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.

‘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.
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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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.
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Source-Eurekalert