The Role of Anthocyanins in Obesity and Diabetes

Diabetes and obesity are part and parcel of the metabolic disorders. It is well-known now that anthocyanins encompass antidiabetic and anti-obesity potential as has been demonstrated by many in vivo and in vitro studies. It is well-known now that hyperglycemia leads to production of ROS, thus generating oxidative stress and anthocyanins being potent antioxidants, ameloriate effects of these ROS. Anthocyanins improve the insulin secretion, stabilize human islets and sustain pancreatic cells. Anthocyanins decrease glucose absorption, improve glucose tolerance, act as insulin secretagouge or insulin mimetics, regulate activity and expression of enzymes involved in carbohydrates metabolism thereby attenuating diabetes. Similarly anthocyanins are considered as a promising and significantly attractive therapy against obesity. Although anthocyanins reduce diabetes and obesity risk, still there are many things to be clarified in understanding the mechanism of these effects. This chapter describes all these functions of anthocyanins in detail. Keywords Anthocyanins Obesity Metabolic disorders Diabetes