The preventive and therapeutic effects of anthocyanins on colorectal cancer: A comprehensive review based on up-to-date experimental studies

• Published in: Food research international 2023-08, Vol.170, p.113028-113028, Article 113028
• Main Authors: Nascimento, Roberto de Paula do, Machado, Ana Paula da Fonseca
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adenomatous polyposis coli; Anthocyanins - pharmacology; Black raspberry; Brazil; Colorectal Neoplasms - drug therapy; Colorectal Neoplasms - prevention & control; Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside; Delphinidin-3-O-glucoside; Fruit; Fruits; Humans; Inflammatory bowel diseases; Intestinal microbiota; Vegetables
• ISSN: 0963-9969; 1873-7145
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113028

[Display omitted] •Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most lethal neoplasm and its drug treatments have shown limitations.•In vitro and animal studies indicate the clear benefits of anthocyanins-rich fruit powders and extracts on CRC.•Black raspberry acts against CRC by reducing cell proliferation, inflammation, and dysbiosis.•Delphinidin derivatives have shown promising effects on CRC by activating apoptosis and anti-metastasis mechanisms. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most lethal and the third most diagnosed type of cancer worldwide. More than 75% of CRC cases are sporadic and lifestyle-related. Risk factors include diet, physical inactivity, genetics, smoking, alcohol, changes in the intestinal microbiota, and inflammation-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The limits of conventional treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy), as demonstrated by the side effects and resistance of many CRC patients, are making professionals search for new chemopreventive alternatives. In this context, diets rich in fruits and vegetables or plant-based products, which contain high levels of phytochemicals, have been postulated as complementary therapeutic options. Anthocyanins, phenolic pigments responsible for the vivid colors of most red, purple, and blue fruits and vegetables, have been shown protective effects on CRC. Berries, grapes, Brazilian fruits, and vegetables such as black rice and purple sweet potato are examples of products rich in anthocyanins, which have been able to reduce cancer development by modulating signaling pathways associated with CRC. Therefore, this review has as main objective to present and discuss the potential preventive and therapeutic effects of anthocyanins present in fruits and vegetables, in plant extracts, or in their pure form on CRC, taking into account up-to-date experimental studies (2017-2023). Additionally, a highlight is given towards the mechanisms of action of anthocyanins on CRC.