title: Effects of anthocyanins on cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation in pre-hypertensive men: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover study.
abstract: High intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk. A number of fruits and vegetables are rich in anthocyanins, which constitute a subgroup of the flavonoids. Anthocyanins have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, and anthocyanin-rich interventions have indicated beneficial effects on blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. We assessed whether a purified anthocyanin supplement improves cardiovascular metabolic risk factors and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in prehypertensive participants, and whether plasma polyphenols are increased 1-3 h following intake. In all, 31 men between 35-51 years with screening blood pressure >140/90 mm Hg without anti-hypertensive or lipid-lowering medication, were randomized in a double-blinded crossover study to placebo versus 640 mg anthocyanins daily. Treatment durations were 4 weeks with a 4-week washout. High-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and blood glucose were significantly higher after anthocyanin versus placebo treatment (P=0.043 and P=0.024, respectively). No effects were observed on inflammation or oxidative stress in vivo, except for von Willebrand factor, which was higher in the anthocyanin period (P=0.007). Several plasma polyphenols increased significantly 1-3 h following anthocyanin intake. The present study strengthens the evidence that anthocyanins may increase HDL-cholesterol levels, and this is demonstrated for the first time in prehypertensive and non-dyslipidemic men. However, no other beneficial effects in the short term were found on pathophysiological markers of cardiovascular disease.
authors.affiliation: Section of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. skjalsh@medisin.uio.no
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Hassellund
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Flaa
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Kjeldsen
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Seljeflot
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karlsen
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Erlund
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rostrup
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000872:Anthocyanins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015415:Biomarkers; D001786:Blood Glucose; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects*; D058246:Prehypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000872:Anthocyanins; D000975:Antioxidants; D015415:Biomarkers; D001786:Blood Glucose; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL