Anthocyanins Effects on Carcinogenesis, Immune System and the Central Nervous System

Anthocyanins are substituted glycosides and acyl-glycosides of 2-phenylbenzo-pyrilium salts. This unique structure imparts them specific biological activities. Cancer, immunity-related, age-related and CNS-disorders are key-reasons of death of a large part of population in both developing and developed countries. Integration of research findings from numerous laboratory experiments, epidemiological studies as well as clinical trials has defined a highly positive relationship among consumption of anthocyanins and reduced risk of cancer, CNS disorders and immunity problems. Diets containing sufficient contents of anthocyanins are a scientifically supportable strategy to decrease risk of various disorders. Anthocyanins usually contribute these effects due to their inherent antioxidant potential. This chapter is intended to provide a brief update of recent literature on health benefits of anthocynains in age-related disorders, cancer and immunity problems. Keywords Anthocyanins Anticancer Central Nervous System Age-related disorders