Potential Effects of Anthocyanin on Depression: A Review

Abstract

Nutrition is helpful in preventing depression and reducing its symptoms in depressed patients. This is because when the pathophysiology of depression is examined, deficiencies in certain nutrients are observed. Oxidative stress is also known to cause inflammation, which can contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. We examined the effectiveness of anthocyanin, which is known to be an antioxidant, on depression. Related articles were searched in the Web of Science database. The combinations of the following terms were used for the search: “Anthocyanidin” OR “Anthocyanidins” OR “Anthocyanin” OR “Leucoanthocyanidins” AND “depression”. 71 abstracts were reviewed, 55 full-text articles were examined, and 7 papers met all of the inclusion criteria. According to these studies, anthocyanin may offer protection against depression and can alleviate its symptoms. Oxidative stress and deterioration in neurogenesis are the mechanisms behind inflammation. Various human, animal, and in vitro studies demonstrate that anthocyanins possess strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.