D
Energy Expenditure
A single animal study found C3G increased whole body energy metabolism by upregulating brown adipose tissue mitochondrial function in mice. No replication studies or human data available.
small↑Improves
Cyanidin
Cyanidin is a type of anthocyanin pigment found in dark berries, purple vegetables, and black rice. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) is the most studied form. Shows promise for blood glucose regulation, anti-inflammatory effects, and metabolic health. Notable for potentially improving glucose uptake without impairing muscle protein synthesis (unlike some AMPK activators). However, bioavailability is a major concern - most cyanidin is rapidly metabolized. Human evidence is limited despite promising in vitro data.
Quick Answer
What it is
Cyanidin is a type of anthocyanin pigment found in dark berries, purple vegetables, and black rice. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) is the most studied form.
Key findings
- Grade C: Blood Glucose Regulation
- Grade C: Inflammation
- Grade D: Antioxidant Status
Safety
- A separate study demonstrated pH-dependent interaction with rhodopsin.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Cyanidin
Quick Facts: Cyanidin
- Best Evidence:Grade D
- Conditions Studied:6
- Research Outcomes:10
- Key Effect:Age-Associated Memory Impairment and Cognitive Decline (AAMCD)
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C2
D8
6 conditions · 10 outcomes
Detailed Outcomes
Grade:
Effect:
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C
Blood Glucose Regulation
Multiple animal and in vitro studies demonstrate C3G enhances glucose uptake via AMPK activation, GLUT4 translocation, and PPAR binding. In diabetic rodent models, C3G from black rice reduced blood glucose, improved insulin signaling in hypertrophic adipocytes, and ameliorated diabetic nephropathy. One human study with anthocyanin-rich extract improved insulin resistance markers, but direct C3G human trials remain sparse.
moderate↓Improves
C
Inflammation
Consistent evidence across multiple animal models and cell studies. C3G inhibited carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in mice, attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory responses, reduced collagen-induced arthritis severity, and suppressed NF-κB-mediated inflammatory pathways. Demonstrated in diverse tissue types including synoviocytes, endothelial cells, and corneal epithelial cells. Human anti-inflammatory trials with isolated C3G are lacking.
moderate↓Improves
D
Intestinal Barrier Integrity
In rodent models, low-dose C3G alleviated DSS-induced colitis mediated by CD169+ macrophage pathway, protected against intestinal barrier damage and TNBS-induced colitis, and restored intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. C3G and its phenolic metabolites maintained intestinal integrity in cell and animal models. Human evidence is absent.
moderate↑Improves
D
Retinal Protection
C3G and its phenolic acid metabolites attenuated visible light-induced retinal degeneration in vivo via activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and NF-κB suppression. Also attenuated 4-hydroxynonenal- and visible light-induced retinal damage in vitro and in vivo. A separate study demonstrated pH-dependent interaction with rhodopsin. All evidence is preclinical.
small↑Improves
D
Antioxidant Status
In vitro and animal studies show C3G prevents H2O2-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells, protects against ochratoxin A-mediated oxidative damage in rats, activates Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathways, and ameliorates diabetic nephropathy through regulation of the glutathione pool. Antioxidant liposome formulations have been developed. Bioavailability concerns limit translational relevance.
small↑Improves
D
Endothelial Function
In apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, C3G supplementation protected against hypercholesterolemia-mediated endothelial dysfunction, attenuated atherosclerosis, and promoted endothelial repair in diabetic models. In vitro, C3G attenuated angiotensin II-induced oxidative stress in vascular endothelial cells and modulated miR-204-5p/SIRT1-mediated inflammation and apoptosis. No human cardiovascular trials with isolated C3G.
moderate↑Improves
D
Neuroprotection
C3G protected PC12 neuronal cells against apoptosis mediated by LPS-stimulated microglial activation. A 2019 review outlined neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system across multiple preclinical models. Anthocyanin-rich berry extracts containing cyanidin show some cognitive benefits in elderly populations, but effects may be attributable to the overall anthocyanin mixture rather than C3G specifically.
small↑Improves
D
Lipid Levels
C3G-rich extract from black rice showed hypolipidaemic effects through regulating hepatic lipogenic enzyme activities in animal models. C3G supplementation also attenuated hypercholesterolemia-mediated endothelial dysfunction in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Evidence is limited to animal models.
small↓Worsens
D
Bone Mineral Density
One preclinical study reported that cyanidin-3-O-β-D-glucoside improved bone indices. No human evidence or replication studies available.
small↑Improves
Evidence by Condition
Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)
Research Citations (30)
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