Anthocyanins are a group of phytochemicals that belong to the flavonoid group, which in turn is part of the larger group of polyphenols. Anthocyanins are present in many fruits, flowers, vegetables and other plant parts, and often confer a red, blue or purple colour on the plant tissue. Berries, cherries, beetroot, red cabbage, red onions and watermelon, are all rich sources of anthocyanins. The health effects of anthocyanins as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents explains some of the health benefits of plants. Cyanidin glycosides is an anthocyanin that is found widely in numerous plant tissues of various species, and has been identified in high amounts in berries and cherries. Evidence suggests that cyanidin glycosides may have the ability to inhibit the cyclooxygenase enzyme, one of the enzymes responsible for the cellular inflammatory response. Cyanidin glycosides could therefore be one of the components that confers anti-inflammatory effects on those that consume high amounts of fruit.
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