Abstract
Cyanidin 3-O-galactoside (Cy3Gal) is one of the most widespread anthocyanins that positively impacts the health of animals and humans. Since it is available from a wide range of natural sources, such as fruits (apples and berries in particular), substantial studies were performed to investigate its biosynthesis, chemical stability, natural occurrences and content, extraction methods, physiological functions, as well as potential applications. In this review, we focus on presenting the previous studies on the abovementioned aspects of Cy3Gal. As a conclusion, Cy3Gal shares a common biosynthesis pathway and analogous stability with other anthocyanins. Galactosyltransferase utilizing uridine diphosphate galactose (UDP-galactose) and cyanidin as substrates is unique for Cy3Gal biosynthesis. Extraction employing different methods reveals chokeberry as the most practical natural source for mass-production of this compound. The antioxidant properties and other health effects, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-toxicity, cardiovascular, and nervous protective capacities, are highlighted in purified Cy3Gal and in its combination with other polyphenols. These unique properties of Cy3Gal are discussed and compared with other anthocyanins with related structure for an in-depth evaluation of its potential value as food additives or health supplement. Emphasis is laid on the description of its physiological functions confirmed via various approaches.
Highlights
Anthocyanins are water-soluble chemicals consisting of an aglycone, sugar(s), and, in many cases, acyl group(s) [1]
It was observed that Cyanidin 3-O-galactoside (Cy3Gal) required 10 μM to achieve its protective effects against ischemia-induced caspase activation and necrotic cell death in rats, while cyanidin 3-glucoside (Cy3Glu) required 20 μM and cyanidin 3-rutinoside (Cy3Rut) displayed no effect in neither concentration [18]
Cy3Gal is biosynthesized from cyanidin and UDPgalactose, of which the former adopts a general synthesis pathway of anthocyanins with phenylalanine as the starting compound, followed by a series of reactions, including deamination, hydroxylation, dehydration, condensation, cyclization, methylation, and glycosylation
Summary
Anthocyanins are water-soluble chemicals consisting of an aglycone (anthocyanidin), sugar(s), and, in many cases, acyl group(s) [1]. Cy3Gal mainly occurs in fruits, including red-skinned or red-fleshed apples, hawthorn, bilberries, cranberries, chokeberries, and lingonberries [11,12,13,14,15,16,17]. As these fruits have the potential to be an important part of the human diet (in the form of juice, for example), research has been conducted to explore the biosynthesis, chemical stability, natural occurrences, extracting methods, physiological functions, and prospective applications of Cy3Gal. in recent years, Cy3Gal was heighted for its excellent ability to work as a cognitive improver [18,19]. Therein the description of its physiological functions is given in details for a better evaluation of its value as a nutrient
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