Amazing Health Benefits of Berry Pigment Discovered

Scientists have discovered new health benefits of berry pigment. Anthocyanins are pigments that are naturally present in berries, which can help in the treatment of cancer.

New health benefits have been identified in berry pigment. Berries contain anthocyanin, a pigment which increases the activation of SIRT6 enzyme which may reduce the growth of cancer cells and expression of cancer genes, finds a new study from the University of Eastern Finland, published in Scientific Reports.//

Sirtuins are enzymes regulating the expression of genes that control the function of cells through key cellular signaling pathways. Aging causes changes in sirtuin function and these changes contribute to the development of various diseases. Sirtuin 6, or SIRT6 for short, is a less well-known enzyme that is also linked to glucose metabolism.

Health Benefits of Blueberries
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‘Anthocyanin present in berries like wild bilberry, blackcurrant, and lingonberry has excellent antioxidant property that can fight cancer cells by increasing the activation of the sirtuin 6 enzyme.’

Berries get their red, blue or purple color from natural pigments, anthocyanins.

"The most interesting results of our study relate to cyanidin, which is an anthocyanin found abundantly in wild bilberry, blackcurrant, and lingonberry," says Minna Rahnasto-Rilla, Doctor of Pharmacy, the lead author of the article.

Cyanidin increased SIRT6 enzyme levels in human colorectal cancer cells, and it was also discovered to decrease the expression of the Twist1 and GLUT1 cancer genes while increasing the expression of the tumor suppressor FoXO3 gene in cells.

Health Benefits of Blackberries
Blackberries are immensely healthy with many vital vitamins and nutrients like vitamin C, K, fiber and manganese. Blackberries help fight against cancer, prevent eye damage, and boost your brain health. Blackberries have high potential to prevent and cure various ailments.

The research team also designed a computer-based model that allowed them to predict how different flavonoid compounds in plants can regulate the SIRT6 enzyme.

The findings indicate that anthocyanins increase the activation of SIRT6, which may play a role in cancer pathogenesis. The study also lays a foundation for the development of new drugs that regulate SIRT6 function.

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Health Benefits of Cranberries
Cranberries are little red berries that are high in nutrients with calories as low as 25, per serving. Cranberries help prevent urinary tract infections, reduce bad cholesterol, cure gum disease and boost your immune system. So, let’s grab a handful of cranberries for better health.

Working at the School of Pharmacy of the University of Eastern Finland, the Sirtuin Research Group studies whether anthocyanins found in berries could activate SIRT6 function and, consequently, reduce the expression of cancer genes and cancer cell growth. The group also develops new compounds targeting the epigenetic regulation of gene function.

The Finnish-American study included a team of researchers from the University of Eastern Finland and the National Institute on Aging in the US. The study was funded by the Academy of Finland, the Finnish Cultural Foundation, and the US National Institute of Health.