Role of Anthocyanins in Cancer

Anthocyanins, natural pigments abundantly present in fruits and vegetables, have demonstrated diverse bioactive properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. There is growing interest in exploring their potential role in cancer prevention and treatment due to these properties. Objective:This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the impact of anthocyanins on cancer, elucidating the underlying mechanisms through In vitro and In vivo experiments. Method:The study was conducted to identify studies investigating the effects of anthocyanins on cancer cells. The selected studies encompassed In vitro experiments utilizing cell cultures and In vivo investigations employing animal models to assess the potential inhibitory effects of anthocyanins on tumor growth. The review focused on molecular and cellular assays from these studies, specifically exploring the modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and cell cycle regulation by anthocyanins. The methodological approaches and key findings from these studies were critically analyzed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the role of anthocyanins in cancer. Result: The findings revealed that anthocyanins exerted potent antioxidant effects, mitigating oxidative stress and DNA damage in cancer cells. Anti-inflammatory properties were demonstrated by the suppression of key inflammatory pathways. Anthocyanins induced apoptosis in cancer cells, leading to programmed cell death while sparing normal cells. Furthermore, they exhibited antiangiogenic effects by disrupting the formation of blood vessels essential for tumor growth. The modulation of cell cycle progression was also observed, suggesting a role in preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation.