxygen at the 4-position. They are glycosylated versions of cyanidin, pelargonidin or delphinidin. The conjugated bonds result in blue, red, and purple colors in flowers of plants.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Anthocyanin; Anthocyanidins; Anthocyanidin; Leucoanthocyanidins.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Flavonoids; Glycosides; Pigments, Biological
Related concepts
- Flavonoids
- Flavonols
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 13,031 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Anthocyanins” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 5,832 of them (44.8%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2020 onward with 5,832 records.
Reviews account for 990 records (7.6%) and meta-analyses for 54. Randomized controlled trials number 204 (1.6%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up only a small share of this literature, so much of what is known comes from laboratory, observational or descriptive work.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 479 |
| 2000-2009 | 1,795 |
| 2010-2019 | 4,925 |
| 2020 onward | 5,832 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 990 | 7.6% |
| Meta-analyses | 54 | 0.4% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 204 | 1.6% |
Method: PubMed query "Anthocyanins"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in drugs and chemicals
Studies of a chemical or drug can answer very different questions: what it is and how it behaves in cells and animals, how the body handles it, and whether it changes outcomes in people. Laboratory and animal findings often do not carry over to patients, and observational studies of exposures are confounded by who uses a substance and why. Nothing on this page is a recommendation to use, avoid, start or stop any substance or medicine; talk to a qualified clinician or pharmacist about your own situation. Check the dose, the species, the comparison group and whether a patient-relevant outcome was measured.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant Activity of Anthocyanins and Anthocyanidins: A Critical Review | 2024 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 64 | cc by PMID 39596068 · DOI · PMC11593439 |
| Anthocyanins: Molecular Aspects on Their Neuroprotective Activity | 2023 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 54 | cc by PMID 38002280 · DOI · PMC10669056 |
| Genetic factors explaining anthocyanin pigmentation differences | 2024 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 45 | cc by PMID 38961369 · DOI · PMC11221117 |
| A Liposomal Delivery System of Blueberry Anthocyanins Ameliorates Corneal Laser Injury | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 42194051 · DOI · PMC13204816 |
Antioxidant Activity of Anthocyanins and Anthocyanidins: A Critical Review [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Anthocyanins are the main plant pigments responsible for the color of flowers, fruits, and vegetative organs of many plants, and are applied also as safe food colorants.
- Closing excerpt
- The direct and indirect antioxidant action of anthocyanins, the question of the specificity of anthocyanin action in complex extracts, as well as limitations of cellular in vitro assays and biomarkers used for the detection of antioxidant effects of anthocyanins, are critically discussed.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (138 words)
Anthocyanins are the main plant pigments responsible for the color of flowers, fruits, and vegetative organs of many plants, and are applied also as safe food colorants. They are efficient antioxidants. In this review, the reactivity of anthocyanins and their aglycones, anthocyanidins, in the main antioxidant assays, and their reactions with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, effects of interactions with other compounds and metal ions on the antioxidant activity of anthocyanins and the electrochemical properties of anthocyanins are presented. Numerous cases of attenuation of oxidative stress at the cellular and organismal levels by anthocyanins are cited. The direct and indirect antioxidant action of anthocyanins, the question of the specificity of anthocyanin action in complex extracts, as well as limitations of cellular in vitro assays and biomarkers used for the detection of antioxidant effects of anthocyanins, are critically discussed.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 39596068 · DOI · PMC11593439
Anthocyanins: Molecular Aspects on Their Neuroprotective Activity [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoids that give plants and fruits their vibrant colors.
- Closing excerpt
- In conclusion, the outcome of this review suggests that integrating anthocyanin-rich foods into human diets could potentially serve as a therapeutic approach for neurological conditions, and we identify promising avenues for further exploration in this area.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (185 words)
Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoids that give plants and fruits their vibrant colors. They are known for their potent antioxidant properties and have been linked to various health benefits. Upon consumption, anthocyanins are quickly absorbed and can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Research based on population studies suggests that including anthocyanin-rich sources in the diet lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Anthocyanins exhibit neuroprotective effects that could potentially alleviate symptoms associated with such diseases. In this review, we compiled and discussed a large body of evidence supporting the neuroprotective role of anthocyanins. Our examination encompasses human studies, animal models, and cell cultures. We delve into the connection between anthocyanin bioactivities and the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. Our findings highlight how anthocyanins' antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties contribute to their neuroprotective effects. These effects are particularly relevant to key signaling pathways implicated in the development of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In conclusion, the outcome of this review suggests that integrating anthocyanin-rich foods into human diets could potentially serve as a therapeutic approach for neurological conditions, and we identify promising avenues for further exploration in this area.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 38002280 · DOI · PMC10669056
Genetic factors explaining anthocyanin pigmentation differences [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundAnthocyanins are important contributors to coloration across a wide phylogenetic range of plants.
- Closing excerpt
- Our findings underline the particular significance of MYBs and their apparent prevalent role in the specificity of the MBW complex.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (245 words)
BackgroundAnthocyanins are important contributors to coloration across a wide phylogenetic range of plants. Biological functions of anthocyanins span from reproduction to protection against biotic and abiotic stressors. Owing to a clearly visible phenotype of mutants, the anthocyanin biosynthesis and its sophisticated regulation have been studied in numerous plant species. Genes encoding the anthocyanin biosynthesis enzymes are regulated by a transcription factor complex comprising MYB, bHLH and WD40 proteins.ResultsA systematic comparison of anthocyanin-pigmented vs. non-pigmented varieties was performed within numerous plant species covering the taxonomic diversity of flowering plants. The literature was screened for cases in which genetic factors causing anthocyanin loss were reported. Additionally, transcriptomic data sets from four previous studies were reanalyzed to determine the genes possibly responsible for color variation based on their expression pattern. The contribution of different structural and regulatory genes to the intraspecific pigmentation differences was quantified. Differences concerning transcription factors are by far the most frequent explanation for pigmentation differences observed between two varieties of the same species. Among the transcription factors in the analyzed cases, MYB genes are significantly more prone to account for pigmentation differences compared to bHLH or WD40 genes. Among the structural genes, DFR genes are most often associated with anthocyanin loss.ConclusionsThese findings support previous assumptions about the susceptibility of transcriptional regulation to evolutionary changes and its importance for the evolution of novel coloration phenotypes. Our findings underline the particular significance of MYBs and their apparent prevalent role in the specificity of the MBW complex.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 38961369 · DOI · PMC11221117
A Liposomal Delivery System of Blueberry Anthocyanins Ameliorates Corneal Laser Injury [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- This study aims to develop and systematically evaluate a new lipid-based formulation of blueberry anthocyanins, which can accelerate the healing effect of the cornea.
- Closing excerpt
- This provides reliable experimental evidence for the development of plant natural active ingredients in ophthalmic treatments.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (156 words)
This study aims to develop and systematically evaluate a new lipid-based formulation of blueberry anthocyanins, which can accelerate the healing effect of the cornea. The study first successfully screened and optimized the formulation and preparation process for blueberry anthocyanin liposomes. Characterization via transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering revealed uniformly distributed, near-spherical liposomes with distinct phospholipid bilayers. Key physicochemical parameters-particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and drug loading capacity-all met formulation standards. In vivo pharmacodynamic experiments demonstrated that topical administration of blueberry anthocyanin liposomes significantly accelerated the repair process and effectively mitigated depressional damage to the corneal epithelium in a New Zealand white rabbit corneal injury model induced by 10.6 μm mid-infrared CO2 laser. In summary, the blueberry anthocyanin liposomes successfully prepared in this study exhibit excellent performance, effectively enhancing drug exposure levels in vivo and promoting corneal repair. This provides reliable experimental evidence for the development of plant natural active ingredients in ophthalmic treatments.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42194051 · DOI · PMC13204816
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Bioavailability and bioefficacy of polyphenols in humans. I. Review of 97 bioavailability studies [5]
- Research article New insights into the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in fruits [6]
- Research article Analysis and biological activities of anthocyanins [7]
- Research article Anthocyanins: A Comprehensive Review of Their Chemical Properties and Health Effects on Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases [8]
- Research article Polyphenols: A concise overview on the chemistry, occurrence, and human health [9]
- Research article Advances in the MYB-bHLH-WD Repeat (MBW) Pigment Regulatory Model: Addition of a WRKY Factor and Co-option of an Anthocyanin MYB for Betalain Regulation [10]
References
- Sadowska-Bartosz I, Bartosz G. Antioxidant Activity of Anthocyanins and Anthocyanidins: A Critical Review. . 2024. PMID 39596068 · DOI · PMC11593439
- Zaa CA, Marcelo ÁJ, An Z, Medina-Franco JL, Velasco-Velázquez MA. Anthocyanins: Molecular Aspects on Their Neuroprotective Activity. . 2023. PMID 38002280 · DOI · PMC10669056
- Marin-Recinos MF, Pucker B. Genetic factors explaining anthocyanin pigmentation differences. . 2024. PMID 38961369 · DOI · PMC11221117
- Lv Z, Li C, Liang D, Chen G, Qiu M, Meng Z, et al.. A Liposomal Delivery System of Blueberry Anthocyanins Ameliorates Corneal Laser Injury. . 2026. PMID 42194051 · DOI · PMC13204816
- Manach C, Williamson G, Morand C, Scalbert A, Rémésy C. Bioavailability and bioefficacy of polyphenols in humans. I. Review of 97 bioavailability studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005. PMID 15640486 · DOI
- Jaakola L. New insights into the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in fruits. Trends Plant Sci. 2013. PMID 23870661 · DOI
- Kong JM, Chia LS, Goh NK, Chia TF, Brouillard R. Analysis and biological activities of anthocyanins. Phytochemistry. 2003. PMID 14561507 · DOI
- Mattioli R, Francioso A, Mosca L, Silva P. Anthocyanins: A Comprehensive Review of Their Chemical Properties and Health Effects on Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Molecules. 2020. PMID 32825684 · DOI · PMC7504512
- Durazzo A, Lucarini M, Souto EB, Cicala C, Caiazzo E, Izzo AA, et al.. Polyphenols: A concise overview on the chemistry, occurrence, and human health. Phytother Res. 2019. PMID 31359516 · DOI
- Lloyd A, Brockman A, Aguirre L, Campbell A, Bean A, Cantero A, et al.. Advances in the MYB-bHLH-WD Repeat (MBW) Pigment Regulatory Model: Addition of a WRKY Factor and Co-option of an Anthocyanin MYB for Betalain Regulation. Plant Cell Physiol. 2017. PMID 28575507 · DOI · PMC5914458
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-31.
See how EvidenceLib is built. Spotted an error? Email support@evidencehelix.com.
Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.