CAM: Anthocyanin

Classified as:
Phytochemical,  Polyphenol, Flavonoid, Anthocyanidin

Structure of Anthocyanin

Intro and Background
The term anthocyanin refers to a group of compounds found in vegetables, citrus fruits, red wine, and especially in edible berries. Anthocyanins are responsible for the red, blue, and purple colors of many plants. ⁽¹⁾ They may help prevent cardio-vascular disorders, age complications, obesity, inflammatory responses, cancer, and other degenerative diseases. ⁽²⁾⁽¹⁾ These compounds also exhibit antioxidant behavior which can help in the protection of DNA and its structure.⁽²⁾ Anthocyanins leave the body quickly after they are eaten and it is not currently known where and how fast they are absorbed. ⁽¹⁾ These types of compounds may fight cancer by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. ⁽³⁾

Learn MORE about apoptosis and proliferation.

Scientific Research
Studies have shown that anthocyanins can slow the growth of tumor cells in vitro. ^{(4) (5) (6)} Because it is not even clear how anthocyanins will act in animal experiments ⁽⁷⁾, no clinical trials seem to have been performed to investigate the ability of anthocyanins to treat cancer in humans. Most of the recent research seems to be focused on the ability of anthocyanins to prevent cancer rather than treat it. Anthocyanins do not seem to have side effects in studies done on cells in vitro. ⁽⁸⁾

Currently, there are no known clinical studies being conducted investigating the medical benefits of anthocyanin. ⁽⁹⁾ For information about ongoing clinical trials involving anthocyanins, please visit our section on Finding Clinical Trials.

US Food and Drug Administration Approval
There is not enough evidence to support that anthocyanins are effective in the fight against cancer and they have not been approved by the FDA for cancer treatment. ⁽¹⁰⁾

It is important to keep in mind that many cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, work by generating free radicals in order to destroy cancer cells. If a cancer patient takes antioxidants while undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment, it is possible that these compounds may protect tumor cells from the desired free radicals. Doctors may recommend that patients undergoing these treatments avoid antioxidants so that the treatment is as effective as possible. ⁽¹¹⁾

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2. Zafra-Stone S, YAsmin T., Baqchi M., Chatterjee A., Vinson J.A., Bachi D.Berry anthocyanins as novel antioxidants in human health and disease prevention. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. (2007) 51:6, 675-683 [PUBMED]
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9. National Library of Medicine. (2007). ClinicalTrials.gov Retrieved June 6, 2007 from the National Institutes of Health Web Site: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/search?term=homeopathy%2C+cancer&submit=Search
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