Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoids that give plants and fruits their vibrant colors. They are known for their potent antioxidant properties and have been linked to various health benefits. Upon consumption, anthocyanins are quickly absorbed and can penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Research based on population studies suggests that including anthocyanin-rich sources in the diet lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Anthocyanins exhibit neuroprotective effects that could potentially alleviate symptoms associated with such diseases. In this review, we compiled and discussed a large body of evidence supporting the neuroprotective role of anthocyanins. Our examination encompasses human studies, animal models, and cell cultures. We delve into the connection between anthocyanin bioactivities and the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. Our findings highlight how anthocyanins’ antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties contribute to their neuroprotective effects. These effects are particularly relevant to key signaling pathways implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In conclusion, the outcome of this review suggests that integrating anthocyanin-rich foods into human diets could potentially serve as a therapeutic approach for neurological conditions, and we identify promising avenues for further exploration in this area.

Rich in polyphenols, cranberry juice (CJ) with high antioxidant activity is believed to contribute to various health benefits. However, our knowledge of the neuroprotective potential of cranberries is limited. Previously, we have demonstrated that CJ treatment controls oxidative stress in several organs, with the most evident effect in the brain. In this study, we examined the capability of CJ for protection against Parkinson’s disease (PD) in a rotenone (ROT) rat model. Wistar rats were administered with CJ in a dose of 500 mg/kg b.w./day (i.g.) and subcutaneously injected with ROT (1.3 mg/kg b.w./day). The experiment lasted 45 days, including 10 days pre-treatment with CJ and 35 days combined treatment with CJ and ROT. We quantified the expression of α-synuclein and apoptosis markers in the midbrain, performed microscopic examination, and assessed postural instability to evaluate the CJ neuroprotective effect. Our results indicate that the juice treatment provided neuroprotection, as evidenced by declined α-synuclein accumulation, Bax and cleaved/active caspase-9 expression, and normalized cytochrome c level that was accompanied by the enhancement of neuronal activity survival and improved postural instability. Importantly, we also found that long-term administration of CJ alone in a relatively high dose may exert a deleterious effect on cell survival in the midbrain. 

Background: Ageing is highly associated with cognitive decline and modifiable risk factors such as diet are believed to protect against this process. Specific dietary components and in particular, (poly)phenol-rich fruits such as berries have been increasingly recognised for their protection against age-related neurodegeneration. However, the impact of cranberries on cognitive function and neural functioning in older adults remains unclear. Design: A 12-week parallel randomised placebo-controlled trial of freeze-dried cranberry powder was conducted in 60 older adults aged between 50 and 80 years. Cognitive assessment, including memory and executive function, neuroimaging and blood sample collection were conducted before and after the intervention to assess the impact of daily cranberry consumption on cognition, brain function and biomarkers of neuronal signalling. Results: Cranberry supplementation for 12 weeks was associated with improvements in visual episodic memory in aged participants when compared to placebo. Mechanisms of action may include increased regional perfusion in the right entorhinal cortex, the accumbens area and the caudate in the cranberry group. Significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol during the course of the intervention was also observed. No significant differences were, however, detected for BDNF levels between groups. Conclusions:The results of this study indicate that daily cranberry supplementation(equivalent to 1 small cup of cranberries) over a 12-week period improves episodicmemory performance and neural functioning, providing a basis for future investigationsto determine efficacy in the context of neurological disease.

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