Known and potential health benefits and mechanisms of blueberry anthocyanins: A review

Abstract

Blueberry is known as a healthy fruit, mainly because it is rich in anthocyanins. Accumulating research has shown that anthocyanins from the small blue fruits of blueberry plants have important nutritional and health value. In addition to their well-known antioxidant effects, blueberry anthocyanins, which are among the predominant active ingredients, also have relatively good anti-type 2 diabetes, anti-cardiovascular disease, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. In this study, we summarize the main species, chemical structures, basic functions, beneficial effects and mechanisms of blueberry anthocyanins. We also explore the current research status and prospects for the future development direction of blueberry anthocyanins in terms of their health effects. The available studies have shown that blueberry anthocyanins have great potential for industrial production. Future research on the processing of blueberry should not only focus on individual anthocyanin components, but also comprehensively evaluate the overall benefits of total anthocyanins in blueberry fruits, as well as the roles played by other antioxidant substances. This study provides a useful reference for further research on the processing of blueberry and other berries rich in anthocyanins.