Anthocyanins--an adjunct to cardiovascular therapy?
Kowalczyk, E.; Kopff, A.; Niedworok, J.; Kopff, M.; Jankowski, A.
Kardiologia Polska 57(10): 332-336
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-9032 PMID: 12917728 Document Number: 544598
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. To assess the effects of anthocyanins from chokeberry (Aronia Melanocarpa) on some parameters of oxidation-reduction balance in an animal model. 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. 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. Anthocyanins from chokeberry decrease lipid peroxidation which may be potentially used to combat oxidative stress.