Abstract
Anthocyanins from different plant sources have been shown to possess health beneficial effects against a number of chronic diseases. To obtain any influence in a specific tissue or organ, these bioactive compounds must be bioavailable, i.e., effectively absorbed from the gut into the circulation and transferred to the appropriate location within the body while still maintaining their bioactivity. One of the key factors affecting the bioavailability of anthocyanins is their transport through the gut epithelium. The Caco-2 cell line, a human intestinal epithelial cell model derived from a colon carcinoma, has been proven to be a good alternative to animal studies for predicting intestinal absorption of anthocyanins. Studies investigating anthocyanin absorption by Caco-2 cells report very low absorption of these compounds. However, the bioavailability of anthocyanins may be underestimated since the metabolites formed in the course of digestion could be responsible for the health benefits associated with anthocyanins. In this review, we critically discuss recent findings reported on the anthocyanin absorption and metabolism by human intestinal Caco-2 cells.
Highlights
Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments responsible for the blue, purple, and red color of many plant tissues [1]
The Caco-2 cell line, a human intestinal epithelial cell model derived from a colon carcinoma, has been proven to be a good alternative to animal studies for predicting intestinal absorption of anthocyanins [11]
This review summarizes the recent findings reported on the absorption and metabolism of anthocyanins by human intestinal Caco-2 cells
Summary
Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments responsible for the blue, purple, and red color of many plant tissues [1]. The term anthocyanin is derived from the Greek words anthos, meaning flower, and kyanos, meaning blue [2] They occur in vegetables, roots, legumes, and cereals, these pigments are usually associated with fruits. Drug Administration) has a different list of “natural” colors that do not require certification, and anthocyanins can be obtained either from “grape color extract”, “grape skin extract”, or “fruit or vegetable juices” [9] Apart from their colorant features, many studies have associated anthocyanins with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties, protection against both heart disease and certain types of cancer, as well as a reduction in the risk of diabetes and cognitive function disorders [10]. This review summarizes the recent findings reported on the absorption and metabolism of anthocyanins by human intestinal Caco-2 cells
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
