Pelargonidin

Pelargonidin is one of six anthocyanidins (anthocyanin aglycones) responsible for red/orange coloring in plants, particularly strawberries. It is the simplest anthocyanidin structurally. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - very limited human research. Better to obtain through strawberry/berry consumption than as an isolated supplement. Has antioxidant and potential neuroprotective properties in preclinical research. Bioavailability may be enhanced by other flavonoids like quercetin.

Quick Answer

What it is

Pelargonidin is one of six anthocyanidins (anthocyanin aglycones) responsible for red/orange coloring in plants, particularly strawberries. It is the simplest anthocyanidin structurally.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Alzheimer's Disease Neuropathology
  • Grade D: Neuroprotection
  • Grade D: Antioxidant Status

Safety

  • A community-based epidemiological study of 575 deceased participants (Rush Memory and Aging Project) found that higher pelargonidin intake was associated with reduced amyloid-beta accumulation and fewer phosphorylated tau tangles in brain tissue, particularly among those without APOE e4 risk factor.
  • One month of daily dosing produced no detectable adverse effects.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Pelargonidin

Quick Facts: Pelargonidin

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:6
  • Key Effect:Alzheimer’s Disease
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C1
D5
2 conditions · 6 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Alzheimer's Disease Neuropathology
A community-based epidemiological study of 575 deceased participants (Rush Memory and Aging Project) found that higher pelargonidin intake was associated with reduced amyloid-beta accumulation and fewer phosphorylated tau tangles in brain tissue, particularly among those without APOE e4 risk factor. Preclinical studies also show pelargonidin restores amyloid-beta-induced deficits in animal models.
moderate↓Improves
D
Neuroprotection
Multiple animal studies demonstrate neuroprotective effects of pelargonidin across diverse neurological injury models. In rat models of Parkinson's disease, pelargonidin preserved dopaminergic neurons in a dose-dependent manner. In cerebral ischemia/reperfusion models, pelargonidin reduced infarct area and improved neurological function via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Pelargonidin's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier supports its neuroprotective potential.
moderate↑Improves
D
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and its metabolites showed modest anti-inflammatory effects in human whole blood cultures, increasing IL-10 concentration at physiologically relevant doses (0.08 µmol/L), though no effects were observed on TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, or IL-8. Animal studies show broader anti-inflammatory effects including modulation of MMP activity and reduction of inflammatory factors.
small↓Improves
D
Spinal Cord Injury Recovery
In a rat spinal cord injury model, pelargonidin improved locomotor function and substantially reduced neuropathic pain (cold allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, mechanical pain). Histological analysis showed pelargonidin supported motor neuron survival in the ventral horn and modulated MMP activity favorably (elevated MMP2 for tissue repair, suppressed MMP9 for inflammation).
moderate↑Improves
D
Oral Drug Bioavailability Enhancement
In mouse models, an oral capsule combining pelargonidin with insulin reduced blood glucose for over four hours, with bioactivity exceeding 100% relative to subcutaneous injection. Pelargonidin acts as an intestinal permeation enhancer through temporary rearrangement of intestinal cell structures. One month of daily dosing produced no detectable adverse effects.
large↑Improves
D
Antioxidant Status
In vitro and animal studies demonstrate pelargonidin's strong electron-donating capabilities underlying its antioxidant mechanism. In animal models, pelargonidin increased protective serum levels of glutathione and catalase while reducing nitrite (an oxidative stress marker). Computational studies confirm favorable radical-scavenging structural properties.
small↑Improves

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