Anthocyanin-Rich Purple Plant Foods: Bioavailability, Antioxidant Mechanisms, and Functional Roles in Redox Regulation and Exercise Recovery

Abstract

Anthocyanin-rich purple fruits and vegetables-such as blackcurrants, blueberries, purple sweet potatoes, and red cabbage-are increasingly recognized for their health-promoting properties. These natural pigments exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making them relevant to both chronic disease prevention and exercise recovery. This review critically examines current evidence on the redox-modulating mechanisms of anthocyanins, including their interactions with key signaling pathways such as Nrf2 and NF-κB, and their effects on oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, vascular homeostasis, and post-exercise adaptation. Particular attention is given to their bioavailability and the challenges associated with their chemical stability, metabolism, and food matrix interactions. In light of these factors, dietary strategies and technological innovations to improve anthocyanin absorption are also discussed. The synthesis of preclinical and clinical findings supports the potential of anthocyanin-rich foods as functional components in health optimization, athletic performance, and recovery strategies.

Keywords: bioavailability; dietary polyphenols; exercise recovery; functional foods; oxidative stress; redox homeostasis.

Figure 1

Flavan as the structural unit of flavonoids, and the flavylium cation as the structural unit of anthocyanins. R represents possible substituents such as –H, –OH, or –OCH₃.

Figure 2

Differences in the chemical structure of anthocyanidins occur most commonly among plants [2].

Figure 3

Forms of anthocyanidins depending on pH: 1—flavylium cation, 2,3,4—quinoidal bases, 5—carbinol pseudo-base, 6—chalcone.

Figure 4

Proposed molecular mechanisms by which anthocyanins modulate oxidative stress and inflammation. The figure integrates three key levels: (1) dietary sources and challenges related to anthocyanin bioavailability, (2) molecular mechanisms underlying antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and (3) systemic physiological effects. Technological strategies to overcome low bioavailability include microencapsulation, nanoformulation, co-delivery with enhancers, and probiotic/prebiotic matrices. Biological effects include direct neutralization of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and modulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 signaling pathways. These actions result in enhanced expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes—superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)—as well as improved endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, increased nitric oxide (NO) production, reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α] and C-reactive protein [CRP]), improved redox balance, exercise performance, and recovery, and potential protection against chronic diseases, ↑—increase; ↓—decrease.