Obesity-associated Pathways of Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins have a great potential for human health, as a sub-group of phenolic compounds. Interactions of anthocyanin involved in digestion and thus in obesity consist of inhibition of pancreatic lipase, regulation of lipolysis and lipogenesis, activation of an activated protein kinase enzyme, controlling of digestion hormones (leptin, insulin, ghrelin, cholecystokinin, GIP, GLP-1). Anthocyanins are the compounds that can control metabolic syndrome and obesity by ameliorating lipid metabolism, increasing energy expenditure, suppressing food intake and inhibiting lipid absorption. In addition, the interactions with other compounds during the processing and/or in the intestinal canal can change their absorption capability and bioavailability. Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, inflammatory cytokines signaling, free-radical scavenging activity are among the primary functions of anthocyanins playing role in the basic metabolic pathways. Anthocyanins also interact with gut microbiota that plays a role in many metabolic pathways. In the review, the effects of anthocyanins on the obesity-associated mechanisms in the metabolism are considered and summarized under the light of recent researches.